New research is issuing a warning about the imminent arrival of one of the world’s most dreaded creatures in Britain.

The red fire ant, renowned as one of the most invasive species globally and ranking as the fifth most expensive to combat, has already found its way to Europe, according to the study’s findings.

“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”

This invasive species is notorious for its painful and irritating sting, capable of causing pustules, allergic reactions, and even potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.

Originally hailing from South America and also known as Solenopsis invicta, the red fire ant has left a significant mark on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health in various countries worldwide.

Recent research has unveiled 88 red fire ant nests spanning over five hectares near Syracuse on the Italian island of Sicily. These colonies could have originated from either China or the US, where they are also invasive.

The study’s ecological models offer concerning predictions about the ant’s potential colonization in Europe, which could be accelerated by climate change.

“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”

According to the study published in the journal Current Biology, the invasive species might establish itself across seven percent of Europe.

In less than a century, this ant species has spread across significant parts of the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, Taiwan, and Australia. New Zealand is among the few places where it has been eradicated. In the US alone, the presence of red fire ants has resulted in an estimated annual loss of over £5 billion.

“Invasion Warning: One of Earth’s Most Feared Creatures Heads to UK”

Countries like Australia have allocated substantial funds for its eradication efforts, albeit with limited success.

Before this study, red fire ants had been sporadically discovered in imported products in Spain, Holland, and Finland. However, their establishment on the continent had never been confirmed.

Through genetic analysis, researchers determined that the population found in Sicily likely originated in China or the US, although the precise entry route remains unknown. These colonies are situated in a suburban region of Syracuse, Sicily, which encompasses an estuary and a natural park.

Dr. Roger Vila, the study’s leader from Spain’s Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), noted that it is improbable that this area served as the ant’s initial entry point to the island, given its isolated location. The team surmises that the entry point may have been a transit area with human activity, such as the commercial port of Syracuse.

Wind direction analysis suggests that some queen ants may have arrived from the northwest, where Syracuse’s port is situated. The researchers recommend monitoring this area for the presence of these ants.

Dr. Vila emphasized that coordinated efforts for early detection and rapid response are crucial to effectively manage this new threat before it spreads uncontrollably.

Mattia Menchetti, the first author of the study, noted that the public could play a significant role in detecting S. invicta since it is often found in urban and adjacent areas. People can identify these ants through their painful stings and the characteristic mounds of their nests, although expert confirmation is necessary.

The research

Tourist booed as she climbs Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue despite warnings (msn.com)

On Saturday, September 9th, a tourist visiting Copenhagen triggered disapproval from onlookers as she climbed the city’s iconic Little Mermaid statue. The unnamed woman was captured on camera touching the historical landmark, which draws its inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, despite clear signs warning against touching the statue.

“Tourist Faces Backlash for Climbing Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid Statue Despite Warnings”

Nineteen-year-old Dylan Trinkler, who witnessed the incident, recounted, “The Danish people there were saying, ‘this is Danish heritage’ and ‘that’s artwork.’ They started asking her why she was doing it, saying that it was disrespectful, but she just laughed it off.”

The sculpture, situated at Langelinie Pier, has been a symbol of Copenhagen since its unveiling in 1913. The Little Mermaid statue holds immense cultural and historical significance for Denmark, making the tourist’s actions all the more objectionable to locals and visitors alike.

This incident highlights the need for tourists to show respect for historical monuments and landmarks, especially those with deep cultural roots, by adhering to posted guidelines and being mindful of local sentiments.

In a recent development in the Sara Sharif case, Pakistani police have successfully recovered five children belonging to Urfan Sharif. Urfan Sharif, along with his wife and brother, had fled to Pakistan following the tragic death of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara, in Surrey. The children were discovered during a police operation conducted on Monday at Sharif’s father’s residence in the northern city of Jhelum.

Nasir Mehmood Bajwa, a district police officer, shared, “Police with a heavy contingent on Monday evening raided Sharif’s residence in Jhelum and recovered five children. They are healthy and in good condition.”

“Pakistani Police Rescue Five Children from Grandfather’s Home in Sara Sharif Case”

This development comes a month after Urfan Sharif arrived in Pakistan and called the emergency number 999 in the UK to report his daughter’s death at their home in Horsell, near Woking. A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered “multiple and extensive injuries” over a “sustained and extended” period of time.

Urfan Sharif, aged 41, had gone into hiding along with his wife, Beinash Batool, 29, and their five other children, aged between one and 13, as well as his brother, Faisal Malik, 28. Pakistani authorities have been searching for the family intensively.

Bajwa stated that during the operation, the police forcibly entered the house by breaking the locks of the main gate and seized CCTV cameras. The search for Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik continues, with Pakistani police conducting raids on more than 20 properties as part of their efforts to locate them.

Raja Haq Nawaz, the Sharif family’s lawyer, expressed his surprise at the discovery of the children in their grandfather’s home, indicating that he was not aware of their whereabouts.

According to a BBC report, a neighbor described the police operation, saying, “Police officers, including female officers, raided the house. They broke the CCTV at the entrance and entered it. While inside, more officers arrived outside and stopped the traffic. They stopped everyone from filming on their mobile phones.”

Muhammad Sharif, Sara’s grandfather, confirmed that he had been hiding the children in his home in the north-eastern city of Jhelum but did not disclose how long they had been there. He had previously denied any contact with his son or knowledge of the family’s location.

In a video released to the media by relatives last week, Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool appeared, with Batool being the only one to speak. She described Sara’s death as an “incident” and did not provide any further details regarding her stepdaughter or the circumstances surrounding her death. Batool expressed concern for their family in Pakistan and voiced fears that Pakistani police might torture or harm them, which was the reason they had gone into hiding.

“Pakistani Police Rescue Five Children from Grandfather’s Home in Sara Sharif Case”

Muhammad Sharif mentioned negotiations taking place regarding the trio’s safe transfer to UK authorities over the weekend. The case continues to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered about the tragic death of Sara Sharif and the events that followed.

Teen mum, 16, who was pregnant at 14, faces down her critics with BTEC exam passes (msn.com)

A teenage mother, Melissa McCabe, who became pregnant at 14, has successfully passed three BTEC exams while raising her one-year-old son, Arthur.

Melissa, now 16 and from Merseyside, gave birth to her son in November 2020 and completed her BTEC qualifications on August 25th this year. Despite facing criticism and prejudice from her peers at Ridgeway High School in Birkenhead, she persevered, studying full-time during the pandemic while also caring for her son.

Her qualifications are in Animal Care, Business, and Travel and Tourism. Melissa shared with the Mail Online her journey, saying, “When I first realized I was pregnant, I was worried my only choice would be to drop out of school to care for Arthur. I decided to continue with education, and I’m so happy I did.”

Teen Mother Overcomes Criticism to Achieve BTEC Exam Success

She added, “I’m really proud of myself and my results. There’s always going to be a little voice nagging in my head that I could’ve done better, but I’ve honestly worked so hard to get to this point. I once had a teacher tell me I was never going to make it, and that was before I had Arthur, so to prove them wrong has felt amazing!”

Despite facing judgment from adults who made snide comments about her receiving benefits and her ability to be a good mother, Melissa remains committed to her education and providing for her son. She plans to attend college to study health and social care and intends to get a part-time job to support herself and Arthur even more.

Melissa expressed her frustration with judgmental people, saying, “People need to start minding their own business, and if they don’t have anything positive to say, they should keep it to themselves. I’m doing my best to be the best mum and the best person I can be.”

She received significant support from TikTok users, particularly after taking her son, Arthur, to prom. Melissa’s story gained attention on the platform, with people praising her for her parenting and appearance. She is excited about her future as she prepares to attend college and face the challenges and opportunities it will bring.

[Additional note: The quotes are paraphrased for clarity.]

Was this response better or worse?BetterWorseSame

9/11 video showing the never-before-seen angle of tragedy emerges 20 years on (msn.com)

A remarkable video capturing the events of 9/11 has surfaced two decades after the tragic terrorist attacks. Kevin Westley recently shared this astonishingly clear footage on YouTube, providing a new perspective on the attack.

The video, nearly nine minutes long, is the first new moving image that captures the attack from an unprecedented angle.

In the years following the events of September 11, 2001, thousands of pictures and videos depicting the day’s horrors circulated, serving as grim reminders of the nearly 3,000 lives lost.

For 20 years, the world had grown accustomed to a seemingly exhaustive collection of images and footage from that fateful day. However, Westley’s video offers a fresh viewpoint.

The footage, shot 17 minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, captures the second plane hitting the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Filmed from a boat amidst a crowd of stunned onlookers, the camera initially focuses on the fire in the North Tower. It zooms in on sheets of paper swirling in the updraft created by the flames.

Approximately two minutes into the video, the camera pans to capture the second plane approaching over the water before colliding with the South Tower. In the background, screams of horror from the crowd can be heard.

In a post accompanying the video, uploader Kevin Westley explained why he chose to share the footage now, stating that he had mistakenly kept it private for several years.

Kevin shared his thoughts about witnessing the 9/11 attack and also spoke about his subsequent tour of duty in the 2003 Iraq War as an aircraft commander conducting combat missions.

He said: “In an instant, I saw 2,763 die, 25,000 injured. As I was caught in the dust cloud of the collapse, I remember seeing a picture of a child (and am now wondering) if I was looking at an orphan.”

Reflecting on his time during the Iraq War, which was declared by the US in response to the 9/11 attacks, Kevin stated: “When I flew the rotator into Iraq, the guy that sat next to me died in a mortar attack the next day. That was my welcome to Iraq.

“Some days my sleep was interrupted by incoming mortar fire, with one time gravel spraying against my tent woke me up. As one of the officers, I would often draw funerary details.

“As they wheeled the coffins into or out of the aircraft, I would wonder, did they have a wife? Kids? Have their parents been notified yet? In war, a piece of our soul is lost on the battlefield, and it can never be replaced in this life.”

Among the hundreds of iconic images that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy, many conveyed deeply personal stories and captured the world’s hearts in the ensuing decades.

One such story was that of firefighter Mike Kehoe, who was photographed on the front page of The Mirror as he ascended the North Tower of the World Trade Center while others fled. His courage symbolized the bravery of all the 9/11 emergency responders.

Although many were astonished to learn that Mike survived, a total of 343 of his colleagues lost their lives due to the terrorist attacks. Several friends also succumbed to illnesses contracted from working in the ash of the towers.

In 2021, when asked why he still chose to be a firefighter after all he had experienced, Mike simply replied, “I just love it. I’ve never been back to Ground Zero since my time there in the weeks after 9/11.”

Mike recalled people wishing them well as they climbed the stairs, saying, “Our job was to get up to the floor where the plane hit to reach people there. That’s what we were determined to do. As we were going up, people kept saying, ‘Good luck,’ ‘lots of luck.’ But I must admit that even at that stage, I was frightened. Then over the radio [my boss], Roy said everybody ­evacuate the building now.

“We all turned around immediately. It was frightening. We managed to get into the lobby; it was like Beirut, there was rubble everywhere.”

Fortunately, all six members of Mike’s Engine 28 company—Roy Chelsen, Brian Becker, Frank Compagna, Bob Salvador, Jim Ippolito, and Mike—escaped the North Tower.

Rudy Giuliani ‘mob scene’ turned Elon Musk off seeking advice, new book says (msn.com)

In 2001, Elon Musk considered recruiting Rudy Giuliani as a political fixer to help turn PayPal into a bank but quickly abandoned the idea. This decision came after Musk and an associate found the former New York mayor “surrounded by goonish confidantes” in an office that felt “like a mob scene.”

Elon Musk Turned Off by Rudy Giuliani’s ‘Mob Scene’

Giuliani, at the peak of his fame, left office at the end of 2001 after leading New York through the 9/11 attacks and later ran for the Republican nomination for president in 2008, a campaign that soon collapsed.

He became an attorney and ally to Donald Trump but missed out on a cabinet appointment when Trump won the presidency in 2016. Giuliani’s involvement in Trump’s first impeachment, related to his work in Ukraine seeking political dirt on opponents, fueled controversy. At the age of 79, Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal charges of racketeering and conspiracy regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, which has raised significant irony as he was known for prosecuting mafia kingpins as a US attorney.

Elon Musk Turned Off by Rudy Giuliani’s ‘Mob Scene’

This portrayal of Giuliani as a gangster is featured in a new biography of Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, which details a brief meeting between Musk and Giuliani as they explored the possibility of Giuliani helping Musk’s vision of turning PayPal into a social network disrupting the banking industry.

Elon Musk Turned Off by Rudy Giuliani’s ‘Mob Scene’

Isaacson’s book, widely excerpted in the US media before publication, mentions Musk’s unwavering vision and ambition, which led to discussions with Giuliani, who, along with his associates, sought a 10% stake in the company, leading to the termination of the meeting.

Despite Giuliani’s past successes as a lawyer and consultant, he is currently facing financial difficulties due to escalating legal costs from his work for Trump and other cases, including a $10 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault by a former associate, forcing him to sell his luxury apartment in New York.

Will Phelps, a party promoter from Detroit, has been hosting legendary white parties since 1998. His commitment to these events goes beyond the norm, with extravagant outfits and unique themes year after year. His parties have become iconic, with even weddings held during one event.

The white party has firmly established itself in Black communities in the US, becoming a cherished tradition that spans generations. These “grown-and-sexy” gatherings bring together people wearing white, celebrating Black beauty, style, and creativity. Occurring on Labor Day and various other occasions, these parties continue to thrive, showcasing the enduring influence of Black culture.

“The Phenomenon of White Parties in Black Culture”

Phelps, known for his “Original White Party,” is just one of many promoters who boast about their white parties. The concept of the white party has multiple origins, with its history characterized by diverse influences. Miami-based advocates Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez organized a white party benefit for HIV/Aids prevention in 1985, while the Dîner en Blanc series invited diners dressed in white to exclusive Parisian gatherings during the same decade.

However, the white party gained significant popularity through the extravagant parties hosted by Diddy, known as Puffy during that era. Diddy’s events from the late 1990s to 2009 featured a star-studded guest list, including Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Lil’ Kim, and Leonardo DiCaprio. These events elevated the white party to a new level of prominence.

Phelps, in his second annual party in Detroit, began enforcing a strict dress code, rejecting attendees not wearing white. This dedication extended to his efforts in local boutiques and department stores, encouraging them to stock more white apparel, effectively turning the city “white” in preparation for the event.

The allure of Black skin under white fabric is undeniable, and it contributes to the aesthetic appeal of white parties. Wearing white not only makes people look good but also boosts their confidence. The white party democratizes the concept of looking stylish in white, accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The significance of white clothing goes beyond aesthetics; it has spiritual and cultural roots. African diasporic people have a history of blending the sacred and secular, often using white textiles in religious ceremonies and rituals. Wearing white carries a sense of cleanliness, both physically and sartorially, and embodies an unspoken connection to a rich cultural history.

“The Phenomenon of White Parties in Black Culture”

White parties offer a unique opportunity for Black people to collectively celebrate Black beauty and style, transcending societal stereotypes and promoting individuality. Whether dressing in a gown or a simple white T-shirt, attendees tap into the historical significance of wearing white, signaling their individuality and connection to a larger cultural tradition.

Ultimately, white parties are about more than just fashion and fun; they represent a joyful celebration of Black culture and an escape from the challenges of daily life. These events provide a space where attendees can revel in the carefree atmosphere and imagine a world without worries, if only for a day.

In a light-hearted exploration of cultural disparities between the United States and the United Kingdom, Californian Andrea Celeste, who has been residing in Britain for years, shared some intriguing observations with her 186,000 TikTok followers. Her series, “Things that are socially acceptable in England which would confuse Americans,” sheds light on aspects of daily life where the two nations differ.

In a TikTok video titled “The third one always gets my friends in England,” Andrea humorously addresses the contrast between milk consumption in the UK and the US. She points out that in England, it’s unusual to see people drinking a straight glass of milk, whereas in the US, it’s quite common, even beyond accompanying cookies.

But what truly astonishes many viewers is her revelation regarding shopping habits. According to Andrea, in the US, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock a wide range of products, including alcohol, typically found in grocery stores. In contrast, in England, pharmacies primarily offer makeup, medicine, some food items, and body care products. This stark difference in product offerings took Andrea by surprise.

Andrea also touches on the topic of patriotism, noting that schools in England do not have a tradition similar to the pledge of allegiance practiced in American schools. She highlights the milder expression of patriotism among Brits, emphasizing that you won’t see as many English flags displayed outside people’s homes compared to the abundance of American flags.

Another intriguing aspect of British culture that Andrea explores is the difference in how identity is perceived. In the US, it’s common for individuals to identify with their heritage rather than just their nationality. In contrast, Andrea found that in England, people are more likely to identify with the country they were born in, irrespective of their heritage.

This TikTok video is part of a series in which Andrea addresses cultural distinctions between the two nations. In another video, she delves into the British approach to camping, highlighting the preference for campsite setups over forest excursions. Additionally, she mentions the prevalence of campervans and caravans as opposed to large RVs, known as motorhomes in the UK.

Andrea also notes that iced tea, a popular beverage in the US, is not as common in England, where it’s not typically served, except in select places like Starbucks offering specialty iced teas.

These humorous insights offer a unique perspective on the quirky cultural differences that an American woman has encountered while living in Britain.

The Restaurant Group (TRG) has announced a significant move to alleviate its financial woes by selling off its underperforming Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito brands. These struggling chains will now be under the ownership of Café Rouge’s parent company, Big Table Group. This strategic shift aims to bolster TRG’s profit margins and reduce its overwhelming debt.

“Two Popular UK Restaurant Chains Sold Off to Reduce Massive Debt”

As part of this deal, TRG will pay £7.5 million to Big Table Group, which is backed by private equity, while receiving a nominal value of just £1 in return. The transaction encompasses 75 restaurant locations.

TRG has been grappling with substantial financial losses over the past year, leading to mounting pressure from activist investors for a change in leadership and enhanced profitability. Last week, Chairman Ken Hanna announced his resignation, signaling the company’s commitment to revamping its management and financial performance.

“Two Popular UK Restaurant Chains Sold Off to Reduce Massive Debt”

The company’s board is actively exploring various strategic options to expedite margin growth and reduce debt. Post-transaction, TRG will focus on three core divisions: Wagamama, Pubs, and Concessions. Analysts from Stifel praised the decision, suggesting that divesting the Concessions business could be an effective means of addressing debt concerns without compromising the overall quality of group earnings.

TRG’s challenges have forced the closure of approximately 40 sites over the past year due to weaker trade conditions. Andy Hornby, the Chief Executive Officer of The Restaurant Group, expressed optimism about the sale of the leisure business, emphasizing that it would significantly accelerate their medium-term strategic plans to increase adjusted Ebitda margins and reduce leverage. He also conveyed gratitude to the hardworking teams that have improved the customer experience within the leisure business.

In response to the acquisition, Alan Morgan, CEO of the Big Table Group, highlighted the importance of expanding their portfolio with brands that resonate with consumers. He referred to this acquisition as an exciting part of their growth strategy and welcomed the new team into The Big Table Group, which already includes Café Rouge, Las Iguanas, and Bella Italia.

This transaction marks a pivotal moment for TRG as it strives to regain its financial footing and streamline its operations.

Money matters can often lead to heated discussions, especially when it comes to sharing the bill at dinner. Do you split it equally, pay only for what you ordered, or assume someone else is picking up the tab when they put their card down? The age-old debate on bill-paying etiquette has resurfaced thanks to TikToker Bria Jones, who took to the platform to share her bill-related frustration.

Bria found herself in a predicament after a dinner with friends when she offered to pay the bill with her credit card to avoid the hassle of splitting it. Six weeks later, she’s still waiting for an acquaintance to reimburse her £192 for their share of the meal.

Bria explained on TikTok: “This girl owes me $240 (£192). I don’t even really know her. I’m usually the friend that doesn’t mind putting their card down when we go out to eat. My friends pay me back. We do the Venmo thing, it’s no biggie, plus I like to get the credit card points.”

Bria’s predicament began when she had dinner with friends, including a friend of a friend whom she didn’t know well. She offered to cover the bill, assuming that everyone would transfer their respective shares. However, the friend of a friend has yet to pay her, leading Bria to wonder if she had been scammed.

She messaged the acquaintance on Instagram multiple times, but received no response. Bria even received a text response claiming that the money would be transferred that evening, but three weeks later, no payment had been made.

Bria expressed her frustration, stating, “You don’t go to dinner and rack up $240 on your bill and then just not pay someone back for it. Are you stupid or are you dumb? If you don’t have the money for something, then don’t rack up the bill.”

The video garnered nearly one million views, with most commenters siding with Bria, asserting that she was entitled to the money. Some even suggested pursuing small claims court to recover the debt.

However, not everyone agreed with Bria’s stance. Some felt that the friend who invited the acquaintance should be responsible for chasing the money, while others believed that Bria should have been more patient. Bria clarified that her offer to cover the bill was made to simplify payment for the waiter or waitress, not to treat everyone.

Handling bill-related matters can be a delicate issue. Psychologist Ali Ross suggests that being upfront about how expenses will be handled before ordering can help avoid conflicts. Clearly communicating the payment arrangement in advance can ease tensions and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Planes, often the most uncomfortable mode of public transportation, can become a real challenge when surrounded by inconsiderate fellow passengers. With no escape once you’re on board, you’re left to endure your surroundings. Annoying seatmates or screaming children can test your patience, leaving you with little recourse. In such situations, sometimes, the only option is to confront those responsible for your misery, hoping for a resolution.

One woman found herself feeling “exhausted” after having to address a mother about her child’s disruptive behavior, only to be left baffled when the mum chose to “do nothing,” allowing her children to invade the woman’s personal space. Annoyed by the experience, she turned to Reddit to vent her frustration.

Flight Nightmare: Mum Allows Children to Invade Passenger’s Space

She wrote: “Yesterday, I had a four-hour flight, but it felt like it was never-ending. During boarding, at least five kids were crying simultaneously, creating a deafening cacophony. I took my seat, and a family with two kids occupied the seats in front of me, while another family with two kids sat behind me. The child behind me immediately started kicking my seat. “I was completely surrounded by kids. The crying was incessant, so I put on my headphones, rested my head, but the kid behind me continued kicking. The child in front of me stared strangely at me (possibly thinking I was asleep because I had my sunglasses on), while his sister observed me from the other side of the chair.”

However, the bizarre behavior didn’t stop there; it escalated. She continued: “Suddenly, I felt the child behind me touching my hair. That was the last straw! I looked at the mother behind me and politely asked her to watch her child because he was touching me. She was incredibly laid-back and just said: ‘Sorry.’ But she did nothing. The child continued to kick my seat aggressively.

“I was so exhausted, and even if I had said something again, the mother wouldn’t have taken action. I rested my head on my arms on the tray table, and after a while, the girl in front of me started touching my arm. All the children on the plane cried incessantly. I couldn’t believe it when we finally landed. It was the worst flight ever. I wish we had child-free flights; I would pay extra just to travel in peace.”

In the comments, sympathizers expressed their understanding of the woman’s plight. One person commented, “That sounds terrible. Those kids are going to grow up with no respect for boundaries, just like the mother didn’t respect yours.” Another added, “Oh, hell no. I would have asked the flight attendant if there was an empty seat I could move to.”

Flight Nightmare: Mum Allows Children to Invade Passenger’s Space

Another commenter shared, “If I was annoyed and tired enough, I would have shifted into my ‘I don’t give a f**k’ mode and said something to them and/or called the flight attendant. I would have told them to control their kids and stop them from touching me and invading my personal space. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t really stop. At least no one can say I didn’t voice my grievances while it was happening.”

Newly unveiled video footage offers a harrowing glimpse into the aftermath of a dog attack that left three individuals injured.

West Midlands Police are actively investigating this incident, which unfolded over approximately two minutes at a Texaco petrol station in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, on a Saturday afternoon.

CCTV footage from the station captures the frantic attempts of several men trying to fend off and subdue a crossbreed Bully XL/Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. The attack followed an earlier pursuit in which the dog chased an 11-year-old girl, leaving her with injuries to her shoulder and forearms.

Shocking Dog Attack: Newly Released Footage Reveals Witnesses’ Heroic Intervention

Although the dog’s owner initially restrained the animal, it managed to break free once again. In the video, one of the men can be seen slipping and falling to the ground, only to have the dog attack his leg and shoulder. Other brave individuals rushed to his aid, using a variety of makeshift weapons, including shovels, brooms, sticks, and even a gas hose, to fend off the aggressive dog.

Local authorities reported that the injured girl received medical treatment at the hospital and is currently recuperating at home. A 20-year-old man who sustained bites on his shoulder and forearm, as well as cuts and bruises from being dragged across the garage forecourt, also sought medical attention. A second man later presented himself for treatment with similar injuries.

Police have revealed that the dog’s owner is currently hospitalized, and they plan to speak with him in the near future. Meanwhile, the dog was seized and taken to a veterinarian, where it was diagnosed with heat exhaustion. It has since been relocated to a secure kennel, where the dog unit will assess whether further action is necessary.

Shocking Dog Attack: Newly Released Footage Reveals Witnesses’ Heroic Intervention

West Midlands Police issued a statement praising the “immense courage” displayed by members of the public who intervened in the face of such a ferocious dog attack. They are actively gathering statements from the victims and witnesses and have increased patrols in the area to assist anyone willing to come forward with additional information.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in emergencies.

Masked member of Putin’s youth army goes on stabbing rampage at school with four injured (msn.com)

A shocking incident unfolded at a school today as a masked member of Vladimir Putin’s youth army went on a stabbing rampage, injuring four people, according to reports.

The alleged attacker, a 15-year-old boy named Grigory Belyaev, is said to have wounded three school staff members and a relative of a student. Belyaev claimed that he had seen Ukrainians and Poles and was filled with fear before launching the attack at the school he attends. He concealed his identity behind a mask resembling Anonymous or Guy Fawkes and used his grandmother’s kitchen knife in the assault, as reported by law enforcement.

The suspect was apprehended by parents outside the school in Krasny Desant village, Rostov region. Regional Governor Vasily Golubev disclosed, “The attacker has been stopped by witnesses. He turned out to be a 9th-form student.” Disturbingly, images revealed him as a member of Yunarmia, or the Young Army, a group likened to the Hitler Youth, which has faced allegations of militarizing young people in Russia.

School Stabbing Rampage: Masked Member of Putin’s Youth Army Injures Four

During the attack, school security guard Larisa Shakhovaya and English teacher Yulia Naumenko sustained hand injuries while attempting to subdue the suspect. Additionally, the grandfather of a student was wounded and subsequently hospitalized. The suspect informed law enforcement that his primary target was his social studies teacher, who had given him “poor grades.”

This incident comes in the wake of a concerning trend highlighted by Russia’s senior criminal investigator, Alexander Bastrykin, who expressed alarm over a “general rise in crime,” especially involving teenagers and children. Bastrykin noted, “We see a trend when serious and particularly grave offenses are being committed by children.”

Meanwhile, in international news, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is heading to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, likely focusing on Russia’s desire to replenish ammunition reserves depleted by its war in Ukraine. This meeting marks Kim’s first with a foreign leader since North Korea closed its borders in January 2020, following their initial encounter in April 2019.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang in July reportedly included a request for North Korea to supply more ammunition to Russia, as per US officials. Shoigu also mentioned that Moscow and Pyongyang were considering joint military exercises for the first time. While the extent of military cooperation between Kim and Putin remains uncertain, any indication of improved relations raises concerns among rivals like the U.S. and South Korea. Russia aims to quash a Ukrainian counteroffensive and prolong the war, while North Korea has escalated missile tests to protest U.S. efforts to strengthen military alliances with South Korea and Japan.

When I informed my parents of my desire to move to California for university, their disappointment was palpable. They had embarked on the arduous journey from Taiwan and Malaysia to England for a new life, and now, their firstborn wished to journey even farther west to the United States. What could I say? This was my American dream, and I was determined to “make it.”

From the American Dream to British Reality: My Journey Home

I set my sights on U.S. colleges I had seen in films and immersed myself in SAT books, striving for an impressive score to navigate the admissions process. Soon enough, things began to unfold. I even skipped some of my sixth-form classes to attend interviews, which in movies were monumental moments of character development. However, it was hard to believe that the trajectory of my life was hinging on a Yale interview in a Starbucks, or that Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Columbia interviews would unfold in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, and members’ clubs. The interviews felt anticlimactic, and I purposely avoided checking the online application portal, fearing the end of my dream.

But destiny took a curious turn the year I applied to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A mix-up in their admissions process led to candidates receiving housing emails before learning about their acceptance. When I called the hotline, the agent excitedly proclaimed, “Congratulations, welcome to UCLA.” Stunned, I hung up and harbored the news for a week before reluctantly sharing it with my parents, who eventually acquiesced to my expensive adventure.

UCLA’s campus was pristine, akin to a movie set, with every leaf promptly swept away. It was, in fact, a familiar backdrop, having featured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Legally Blonde. Amid this picturesque setting, hip-hop dancers engaged in impromptu battles in parking lots, and the marching band rehearsed on the athletic fields.

I attempted to join a sorority, but their exclusive process of interviews, fetes, and formal receptions left me feeling out of place. Their matching cocktail dresses and off-key sorority songs didn’t align with my sense of humor, prompting me to withdraw before more songs could ensue.

From the American Dream to British Reality: My Journey Home

I did, however, find accommodation in a fraternity house during the summer months when some fraternity members returned home. The sticky, beer-stained floors were a testament to the house’s lively history, leading me to trek to the student union for a more bearable restroom experience.

Amidst all this, it became clear that everyone was tirelessly networking and branding themselves as commodities. One student even wore a suit at all times, ready for a potential job interview. Observing my peers’ relentless efforts to secure their future in the U.S., I began to mentally distance myself.

Los Angeles proved to be a complex city, filled with attractive individuals who had left their hometowns to chase dreams in Hollywood. The atmosphere felt transactional, with people constantly seeking better opportunities. In hindsight, I could have used my last summer to explore more, but instead, I ended up assisting at a friend’s restaurant, where I was berated by a customer for lukewarm soy milk.

After graduation, international students are granted a grace period of approximately three months to wrap up their affairs in the U.S. I exploited this to the fullest by scheduling my flight back to London on the second-to-last day. Upon my return, I resisted the allure of my teenage bedroom, fearing that I would wake up and dismiss the past few years as a dream. Although I missed my friends, professors, and the sunny Californian disposition, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief to be back among the irreverent and witty Britons.

From the American Dream to British Reality: My Journey Home

Before leaving the U.S., I applied to graduate schools in the UK. My mother encouraged me to accept an offer from the London School of Economics, the very institution my father had hoped to pursue his Ph.D. at before I was born and he prioritized financial stability. It was as though I was inheriting a legacy, continuing my family’s aspirations. My dreams were no longer solely American or personal.

Last year, I returned to the U.S. for a classmate’s wedding; she had found love during her Ph.D. program. It’s easy to ponder the “what ifs” had I stayed. Despite facing the realities of American life, there remains an indescribable pull. While I’m content in the UK, I’m also eagerly anticipating a short trip to the States next week. Some dreams from our teenage years are hard to shake.

Elaine Chong is a broadcast news journalist and documentary filmmaker at the BBC.

‘Bring it on!’ Carol Vorderman ‘doesn’t care’ if she loses jobs for criticising government (msn.com)

TV and radio presenter Carol Vorderman, known for her candid remarks and outspoken views, has declared that she is undeterred by potential job losses resulting from her social media criticisms of the government. In an interview with The Times Magazine, the 62-year-old entertainer, who has engaged in heated exchanges on social media with Tory MPs, emphasized her resolve to continue expressing her opinions.

When asked about her reaction to criticism from Conservative politicians, Carol Vorderman responded with determination, saying, “It doesn’t bother me… I’ll tell you why. I’m knocking on 63. I’ve made my money. I’ve been through it all. What’s the worst that can happen? That I’ll lose some jobs? Fine by me. Bring it on. They can sling what they like at me.”

Carol Vorderman’s Unapologetic Stance on Criticizing Government

Carol Vorderman’s recent clash with Conservative chairman Greg Hands received attention, with Hands calling for her to apologize for posting tweets he deemed “defamatory and damaging.” These tweets pertained to Hands’ involvement in a lifestyle firm that was awarded a £25.8 million PPE contract in 2020. In response, Carol clarified her position on social media, accepting Hands’ assurance that his role was limited to referring the approach to the relevant authorities.

While Carol’s tweets that drew criticism have since been deleted, her unapologetic stance on expressing her views remains unchanged. Fans rallied behind the former Countdown presenter, applauding her for standing her ground.

Carol Vorderman has been a prominent figure on UK television since 1982, with appearances on shows like Countdown, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Loose Women, Lorraine, and This Morning. She also hosts a BBC Radio Wales show every Saturday morning. Her candidness and ability to speak her mind have earned her a dedicated following of supporters who appreciate her fearless approach to addressing important issues.

Tim Burgess, the lead singer of The Charlatans, even expressed his support on social media, saying, “Carol Vorderman helping bring down the government wasn’t on my 2023 bingo card, but I’m very much here for it.”

In her long and illustrious career, Carol Vorderman has shown that she is unafraid to voice her opinions, even if it means facing criticism or potential professional consequences. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to speaking her mind continue to resonate with her audience.

Sara Pascoe, the host of “The Great British Sewing Bee,” has found herself in hot water after making a controversial comment during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In the act, Pascoe, aged 42, joked about the tragic Titanic submarine disaster, which claimed the lives of five individuals during a dive to the liner’s wreckage at a depth of 12,500 feet in the Atlantic in June. The comment that sparked outrage was, ‘It’s funny when billionaires die.’

Controversy Surrounds Sara Pascoe’s Joke about Titanic Submarine Implosion

The comedian posted a clip of this performance on Instagram but later removed it due to backlash from her fans.

In the video, Pascoe continued her jest by stating, ‘I did like it when those billionaires in the submarine died, I did like it when the submarine exploded and the billionaires drowned, I couldn’t help it. We don’t have to empathize with billionaires, they don’t empathize with us. They could solve all the world’s problems and they choose not to, so it’s funny, it’s funny when they die.’

She even went further, expressing a wish for the sea to ‘get a taste for the super-rich’ and imagined scenarios of the ocean taking revenge on the wealthy.

Among the victims of the submarine implosion were Britons Hamish Harding, 58, and Shahzada Dawood, 48, along with his son Suleman, 19. French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, and Stockton Rush, 61, the head of OceanGate, a company that operated dives to the Titanic, also perished.

Controversy Surrounds Sara Pascoe’s Joke about Titanic Submarine Implosion

Sara Pascoe is a familiar face on BBC’s “QI” and has appeared on Channel 4’s “8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.”

Her Instagram clip drew severe criticism from fans and social media users, with some questioning the humor in light of the tragic event. One comment read, ‘Did you find it funny when you heard about the 19-year-old kid aboard too?’

Another expressed disgust, saying, ‘I’m really disgusted and horrified at this clip. People died and loved ones suffered.’

The controversy also sparked discussions about the boundaries of edgy humor, as some argued that this particular joke was mean-spirited, given the seriousness of the incident.

Sara Pascoe has a history of taking action on sensitive issues, having reported a celebrity to TV executives after being informed by a fan that he had raped her. Pascoe is currently married to Australian comedian and actor Steen Raskopoulos, aged 36, and is expecting their second child.

Stories behind not one, but two copycat liners

The Shocking Truth about the Two Titanic Replica Ships

More than a century after Titanic set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage, we take a look at two extraordinary projects vying to recreate the iconic doomed ship: Australian billionaire Clive Palmer’s Titanic II, and the Unsinkable Titanic, set to be the star attraction at the Romandisea resort in Sichuan, China. But will these projects ever set sail, or are they destined to disappear without trace? Read on to find out.

The Shocking Truth about the Two Titanic Replica Ships

Titanic II

In April 2012 Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer announced his plan to build Titanic II, a pretty much to scale seaworthy reproduction of the unlucky Edwardian ship, at an estimated cost of $500 million (£362m).

Captured terror suspect Daniel Khalife is set to be relocated to Belmarsh Prison, a maximum security facility renowned for its impeccable security record.

Belmarsh Prison, which was inaugurated in 1991, stands as a fortress of incarceration, surrounded by a formidable one-mile-long perimeter wall. It is a Category A high-security prison situated in South-East London and houses 675 inmates, including individuals accused or convicted of grave terrorism offenses.

A jail no one has escaped from with a one-mile-long perimeter wall and its very own team of intelligence analysts: What Daniel Khalife can expect from his next home as the suspected terrorist is set to be sent to Belmarsh prison (msn.com)

Notably, Belmarsh encompasses the High Security Unit (HSU), essentially a prison within a prison, comprising 48 single cells designed for the most high-risk detainees.

Questions have arisen concerning Khalife’s initial detention at Wandsworth, a Category B jail in South-West London, which has witnessed several prison breaks, including that of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. Following his recent arrest, Khalife was taken to a West London police station for questioning, with the understanding that his next destination will be Belmarsh.

Daniel Khalife to be Transferred to Belmarsh Prison: A Maximum Security Facility with an Unbroken Record

Belmarsh’s security measures are extensive, featuring a dedicated team of trained analysts responsible for processing over 500 intelligence reports monthly, ensuring an in-depth understanding of the prison’s internal dynamics.

In a September 2021 report, Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, commended Belmarsh’s security arrangements, emphasizing that the facility maintains security and order through meticulous attention to physical and procedural aspects, effective security intelligence, and positive staff-prisoner relationships.

Daniel Khalife to be Transferred to Belmarsh Prison: A Maximum Security Facility with an Unbroken Record

Belmarsh Prison’s unblemished record of zero escapes underscores its status as a prison facility with an uncompromising commitment to security.

Daniel Khalife’s four-day flight from justice came to an end when an undercover officer apprehended him on Saturday at 10:41 am while he was cycling along a canal towpath.

The move to Belmarsh signifies a significant shift in the handling of Khalife’s case, highlighting the gravity of the charges against him and the need for the highest level of security and vigilance.

Former soldier Daniel Khalife has been charged with escaping from custody at HMP Wandsworth, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Terror suspect Daniel Khalife charged with escaping from Wandsworth Prison (msn.com)

Khalife’s arrest took place on a canal towpath in west London at 10.41 am on a Saturday. He was apprehended by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer after being pulled off a bicycle.

Terror Suspect Daniel Khalife Charged with Escaping from Wandsworth Prison

This incident followed a mass land and air search that spanned four days, initiated after Khalife went missing from the prison on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police reported that a member of the public had witnessed a man resembling Khalife walking away from a Bidfood van near the south entrance to Wandsworth Roundabout on Wednesday morning. Subsequently, law enforcement officers conducted a search in the Richmond area, although Khalife was not found there. They did, however, receive multiple calls from the public reporting sightings of the suspect in the vicinity.

Throughout Saturday morning, the police were observed checking people’s gardens, stopping cars, inspecting car trunks, and requesting residents’ identification.

Khalife was eventually located on a canal towpath in Northolt, west London, approximately eight miles from where he was last seen by a member of the public.

Before his alleged escape, Khalife had been on remand at HMP Wandsworth following terror-related charges brought against him in January.

Terror Suspect Daniel Khalife Charged with Escaping from Wandsworth Prison

The 21-year-old is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

In a statement, the Met confirmed Khalife’s charges: “Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 11, charged as follows: On the 6th day of September 2023, then being a prisoner in His Majesty’s Prison at Wandsworth, being remanded in custody pending trial as ordered at the Central Criminal Court on the 21st day of July 2023, escaped, contrary to common law.”

Concerns have arisen regarding the prison’s security in the wake of this manhunt. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk disclosed that approximately 40 inmates from HMP Wandsworth have been relocated from the Category B jail.

Chalk, during an appearance on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips program, explained that a preliminary investigation into the Victorian prison in London had indicated that the necessary procedures and security personnel were in place. Nevertheless, as questions arose regarding why a former soldier accused of a terror offense was not held in the highest security prison, dozens of individuals on remand were moved to different sites “out of an abundance of caution.”

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Introduction: Carrie Johnson, wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has unveiled a considerate note left by Queen Elizabeth during her stay at Balmoral. On the first anniversary of the Queen’s passing, Carrie Johnson expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to meet and converse with her. The note showcased the Queen’s thoughtfulness, as she provided information about her outfit choice for the evening.

“Carrie Johnson Shares Queen’s Thoughtful Note on Anniversary of Her Death”

The Thoughtful Note: Carrie Johnson shared a photo of the note on her Instagram account, which bore the Balmoral Castle letterhead. The note read, ‘Ma’am, Her Majesty will be wearing an ice blue cocktail dress for dinner this evening.’ This note demonstrated the late Queen’s kind and considerate nature, as she offered this information to prevent any fashion mishaps.

“Carrie Johnson Shares Queen’s Thoughtful Note on Anniversary of Her Death”

Carrie’s Response: In her Instagram caption, Mrs. Johnson expressed her gratitude for the note and her appreciation for having had the chance to meet and converse with Queen Elizabeth. When asked if the note aimed to coordinate outfits to avoid a color clash, Carrie confirmed this was indeed the case. She also mentioned that she had the note framed on an ‘ice blue’ mount.

Boris Johnson’s Perspective: Boris Johnson, in a recent Daily Mail column, shared their experience of finding the ‘helpful’ note on their first evening at Balmoral. He humorously mentioned that Carrie hadn’t packed an ice-blue cocktail dress, but the note proved useful nonetheless.

King Charles’ Tributes: The first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s passing prompted heartfelt tributes, notably from King Charles. In a break from tradition, King Charles publicly acknowledged the nation’s grief and pride in his mother’s dedicated life of service. He expressed gratitude for the support he and his wife have received during their service to the public.

Tributes from Others: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute, highlighting Queen Elizabeth’s exceptional service to the UK and the Commonwealth. He cherished his memories of meeting the late Queen and praised her wisdom, warmth, grace, and wit.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the unique bond Queen Elizabeth had with the people, built on the understanding that service unites sovereign and subject.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who led the Queen’s funeral proceedings, remembered Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of obedience to God, duty, and love for her people.

Conclusion: On the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death, heartfelt tributes flowed in from various quarters, underscoring the enduring impact of her life and reign. Carrie Johnson’s shared note offered a touching glimpse into the late Queen’s considerate nature, demonstrating the special bond she had with those she met.

Recently, Princess Andre, the 16-year-old daughter of Katie Price, made headlines when she was photographed toasting with a shot glass. Concerns arose regarding whether she was consuming alcohol, given her age. However, it has now been clarified that Princess was not drinking alcohol during the toast.

Princess Andre’s Toast with Shot Glass: Misunderstanding Cleared Up

Katie Price, the former glamour model, enjoyed a night out at a restaurant with her daughter and her on/off partner, Carl Woods. Instagram photos from the evening showed the family raising shot glasses containing pink liquid for a cheerful toast.

Under UK law, it is illegal to sell alcohol or buy it for anyone under 18, and individuals under 18 cannot drink alcohol in licensed premises such as pubs or restaurants. However, 16 and 17-year-olds can consume beer, wine, or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult.

A source has refuted reports that Princess was consuming alcohol, explaining that the toast was a set-up. According to The Mirror, the insider stated, “Princess wasn’t drinking alcohol. She asked for Fanta and Coke to be on her table; this was just a cheers set-up.”

Princess Andre’s Toast with Shot Glass: Misunderstanding Cleared Up

Previously, another source had expressed concerns about how Princess’s father, Peter Andre, would react to the photo. They suggested that even if it wasn’t alcohol, it might not be the best image for a 16-year-old, especially one in the public eye.

Peter Andre, a doting dad, has established three strict rules for his daughter as she ventures into the world of dating. He mentioned in an interview that there would be no sleepovers at his house, and if there were, they would be downstairs, with open doors, and during daylight hours. Pete emphasized that his rules were straightforward and non-negotiable in his house.

Peter Andre, who is also a father to Amelia and Theo with wife Emily, is protective of his children and ensures that his house rules are clear and consistent.

A 27-year-old woman’s decision to divorce her husband merely 24 hours after their wedding has garnered praise. She took this drastic step because her husband did not respect her boundaries. The woman had been in a relationship with her now ex-husband for three years before accepting his proposal and happily agreeing to marry him.

In the lead-up to their wedding day, she repeatedly implored him not to engage in the tradition of smashing a wedding cake in her face during the cake-cutting ceremony. She explained her aversion to this practice, stating that she had a personal history with cake smashing and found it neither humorous nor enjoyable.

Her request stemmed from a traumatic incident during her 17th birthday when her mother had forced her face into a cake, resulting in injury and a ruined celebration. Despite her plea, her mother had disregarded her wishes, leading to a painful and embarrassing experience.

The woman also detailed how her husband had shared videos of cake-smashing pranks with her, despite knowing her distaste for them. Nevertheless, he still decided to proceed with the cake-smashing tradition during their wedding, even though he was aware of her negative reaction to it.

Outraged and embarrassed, the woman abruptly left her own wedding, called for an Uber, and returned to their shared home to pack her belongings. She described the devastating impact on what should have been a joyful day, emphasizing the cost of her wedding attire, makeup, and hair.

Despite numerous calls and texts from her husband, family, and his family urging her to return and apologize, the woman spent the night in a hotel. After contemplating the situation, she decided to file for divorce, believing that if her husband couldn’t respect one simple boundary on their wedding day, things could only deteriorate.

In her conversations with her husband, she confronted him about his actions. He defended himself, claiming he thought it was a harmless prank and that by participating, he could gain favor with her family due to the tradition. He failed to offer a sincere apology for hurting her, further frustrating her.

Their argument escalated, reinforcing her resolve to divorce him and cut ties with her own family, who had pressured her to return. She emphasized that marriage required standing by one another, and his actions demonstrated a lack of support and empathy for her trauma.

While many users praised her for standing up for herself, some advised her to seek therapy to address her past experiences. The comments underscored the importance of respecting boundaries and the impact of trauma on relationships.

Janette Manrara made headlines this week as she made her return to the screen as part of the presenting team on BBC’s Morning Live. Her decision to return to work has ignited a fiery parenting debate among her fans, coming just six weeks after she welcomed her baby daughter with husband Aljaz Skorjanec. Manrara had previously confirmed her comeback to the Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, later in the year.

Parenting Debate Ignites as Janette Manrara Returns to Work Just 6 Weeks After Giving Birth

The dancer had been open with her followers about the challenges of motherhood, but that didn’t deter her from resuming her presenting duties. Manrara sparked the debate when she shared an adorable snapshot of her husband cradling their daughter Lyra while watching her on TV.

In the caption, Manrara expressed her joy at being back on Morning Live and how special it was for her daughter, Lyra (Rose), to see her in action for the first time with her cousins. She added that the moment melted her heart and she couldn’t wait to spend the day cuddling her baby. Manrara also gave a shoutout to all the working moms, showing solidarity and triumph.

However, her determination to return to work so soon after childbirth has prompted some followers to accuse her of rushing back and attempting to normalize moms returning to work when their newborns are only a few weeks old. In the comments section, one fan expressed concern about the timing, believing it might be too soon, especially given Manrara’s apparent comfortable living situation. Another commenter wished that celebrities wouldn’t set this example, as many moms might not be physically or emotionally ready for such a quick return.

A third comment encouraged Manrara to take more time and emphasized the importance of cherishing these early moments with her baby. One follower questioned why she was back at work so soon, particularly since she mentioned that her incision hadn’t healed yet.

Despite the criticism, many fans rallied to support Manrara’s decision, welcoming her return to the screen. One fan praised her for coming back, while her Morning Live co-star, Rav Wilding, expressed his excitement at having her back on the show.

Janette Manrara has yet to publicly address these concerned comments, but the mixed reactions highlight the ongoing debate about balancing work and motherhood, especially in the public eye.

In a heart-wrenching incident that occurred last week, 12-year-old Yahshua Robinson tragically lost his life while participating in a gym class conducted amid scorching heat. Yahshua Robinson was a middle school student hailing from Lake Elsinore, California.

The circumstances surrounding this devastating event began with Robinson arriving at his gym class wearing attire ill-suited for physical exertion in extreme weather conditions. According to his aunt, Amarna Plummer, the gym teacher instructed him to run outdoors despite the sweltering temperatures.

Robinson, struggling with the intense heat, vocalized his discomfort, urgently requesting water and expressing difficulty in breathing.

Tragic Loss of a Young Life: 12-Year-Old’s Fatal Run in Extreme Heatwave

Tragically, his condition worsened to the point of collapse within the classroom, leading to immediate transportation to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, Robinson experienced cardiac arrest and, heartbreakingly, did not survive.

The Lake Elsinore United School District conveyed their condolences, acknowledging the heart-wrenching incident with a statement: “Our hearts are with the family, friends, and our school community during this challenging time.”

While the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm the exact cause of Yahshua Robinson’s untimely demise, his family firmly believes that the extraordinary heat, with temperatures soaring up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit on that fateful day, played a pivotal role.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring students’ safety during physical activities, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Robinson’s passing has left a community in mourning, sparking discussions about the need for heightened awareness and precautions when conducting physical education in adverse weather conditions.

In a heartwarming display of compassion, three schoolboys came to the aid of a distraught Year 7 student who had mistakenly boarded the wrong bus on his first day of school. This act of kindness not only ensured the boy’s safe return home but also renewed a mother’s faith in humanity.

Heartwarming Act of Kindness by Students Rescues Crying Year 7 Pupil

The 11-year-old boy found himself on the wrong bus, gradually moving away from his intended destination in Netherton, Liverpool. Fortunately, three students stepped in to help him. Year 11 student Tom O’Brien, noticing the boy’s distress, generously offered him £10 for a taxi. Meanwhile, Year 7 students Harry Campbell and Dylan Robson ensured the young student’s safe journey back home.

The heartwarming story was shared on Facebook by a mother, and it quickly went viral, garnering thousands of comments praising the boys for their kindness. Collette, Harry’s mother, expressed her gratitude and said that the entire situation “restores faith in humanity.”

Collette recounted the moment when her husband spotted Harry talking to the lost boy outside their house. Harry had taken the initiative to call a taxi to pick up the boy from their house, ensuring his safety. He stayed outside, waiting with the boy until the taxi arrived.

Tom O’Brien, who selflessly contributed to the rescue, simply stated that he was glad the boy had safely reached home. He also expressed his satisfaction that teenagers were receiving positive recognition. Tom’s father, Kenny, proudly described his son as “thoughtful and caring.”

Kenny shared, “I am very proud of him. He is a very thoughtful lad and has a great personality. He didn’t tell me what had happened until later in the night when he realized people were talking about it on Facebook. He just said he was on the bus asking the Year 7’s how they had got on, on their first day and he noticed this kid sat on his own, looking anxious and upset and asked him was he okay. The boy said he had got on the wrong bus and was getting further and further away from home, so Tom thought on his feet, told him to get off the bus and gave him £10 for a taxi.”

Another parent, Toni, shared how her son Dylan had recounted the incident when he returned home from school. Dylan had explained that he, along with Harry, had assisted the distressed boy by calling a taxi. Toni expressed her pride in her son’s empathy and hoped that others would do the same if her child found himself in a similar situation.

The boys contacted a Delta Taxi, and it was later revealed that the taxi driver had not charged the young boy for the journey. Matthew Symes, the Headteacher of Holy Family Catholic High School, praised Tom’s selflessness and described him as an exemplary figure for the school’s younger students. He emphasized how this act of kindness at the beginning of the school year set a positive tone for everyone.

In a world often filled with negative news, this heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the goodness and compassion that exist within our communities.

As children return to school, the familiar routine of the school run resumes, and with it, the need to follow certain rules. However, one headteacher’s recent email to parents has left many scratching their heads, dubbing it “passive-aggressive” in nature.

The note, dated September 7 and sent at 8.08 am, began by addressing a recurring issue: parents blocking the school’s car park entrance. The headteacher expressed frustration, stating that it shouldn’t be difficult to avoid parking in the actual entrance. They also criticized a particular incident involving a parent who confronted the churchwarden, emphasizing that the church could restrict access to the car park at any time.

Despite this somewhat scolding tone, the headteacher swiftly shifted gears in the email. They informed parents about the church’s upcoming autumn fair and encouraged them to donate toys. Later in the message, they reminded parents that all children needed water bottles to stay hydrated.

Headteacher’s Email Sparks Controversy Over School Parking Etiquette

On Reddit, a parent jokingly remarked, “Didn’t realize how much I missed the headteacher’s passive-aggressive, sarcastic message of the day!!” In the comments section, several individuals who had experienced issues with irresponsible parking parents rallied behind the headteacher. They expressed their frustrations with parents who blocked driveways, roads, and junctions while picking up or dropping off their children.

One commenter pointed out the irony of parents opting for the easiest and laziest parking options, even if it inconvenienced others. They felt that this behavior taught their children disrespect and a lack of consideration for others. Another resident living near a school shared their exasperation, describing how parents’ parking habits disrupted the neighborhood and posed safety concerns.

In summary, the headteacher’s email, which began with a reprimand for careless parking, evolved into a call for community involvement and a reminder about children’s hydration needs. The ensuing discussion highlighted the ongoing frustration felt by many community members over the inconsiderate parking habits of some parents during the school run.

Regenerate

In four years, the Airlander 10, set to become the largest aircraft globally, will take flight if ambitious plans for this zeppelin-like craft come to fruition. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the company behind this innovative project, envisions an aircraft that offers passengers the freedom to roam, enjoy a drink at the bar, and even open windows during their journey.

A Modern Take on Airships The Airlander 10 is a contemporary interpretation of early 20th-century airships, featuring two long, white balloon-like structures that keep passengers aloft. HAV believes that this innovative aircraft will be a game-changer in terms of sustainability and onboard comfort.

Impressive Specifications The company asserts that the Airlander 10 will have the capability to remain airborne for an astounding five consecutive days, covering a distance of 4,000 nautical miles and reaching altitudes of up to 20,000 feet. It can also carry a payload of ten tonnes. Unlike conventional commercial planes, notorious for their noise and fuel consumption, the Airlander will operate near silently and reduce emissions by a remarkable 75%.

World’s Largest Aircraft to Offer Luxurious Onboard Experience

Affordable Tickets and Spacious Interiors Despite its impressive specifications, HAV promises that ticket prices for the Airlander will be “comparable to what is seen today” in current flight prices. However, the aircraft’s main drawback is its speed, maxing out at a mere 75 mph. This means longer flight durations, such as a journey from London to Malaga, Spain, which may take around 14 hours, compared to under three hours with a budget airline.

Nonetheless, the Airlander’s key attraction lies in its onboard experience, which HAV assures will be significantly more pleasant and spacious than the typical experience in non-first-class seating on a plane. The aircraft is designed with passenger comfort in mind, allowing passengers to walk around freely, open windows, and enjoy ample space to socialize, work, dine, relax, and take in natural light.

Sustainable Aspirations HAV has a vision for the Airlander to become “100% emission-free” in the near future, exploring electrification and hydrogen fuel cells as potential means to achieve this goal.

Certification and Production HAV aims to certify the aircraft this year, with production set to commence within the next 12 months. Plans include the launch of a 1,200-person factory in South Yorkshire to manufacture the Airlander. Customer operations are expected to commence in 2027, with ambitious plans to produce 24 aircraft annually by 2028.

World’s Largest Aircraft to Offer Luxurious Onboard Experience

Exploring New Routes While no specific routes have been announced in the UK, HAV is exploring opportunities with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) to connect remote islands in Scotland. Additionally, plans are in motion to introduce the Airlander in Spain, with Spanish Regional Air carrier, Air Nostrum Group, doubling its reservations for the Airlander 10, signaling growing interest and potential routes in the Mediterranean.

Safety and Certification Although technical specifics remain undisclosed, HAV emphasizes that the technology used in the Airlander is proven and safety-tested. They have been working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for certification and safety testing, and the aircraft meets the UK’s necessary safety and regulatory standards, as indicated by design approval. The next step is applying for a Type Certificate from the CAA, formalizing the aircraft’s compliance with airworthiness and safety standards.

The Airlander 10 represents a promising step toward sustainable aviation and an enhanced passenger experience. If successful, it could redefine air travel, offering a blend of comfort, environmental responsibility, and affordability.

Virginia Pinto, the woman seen in a video engaging in an intimate moment with a uniformed police officer, has come forward to assert that she and Officer Francesco Marlett from the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland have been in a relationship for two years. Their extramarital affair has led to Marlett’s suspension and an ongoing departmental investigation.

Video Evidence Sparks Controversy The incident was captured on video, and another video showed Ms. Pinto entering a police cruiser, providing concrete evidence of their involvement. Both videos have been acknowledged by the police department, triggering public attention and scrutiny.

A Defiant Stance Virginia Pinto has openly discussed her relationship with Officer Francesco Marlett and the ensuing scandal. She emphasizes that their connection is not a casual encounter but a long-term relationship that has spanned two years. Despite the complications arising from Marlett’s status as a police officer, Ms. Pinto asserts that she wants people to understand that their relationship was not a fleeting affair.

Woman Involved in Scandal with Married Cop Defends Relationship Amid Public Scrutiny

In her own words: “That’s the main story — that this isn’t a little thing. Of course, since he’s a police officer, it looks bad. But I just want people to understand that this was not a one-night stand.”

Unapologetic Stance Despite the scandal and the attention it has garnered, Virginia Pinto remains unapologetic. She believes that this controversy will eventually fade, and she is committed to living her life. She mentioned that she is a mother with responsibilities, including a 15-year-old autistic son, and noted a preference for Caucasian men, as the father of her child is also Caucasian.

Claiming Innocence Ms. Pinto maintains that she has done nothing wrong, a belief shared by Officer Marlett. She briefly mentioned that Paula, Officer Marlett’s wife, has criticized her on social media but did not delve into the accusations further.

Polarizing Social Media Exchange Paula Marlett, Officer Marlett’s wife, engaged in a heated exchange on social media with Virginia Pinto. Paula accused Ms. Pinto of infidelity and meddling in other people’s affairs. She suggested that Virginia Pinto’s husband left her due to her inability to remain faithful.

Police Chief’s Response Police Chief Malik Aziz weighed in on the matter, acknowledging the impact of the officer’s actions on the community and the department’s reputation. He emphasized the need for every officer to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the agency’s honor and reputation.

The controversy surrounding this relationship continues to be a subject of public interest and debate, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships when they involve individuals in positions of authority.

After a 10-year hiatus, the return of Mrs. Brown’s Boys to BBC One has ignited a mix of emotions among viewers, with some taking to Twitter to voice their recurring complaints.

The beloved BBC comedy made its official comeback with four fresh episodes, marking the first full series since 2013, as only Christmas specials have graced screens in recent years. The premiere episode depicted Agnes Brown (played by Brenda O’Carroll) grappling with household chaos and sleeplessness.

However, within minutes of the show’s return, some fans expressed their intent to “switch off,” citing issues with lighting and camera angles as their primary grievances.

While some viewers labeled the show as “painful” and admitted to being “bored,” others were more forthright in their criticism. Twitter user @neil_gjohnson offered an apologetic tone, stating, “Just watched 5 minutes of #mrsbrownsboys I’d like to apologize to everyone I know for this lapse in common sense, and to my TV, I’m so sorry. Won’t happen again.”

@BuryLass144 shared their disappointment, saying, “I give it a go every new series hoping for an improvement, sadly it’s going to be switched OFF!! It’s awful, what happened ?? #MrsBrownsBoys.”

@BeachTimeClaire reflected on the show’s return with skepticism, declaring, “Ten minutes into the new series of #MrsBrownsBoys and I’m already wondering why I’m watching it!!! Somethings you have to accept are dead and can’t be resuscitated! Mrs. Brown’s Boys is one of them!”

Mrs. Brown’s Boys Returns Amid Mixed Viewer Reactions and Familiar Complaints

Criticism also extended to the show’s technical aspects, with @OliReading quipping, “#MrsBrownsBoys ironic transmitting such a grainy picture in HD,” and @mm15007 observing, “Feels like 2003 based on the picture on the TV #mrsbrownsboys.” @RossG_kiernan chimed in, asking, “What is with the camera/lighting #mrsbrownsboys.”

Despite the divided opinions, some viewers expressed joy at the show’s return, with @RossG_kiernan noting, “Great to have #mrsbrownsboys back after the ten-year wait.”

In anticipation of the show’s comeback, Brendan, the creator, said, “This mini-series was actually planned for 2021. Having been thwarted twice, firstly by Covid-19 and then by a post-Covid shortage of studios, it’s fantastic to, at last, have the chance to make it happen. Fasten your seatbelts and hold onto your hats!”

Josh Cole, Head of Comedy at BBC Studios, and Steven Canny, Executive Producer, echoed the sentiment, stating, “There’s no one quite like Mrs. Brown. An absolute force of outrageous wit and slapstick that has audiences hooked and belly-laughing. It’s great to be back.”

Mrs. Brown’s Boys is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans can form their own opinions about its return.

The body of Yohanes Kidane, a Netflix engineer and recent Cornell University graduate who had gone missing, has been discovered in the waters of the San Francisco Bay, as reported by authorities.

Yohanes Kidane, 22, had recently relocated to California after securing a position as a software engineer with the streaming giant Netflix. His tenure at Netflix had only just begun, lasting a mere few weeks before his sudden disappearance.

Kidane was last seen on the evening of 14 August when he entered a black Toyota Camry Uber bound for San Jose at approximately 7:15 PM. The following day, a commuter stumbled upon the 22-year-old’s phone and wallet, promptly turning them in to the authorities. Two days after his disappearance, Kidane’s backpack was found, with his belongings seemingly untouched, according to statements made by his brother.

Tragically, the engineer’s lifeless body was discovered on 29 August by a passing boat in the waters of the San Francisco Bay, situated to the northeast of the Golden Gate Bridge. Marin County Sheriff’s Office reported that the remains exhibited signs of advanced decomposition, indicative of prolonged exposure to the aquatic environment, and had suffered noticeable depredation, as detailed by Roger G. Fielding, the county’s Chief Deputy Coroner.

On 31 August, the coroner officially identified the recovered body as that of Yohanes Kidane, determining that his death resulted from blunt impact injuries, followed by drowning.

The Coroner Division and Marin County Sheriff’s Office extended their deepest condolences to Kidane’s family and friends in light of this tragic outcome.

In the wake of his disappearance, a fundraising campaign was initiated to support the search for the missing young man, ultimately amassing over $100,000.

Yohanes Kidane’s older brother, Yosief Kidane, had previously described him as “my best friend,” while his mother remembered him as “a good man who had a bright future, very loving to his family.”

In case you or someone you know is grappling with feelings of distress or isolation, The Samaritans offer confidential support, accessible through phone contact at 116 123 (UK and ROI), email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting the Samaritans website. For those in the USA requiring immediate mental health assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), offering free and confidential crisis intervention services 24/7. For individuals in other countries, www.befrienders.org provides a directory of helplines in various regions.

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Wrestling sensation CM Punk, born Phil Brooks, has recently been released from his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The decision to part ways with the two-time AEW champion was influenced by a backstage altercation with Jack Perry during the All In pay-per-view event at London’s Wembley Stadium, leading to the AEW’s announcement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Tony Khan, AEW’s CEO, issued a statement explaining the termination.

1. AEW’s Decision

The AEW Discipline Committee, following an investigation, recommended to AEW owner Tony Khan that CM Punk be terminated with cause, resulting in his release from the promotion.

2. CM Punk’s Wrestling Legacy

CM Punk, at the age of 44, boasts an eventful wrestling career that spans both WWE and AEW. Despite his remarkable talent and potential for greatness, he has been no stranger to controversy. As a two-time WWE champion and three-time world heavyweight champion, his wrestling journey has been marked by both achievements and notoriety.

3. Impact on WWE

CM Punk’s time in WWE was characterized by numerous controversies, including his bitter feud with Jeff Hardy over the World Heavyweight Championship. Punk’s gift for compelling storytelling extended beyond the ring, as his oratory skills played a pivotal role in WWE’s storytelling.

4. The “Pipebomb” Promo

In 2011, WWE witnessed one of its most iconic promos, known as the “Pipebomb.” This memorable moment featured CM Punk and contributed significantly to WWE’s narrative. However, the authenticity of this moment remains a subject of debate.

5. The “Summer of Punk”

2011 also saw the “summer of Punk,” culminating in a thrilling Money in the Bank match against John Cena. With Punk’s contract set to expire at midnight on July 17, anticipation was high. The match lasted over 33 minutes, and Punk’s victory marked his first WWE championship title win. Punk’s final WWE match took place in 2014.

6. Transition to AEW

After his WWE career, CM Punk returned to professional wrestling, signing with AEW in 2021. However, his time with AEW was not without controversy. Punk was involved in a physical altercation with wrestlers Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Kenny Omega. His interactions with AEW star Adam Page also drew significant attention.

7. Venture into UFC

Beyond WWE and AEW, CM Punk ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He participated in two UFC fights after parting ways with WWE in 2014.

CM Punk’s wrestling journey has been defined by memorable moments, heated rivalries, and, at times, controversy. His impact on both WWE and AEW remains undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world.

Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia might reign as the epitome of opulence in India, with an estimated value of a staggering Rs 1,500 crore, but Azim Premji, another prominent billionaire, is not far behind. Azim Premji, the revered chairperson of Wipro and one of India’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, owns Bengaluru’s most extravagant residential property.

1. Azim Premji’s Pricey Palace

As reported across multiple news outlets, Azim Premji’s remarkable residence in Whitefield, Bangalore, is estimated to be worth over Rs 350 crore. This luxurious farmhouse spans an impressive 6,000 square feet, resting on approximately half an acre of land. It serves as the billionaire’s personal abode, and its architectural splendor reflects his triumphs as a business tycoon and innovator.

2. A Fusion of Elegance

Azim Premji’s lavish dwelling combines antique charm with rustic allure. The exterior boasts exposed brick walls and stone, while the interior seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary architectural elements. Inside the grand hall, priceless artworks adorn the space, adding to the overall magnificence of the residence.

3. Lavish Amenities

The opulence of Azim Premji’s residence extends to its amenities. The property features a meticulously maintained lush lawn, a state-of-the-art home theater for private screenings, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and an expansive garden adorned with a diverse array of flowers. These amenities contribute to the impressive valuation of his residence, which exceeds Rs 350 crore.

4. The Journey of Azim Premji

Azim Premji, the tech magnate, assumed leadership of Wipro at a mere 21 years old, following his father’s passing. He diversified the company, originally focused on hair care and toiletries, into the IT sector, filling the void created by IBM’s departure from India. This strategic move paved the way for a new era of growth and expansion for Wipro.

5. The Lap of Luxury

Azim Premji’s lifestyle mirrors his immense success, with a net worth of USD 11.5 billion, as per Forbes. In Indian currency, this equates to a staggering Rs 95,000 crore. Carrying forward the family legacy, Azim Premji’s son, Rashid, has recently assumed the role of executive chairman at Wipro.

Azim Premji’s opulent residence in Bengaluru serves as a testament to his achievements and affluence, reflecting the remarkable journey of a man who transformed a modest company into a global IT powerhouse.

In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter led to significant changes, including the dismissal of then-CEO Parag Agrawal. A recent report from The Wall Street Journal, based on an excerpt from an upcoming biography by writer Walter Isaacson, sheds light on the dinner meeting between Musk and Agrawal in 2022. This meeting ultimately played a pivotal role in Musk’s decision to reshape the social media giant.

1. Musk’s Twitter Takeover

When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in a highly publicized deal in October of the previous year, one of his initial actions was to remove Parag Agrawal from his position as CEO. This marked the beginning of a substantial restructuring process at the company, resulting in the departure of top-level executives and thousands of employees.

2. Dinner with Musk

The Wall Street Journal’s report reveals that Parag Agrawal and Elon Musk dined together in March 2022, before Musk formally expressed interest in buying Twitter. Following their meeting, Musk described Agrawal as a “really nice guy.” However, Musk believed that being liked by people was not a prerequisite for a CEO. Instead, he asserted that Twitter needed a “fire-breathing dragon,” a role he felt Agrawal couldn’t fulfill.

3. Musk’s Growing Influence

It’s worth noting that, around the time of their dinner, news had already broken about Musk’s acquisition of Twitter stocks. By the spring of 2022, Musk had become Twitter’s largest shareholder.

4. Diminished Value

Since Musk’s takeover, Twitter’s market value plummeted by over 50 percent. Despite Musk’s initial $44 billion purchase, the platform’s value had dwindled to $20 billion just five months after the acquisition.

5. Musk’s Vision for Twitter (Now X)

Elon Musk is actively pursuing a complete transformation of Twitter, which he envisions as the “everything app,” now referred to as X. Recent changes include the introduction of audio and video calls, alterations in data collection practices, and updates to political ad policies. Musk has continued to implement a series of reforms behind the scenes.

“Elon Musk’s Dinner with Parag Agrawal: Insights into Twitter’s Transformation”

One of the latest changes Musk announced is the restriction of participation in polls to verified users only. Previously open to all, Twitter polls have been a popular feature for both individuals and companies. However, moving forward, only subscribers to Twitter Blue will have the privilege of participating in polls, a measure Musk stated was taken to prevent poll spamming by bots.

6. The Ongoing Transformation

The evolution of Twitter into X under Elon Musk’s leadership remains a dynamic and evolving process. The platform’s changes are expected to continue, reflecting Musk’s vision for its future.

As Musk continues to steer the platform’s course, the legacy of Parag Agrawal’s brief tenure as CEO serves as a reminder of the transformative nature of Musk’s vision for Twitter and its ongoing journey toward becoming an all-encompassing “everything app.”

In a world marked by shifting diplomatic landscapes, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s conspicuous absence from international summits stands in stark contrast to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active engagement in global diplomacy.

Xi’s Isolation and Insecurities

Xi Jinping’s prolonged absence from the international stage, with over 1,000 days of seclusion after the Galwan Valley clash and a cautious reentry in 2022, raises questions about his diplomatic isolation. In 2023, he has once again withdrawn from international engagements, including the G20 and ASEAN summits. This retreat appears rooted in his own insecurities and the global backlash against China.

The G20 summit in New Delhi offered little opportunity for Xi to engage in meaningful diplomacy, especially with Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on resolving the border dispute. Additionally, the absence of Russian President Putin at the G20 provided China with a chance to regain its pre-pandemic stature, which Xi chose not to seize.

Furthermore, Xi’s avoidance of the ASEAN summit is attributed to China’s contentious claims in the South China Sea, which have irked several ASEAN nations. These nations, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have voiced their opposition, aligning with India and Taiwan.

Xi’s Vulnerability at Home

Xi Jinping’s reluctance to participate in international diplomacy could be an attempt to save face, as his absence could be perceived as a snub. This could further harm his domestic image, particularly when China faces economic challenges and political instability within the Communist Party.

Economic Woes Cast a Shadow

China’s ongoing economic downturn and criticism of Xi Jinping’s policies within the country indicate potential factionalism within the Communist Party. The removal of senior commanders from the People’s Liberation Army, speeches emphasizing “stability,” and the disappearance of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang suggest internal issues that may require Xi to stay in China, barring serious health concerns.

Modi’s Diplomatic Success

In sharp contrast to Xi’s isolation, Prime Minister Modi has actively pursued diplomatic engagement. Modi has undertaken nine official visits abroad, demonstrating India’s robust diplomatic efforts. These visits included interactions with leaders from Japan, the United States, France, Egypt, and Greece, showcasing India’s active presence on the global stage.

Modi’s upcoming participation in the G20 summit, as well as the ASEAN and East Asia summits in Indonesia, underscores India’s commitment to international diplomacy. India’s growing economy, coupled with efficient diplomatic machinery, reflects its emergence as a prominent global power.

Conclusion

The contrasting diplomatic approaches of Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi reveal a changing global landscape. While Xi grapples with isolation and internal challenges, Modi’s proactive diplomacy enhances India’s global standing. These developments highlight the shifting dynamics of global politics and the emergence of India as a prominent player on the international stage.

The iconic home ground of Liverpool FC, Anfield, is currently undergoing a delayed stadium redevelopment, leaving one end of the stadium empty. Liverpool fans eagerly await updates from the club regarding the expansion of the Anfield Road stand.

The club initially announced plans to increase Anfield’s capacity and update its facilities, with a particular focus on the Anfield Road end, which faces Stanley Park. These plans were approved by local authorities, and construction work commenced in July 2021, spanning two seasons, international breaks, and preseason campaigns.

However, despite the originally scheduled completion date at the end of August 2023, the construction work has come to a halt due to financial administration issues faced by the primary construction firm involved. This abrupt stoppage has resulted in a noticeable empty section within the famous stadium.

The final phases of the Anfield Road end redevelopment were intended to occur in the opening weeks of the 2023/24 season. Builders required an empty stand to remove part of the stadium roof. Initially, Liverpool had requested that their first three matches be played away from home, but they ultimately agreed to have only their opening fixture as an away game, which ended in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Subsequently, Liverpool played their first home match of the season, a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on August 19. However, the upper tier of the stand remained closed, as safety inspectors deemed only the lower tier fit for use, creating the appearance of an empty section.

Delayed Stadium Redevelopment Leaves One End of Anfield Empty

The unexpected pause in construction can be attributed to the financial difficulties faced by the construction firm, The Buckingham Group, which filed for administration due to cash-flow issues. As a result, all staff working on the upgrade were instructed to stop work on August 17. Liverpool and The Buckingham Group are currently collaborating to find a solution for the project.

Liverpool has confirmed that they are working toward a “phased opening” of the redeveloped stand. However, it will remain partially closed for the visit of Aston Villa on September 3.

If Liverpool successfully completes the projected capacity increase, it will elevate the club to the fourth position on the Premier League’s list of stadium capacities, with Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road at the bottom.

Premier League Stadium Capacities for the 2023/24 Season:

1. Manchester United – Old Trafford – 74,310
2. Tottenham Hotspur – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 62,850
3. West Ham United – London Stadium – 62,500
4. Liverpool – Anfield – 61,000 (projected)*
5. Arsenal – Emirates Stadium – 60,704
6. Manchester City – Etihad Stadium – 53,400
7. Newcastle United – St. James’ Park – 52,305
8. Aston Villa – Villa Park – 42,657
9. Chelsea – Stamford Bridge – 40,343
10. Everton – Goodison Park – 39,414
11. Sheffield United – Bramall Lane – 32,050
12. Brighton & Hove Albion – AMEX Stadium – 31,800
13. Wolverhampton Wanderers – Molineux – 31,750
14. Nottingham Forest – City Ground – 30,332
15. Fulham – Craven Cottage – 29,600
16. Crystal Palace – Selhurst Park – 25,486
17. Burnley – Turf Moor – 21,944
18. Brentford – Brentford Community Stadium – 17,250
19. Bournemouth – Dean Court – 11,307
20. Luton Town – Kenilworth Road – 10,356

*Projected capacity increase for Liverpool’s Anfield.

Introduction: After the successful missions to the Moon with Chandrayaan-3 and the Sun with Aditya L1, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is not taking a break. Instead, it is gearing up for another groundbreaking mission aimed at advancing scientific understanding in astronomy.

The Upcoming XPoSat Mission: ISRO is set to launch XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), marking India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission focused on studying various aspects of bright astronomical X-ray sources. This mission will carry two scientific payloads while orbiting in a low Earth orbit.

ISRO’s Ambitious Plans After Moon and Sun Missions: Launching XPoSat

Payloads on XPoSat:

1. POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): POLIX will play a crucial role in measuring polarimetry parameters, including the degree and angle of polarization. It will operate within a medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons originating from astronomical sources.
2. XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): XSPECT will provide valuable spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.

XPoSat’s Significance: ISRO emphasizes that XPoSat is fully prepared for launch. The polarimetry measurements conducted by POLIX will add two essential dimensions to astronomers’ understanding—the degree of polarization and the angle of polarization. These measurements are considered invaluable diagnostic tools to comprehend the emission processes occurring in astronomical sources.

ISRO’s Ambitious Plans After Moon and Sun Missions: Launching XPoSat

Scientific Breakthroughs Expected: The polarimetric observations and measurements conducted by XPoSat are poised to break the degeneracy seen in various theoretical models related to astronomical emission processes. This research holds immense significance for the Indian scientific community and promises to provide new insights into the cosmos.

ISRO’s Ambitious Plans After Moon and Sun Missions: Launching XPoSat

ISRO’s unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of astronomy continues with the upcoming XPoSat mission.

ISRO’s Ambitious Plans After Moon and Sun Missions: Launching XPoSat

Conclusion: ISRO’s relentless pursuit of scientific exploration in space showcases its dedication to pushing boundaries and contributing to humanity’s understanding of the universe. The XPoSat mission is another testament to ISRO’s commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation.

Italy, the sole G7 nation participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is reportedly considering a withdrawal from the deal, posing a significant setback to China’s efforts to revitalize its post-Covid economy.

Italy’s Concerns with the BRI Deal

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, expressed reservations about the BRI deal, stating that it “has failed to meet Italian expectations” ahead of his visit to Beijing. The BRI deal is set to renew automatically in March 2024 unless Italy opts for withdrawal by the end of this year.

Tajani highlighted the disparity in Italian exports to China compared to France and Germany. Italy’s 2022 exports to China amounted to €16.5 billion ($17.8 billion), significantly lower than France’s €23 billion and Germany’s €107 billion.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticized Italy’s participation in the BRI, referring to it as an “improvised and atrocious act.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also labeled the deal a “big mistake” that she intends to rectify.

Potential Impact on China and Xi Jinping

Italy’s withdrawal from the BRI would be a major setback for China’s ambitions in Europe and a source of embarrassment for Chinese President Xi Jinping. The BRI, one of the world’s most extensive infrastructure initiatives, is central to Xi’s foreign policy, involving substantial investments in ports, railways, and airports to bolster trade connections between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Italy’s decision to join the BRI in 2019 had irked the US and Europe, signifying a diplomatic victory for Xi. Exiting the BRI on its 10th anniversary would be a significant blow to Beijing. Chinese authorities have criticized those who have “hyped up and politicized” Rome’s BRI membership.

The withdrawal reflects broader trends in Europe as governments grow cautious of their economic reliance on China. While Rome may have been motivated to attract Chinese investments and expand its exports, the expected gains did not materialize substantially.

Italy Contemplating Withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Dealing Potential Blow to Beijing

The Withdrawal Process

It is speculated that the withdrawal has already been informally agreed upon with Chinese authorities. Prime Minister Meloni is expected to make an official announcement during her state visit to Beijing, slated for mid-October. However, the Italian parliament will ultimately decide on the matter.

China’s Relations with Europe

Italy Contemplating Withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Dealing Potential Blow to Beijing

Over the past decade, two-thirds of European Union members, primarily in Eastern Europe, have joined the BRI. However, the economic dividends promised by the initiative have not materialized as anticipated, leading many nations to reconsider their participation. European countries are increasingly viewing China as a competitor and challenge, rather than merely an economic opportunity.

Furthermore, China’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine has prompted European governments, including Italy, to reevaluate their perceptions of China.

Italy Contemplating Withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Dealing Potential Blow to Beijing

Italy’s potential withdrawal from the BRI marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Europe and China.

[Note: The article has been restructured for clarity and coherence.]

Andrey Melnichenko, one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals, has expressed his isolation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following his sanctions-induced exile from Russia. In a comprehensive interview with the Financial Times, he lamented the personal repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and acknowledged the existence of “war crimes on both sides” in the conflict.

Melnichenko was subjected to sanctions in March of the previous year, subsequent to his attendance at a roundtable event hosted by Vladimir Putin, where Russian business figures were present. The coal and fertilizer magnate claimed to have learned of his sanctioning through news reports and emphasized his non-involvement in politics, stating, “I don’t produce weapons for war; I provide food for people and energy for power stations worldwide. I do not advocate for war.”

Melnichenko relocated his $300 million Motor Yacht A to the UAE in the previous year. However, his $578 million Sailing Yacht A was confiscated by Italian authorities shortly after he was subjected to sanctions.

Forbes reported that his net worth more than doubled to approximately $25 billion following the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on Russia, as fertilizer prices surged.

Sanctions have dramatically altered the lives of several influential Russian billionaires who previously spent significant time in Western countries. For instance, former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich was compelled to sell the club and currently resides in Israel.

Oligarchs collectively saw their net worth decrease by $95 billion last year, according to an analysis by The Guardian based on Bloomberg Billionaires Index data.

Just last week, the FT revealed that tech billionaire Arkady Volozh had appealed sanctions imposed on him by the EU shortly after publicly criticizing the war. Similarly, Oleg Tinkov successfully had UK sanctions against him lifted after condemning Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and securing the support of British business magnate Richard Branson.

Enrique Negreira, formerly vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), has become embroiled in a controversy involving Barcelona. The club made 33 payments to a company owned by Negreira between 2001 and 2018. Barcelona faces corruption charges and is determined to clear its name in court.

Recent developments, as reported by El Mundo, reveal that the Civil Guard has determined that refereeing in Spain was “not impartial” while Negreira held his position. Additionally, Barcelona has not disclosed the identities of the professionals involved in Negreira’s company’s services and has failed to provide copies of videos, documents, or reports detailing specific advisory work.

Police Conclude Lack of Impartiality in Spanish Officiating During Enrique Negreira’s Tenure amid Barcelona Accusations

The Civil Guard disputes allegations that Barcelona paid over €8 million (£7 million/$8.6 million) to Negreira, deeming them false. The police’s findings have been forwarded to Spanish courts, leaving Barcelona awaiting further developments in the case.

The outcome of this case remains uncertain, and Barcelona continues to grapple with its legal implications.

“Singapore’s Contested Presidential Election Amid Rare Political Scandals”

Singaporeans have cast their votes in the city-state’s first contested presidential election in over a decade. The president’s role in Singapore is primarily ceremonial, with limited powers and influence over public affairs. However, the election’s outcome may serve as an indicator of public sentiment towards the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) following recent political scandals involving Members of Parliament (MPs).

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a leading candidate, was a veteran minister of the PAP, having served as deputy prime minister and finance minister. The 66-year-old economist resigned from the PAP in June to run in the presidential election.

The PAP, led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, experienced a decline in electoral performance in 2020 but still maintained a two-thirds majority in parliament. This year, the party’s reputation was tarnished by a series of unusual political scandals, including the arrest of a senior minister in a corruption probe and the resignation of two lawmakers over an extramarital affair.

Voters at polling stations expressed that these scandals could influence their decisions. Some saw the election as a way to express their feelings about the PAP, while others voted for their preferred candidate. The sentiment among voters appeared to be split, with some stating that awareness about the president’s role had increased.

The president’s role includes safeguarding Singapore’s substantial financial reserves, requiring candidates to have civil service or corporate experience. Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the frontrunner in the election, which marks the first contested presidential race in over a decade, as the outgoing President Halimah Yacob chose not to seek a second six-year term.

“Singapore’s Contested Presidential Election Amid Rare Political Scandals”

Other candidates in the race include Tan Kin Lian, a 75-year-old former insurance executive criticized for past social media posts about women and Indians, and Ng Kok Song, a former wealth fund investment officer.

The candidates’ ethnic backgrounds have also been a topic of discussion, as Singapore is a multicultural but predominantly Chinese city-state. Some have noted that Tharman Shanmugaratnam could become the first non-Chinese president elected by voters.

However, some voters emphasized that race was not a decisive factor. They believed that the focus should be on selecting the best candidate, as Singapore had made significant progress in moving past racial considerations over time.

Additionally, concerns have arisen among voters about the stringent eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. Candidates must have served as senior civil servants or as the chief executive of a public company with a value of at least SGD 500 million.

Voting is mandatory for Singapore’s 2.7 million eligible citizens.

Why is it so often that problems seem to get worse just when they ought to be getting better?

Or in a French-African context, how come President Emmanuel Macron is surveying the tatters of French policy – coups in four Francophone states – just when he thought he had turned his back on all the wicked post-colonialism of the old days?

No-one disputes that there was indeed a long period – roughly corresponding to the Cold War – when France used a certain amount of skulduggery and military muscle to further its interests in La Françafrique.

But no-one can dismiss, either, the fact that for the last quarter-century the message from Paris has been that those days – officially at least – are over.

Gone the automatic request for French soldiers to back up a teetering autocrat; gone the millions in backhanders that helped finance French political parties.

Instead today’s buzzwords are “democratisation”, “empowerment”, “co-operation”, and “engagement with the young”. According to an official at the Élysée Palace: “It’s been a very long time since we had our men in presidential palaces.”

Maybe it would be naive to pretend that all is above board, and that there aren’t still nefarious pressures and sweeteners passing back and forth between Paris and francophone capitals.

But surely it is also a wild exaggeration to claim that French influence is anything like it used to be.

To take the case of Gabon – often seen as the emblem of corrupt post-colonialism – it is certainly true that deposed President Ali Bongo’s father Omar Bongo was regarded condescendingly as “one of ours” by successive French presidents, and benefited accordingly, as did they.

Macron looks on as France’s Africa policy crumbles

But if French reach is still so great, how is it that Ali Bongo made moves to pull Gabon out of the Francosphere to the point of actually joining the Commonwealth last year?

• Gabon’s unexpected new strongman
• Why young Africans are celebrating military takeovers
• Is France to blame for coups in West Africa?

The Bongos’ amassment of wealth – and its secretion in Paris – was no doubt legendary. But was it not the action of French anti-corruption judges, unimpeded by politicians, that led to its exposure and to criminal proceedings against members of the Bongo family, arguably pushing Ali into the arms of the Anglos?

And if Paris still has pull over neighbouring Cameroon, how come its leader Paul Biya recently attended the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, smiling alongside Vladimir Putin?

The fact is – according to journalist Amaury Coutansais, author of Macron’s African Trap – that France is living through a “historical anachronism”, in which it is attributed powers that simply do not exist any more.

“Africa has been globalising,” he says. “These days African presidents have the whole world in their waiting-rooms: Turks, Russians, Israel, even allies of France like Germany and the United States.”

“Oppositions in Africa imagine that France is still all-powerful. In reality, while France was doing all the dirty police work, its rivals were sweeping up the contracts.”

Macron looks on as France’s Africa policy crumbles

So to return to the original question: if French influence is on the wane in Africa, how come it is now that we are seeing the fiercest backlash against it?

Surely it would have been more appropriate when former President Charles De Gaulle’s Monsieur Afrique, Jacques Foccart, really was arranging coups d’état in the 1960s and beyond, and when bags of dirty money really were transiting to Le Bourget airport near Paris.

The answer comes in two parts.

First, there is some deep-rooted psychological reason why, in all sorts of areas, the perception of a problem’s seriousness grows in proportion to its apparent amelioration. There’s probably a law somewhere that describes the process.

When people are deeply buried in an injustice or discrimination, they find it hard to see the bigger picture. Small improvements are all that can be expected and are welcomed. Only when people begin to imagine a full emancipation, do they perceive the full extent of their subjection. And they get angrier.

That’s one theory. France’s colonial presence in the Sahel and Central Africa was so entrenched that it was bound to provoke an increased sense of outrage among today’s more self-confident generations. As Coutansais says: “Everything passes – except the past.”

The second explanation does not contradict the first, but acts as a complement.

This is that the French are not wrong in seeing outside hands at work.

Macron looks on as France’s Africa policy crumbles

In a speech to French ambassadors on Monday, President Macron described the “baroque alliance between self-proclaimed pan-Africans and neo-imperialists” which he said had provoked the recent “epidemic of putsches” in French-speaking Africa, referring to Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.

In President Macron’s eyes, the “neo-imperialists” are Russia and China, which he believes have dripped poison words into the over-eager minds of wannabe putschists, and hypocritically stirred up old arguments over sovereignty and colonial exploitation.

For him, France is in the Sahel not for the sake of overpowering its former colonies, but “because there is a terrorist threat, and sovereign states asked us to help”.

To believe otherwise, he said on Monday, was to live in a “world gone mad”.

Quite evidently, though, many people do prefer the conspiracy theory, which is why, just when things should be getting better – they are getting worse.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly recently wrapped up his one-day visit to China, leaving many MPs and observers pondering the purpose of his trip. As the UK’s relations with China have deteriorated over recent years due to concerns over Hong Kong, Uyghur rights, authoritarianism, and military maneuvers around Taiwan, the question arises: why the visit now?

Some MPs, including Tim Loughton and former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, believe that economic considerations are at the forefront of this policy shift. They argue that Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Chancellor, may view normalizing relations with China as an economic necessity.

However, critics, such as Alicia Kearns, Chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, stress the importance of national security over economic gains. Kearns suggests that deepening economic ties with China could compromise the UK’s national security, especially if it becomes dependent on Chinese goods like solar panels and batteries for electric vehicles, giving Beijing leverage.

Another concern is the embedded computer chips in products like cars and domestic appliances, which are often made in China and could be exploited to harvest personal data. Kearns warns that China’s goal is to make countries reliant on its products to gain influence globally.

During his visit, James Cleverly emphasized security concerns over economic interests, but some Conservative MPs argue that he was not specific about his aims, making it difficult to gauge the trip’s success. Labour also called for “tangible diplomatic wins” during the visit.

The UK’s new policy shift towards engagement with China aligns with its broader strategy to “protect, align, and engage.” This approach seeks to protect the UK from threats, align with partners like the AUKUS pact, and engage with China to foster open and constructive relations. Cleverly highlighted the importance of a “pragmatic, sensible working relationship with China” to address global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, pandemics, and wildlife poaching.

However, critics argue that human rights concerns are taking a back seat in this policy shift. They point out that the UK has not imposed sanctions on Chinese officials, unlike the US, which has sanctioned ten individuals. Some believe that the UK’s approach may be perceived as “soft” by China, urging British officials to learn from history and assert their principles more assertively.

In summary, the UK’s pivot towards engagement with China is seen by some as a response to economic considerations, while others emphasize the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes national security and human rights alongside economic interests. The success of this policy shift will be measured by tangible diplomatic outcomes and the UK’s ability to assert its principles effectively.

In a significant setback for Thailand’s democratic prospects, the sole nominee for the position of the next prime minister failed to secure enough parliamentary votes to form a government on Thursday. This development raises concerns about the future of democracy in Thailand after nearly a decade of turbulent military-backed rule.

The parliamentary vote held great importance for Thailand, as members of the bicameral National Assembly were tasked with choosing the country’s next prime minister. It was anticipated to reveal whether the ruling establishment would respect the choice of the people, who had overwhelmingly supported progressive opposition parties in the May election.

In a surprising election outcome, the newly formed Move Forward party emerged as the winner, securing the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote. This victory was a reflection of the mounting frustration with the kingdom’s governance that had been building for years.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party and the prime ministerial candidate, garnered only 324 votes out of the required 376 for a majority in both the upper and lower houses. As a result, the House Speaker is set to call for another round of voting at a later date.

The Move Forward party had made ambitious commitments to implement profound structural reforms in the Southeast Asian country, home to more than 70 million people. These reforms encompassed changes to the military, the economy, the decentralization of power, and even revisions to the previously untouchable monarchy.

Following the vote, Pita Limjaroenrat addressed reporters outside parliament, expressing his acceptance of the outcome while emphasizing the party’s determination to uphold its promises to the people. He made particular reference to the party’s audacious campaign pledge to amend Thailand’s stringent lese majeste law, despite the sensitivity surrounding discussions about the royal family.

Lese majeste is covered under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, making it a criminal offense to criticize the King, Queen, or heir-apparent, with convictions carrying severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison. Remarkably, anyone, even if unrelated to the alleged offense, can file a case related to lese majeste.

The topic of royal reform is exceptionally delicate, leading several senators and conservative parties to oppose Pita’s candidacy. Senator Seri Suwannapanon, prior to the vote, stated, “He is not suitable to become a prime minister of Thailand. First, the Move Forward Party has a policy of amending and abolishing Section 112. Secondly, after the Election Commission forwarded the case to the court to examine his eligibility, it has been proven at a certain level that he is not qualified.”

Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha echoed these sentiments outside parliament, stating that he would not vote for Pita because of the party’s alleged interference with independent agencies, the military, the police, and Section 112.

Please Rearrange This Article Thailand’s opposition won a landslide in elections. But will the military elite let them rule? Analysis by Helen Regan, CNN Updated 2:44 AM EDT, Tue May 16, 2023 Hear from supporters of winning party in Thailand’s election 02:40 – Source: CNN chinese dissident jet ski See jet ski suspected dissident rode to flee China 00:30 Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat (C) leaves the party’s headquarters as votes continue to be counted, during Thailand’s general election in Bangkok on May 14, 2023. Hear from supporters of winning party in Thailand’s election 02:40 david mckenzie joburg CNN on scene of deadly Johannesburg fire 01:47 BUNOL, SPAIN – AUGUST 30: Revellers pose for photographers as they arrive at the town hall square in the back of a lorry containing tomatoes during the annual Tomatina festival on August 30, 2023 in Bunol, Spain. Spain’s tomato throwing party in the streets of Bunol, Valencia brings together almost 20,000 people, with some 150,000 kilos of tomatoes thrown each year, this year with a backdrop of high food prices affected by Spain’s historic drought. (Photo by Zowy Voeten/Getty Images) Thousands swarm city’s streets for massive food fight 00:41 mexican drug seize 01 Mexican navy seizes more than 9,000 pounds of cocaine in high-speed boat chases 00:30 prigozhin funeral site See Prigozhin’s heavily guarded burial site 03:31 Russian state-controlled media released a video of Whelen inside prison. Reporter points out key moment in rare video of Paul Whelan 01:32 05 india Chandrayaan 3 lunar landing 0823 rendering SCREENSHOT See moment India becomes 4th country to land on the moon 01:24 melbourne debris 1 See burning space debris light up Melbourne’s night sky 00:37 screegrab blackswan This K-pop band has no Korean members. Hear why they think they will break through 02:37 screengrab india viral video classroom Viral video of a teacher asking students to slap a fellow classmate sparks outrage 01:30 pakistan cable car thumb 2 New drone video shows harrowing Pakistan cable car ordeal 00:40 canada fire tornado_thumb1 ‘Incredibly rare phenomenon’ forms in Canada wildfires 00:41 baby gorilla orig thumb 2 See gorilla make heartwarming breakthrough with new mom after fighting to stay alive 00:50 Rare deep sea fish Deep sea fish spotted by divers swimming off Taiwan coast 00:41 screengrab eleni giokos CNN on the ground as Greece battles raging wildfires 01:51 chinese dissident jet ski See jet ski suspected dissident rode to flee China 00:30 Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat (C) leaves the party’s headquarters as votes continue to be counted, during Thailand’s general election in Bangkok on May 14, 2023. Hear from supporters of winning party in Thailand’s election 02:40 See More Videos CNN — Thai voters delivered a powerful message to the country’s military-backed government on Sunday: you do not have the will of the people to rule. The progressive Move Forward Party, which gained a huge following among young Thais for its reformist platform, won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote. Pheu Thai, the main opposition party that has been a populist force in Thailand for 20 years, came second. Together they delivered a crushing blow to the conservative, military-backed establishment that has ruled on and off for decades, often by turfing out popularly elected governments in coups. “This is an unmistakable frontal rebuke, a rejection of Thailand’s military authoritarian past. It’s a rejection of military dominance in politics,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University. Over the last two decades, each time Thais have been allowed to vote, they have done so overwhelmingly in support of the military’s political opponents. Sunday’s vote – which saw a record turnout – was a continuation of that tradition. But despite winning a landslide, it is far from certain who will be the next leader. Supporters of the Move Forward Party react as they watch results come in at the party headquarters in Bangkok on May 14, after polls closed in Thailand’s general election. Supporters of the Move Forward Party react as they watch results come in at the party headquarters in Bangkok on May 14, after polls closed in Thailand’s general election. Jack Taylor/AFP/Getty Images That’s because the military junta that last seized power in 2014 rewrote the constitution to ensure they maintain a huge say in who can lead, whether or not they win the popular vote. Neither opposition party won an outright majority of 376 seats needed to form a government outright, they will need to strike deals and wrangle support from other parties to form a coalition big enough to ensure victory. But that won’t necessarily be straightforward. Dangerous territory The first thing to know is that any opposition party or coalition hoping to form a government must overcome the powerful voting bloc of the senate. Under the junta-era constitution, Thailand’s unelected 250-seat senate is chosen entirely by the military and has previously voted for a pro-military candidate. Because a party needs a majority of the combined houses – 750 seats – to elect a prime minister, it means opposition parties need almost three times as many votes in the lower house to be able to elect the next leader and form a government. In 2019, coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha won the senate votes which ensured his party’s coalition gained enough seats to elect him as prime minister, despite Pheu Thai being the largest party. There are also other threats to the progressive movement’s win. Parties that have previously pushed for change have run afoul of the powerful conservative establishment – a nexus of the military, monarchy and influential elites. Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, attends a press conference following the general election, at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 15. Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, attends a press conference following the general election, at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 15. Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters Lawmakers have faced bans, parties have been dissolved, and governments have been overthrown. Thailand has witnessed a dozen successful coups since 1932, including two in the past 17 years. And the purportedly independent election commission, anti-corruption commission and the constitutional court are all dominated in favor of the establishment. In the progressive camp’s favor, however, is their large margin over the military-backed parties. “If the results were murky, or if the pro-military parties got more, then we would be looking at manipulation, trying to shave the margins. But the results are so clear and very difficult to overturn now,” said Thitinan, adding that if there were attempts to subvert the vote, there would be public anger and protests. Move Forward’s predecessor the Future Forward Party won the third most seats in the 2019 election. Shortly afterward, several of the party’s leaders were banned from politics and the party was later dissolved after a court ruled it violated electoral finance rules. In the short term, that decision ended the threat from the Future Forward Party. But it also, in many ways, laid the foundation for Sunday’s historic vote. Youth-led protests erupted across Thailand in 2020 after Future Forward was dissolved and a whole new generation of young political leaders were born, some of whom were willing to debate a previously taboo topic – royal reform. Those calls electrified Thailand, where any frank discussion of the monarchy is fraught with the threat of prison under one of the strictest lese majeste laws in the world. Many youth leaders were jailed or face ongoing prosecution linked to those protests. But some also went on to create the Move Forward party that swept to victory in the popular vote on Sunday. That leaves the military establishment now locked in a political battle with a party that has kept the subject of royal reform on its manifesto. Experts have said another coup would be costly, and dissolving a party with such a mandate would be “drastic.” “Dissolving a party is a fairly drastic move. If there’s a way of keeping Move Forward out without dissolving them, then conservative politicians would probably prefer to do that. Because it’s not as strong a step in subverting the will that people have expressed,” said Susannah Patton, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute. “But you can’t rule that out.” See why Thailand’s ex-coup leader is showing a softer side ahead of election 02:58 – Source: CNN Vote for change cannot be ignored Move Forward’s allure went beyond the youth vote on which it built its base. Unofficial results showed the party captured 32 out of 33 seats in Bangkok – traditionally a stronghold for conservative parties. “What this shows is that people who are living in urban areas are really fed up with the government that the military has provided for almost a decade,” said Patton. “They are wanting to choose something different, and Move Forward is not just the youth party but actually can attract a wider cross section of support as well.” Move Forward’s radical agenda includes reforming the military, getting rid of the draft, reducing the military’s budget, making it more transparent and accountable, as well as constitutional change and to bring the military and monarchy within the constitution. The party’s win over the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai is also significant. This is the first time a party linked with ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost an election since 2001. And Pheu Thai’s marginal defeat to Move Forward shows voters’ frustration with the old cycle of politics that pitted populist Thaksin-linked parties against the establishment. Move Forward Party supporters react to a speech from Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, during a campaign rally in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Thailand’s Move Forward Party, which is surging in opinion polls ahead of the May 14 election, wants to reclaim the lost decade of military-backed rule with sweeping reforms to revitalize Southeast Asias second-largest economy. Photographer: Andre Malerba/Bloomberg Thailand’s young voters spearhead ‘earth-shaking’ calls for change in military dominated kingdom Thailand’s “two party system was already breaking down in 2019, but it’s continuing to break down this election,” said Patton. In a press conference on Monday, Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said the party would go forward with plans to amend the country’s strict lese majeste laws – a key campaign pledge despite the taboo surrounding any discussion of the royal family in Thailand. One of his priorities is to support young people facing jail terms on lese majeste charges, and Pita warned that if the law remains as it is, the relationship between the Thai people and the monarchy will only worsen. His policies “strike at heart of the establishment,” said Thitinan, and even talking about the monarchy openly “is an affront to the palace.” The Move Forward leader said Monday that he wants to form an alliance with the four other opposition parties to secure a majority in the lower house. It could take 60 days before a prime ministerial candidate is endorsed by Thailand’s combined houses of parliament, but Sunday’s vote shows the people are ready for change. However, if Thailand’s turbulent recent history is anything to go by, that could mean little. The military has shown in the past that it has few qualms about ignoring the popular vote.ChatGPT

Title: “Thai Democracy Faces Uncertainty After Landslide Election Win for Opposition”

By Helen Regan, CNN Updated on May 16, 2023, at 2:44 AM EDT

Thai voters have sent a powerful message to the country’s military-backed government: they do not have the mandate to rule. In a remarkable turn of events, the progressive Move Forward Party, known for its reformist agenda, secured the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in Thailand’s recent elections. Pheu Thai, a long-standing populist opposition party, came in second place. Together, they dealt a significant blow to the conservative, military-backed establishment that has frequently ousted democratically elected governments through coups.

“This is an unmistakable frontal rebuke, a rejection of Thailand’s military authoritarian past. It’s a rejection of military dominance in politics,” commented Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist from Chulalongkorn University. Over the past two decades, whenever Thais have had the opportunity to vote, they have overwhelmingly supported political opponents of the military. The recent vote, marked by record turnout, continues this trend.

Despite their electoral victory, it remains uncertain who will lead Thailand next. The military junta that seized power in 2014 revised the constitution to ensure a significant say in selecting the country’s leader, regardless of the election outcome. Neither opposition party achieved an outright majority of 376 seats required to form a government. Instead, they must navigate the challenge of forming coalitions with other parties to secure victory.

The first obstacle to forming a government is the powerful voting bloc of the senate, whose 250 seats are handpicked by the military under the junta-era constitution. Opposition parties require nearly three times as many votes in the lower house to elect the next leader and form a government due to this constitutional setup. In 2019, coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha secured the senate votes, enabling his coalition to elect him as prime minister, despite Pheu Thai being the largest party.

Moreover, the progressive movement faces other threats, as parties advocating for change have previously clashed with the influential conservative establishment, comprising the military, monarchy, and elites. In Thailand’s history, a dozen successful coups have occurred since 1932, including two in the past 17 years. Key institutions such as the election commission, anti-corruption commission, and the constitutional court are believed to lean in favor of the establishment.

Nevertheless, the progressive camp holds a substantial lead over military-backed parties. If attempts are made to undermine the vote, public anger and protests are expected. The dissolution of a party with such a mandate would be a drastic measure, but it cannot be ruled out.

The victory of the Move Forward Party transcends the youth vote that initially formed its base. Unofficial results indicate that the party secured 32 out of 33 seats in Bangkok, traditionally a conservative stronghold. This outcome reflects urban residents’ frustration with the military’s governance over the past decade.

Move Forward’s ambitious agenda includes military reform, ending the draft, budget transparency, constitutional changes, and incorporating the military and monarchy within the constitution. Their win against Pheu Thai marks the first time a party linked to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost an election since 2001.

The Move Forward leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, intends to address Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, a key campaign promise despite the taboo surrounding royal family discussions. He aims to support young individuals facing lese majeste charges, emphasizing that retaining the existing law will deteriorate the Thai people’s relationship with the monarchy.

Pita seeks an alliance with four other opposition parties to secure a majority in the lower house. While it may take up to 60 days before a prime ministerial candidate is endorsed by Thailand’s combined houses of parliament, the recent vote demonstrates the public’s readiness for change. However, given Thailand’s turbulent political history, the military’s willingness to disregard the popular vote remains a lingering concern.

By Helen Regan and Kocha Olarn, CNN Updated on July 13, 2023, at 10:46 PM EDT

In a significant setback for Thailand’s democratic prospects, the sole nominee for the position of the next prime minister failed to secure enough parliamentary votes to form a government on Thursday. This development raises concerns about the future of democracy in Thailand after nearly a decade of turbulent military-backed rule.

The parliamentary vote held great importance for Thailand, as members of the bicameral National Assembly were tasked with choosing the country’s next prime minister. It was anticipated to reveal whether the ruling establishment would respect the choice of the people, who had overwhelmingly supported progressive opposition parties in the May election.

In a surprising election outcome, the newly formed Move Forward party emerged as the winner, securing the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote. This victory was a reflection of the mounting frustration with the kingdom’s governance that had been building for years.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party and the prime ministerial candidate, garnered only 324 votes out of the required 376 for a majority in both the upper and lower houses. As a result, the House Speaker is set to call for another round of voting at a later date.

The Move Forward party had made ambitious commitments to implement profound structural reforms in the Southeast Asian country, home to more than 70 million people. These reforms encompassed changes to the military, the economy, the decentralization of power, and even revisions to the previously untouchable monarchy.

Following the vote, Pita Limjaroenrat addressed reporters outside parliament, expressing his acceptance of the outcome while emphasizing the party’s determination to uphold its promises to the people. He made particular reference to the party’s audacious campaign pledge to amend Thailand’s stringent lese majeste law, despite the sensitivity surrounding discussions about the royal family.

Lese majeste is covered under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, making it a criminal offense to criticize the King, Queen, or heir-apparent, with convictions carrying severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison. Remarkably, anyone, even if unrelated to the alleged offense, can file a case related to lese majeste.

The topic of royal reform is exceptionally delicate, leading several senators and conservative parties to oppose Pita’s candidacy. Senator Seri Suwannapanon, prior to the vote, stated, “He is not suitable to become a prime minister of Thailand. First, the Move Forward Party has a policy of amending and abolishing Section 112. Secondly, after the Election Commission forwarded the case to the court to examine his eligibility, it has been proven at a certain level that he is not qualified.”

Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha echoed these sentiments outside parliament, stating that he would not vote for Pita because of the party’s alleged interference with independent agencies, the military, the police, and Section 112.

In a surprising twist to a long-running political saga, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reduced the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from eight years to just one year.

Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics and the head of a renowned political dynasty, made a dramatic return to Thailand last week after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile. His request for a royal pardon was confirmed by the country’s outgoing justice minister.

On Friday, a statement published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette announced that King Maha Vajiralongkorn had granted Thaksin’s request, reducing his sentence to a single year. The statement cited the king’s “graciousness” and took into consideration Thaksin’s service to the country, his loyalty to the monarchy, and his expression of remorse for past actions.

The statement read, “He used to hold a position as the prime minister of Thailand who served the country, and his works benefited the people and the country. He holds his loyalty to the monarchy. And when he was charged and convicted by the court to the mentioned imprisonment sentence, with his respect in the justice system, he confessed and regretted his acts.”

It was also noted that Thaksin, who is now 74 years old, was willing to serve the sentence despite his age and health issues that required treatment by specialist doctors.

The statement did not specify the exact date when Thaksin submitted his plea for a royal pardon. However, the king’s command was dated August 31 and was signed by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief who had previously led a coup against an elected government that was once headed by Thaksin’s sister.

Thaksin Shinawatra served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 until his ousting in a military coup in 2006. He briefly returned to Thailand in 2008 but fled the country after being convicted of corruption.

Upon his recent return to Thailand on August 22, Thaksin was immediately taken into custody and subsequently sentenced by the Supreme Court to eight years in prison for charges including conflict of interest, abuse of power, and corruption during his tenure in office. Notably, these charges were levied against him in absentia during his period of exile.

Outgoing Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed that he had received Thaksin’s letter requesting a royal pardon from King Vajiralongkorn. Wissanu, a seasoned figure in Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, indicated that the request would be processed following established procedures, ultimately resting on the king’s discretion.

Following his return to Thailand, Thaksin was initially placed in prison but was swiftly transferred to a hospital due to health concerns, including chest tightness, high blood pressure, and low oxygen levels. The Thai Corrections Department stated that his underlying heart condition necessitated specialized medical care, which could not be adequately provided in a prison hospital.

Dubai, the city that defies global housing market trends, has witnessed a remarkable surge in luxury home sales over the past two years. High-profile transactions involving opulent mansions and multi-story penthouses have become regular headlines. At the zenith of Dubai’s glamorous real estate, a truly palatial megamansion stands tall, capturing the essence of opulence. In this article, we take you on a virtual tour of this extraordinary property, which currently holds the title of the city’s most expensive home, with an asking price of AED 750 million, equivalent to over US$200 million.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Palace of Versailles in France, this megamansion is a testament to grandeur. It required the expertise of approximately 70 artisans to meticulously apply copious amounts of gold leaf to the intricate molding that adorns its extravagant interiors, as revealed by Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty, the listing agency responsible for this masterpiece. However, the opulence doesn’t stop there.

As you step inside, you’ll find elements of gold even in unexpected places – a gold-laden hot tub, two pristine pools, and a captivating wall-sized aquarium gracing the dining room. These are just a glimpse of the lavish amenities that this megamansion offers.

Managing editor Beckie Strum takes you on a journey through this magnificent residence in Mansion Global’s latest YouTube episode. Here, you can see for yourself the grandeur and luxury that define Dubai’s real estate landscape. The megamansion is not just a home; it’s a statement of prestige and extravagance.

In a city that continuously pushes the boundaries of luxury living, this megamansion stands as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to opulence and grandeur. For those who seek the epitome of luxury in real estate, this palatial gem shines as a beacon of distinction.

If you’re interested in exploring more dream amenities, record-breaking homes, and gaining further insights into the luxury real estate market, head over to Mansion Global’s YouTube channel and subscribe. Dubai’s most extravagant properties are just the beginning of what awaits you in this world of opulence.

Tami Manis now boasts the longest female mullet globally, officially embracing “business at the front and a party in the back.” Her mullet measures a staggering 5 feet 8 inches, which is nearly 173 centimeters, and has been certified as the world’s longest female mullet by Guinness World Records.

According to Guinness World Records, Tami Manis, who is 58 years old, last cut the back of her hair on February 9, 1990.

In a video posted by Guinness World Records on Thursday, Manis humorously shared her experience, saying, “A lot of people just notice it when I turn around, so most of the time it’s like they don’t realize how long my hair is until they look at the backside.”

Manis recalled the origins of her mullet, saying, “It was the eighties and everybody had a rat tail.” She explained that her inspiration to grow a mullet stemmed from watching Til Tuesday’s music video “Voices Carry,” where a girl had a rat tail, and she really wanted one.

Despite initially cutting off her mullet in November 1989, Manis immediately regretted it and decided to grow it out again the following year. Since then, she has never looked back.

Manis, who hails from Knoxville, Tennessee, typically keeps her mullet braided. When riding her motorbike, she simply “tucks the tail” into her pocket. A friend braids Manis’ hair once a week, and the mullet remains in that state until she washes it again and dries it with paper towels “because otherwise it would stay wet most of the time,” she explained.

While mullets are commonly associated with the 1980s, they have a history dating back centuries. Even the Greek poet Homer, writing in the “The Iliad” in the 8th century BC, references spearmen with “forelocks cropped, hair grown long at the backs.”

For Manis, her unique mullet has allowed people to recognize her, even from more than 20 years ago, and it has been a constant conversation starter among her friends and family.

Last year, she achieved the second position in the “Femullet” division of the 2022 US Mullet Championships and won the accompanying $300 prize. This experience encouraged her to apply for the Guinness World Record.

After a lengthy process, including filming her hair to showcase its remarkable length, Manis received a package on her front porch notifying her of the official record. She expressed her amazement, saying, “When I opened it, I thought, ‘this is amazing.’”

The Biggest Preseason Roster Cuts for All 32 NFL Teams

As the NFL preseason winds down, across the league, a series of uncomfortable meetings are underway. Head coaches and assistants are sitting down with fringe roster players, delivering news that’s sometimes positive, but more often than not, disappointing.

The impending deadline of Tuesday, 4 p.m. ET, looms large. It’s the cutoff point for teams to finalize their 53-man rosters, marking the end of the road for both rookies and seasoned veterans. The process involves condensing preseason depth charts from a substantial 90 players to a lean 53. Consequently, numerous players find themselves on the waiver wire as teams strive to assemble a championship-worthy lineup. For some, this leads to a nerve-wracking journey into free agency, while for others, it spells the conclusion of their NFL aspirations.

The Biggest Preseason Roster Cuts for All 32 NFL Teams

This compilation doesn’t aim to be a comprehensive list of every team’s cuts as they trim their rosters. Instead, it serves as a roundup of the most recognizable names – encompassing stars, starters, and valuable depth players – who are now heading towards unexpected free agency just ahead of Week 1. Spanning all 32 teams, let’s delve into the significant cuts, commencing with the Arizona Cardinals at the top of the alphabet. This list is continually updated as more names filter in before the Tuesday cutoff.

Arizona Cardinals

“Decoding Hurricane Idalia’s Potential Dangers: Assessing Forecasts and Scenarios”

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2023/08/30/idalia-strengthens-category-4-hurricane/8381435001/

Hurricane Idalia’s Landfall: A Mix of Feared and Avoided Scenarios

On Wednesday, Hurricane Idalia made an impactful landfall in Florida, ranking among the state’s most potent storms in history. While it manifested certain worst-case scenarios that emergency officials had long dreaded, it managed to sidestep others.

Initial Category and Landfall Dynamics

Initially projected to strike as a Category 4 hurricane, Idalia approached the coast during a full moon—a period of naturally elevated tides—and at a precarious angle that posed substantial risk to coastal areas.

However, despite momentarily attaining Category 4 status, Idalia’s wind speeds decreased to 125 mph, placing it within the parameters of a Category 3 hurricane when it ultimately reached the Big Bend region.

“Decoding Hurricane Idalia’s Potential Dangers: Assessing Forecasts and Scenarios”

“Decoding Hurricane Idalia’s Potential Dangers: Assessing Forecasts and Scenarios”

Shift in Pressure Dynamics

The National Hurricane Center’s predictions indicated Idalia’s potential for further intensification before landfall. Nonetheless, the storm’s barometric pressure exhibited a rapid increase on Wednesday morning—shifting from 940 millibars at 6 a.m. to 949 millibars at the 7:45 a.m. landfall. This change in pressure likely curbed the initially projected damage stemming from the storm’s formidable winds.

Critical Timing of Tides

The forecast had underscored the alarming possibility of a storm surge surpassing building heights, reaching up to 16 feet in the vulnerable Big Bend region if it coincided with high tide. Idalia’s landfall coincided with a full moon, intensifying the already elevated tide levels.

The gravitational pull of the moon during full and new moons enhances tidal fluctuations. Consequently, storm surges, which amplify the tide, pose a greater threat when they align with a full moon.

“Decoding Hurricane Idalia’s Potential Dangers: Assessing Forecasts and Scenarios”

Impacts of Idalia’s Path

As Idalia approached the coastline, the water pooled at its center was propelled towards the shore. This surge, encountering the upward incline of the ocean floor, surged over the land and into rivers. The Gulf of Mexico’s gently sloping continental shelf rendered the coastline more vulnerable than the steeper slopes and narrower shelf along the Atlantic coast. Additionally, the angle of the Big Bend amplified this effect.

Mitigation of Impact

Idalia’s landfall, however, transpired closer to low tide, mitigating the flooding to some extent. While the devastation remains severe across numerous areas, the situation isn’t as dire as it could have been had the surge coincided with high tide.

Subsequent High Tide and Warnings

Further high tides are anticipated in the vicinity of Idalia’s landfall, potentially amplifying the flooding. Beyond Florida, storm surge warnings stretch along the northeastern coast of Florida and extend through the Carolinas.

Vulnerability of the Northeast Gulf Coast

The unique underwater topography of the Gulf of Mexico’s Big Bend region places it at significant risk for storm surges. Its wide, shallow continental shelf enables the accumulation of water pushed by hurricanes, magnifying the surge.

Learning from History

Previous instances like Hurricane Dennis in 2005 showcased the “shelf wave” phenomenon, with trapped surges exacerbating damage along the coast. Hurricane Hermine in 2016 saw the Gulf surge more than seven feet above ground level in the same region.

Tampa Bay Area’s Vulnerability

The Tampa Bay area had long anticipated the threat of a colossal storm surge, and while Hurricane Ian’s arrival to the south in the previous year resulted in lowered water levels, Idalia brought a different outcome. St. Petersburg’s Tampa Bay gauge registered a sudden five-foot rise in water levels, with ongoing increases. Creeks, streams, and homes around the bay experienced flooding, and record flooding loomed along the Alafia River.

The Unpredictable Nature of Storms

As Hurricane Idalia’s complex impact unfolds, it’s evident that while certain fears materialized, the unpredictability of storm dynamics also played a role in shaping the actual outcomes. The battle against nature’s forces continues as communities grapple with the aftermath of this powerful storm.

Hurricane Idalia’s Landfall: A Mix of Feared and Avoided Scenarios

On Wednesday, Hurricane Idalia made an impactful landfall in Florida, ranking among the state’s most potent storms in history. While it manifested certain worst-case scenarios that emergency officials had long dreaded, it managed to sidestep others.

Initial Category and Landfall Dynamics

Initially projected to strike as a Category 4 hurricane, Idalia approached the coast during a full moon—a period of naturally elevated tides—and at a precarious angle that posed substantial risk to coastal areas.

However, despite momentarily attaining Category 4 status, Idalia’s wind speeds decreased to 125 mph, placing it within the parameters of a Category 3 hurricane when it ultimately reached the Big Bend region.

Shift in Pressure Dynamics

The National Hurricane Center’s predictions indicated Idalia’s potential for further intensification before landfall. Nonetheless, the storm’s barometric pressure exhibited a rapid increase on Wednesday morning—shifting from 940 millibars at 6 a.m. to 949 millibars at the 7:45 a.m. landfall. This change in pressure likely curbed the initially projected damage stemming from the storm’s formidable winds.

Critical Timing of Tides

The forecast had underscored the alarming possibility of a storm surge surpassing building heights, reaching up to 16 feet in the vulnerable Big Bend region if it coincided with high tide. Idalia’s landfall coincided with a full moon, intensifying the already elevated tide levels.

The gravitational pull of the moon during full and new moons enhances tidal fluctuations. Consequently, storm surges, which amplify the tide, pose a greater threat when they align with a full moon.

Impacts of Idalia’s Path

As Idalia approached the coastline, the water pooled at its center was propelled towards the shore. This surge, encountering the upward incline of the ocean floor, surged over the land and into rivers. The Gulf of Mexico’s gently sloping continental shelf rendered the coastline more vulnerable than the steeper slopes and narrower shelf along the Atlantic coast. Additionally, the angle of the Big Bend amplified this effect.

Mitigation of Impact

Idalia’s landfall, however, transpired closer to low tide, mitigating the flooding to some extent. While the devastation remains severe across numerous areas, the situation isn’t as dire as it could have been had the surge coincided with high tide.

Subsequent High Tide and Warnings

Further high tides are anticipated in the vicinity of Idalia’s landfall, potentially amplifying the flooding. Beyond Florida, storm surge warnings stretch along the northeastern coast of Florida and extend through the Carolinas.

Vulnerability of the Northeast Gulf Coast

The unique underwater topography of the Gulf of Mexico’s Big Bend region places it at significant risk for storm surges. Its wide, shallow continental shelf enables the accumulation of water pushed by hurricanes, magnifying the surge.

Learning from History

Previous instances like Hurricane Dennis in 2005 showcased the “shelf wave” phenomenon, with trapped surges exacerbating damage along the coast. Hurricane Hermine in 2016 saw the Gulf surge more than seven feet above ground level in the same region.

Tampa Bay Area’s Vulnerability

The Tampa Bay area had long anticipated the threat of a colossal storm surge, and while Hurricane Ian’s arrival to the south in the previous year resulted in lowered water levels, Idalia brought a different outcome. St. Petersburg’s Tampa Bay gauge registered a sudden five-foot rise in water levels, with ongoing increases. Creeks, streams, and homes around the bay experienced flooding, and record flooding loomed along the Alafia River.

The Unpredictable Nature of Storms

As Hurricane Idalia’s complex impact unfolds, it’s evident that while certain fears materialized, the unpredictability of storm dynamics also played a role in shaping the actual outcomes. The battle against nature’s forces continues as communities grapple with the aftermath of this powerful storm.

Unraveling the Dynamic Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman: A Journey from Collaboration to Public Feud

Once united in co-founding OpenAI, Elon Musk and Sam Altman now find themselves entangled in a public exchange of criticisms. This narrative unveils the progression of their professional alliance and ensuing discord.

In a chronicle that spans years, Musk and Altman’s partnership was pivotal in establishing OpenAI, a venture intended to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI). However, the recent landscape has witnessed a shift in Musk’s stance, as he repeatedly voices his concerns about the company he once helped establish.

Acknowledging Musk’s critiques, Sam Altman, the current CEO of OpenAI, has not refrained from expressing his thoughts about the Tesla CEO. Altman’s reference to Musk as a “jerk” comes with the acknowledgment that Musk genuinely holds apprehensions about the risks posed by AI, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of their interactions.

Unraveling the Dynamic Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman: A Journey from Collaboration to Public Feud

The complexities of their journey are evident upon revisiting their shared history. Musk’s initial involvement in OpenAI was fueled by a collective ambition to propel AI advancements. This collaboration bore fruit in the form of ChatGPT, a project that emerged from OpenAI’s endeavors.

However, the trajectory took a new direction. In 2018, Elon Musk made a pivotal decision to part ways with OpenAI, stepping away from the entity he had co-founded. This move marked a turning point, as Musk embarked on his own AI venture, xAI, signaling a distinct shift in his technological pursuits.

Unraveling the Dynamic Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman: A Journey from Collaboration to Public Feud

The present landscape portrays a scenario where Musk and Altman now lead separate AI endeavors, their interactions taking a public and sometimes confrontational form. Their exchange of pointed criticisms and open disapproval highlights the transformation of their once collaborative rapport into a competitive rivalry.

Unraveling the Dynamic Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman: A Journey from Collaboration to Public Feud

In summation, the unfolding dynamics between Elon Musk and Sam Altman underscore the intricate nature of professional collaborations. From the inception of OpenAI driven by a shared vision, to Musk’s departure culminating in the establishment of xAI, their journey embodies intertwining paths and divergent trajectories. The current scenario, marked by public criticisms, encapsulates the transformation of a collaborative association into a clash of competing perspectives, offering insights into the intricacies of the tech industry’s interpersonal dynamics.

Regenerate

The Evolution of Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s Relationship: From Collaborators to Rivals

Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who once worked together to co-found OpenAI, have found themselves engaged in a public exchange of criticisms. Their professional history is marked by both collaboration and conflict. Here, we delve into the trajectory of their working relationship and subsequent feud.

In the early days, Musk and Altman joined forces to establish OpenAI, a venture aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. However, recent years have witnessed Musk’s consistent critique of the very company he helped establish.

While Altman, the current CEO of OpenAI, acknowledges Musk’s concerns, he has not refrained from expressing his opinion about the Tesla CEO. Altman notably referred to Musk as a “jerk,” yet concurrently recognized that Musk genuinely harbors concerns regarding the risks posed by AI.

The intricate nature of their journey becomes evident when considering their history. Elon Musk’s initial involvement in OpenAI showcased a shared vision to propel AI technologies forward. This partnership resulted in the creation of ChatGPT, a project born out of OpenAI’s efforts.

The Evolution of Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s Relationship: From Collaborators to Rivals

However, as time went on, dynamics shifted. In 2018, Musk chose to depart from OpenAI, leaving behind the entity he had co-founded. This departure marked a significant pivot, as Musk announced his own AI venture, xAI, indicating a newfound direction in his technological pursuits.

Presently, Musk and Altman lead separate AI enterprises, and their interactions have taken a public and sometimes contentious turn. Both parties now engage in open criticism and pointed remarks aimed at each other, revealing the transformation of their once collaborative alliance into a competitive rivalry.

The Evolution of Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s Relationship: From Collaborators to Rivals

In conclusion, the evolution of Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s relationship is a testament to the complexities that can arise within professional collaborations. From the establishment of OpenAI with a shared vision, to Musk’s departure and subsequent establishment of xAI, the trajectory has been both intertwined and divergent. Their public exchange of criticisms reflects the transformation of a working relationship into a competitive clash, underscoring the intricate nature of the tech industry.

Exposed: Putin’s extravagant moving palace

Anti-corruption organization the Dossier Center recently leaked explosive images of President Putin’s $75 million covert armored train, revealing a feature-packed fitness and beauty carriage, as well as other top-secret details. The deluxe 22-carriage train has reportedly become Putin’s transport of choice for longer-distance journeys in Russia since, unlike his presidential plane, it can’t be tracked or shot down. Click or scroll through to get the lowdown on the warmongering leader’s mobile mansion and take a sneaky peak inside.

Putin’s Soviet-era train carriages

Like fortresses on rails, heavy-duty armored trains were often used by the leaders of the USSR to get around the country. Leonid Brezhnev traveled across Siberia in one back in 1974 to meet with US President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Eight carriages that make up Putin’s alleged mobile palace date from the era of the Soviet Union or shortly after its collapse, according to the Dossier Center, which monitors the criminal activities of Kremlin officials and is run by Russian opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky. These rail cars house garages, communication hubs and a diesel power system, as well as the train’s restaurants.

Democrats’ Climate Change Blame Game for Hawaii Fire Confronted by Reality After Maui Identifies Cause

Hawaiian officials have identified the cause of catastrophic wildfires in the state, countering Democrats’ claims attributing the disaster to global warming.

In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, the government of Maui County, Hawaii, alleged that Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and its subsidiaries failed to properly shut down live electrical equipment during a red flag windstorm earlier this month. This failure led to downed power lines operated by the utility company igniting a series of deadly fires on the island, according to the lawsuit.

Democrats’ Climate Change Blame Game for Hawaii Fire Confronted by Reality After Maui Identifies Cause

Maui County stated in a press release announcing the lawsuit, “The lawsuit alleges that the Defendants acted negligently by failing to power down their electrical equipment despite a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning on August 7th.”

The lawsuit further claimed that the ignited power lines set fire to dry fuel like grass and brush, resulting in the devastating fires. It also alleged that the failure to adequately maintain the power grid led to systemic failures that caused three distinct fires on August 8th.

Democrats’ Climate Change Blame Game for Hawaii Fire Confronted by Reality After Maui Identifies Cause

In the lawsuit, Maui County argued that HECO had a duty “to properly maintain and repair the electric transmission lines, and other equipment including utility poles associated with their transmission of electricity, and to keep vegetation properly trimmed and maintained so as to prevent contact with overhead power lines and other electric equipment.”

However, despite these findings, various Democratic lawmakers, a top White House official, and Hawaii Governor Josh Green had initially blamed the wildfires on human-caused global warming.

Democrats’ Climate Change Blame Game for Hawaii Fire Confronted by Reality After Maui Identifies Cause

Democrats’ Climate Change Blame Game for Hawaii Fire Confronted by Reality After Maui Identifies Cause

Democratic Senator Ed Markey, an original sponsor of the Green New Deal, described the fires as a “climate emergency” and called for swift action and investment in a resilient future. Other Democrats, including Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Ro Khanna, echoed similar sentiments, urging immediate action to address climate change.

Nevertheless, experts have disputed the claim that climate change triggered the Maui fires, emphasizing that the disaster was more closely linked to poor forest and brush management, combined with declining agriculture. These conditions have led to the rapid spread of fires and increased difficulty in containment.

University of Hawaii professor Clay Trauernicht explained that the extensive unmanaged grasslands resulting from historical land clearing for agriculture and ranching in the late 1800s and early 1900s have significantly contributed to the fire problem in Hawaii. He pointed out that these grasslands create a landscape that is highly susceptible to fires during dry and windy conditions.

As the debate surrounding the causes of the wildfires continues, the recognition of specific factors contributing to the disaster in Hawaii sheds light on the complexities of attributing natural events to broader environmental issues like climate change.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian authorities have initiated an investigation into a tragic incident involving two warplanes that resulted in the death of three pilots in the western region of the country.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

On Friday, during a combat mission over Ukraine’s western Zhytomyr region, two L-39 training military aircraft collided, leading to the unfortunate deaths of three pilots. Among the deceased was Andriy Pilshchykov, a well-known pilot nicknamed “Juice,” who had passionately advocated for Ukraine’s acquisition of F-16 fighter jets. The investigation’s duration remains uncertain, according to Yuri Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s air force, as reported on Ukrainian television.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his recent address, paid tribute to the late pilot, describing Pilshchykov as a devoted “Ukrainian officer who significantly contributed to our nation.”

The identities of the other two pilots who perished in the collision have been confirmed by Ukraine’s Vasilkiv tactical aviation brigade as Viacheslav Minka and Serhiy Prokazin.

Amidst these developments, Russia unleashed a barrage of cruise missile attacks on central and northern parts of Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses effectively intercepted four of the incoming missiles, with the remaining projectiles causing damage to approximately twelve private residences and injuring two individuals in the Kyiv region, as stated by Ukraine’s Interior Ministry.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

Russia’s Defense Ministry countered by asserting that it successfully targeted and struck an airfield in the Kyiv region. Ukrainian officials have yet to respond to this claim.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

In a separate incident, drones purportedly launched by the “Kyiv regime” were reported by Russia’s Defense Ministry to have been downed over the Bryansk and Kursk regions, bordering Ukraine. Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit, however, conveyed that one of the drones collided with a multistory residential building in the capital of the Kursk region. The exact circumstances leading to the incident, whether through air defense interception or a deliberate strike, remain unclear. Although no casualties were reported, the drone impact shattered several windows in the area.

Ukraine Investigates Incident That Killed 3 Pilots While Russia Attacks with Cruise Missiles

The conflict’s impact was also evident in Kyiv, where relatives of soldiers captured by Russian forces in the city of Mariupol gathered to mark the 500th day since their loved ones were taken captive. They demanded the Ukrainian authorities’ active efforts to secure their release.

For more comprehensive coverage of the ongoing war in Ukraine, refer to AP’s dedicated hub: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Dasha Litvinova contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia.

Ukraine Reveals Next-Gen Underwater Drone to Target Russian Warships

Ukraine has showcased its latest advancement in naval technology with the unveiling of a 20-foot-long underwater drone designed to target Russian warships beneath the sea’s surface. This new addition, named Marichka, signifies a significant shift in Ukraine’s strategy for countering Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, previously relying primarily on surface naval drones for attacks.

Ukraine Reveals Next-Gen Underwater Drone to Target Russian Warships

Ukraine Reveals Next-Gen Underwater Drone to Target Russian Warships

Marichka’s capabilities focus on striking the submerged portions of ships, potentially leading to even more devastating outcomes for the targeted warships. Naval defense experts at the news outlet Navalnews emphasized the difficulty of defending against a swarm of these autonomous underwater drones, dubbing them “suicide underwater uncrewed vehicles.”

Prior to Marichka, Ukraine introduced a smaller submarine drone called the Toloka. However, confirmation of its use in attacking Russian vessels is still pending, according to The Telegraph.

⚡️According to the authors, the video shows the first footage of testing the 🇺🇦Ukrainian underwater drone "Marichka"

The drone is designed to attack warships, boats, submarines (?), coastal fortifications and bridge supports

Length – 6 m, width – 1 m
Range – 1000 km
The price… pic.twitter.com/23nihQxSI5

— 🇺🇦Ukrainian Front (@front_ukrainian) August 22, 2023

Ukraine Reveals Next-Gen Underwater Drone to Target Russian Warships

Boasting a range of approximately 600 miles, Marichka can undertake various missions, including attack, transportation, and reconnaissance. Videos showcasing the drone being tested in the sea and animated specifications presentations have been released, though its payload capacity remains undisclosed.

The development of Marichka has been led by volunteer engineers known as Ammo Ukraine, with an estimated cost of 16 million Ukrainian hryvnia (about $433,000), as reported by Ukrainian media and Navalnews.

Over the past year, Ukraine has escalated its drone-based attacks on Russian warships in the Black Sea, particularly in occupied Crimea. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian intelligence chief, noted that these naval attack drones have effectively “paralyzed” the Russian Black Sea Fleet. While Russia employs electronic warfare tactics to disrupt or eliminate the drones, Budanov emphasized that the attacks continue to act as a highly effective deterrent.

Ukraine Reveals Next-Gen Underwater Drone to Target Russian Warships

In addition to these technological advancements, Ukraine has established its inaugural naval drone brigade, known as the 385th Separate Brigade of Special-Purpose Marine Unmanned Systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the brigade with new colors during Ukraine’s Independence Day parade, as reported by The Telegraph.

San Francisco Bakery Refuses to Serve Police Officers Due to “No Guns” Policy

In a recent incident, a San Francisco bakery has garnered attention for turning away a police officer due to the officer being armed. Reem’s California, a local bakery chain, has implemented a strict policy that prohibits serving anyone carrying a firearm.

The situation arose when a uniformed police officer was denied service at Reem’s bakery. The San Francisco Police Officer’s Association took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their discontent with the bakery’s policy. On August 24, the union posted, “”NO COPS ALLOWED. That’s the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reem’s.”

San Francisco Bakery Refuses to Serve Police Officers Due to “No Guns” Policy

Accompanying the union’s post was a screenshot of an email from Reem’s bakery sent to the association, explicitly stating that their policy is to refrain from serving anyone armed while in uniform. However, it remains unclear whether this policy pertains to all armed individuals or solely to those armed and in uniform.

Despite inquiries from Insider, Reem’s bakery did not provide an immediate response. Nevertheless, the bakery chain did issue a statement on Instagram that underscores its commitment to creating a safe environment for both customers and staff. In light of the ongoing issue of gun violence, particularly affecting marginalized communities, Reem’s believes that their strict prohibition of guns on their premises contributes to increased safety.

The statement expressed gratitude for past community support and conveyed the bakery’s temporary closure. Reem’s looks forward to reopening its doors soon and providing a sanctuary for all patrons.

San Francisco Bakery Refuses to Serve Police Officers Due to “No Guns” Policy

As the discussion around guns and safety continues, Reem’s bakery’s stance has ignited a debate about the balance between individual rights, public safety, and the responsibilities of businesses.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

Chick-fil-A, a well-known fast-food chain, faces legal action following an incident where a teenager suffered a severe allergic reaction after consuming their nuggets. The lawsuit alleges that Chick-fil-A’s nuggets, due to an error by a supplier, contained dairy, which triggered the allergic reaction. The mother of the affected teenager believes her son ate the nuggets a week before Chick-fil-A publicly acknowledged the contamination issue.

The Contamination and Background: Chick-fil-A issued a statement in August of the previous year admitting that their nuggets had inadvertently contained dairy due to a “supplier mishap.” This revelation came after the teenager had consumed the nuggets, potentially causing the allergic reaction.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

Chick-fil-A’s Response and Changes: Following their announcement, the charity Kids With Food Allergies Foundation promptly issued a warning to parents about the dairy contamination in Chick-fil-A’s products. The company eventually removed traces of dairy from their nuggets on October 28.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

The Lawsuit: Francine Powers filed a lawsuit on August 16 on behalf of her son, referred to as J.P., alleging severe allergic reactions from consuming Chick-fil-A’s contaminated grilled nuggets. J.P. visited a Chick-fil-A franchise in Erie, New York, 10 days before the company acknowledged the dairy contamination. Despite informing the server about her son’s allergy, Powers was assured that the nuggets were dairy-free. J.P. consumed the nuggets, and shortly thereafter, he experienced a severe allergic reaction that required emergency medical treatment. The teenager’s reaction left him with injuries preventing him from participating in normal activities.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

Emotional Impact and Seeking Redress: Beyond physical injuries, the lawsuit highlights the severe emotional distress J.P. experienced. He required counseling and became uncomfortable eating at restaurants. Powers seeks substantial damages and a jury trial, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of clear communication between food establishments and customers with allergies.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

Chick-fil-A’s Response: Chick-fil-A did not provide information about when the contamination began, leaving uncertainty about whether J.P. consumed the same type of nuggets that were affected. The owner of the franchise, Andrew Privitera, did not respond to inquiries for comment. Chick-fil-A also refrained from commenting on the matter.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

Wider Allergy Concerns: Undeclared allergens in food products pose significant risks, especially to individuals with allergies. A study from the National Library of Medicine indicates that a substantial number of children suffer from milk allergies. Similarly, the CDC reports a notable percentage of children with food allergies in the US.

Lawsuit Targets Chick-fil-A After Teen’s Allergic Reaction to Nuggets Requires Hospitalization

In Conclusion: Chick-fil-A is facing legal action over a teenager’s severe allergic reaction to their nuggets contaminated with dairy. The incident sheds light on the importance of transparent communication about allergens in food, particularly when it comes to protecting the well-being of customers with allergies.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

In a dramatic turn of events, two teachers were placed under arrest and escorted out of a school board meeting in Clark County, Nevada. This incident unfolded amidst ongoing tense negotiations between the Clark County School District and the Clark County Education Association (CCEA) over a new contract for teachers. Approximately 5,000 teachers had gathered ahead of the board of trustees meeting to voice their demands.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

The meeting, scheduled to address these negotiations, was promptly disrupted by a chorus of teachers shouting and chanting for improved compensation, as well as the removal of the superintendent. The Clark County School District Police Department intervened, leading to the handcuffing of two teachers and the removal of another individual from the meeting premises, although without handcuffs.

Evelyn Garcia-Morales, the school board president, attempted to restore order to the proceedings. She expressed frustration at the disruptions caused by CCEA’s actions, stating, “CCEA is interrupting the business of our organization. It is very clear that CCEA has intentions to ensure that we do not conduct this meeting.”

This wasn’t the first instance of such disruptions. A previous board meeting on August 10 had to be recessed due to similar disturbances, with no items on the agenda being addressed.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

The negotiations for the contract had commenced in March, and tensions escalated when CCEA launched television advertisements critiquing Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara’s leadership and calling for his removal.

Marie Niesess, President of CCEA, emphasized the need to support and retain educators through fair compensation, given the critical role they play in providing quality instruction.

A primary demand from CCEA is a substantial increase in teacher salaries. They are seeking a 10% raise in the first year and an 8% raise in the subsequent year, using the increased funding for public education that the Nevada legislature allocated.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

The school district, represented by CCSD, countered with a proposal offering an 8.5% raise in the first year and a 2% raise in the following year.

After the arrests took place, a portion of the teachers walked out of the meeting. However, the board meeting continued after the most disruptive attendees were removed.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

CCSD issued a statement addressing the situation, underscoring their commitment to fair compensation and business continuity. The district emphasized that negotiations with CCEA must take place at the bargaining table, rather than through disruptions of public meetings.

Teachers Arrested at Nevada School Board Meeting

Despite the disruptions caused by the arrests, the Board of Trustees persevered and completed their business once the disturbances were resolved.

Three Children Found Hidden in Towed Vehicle Reunited with Mother

In a heartwarming development, three young children have been safely reunited with their mother after being discovered hidden beneath a blanket in a towed vehicle in Minneapolis early Sunday morning. Despite the initial concerns, emergency responders confirmed that the children, all aged under 5, were not in immediate danger.

The incident unfolded when the vehicle, which was illegally parked near North Third Street and First Avenue North, was towed by Corky’s Towing Inc. The discovery of a found child was reported to the police around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, at the 4000 block of North Washington Avenue. The towing company’s staff made the remarkable discovery while the vehicle was stationed in the tow lot located in north Minneapolis.

It’s worth noting that the vehicle’s windows were described as “heavily tinted,” as stated by an employee from Corky’s Towing who spoke to KMSP in Minneapolis.

The mother of the children had left her car parked temporarily in order to attend to an errand. Upon realizing that her vehicle had been towed with her children still inside, she promptly contacted the towing company. Her immediate concern and actions ensured the safe recovery of her children.

Three Children Found Hidden in Towed Vehicle Reunited with Mother

Emergency responders promptly assessed the situation and determined that the children were not facing immediate danger, bringing relief to all involved.

However, the situation also prompted official actions. A police report for child neglect was filed against the woman as part of the legal protocol. In addition, Hennepin County Child Protective Services were informed of the incident, underlining the importance of addressing the incident from a child welfare perspective.

Three Children Found Hidden in Towed Vehicle Reunited with Mother

As the ordeal came to a heartening conclusion, the reunion of the children with their mother serves as a reminder of the swift and dedicated response of both emergency personnel and the community in ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.

[End of Article]

Three Ukrainian Pilots Killed in Plane Crash

https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/news/us-to-train-ukrainian-f-16-fighter-pilots-volodymyr-zelensky/vi-AA1fO7cD?cvid=af552295a1eb469de0e9188c6336a5e5&ei=45

A tragic collision between two combat training aircraft in Ukraine’s western Zhytomyr region has led to the loss of three Ukrainian pilots’ lives. The incident has cast a somber cloud over the commencement of F-16 jet fighter training by the U.S. and its international allies.

The State Bureau of Investigation in Ukraine is actively investigating the cause of the plane crash, which occurred on Friday. Among the deceased is Andriy Pilschykov, a well-known pilot with the call sign “Juice,” who had been an influential advocate for Ukraine’s acquisition of F-16 jets.

Three Ukrainian Pilots Killed in Plane Crash

The crash has reverberated as Ukraine was preparing to receive F-16s, a significant development enabled by Washington’s clearance for the Netherlands to deliver the jets. This decision follows months of Kyiv’s lobbying, driven by the necessity to counter Russian forces occupying around 20% of Ukraine’s territory.

The F-16s, advanced jet fighters capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, are set to be the first American-made fighters to bolster Ukraine’s air power. The Pentagon has announced plans to initiate F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots in October, preceded by English language training next month. This training program will involve pilots and aircraft maintenance crew and will be conducted in Arizona.

Three Ukrainian Pilots Killed in Plane Crash

While training has already commenced in Denmark, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Greece and Romania are also participating. However, the ongoing training efforts and the anticipated receipt of F-16s coincide with Ukraine’s struggle to make substantial progress against Russian forces in its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian officials view F-16s as a potential game-changer in the conflict, offering modern air power to overcome entrenched Russian defenses. The acquisition of F-16s could expand Ukraine’s capabilities for engaging Russian targets and bolster its defensive capacities against cruise missiles and drones.

Three Ukrainian Pilots Killed in Plane Crash

Nonetheless, experts acknowledge the time required to train pilots and deliver the aircraft. Moreover, the Biden administration has tempered expectations about the immediate impact of F-16s on the current combat situation, given Russia’s formidable air defenses.

The F-16s’ potential effectiveness also hinges on the armaments they can carry, considering the presence of Russian antiaircraft systems that pose a threat to the planes.

As Ukraine mourns the loss of three skilled pilots, the nation’s pursuit of enhanced air power remains in focus, intertwined with broader geopolitical considerations in the ongoing conflict.

“Cloud of Devastation” Hangs Over Co Tipperary Town After Deaths of Four Young People

A tragic car crash in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, has cast a profound shadow of grief and sorrow over the community, following the loss of four young lives. The victims, Luke McSweeney (24), Grace McSweeney (18), Zoey Coffey (18), and Nicole Murphy (18), were on their way to celebrate their State exam results when their car collided with a wall and overturned.

The heart-wrenching incident occurred after the three teenagers had received their Leaving Certificate exam results, a moment that should have marked the beginning of their next chapter. Both schools the teenagers attended lauded their outstanding academic achievements, highlighting the promise they held for the future.

The news of the tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences from various quarters, including President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Varadkar expressed the nation’s deep sympathy for the families and the local community, emphasizing the profound loss of potential these young lives represent.

Superintendent Kieran Ruane, of Clonmel garda station, extended his sympathies to the grieving families. He disclosed that a thorough investigation, taking into account factors such as heavy downpours at the time of the incident, would be conducted.

The first responders were commended for their professionalism in an extremely challenging situation. The scene was described as traumatic, with the loss of the three Leaving Cert students and their sibling being a devastating blow to all involved.

Michael O’Loughlin, the principal of Presentation Secondary School, where two of the victims were students, captured the somber atmosphere enveloping the town, referring to it as “covered in a cloud of sadness and devastation.” The local secondary schools opened their doors to provide support to students as the community grapples with the tragedy.

In the wake of the fatal crash, numerous local events were canceled as a gesture of respect for the mourning families. The community came together to leave bouquets near the crash site, offering solace to one another during this challenging time.

Education Minister Norma Foley pledged psychological support for affected students and staff, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragic event on what should have been a celebratory day for the class of 2023.

Local TD Mattie McGrath conveyed the collective shock felt by the community and affirmed their determination to support those affected by this tragedy. A vigil was scheduled, and books of condolences were opened to honor the memory of the young lives lost.

Father Michael Toomey, a chaplain of CBS High School, urged individuals to seek help and support during this difficult period, emphasizing the importance of looking out for one another.

Gardai appealed for witnesses and camera footage to assist in their investigation. Post-mortem examinations were planned, and an incident room was set up at Clonmel garda station to provide support to the families during this trying time.

The town’s profound sadness echoes similar incidents involving young lives lost over the summer, emphasizing the need for communities to come together in times of tragedy.

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

By Susie Blann, Associated Press • 16h

Russian Shelling in Northeastern Ukraine Kills Civilians Amidst Concerns of Further Russian Aggression

In a tragic incident, Russian forces targeted a cafe situated in a crucial front-line zone in north-eastern Ukraine, resulting in the loss of two civilian lives and injuring another individual. Officials from the region confirmed this distressing event.

Tensions escalate as UK Officials Warn of Potential Russian Reoccupation

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

The shelling near the city of Kupiansk raises concerns as UK officials express apprehensions about Russia’s intentions to reclaim the region. Notably, Kyiv had recaptured this territory in a swift counteroffensive last September, following over six months of Russian occupation. Recent developments, including fierce clashes and mandatory evacuations, are fueling fears of another potential Russian takeover.

Russian Shells Strike Cafe Near Kupiansk

According to a Telegram post by regional governor Oleh Syniehubov, the Russian shelling occurred near the city of Kupiansk, specifically targeting a café situated in the eastern suburb of Podoly. Tragically, this attack resulted in casualties. Rescue teams are actively engaged at the site, attempting to mitigate the impact of this devastating incident.

Russian Strategic Maneuvers and Ukrainian Counteroffensive

UK military intelligence has assessed that Russia might escalate its offensive actions around Kupiansk and the nearby town of Lyman. These maneuvers are believed to be aimed at alleviating pressure on Russian forces near Bakhmut and the Zaporizhzhia region. Recent reports suggest that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has been making gradual gains in these areas.

Russian Forces’ Strengthened Position and Ukrainian Responses

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

Igor Konashenkov, the spokesperson for the Russian defense ministry, revealed during a regular briefing that Russian forces have improved their position along the front line in the Kupiansk region. He mentioned repelling five Ukrainian assaults over the previous day. However, specific details about troop movements were not disclosed.

Mandatory Evacuations and Tragic Discoveries

Earlier this month, Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of approximately 12,000 civilians from multiple towns and villages surrounding Kupiansk. This decision was driven by concerns over intensified efforts by Russian troops to breach the front line. Notably, after the Russian occupiers left Kupiansk the previous year, authorities uncovered distressing evidence of torture chambers and mass graves in the region, further highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Heightened Tensions Extend to Air Attacks and Military Maneuvers

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

In a separate incident on the same day, a drone attack on Moscow led to a temporary shutdown of major airports serving the city. While Russian state media attributed the attack to Ukraine, Kyiv has been increasingly involved in taking the conflict into Russia itself. Ukrainian drone attacks have been targeting significant locations in Moscow.

Alleged Destruction of Russian Defense System and Coordinated Sabotage

Growing Fears of Second Russian Takeover as Shelling Claims Civilian Lives in Ukraine

Recent events indicate escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv claims to have destroyed a crucial Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system in occupied Crimea. Additionally, Ukrainian sources suggest that saboteurs, orchestrated by Kyiv’s military intelligence services, executed drone attacks that caused destruction and damage to bomber aircraft at air bases deep within Russian territory.

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

With the death toll from the Maui wildfires at 111 and as many as 1,000 still missing, we speak with Hawaiian law professor Kapuaʻala Sproat about the conditions that made the fires more destructive and what’s yet to come for residents looking to rebuild their lives. Decades of neocolonialism in Hawaii have redirected precious water resources toward golf courses, resorts and other corporate ventures, turning many areas into tinderboxes and leaving little water to fight back against the flames. Now many Hawaiians say there is a power grab underway as real estate interests and other wealthy outsiders look to buy up land and water rights on the cheap as people are still reeling from the loss of their family members, livelihoods and communities. “Plantation disaster capitalism is, unfortunately, the perfect term for what’s going on,” says Sproat, who just published a piece in The Guardian with Naomi Klein. She is professor of law at Ka Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law Center and co-director of the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa School of Law. “The plantations, the large landed interests that have had control over not just the land, but really much of Hawaii’s and Maui Komohana’s resources for the last several centuries, are using this opportunity, are using this time of tremendous trauma for the people of Maui, to swoop in and to get past the law.”

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AMY GOODMAN: We begin today’s show in Hawaii, where the death toll from the Maui fires stands at 111, but as many as a thousand people remain unaccounted for. As the search for bodies continues, we look today at what some Native Hawaiians are calling “plantation disaster capitalism” — a growing fear that wealthy interests will seize land and water resources in this time of crisis.

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

The writer Naomi Klein and the Hawaiian law professor Kapuaʻala Sproat write about plantation disaster capitalism in a new article in The Guardian. They write, quote, “It’s a name that speaks to contemporary forms of neocolonialism and climate profiteering, like the real estate agents who have been cold-calling Lahaina residents who have lost everything to the fire and prodding them to sell their ancestral lands rather than wait for compensation. But it also places these moves inside the long and ongoing history of settler colonial resource theft and trickery, making clear that while disaster capitalism might have some modern disguises, it’s a very old tactic. A tactic that Native Hawaiians have a great deal of experience resisting.” Those were the words of Naomi Klein and Kapuaʻala Sproat in The Guardian.

Well, on Thursday night, I spoke to Professor Sproat from her home on the island of Kauai. She is a professor of law at Ka Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law Center. She also co-directs the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa School of Law. I asked her to describe what’s happening on Maui.

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

To be quite honest, things are pretty brutal right now in Maui Komohana, or in West Maui. People are still trying desperately to find ways forward from this disaster of untold proportions. And I’m not on Maui; I’m actually on the island of Kauai, so a couple islands over. And I have not been there since the fire, but that’s also absolutely appropriate, because people who don’t need to be there should stay away but send support from afar, regardless of what that looks like, whether that means making and sending poi or writing opinion pieces or sending money. Whatever’s the best way people can support from where they are, I think, is really important. But the word from our network of folks on the ground is that people are really struggling.

I mean, our community has rallied in amazing ways, and I think that that’s part of the message that we want to get out, you know, that “Lahaina strong” and “Maui strong,” that those are more than sayings. Our people are incredibly resilient. People aren’t waiting on FEMA or even on the state or county. Relief organizations are springing up in people’s homes, in their garages, and supplies are coming in by boat, by plane, by vehicle when the roads are open.

But there are also a lot of uncertainties, and people are concerned, because what’s galling for me is I see in the midst of, you know, all of this attention and focus on resources being streamed towards Maui, that really there’s a naked power grab, and really a land and water grab, that’s also underway. There’s been talk already about folks getting offers on their homes. And I know from friends that that’s happening. But as I mentioned, there’s also water grab in the works. And the discussion around this really makes me fear for the future of Lahaina and whether or not it will be one that includes Native Hawaiians and other local people, or whether the build back will focus on outsiders.

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

AMY GOODMAN:

Let’s talk about each issue, first the land grab. What exactly does that mean?

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

So, to be clear, again, I am not on the ground on Maui. But what I understand from people who are there is that there are realtors and there are others who are making offers to people in their most desperate time of need, when people are, you know, desperate for funding and other resources to try to build back their lives. People are getting offers on their ancestral homes, lands that — here in Hawaii, when we talk about ancestral lands and our connection to place, we talk in generations and in hundreds of years. And so, our Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic has been on the ground in Maui Komohana working with community members for several years now, and many of our community members have long-standing relationships to place. And it’s some of these community members who are getting offers on their homes at this most difficult time, which, in my opinion, of course, is completely inappropriate.

AMY GOODMAN:

You talk about plantation disaster capitalism. Explain.

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

Plantation disaster capitalism, I think, is, unfortunately, the perfect term for what’s going on in Maui Komohana, or in West Maui, right now. The plantations, the large landed interests that have had control over not just the land, but really much of Hawaii’s and Maui Komohana’s resources for the last several centuries, are using this opportunity, are using this time of tremendous trauma for the people of Maui, to swoop in and to get past the law, basically. They’re using the emergency proclamation that the governor put into place the day after the fires, you know, ravaged Lahaina, and they’re using this as an opportunity to try to get their way, especially with respect to water resources, something they could not achieve when the law and Hawaii’s water code, in particular, were in place.

AMY GOODMAN:

Talk more about the water grab.

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

So, in Hawaii,

Ola i ka wai

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

, water is life. It’s one of our most important resources. In fact, there are many people who would say freshwater is our most important resource. And it’s what enabled our people to be able to not just survive, but really thrive in Hawaii for more than a millennia. And in Lahaina, in particular, this area, sure, it’s special for people who come on vacation and people who know Front Street, but for the people of this community, Lahaina was really the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was the capital before the island of — before Oahu. And part of the reason that that was so, that Lahaina was such an important place, was because of the abundance of resources, and the abundance of water resources, in particular.

Before the arrival of Europeans in Hawaii, Lahaina was actually known as the Venice of the Pacific, which for folks who have been there recently might seem extraordinary. Right now Lahaina has been desiccated and is almost like a dry desert area. But when it was managed by Kanaka Maoli, by Native Hawaiians, it was abundant with water and other resources. So, what happened was that with the arrival of plantation interests, those water — and especially after the capital was moved to Oahu, those resources were grabbed up by landed plantation interests, so for sugar plantations and pineapple plantations, and later those resources were diverted to support other kinds of development, including luxury residential development, and even to support hotels in some instances. And so, what happened is that the

wai wai

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

, as we call it, the wealth of Lahaina, was actually taken by these corporations.

And so, what we also know, at least the people from Hawaii, is that part of the reason for this extraordinary tragedy in Maui Komohana, or in West Maui, is also because there has been more than a century of plantation water mismanagement in this area. It’s because of extractive water policies. Where water hasn’t remained on the land, invasive grasses have come up. That’s what created the tinderbox and this unfortunate situation of the tragic fire that took place earlier this month.

AMY GOODMAN:

You’ve raised the issue of the governor wasting no time in issuing emergency proclamations as the wildfires continued to burn, which suspended a series of laws, including Hawaii’s state water code.

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

Yes.

AMY GOODMAN:

Can you talk about why this is significant?

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

I think part of what’s so disappointing in the way the governor, in partnership with large landed interests in Maui Komohana, have tried to accomplish this naked power grab — because, really, it’s more than just a water grab, it’s also a power grab — is that they’re specifically usurping both the law, and, more than that, they’re usurping long-standing and broad-based community interest and support for more proactive water management and water management that’s going to ensure that the resources benefit the people.

So, to provide some context, for several years now, Hawaii’s state water commission has proactively attempted to create what we call water management designation, which is really just a fancy term. It’s an additional layer, kind of like zoning, that goes over an area where we know water resources are threatened. And once that happens, there’s an additional layer of permitting that’s invoked, that allows the water commission to revisit allocations and how water is actually used and distributed.

This is really important, because in Hawaii we have a public trust doctrine, which means that our water resources are managed for present and future generations and cannot be owned by any individual. But the problem is that despite what we call the black letter law, in many ways in Hawaii, and for the last century at least, might has made right. And in small towns like Lahaina, companies with a lot of influence have been able to maintain control of the water resources, even when there are interests like Native Hawaiian families, like the streams themselves, that have a higher call to right or higher water rights, at least according to the black letter law.

So, part of the situation in Maui Komohana is that because of this long history of struggle, Native Hawaiians and, really, people across the community came forward, participated in public hearings before our state water commission and loudly called for more proactive water management. And in June 2022, they were successful in achieving this water management area designation for Lahaina. That means additional permit protections were put into place. And many folks, Native Hawaiians, who have superior rights but whose rights have been ignored, were able to come forward and begin a permitting process.

Unfortunately, those existing water use permit applications were due on Monday, August 7th, and the fire ravaged Lahaina on Tuesday, August 8th. And then, on Wednesday, August 9, the Governor’s Office issued these emergency proclamations, which suspended the water code. So, despite this huge effort to try and put this additional protection in place — which of course was, predictably, opposed by industry interests and development interests, but they were unsuccessful. The water commission unanimously voted for water management area designation. And yet, then, what they were unable to accomplish legally, they were able to accomplish with the support of the governor and the emergency proclamation.

And so, it’s unfortunate that what we see — and that’s why what’s happening right now epitomizes plantation disaster capitalism, because here we have a handful of incredibly privileged, large landed interests using this terrible tragedy to displace and to push through laws that they were unable to secure when Hawaii’s state water code was in place.

AMY GOODMAN:

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

Finally, Kapua’ala, President Biden is coming to Maui on Monday. What message do you feel he needs to hear? And what do you want to see the federal government do right now?

KAPUA’ALA SPROAT:

I understand that President Biden is going to be coming into Maui very shortly. And I hope what he will see and what he will learn and what he will support is the resilience of the people who are on the ground in Maui right now, the community members, like Councilmember Tamara Paltin, who are doing so much with so little. I hope he will see the resilient spirit of our community members and the tremendous need, because we need lots of support from the federal government in a whole range of areas. I hope he will also see some of the political shenanigans that are taking place, and understand that if we really want to protect the things that make Hawaii truly special, we can’t just throw out all of the laws and other things that help to protect our resources when disaster strikes.

We, as a community, need to circle up. We need to come together, and we need to lean into each other and really look to and embrace the principles that have — like

aloha ’āina

Plantation disaster capitalism: Native Hawaiians organize to stop land and water grab after Maui fire

, that have enabled us to thrive here in Hawaii for a millennium.

AMY GOODMAN: Kapua’ala Sproat, professor of law at Ka Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law Center. She also co-directs the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa School of Law. We’ll link to the Guardian article she co-wrote with Naomi Klein, headlined “Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?”

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Maui resident reflects on wildfires

Miracle Maui home that survived the deadly wildfires wasn’t intentionally fireproofed

When the deadly wildfire tore through the city of Lahaina in Maui, one ‘miracle’ house survived, and the properties around it burned down to ashes. The red-roofed house centering the social media discussions is 100 years old.

One of the worst natural disasters to hit Maui Island in Hawaii has claimed 106 lives with at least 1000 residents still missing. Most of the historic city of Lahaina was reduced to rubble but a few miracle structures are still standing. This includes the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church on Front Street and the century-old home in West Maui.

One house in Maui hasn’t burned down in the fires

The two-story house with white walls and a red roof is the only standing home in West Maui as the flames from the fires engulfed the properties around the miracle structure that appears untouched.

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The new images of the house seem unreal as the house surrounded by ashes and charred trees is the only thing that wasn’t consumed by the fire.

Miracle Maui home that survived the deadly wildfires wasn’t intentionally fireproofed

The owners of the house said the building is 100 years old and it wasn’t intentionally fireproofed. They were on a trip to Massachusetts when the fire started and after watching their neighborhood ablaze, the couple assumed their home would have burned down too.

Miracle Maui home that survived the deadly wildfires wasn’t intentionally fireproofed

When the aerial footage from the next morning showed their red-roofed intact, they teared up. But, the couple still feels “guilty” to be the owners of the only standing home on a block of housing.

Miracle Maui home that survived the deadly wildfires wasn’t intentionally fireproofed

Sifting through the burnt rubble and cleaning up brings health

Current Time 0:01

Maui fire aftermath: Water and ash come with health concernsUnmute

Red-roofed ‘miracle house’ survives Maui fires without a scratch. #Maui #Hawaii #HawaiiFires

The house on Front Street was purchased by its current owners two years ago. It used to be a bookkeeper’s house for employees of a sugar plantation, reports BBC.

The husband and wife duo renovated the house by replacing the old roof of the wooden house with heavy-gauge metal. The house was surrounded by river stones after removing the foliage around it.

The owners of the viral house, Trip Millikin and his wife Dora Atwater Millikin, did not intend to make the house resilient against fire, but the renovation seems to have worked miracles.

“It’s a 100% wood house, so it’s not like we fireproofed it or anything,” Dora said. “If it was an asphalt roof, it would catch on fire. And otherwise, they would fall off the roof and then ignite the foliage around the house,”

Most of Lahaina suffered major damages in the 2023 Hawaii fires

The most renowned restaurants and historic sites of great significance were lost in the deadly wildfire that engulfed the city of Lahaina.

Prayers for the 150-year-old Banyan tree flooded social media when videos showing the devastation on Front Street were shared by the impacted communities as flames from the wildfire continued to spread across the Island.

Locals started putting lists of missing residents together as all sorts of communication were lost and people were evacuated in large numbers from hotels and private properties due to power outages.

As Maui Island suffers unimaginable damages from the recent natural disaster, public funds through donations are being directed toward the affected communities amid ongoing recovery operations.

The post Miracle Maui home that survived the deadly wildfires wasn’t intentionally fireproofed appeared first on HITC.

Ariana Grande hits the stage at American Airlines Aena in Miami wearing a skintight black dress with fishnet tights, a diamond choker necklace, thigh-high black leather boots, and a baggy black & orange bomber jacket, which she took off through the performance. Wow!

Ariana Grande in Concert

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) team is firing back at the recent criticism from the MAGA community, addressing a comment that has sparked outrage.

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

On Saturday, fervent supporters of former President Donald Trump, along with the Trump campaign, reacted strongly to a statement made by the Florida governor, which they interpreted as a direct insult towards them. The statement in question was made during an interview with Republican activist and writer Will Witt, and was distributed by the DeSantis campaign on Sunday morning.

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

In the interview, Governor DeSantis discussed the complexity within the Republican party and the varied opinions about conservative politicians. He stated, “So there will be people who are huge Trump supporters, like in Congress, who have incredibly liberal left-wing records that is really just atrocious, and yet they’re viewed by some of these folks as like, really, really good. Then you have other people, you know, like a Congressman Chip Roy, who has endorsed me, Congressman Thomas Massie. These guys have records of principle fighting the swamp that are second to none. And yet, they will be attacked by some of these people and called RINOs. So it’s just been totally detached from any type of substance. And ultimately, a movement can’t be about the personality of one individual. The movement has got to be about what are you trying to achieve on behalf of the American people? And that’s got to be based in principle. Because if you’re not rooted in principle, if all we are is listless vessels that are just supposed to follow whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning, that’s not going to be a durable movement.”

This “listless vessels” comment prompted criticism from notable Trump supporters, who believed it was aimed at them. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for MAGA Inc., stated, “To Hillary Clinton, Trump supporters are ‘deplorables.’ To Ron DeSantis, they are ‘listless vessels.’ Leavitt added that the comment represents DeSantis showing his ‘true colors.'”

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

In response to the backlash, DeSantis’ press secretary Bryan Griffin issued a statement on Sunday morning implying that the governor’s words were taken out of context. Griffin clarified that the comment was specifically directed at Trump and “some congressional endorsers.” He accused the media of refusing to report the facts, stating, “The dishonest media refuses to report the facts — Donald Trump and some congressional endorsers are ‘listless vessels.’ Why? Because Trump and DC insiders feel he is entitled to your vote. Ron DeSantis believes your trust should be earned and has the vision, plan, and record to beat Joe Biden and reverse the decline of our country.”

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

Furthermore, Griffin used the opportunity to take a jab at Trump, highlighting his absence from a recent Republican debate. He stated, “That’s why Ron DeSantis will be showing up on Wednesday night to debate, and Donald Trump will not.”

DeSantis Camp Responds to MAGA Outrage Over ‘Listless Vessels’ Diss: ‘Dishonest Media Refuses to Report the Facts

This response from DeSantis’ camp comes amidst the ongoing discourse within the conservative movement about the direction it should take and the role that various figures should play.

Introduction: An entire branch of government is sinking into an irredeemable Trump-fueled muck of corruption.

The Corruption Within the US Supreme Court: It has become increasingly evident that the US Supreme Court has fallen prey to corruption driven by political influences and unethical practices. The involvement of key Justices and their actions have raised concerns among the public about the integrity of the highest judicial body in the country.

Justice Scalia’s Favorable Ruling for Cheney: Highlighting instances of corruption, the author discusses the case where Justice Antonin Scalia allowed personal interests to influence his judgment. He permitted Dick Cheney, accused of misleading the public about an “energy group” planning Iraq’s oil field seizure, to escape accountability. This raised questions about the impartiality of the court.

The Urgent Need to Address Corruption in the US Supreme Court | Opinion Opinion by Thom Hartmann

Gorsuch’s Conflicts of Interest: The article also draws attention to Justice Neal Gorsuch’s questionable behavior. He addressed the Fund for American Studies, a group linked to a case before the court, and subsequently ruled in favor of the organization’s goals. This pattern of actions casts doubt on the court’s commitment to unbiased decision-making.

Thomas’ Involvement and Clarence Thomas’ Conduct: The author reveals that Clarence Thomas’ wife, Ginny Thomas, was deeply engaged in Trump’s January 6th rally. This disclosure, along with Thomas’ acceptance of significant financial support from groups linked to cases before the court, has raised concerns about the impartiality and ethics of the court’s decisions.

The Supreme Court’s Power and Manipulations: The author points out that the Supreme Court has acquired substantial power, even second-guessing decisions made by Congress and the President. This expansion of authority has led to concerns about the court’s impartiality and potential misuse of power.

The Urgent Need to Address Corruption in the US Supreme Court | Opinion Opinion by Thom Hartmann

The Call for Accountability and Regulation: Given the alarming state of the Supreme Court, the author emphasizes the need for accountability and regulation. He highlights that Article III of the Constitution empowers Congress to create and regulate the federal court system, including the Supreme Court. However, this power has been underutilized, allowing corruption to persist.

Historical Precedents and Efforts to Address Corruption: The article references historical instances where corruption prompted action. In 1922, a scandal involving US District Judge Kenesaw Landis led to the creation of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Similarly, Justice Abe Fortas’ unethical conduct in 1969 prompted the formulation of the Code of Judicial Conduct. However, the Supreme Court has often ignored these efforts.

Supreme Court’s Resistance to Accountability: The article highlights Chief Justice John Roberts’ reluctance to embrace regulation. He omitted Chief Justice Taft’s assertion that ethical standards should apply to the Supreme Court. Despite Roberts’ previous interest in granting Congress power to overturn rulings, he now evades acknowledging Congress’ authority to regulate the court.

The Urgent Need to Address Corruption in the US Supreme Court | Opinion Opinion by Thom Hartmann

Contemporary Proposals and Public Outrage: Recent proposals to address corruption, such as the Supreme Court Ethics Act, have faced resistance from Republicans. The court’s approval rating has plummeted to historic lows due to growing public dissatisfaction with its conduct.

The Urgent Need to Address Corruption in the US Supreme Court | Opinion Opinion by Thom Hartmann

Conclusion: The author concludes that urgent action is needed to combat corruption within the Supreme Court. To maintain the court’s credibility and uphold the principles of justice, Congress must step in and ensure that ethical standards are adhered to, preventing the branch from sinking further into a partisan quagmire.

Matt Gaetz Makes Major Move To Protect Trump

Matt Gaetz Makes Major Move To Protect Trump© Provided by America Insider

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is introducing legislation to fight back as former President Donald Trump is facing numerous criminal indictments.

Matt Gaetz Makes Major Move To Protect Trump

Gaetz has introduced a bill to defund special counsel Jack’s Smith’s ongoing investigation into Trump. “I will be introducing legislation to DEFUND Jack Smith’s witch hunt against President Trump,” Gaetz said.

Matt Gaetz Makes Major Move To Protect Trump

“They are attacking our democracy and engaging in election interference right now. The United States Congress has the capability to stop this election interference, and we must act immediately!” Gaetz noted further. (Poll: Do You Stand With Trump? VOTE)

Then-President Donald Trump with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows
Then-President Donald Trump with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows
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(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

BREAKING: Mark Meadows Contradicts Trump’s Classified Documents DefenseStory by Phillip Nieto •6h

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has reportedly stated to special counsel Jack Smith‘s team information that contradicts a key aspect of Donald Trump‘s defense in his classified documents trial.

Meadows, according to ABC News, told investigators that he could not recall Trump ever ordering or discussing declassifying broad amounts of classified materials before leaving office — a claim that Trump and his defenders have made repeatedly. Meadows further stated that he was not aware of any order from Trump ordering the automatic declassification of material taken from the Oval Office, ABC News reports.

Moreover, it is now being reported that an early draft of the book “The Chief’s Chief” by Meadows had a passage that discussed how Trump had a classified war plan on the couch at his office in Bedminster during a meeting attended by Meadows’ ghostwriter and publicist, but that passage was then removed before publication.

BREAKING: Mark Meadows Contradicts Trump’s Classified Documents DefenseStory by Phillip Nieto •6h

Meadows reportedly told FBI investigators for that passage in his book to be changed because it would be “problematic” if it became known Trump possessed the classified war planning material. However, he informed Smith’s team that he did not discuss those edits with Trump.

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The former president faces multiple criminal charges in Florida from the Department of Justice for his handling of classified material after leaving the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

From ABC News:

Meadows also told investigators that he was not involved in packing the boxes that Trump took to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House, sources told ABC News, largely distancing himself from the removal of government documents, including classified materials. The sources said Meadows told investigators he did not witness Trump himself packing boxes and was unaware that Trump had taken any government records, including classified documents.

The former chief of staff also told investigators that shortly after the National Archives first requested the return of the official documents taken to Mar-a-Lago in 2021, he offered to Trump that he would go through the former president’s boxes to retrieve the official records and send them back to Washington. Meadows told investigators Trump did not accept his offer, according to sources.

The post BREAKING: Mark Meadows Contradicts Trump’s Classified Documents Defense first appeared on Mediaite.

Grisham: Trump continuing down this path would be a ‘mistake’

The already logic-shattering 2024 White House race is expected to make an extraordinary detour through an Atlanta jail this week, with Donald Trump due to turn himself in over his fourth indictment – for alleged election meddling in Georgia.

Trump’s expected Georgia surrender and debate no-show shatter campaign conventionality

The GOP front-runner is expected to surrender, potentially for fingerprinting and a mug shot, on Thursday or Friday, a senior law enforcement source told CNN. That’ll be just hours after the first GOP debate on Wednesday – normally an early defining moment in any campaign, but one that will be overshadowed by Trump’s decision to skip it and his expected appearance at the Fulton County jail soon after. The potential juxtaposition of Trump’s appearance in Georgia with the first debate will show how every aspect of the political calendar is being entangled in Trump’s legal peril and the unprecedented government effort to try a former president – and potential major party nominee – over his effort to overturn his 2020 defeat.

Trump’s expected Georgia surrender and debate no-show shatter campaign conventionality

Just as no other candidate facing nearly 100 criminal charges across four cases could even think about running for president, no other GOP leader could confidently snub a prime-time television debate and turn his no-show into an argument for his inevitability. But Trump – as with his attempt to use criminal indictments to advance a political career that has always prospered amid perceptions that he’s being unfairly treated – is changing all the rules of campaigning once again.

Trump’s expected Georgia surrender and debate no-show shatter campaign conventionality

Trump’s announcement on Sunday that he wouldn’t show up for the debate in Milwaukee suggests he didn’t think it worth the risk since he has such a significant lead in most primary polling. His legal quagmire is likely to yet again dominate the GOP race, drowning out rivals who have so far largely failed to exploit Trump’s four indictments. Any post-debate bounce for the other candidates from what would normally be critical prime-time exposure is likely to be immediately overtaken by media coverage if Trump shows up at the Fulton County jail for his expected arrest, processing, and release.

Trump’s expected Georgia surrender and debate no-show shatter campaign conventionality

And Trump is already using his anticipated trip to Georgia as a political weapon, sending out a fundraising appeal on Sunday referencing a Washington Post report about a “violent Atlanta jail with crumbling walls” and accusing Democrats of adopting the totalitarian policies of Soviet and Chinese tyrants Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong. The email was consistent with Trump’s use of inflammatory language to attack his political foes and to maintain the cash flow that is helping to pay his legal bills.

But his appeal also underscores one of the most head-spinning features of the campaign. A candidate who has a decent chance of being the 47th president is leveraging his unprecedented stack of criminal indictments, which could land him in prison if convicted, to seek political advantage. It’s a tactic that appears to be working among GOP primary voters given his wide polling lead thus far. Whether a potential nominee who could spend much of next year on trial rather than on the campaign trail as a viable general election candidate is another question, however.

Grisham: Trump continuing down this path would be a ‘mistake’

The already logic-shattering 2024 White House race is expected to make an extraordinary detour through an Atlanta jail this week, with Donald Trump due to turn himself in over his fourth indictment – for alleged election meddling in Georgia.

The GOP front-runner is expected to surrender, potentially for fingerprinting and a mug shot, on Thursday or Friday, a senior law enforcement source told CNN. That’ll be just hours after the first GOP debate on Wednesday – normally an early defining moment in any campaign, but one that will be overshadowed by Trump’s decision to skip it and his expected appearance at the Fulton County jail soon after. The potential juxtaposition of Trump’s appearance in Georgia with the first debate will show how every aspect of the political calendar is being entangled in Trump’s legal peril and the unprecedented government effort to try a former president – and potential major party nominee – over his effort to overturn his 2020 defeat.

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Just as no other candidate facing nearly 100 criminal charges across four cases could even think about running for president, no other GOP leader could confidently snub a prime-time television debate and turn his no-show into an argument for his inevitability. But Trump – as with his attempt to use criminal indictments to advance a political career that has always prospered amid perceptions that he’s being unfairly treated – is changing all the rules of campaigning once again.

Trump’s announcement on Sunday that he wouldn’t show up for the debate in Milwaukee suggests he didn’t think it worth the risk since he has such a significant lead in most primary polling. His legal quagmire is likely to yet again dominate the GOP race, drowning out rivals who have so far largely failed to exploit Trump’s four indictments. Any post-debate bounce for the other candidates from what would normally be critical prime-time exposure is likely to be immediately overtaken by media coverage if Trump shows up at the Fulton County jail for his expected arrest, processing, and release.

And Trump is already using his anticipated trip to Georgia as a political weapon, sending out a fundraising appeal on Sunday referencing a Washington Post report about a “violent Atlanta jail with crumbling walls” and accusing Democrats of adopting the totalitarian policies of Soviet and Chinese tyrants Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong. The email was consistent with Trump’s use of inflammatory language to attack his political foes and to maintain the cash flow that is helping to pay his legal bills.

But his appeal also underscores one of the most head-spinning features of the campaign. A candidate who has a decent chance of being the 47th president is leveraging his unprecedented stack of criminal indictments, which could land him in prison if convicted, to seek political advantage. It’s a tactic that appears to be working among GOP primary voters given his wide polling lead thus far. Whether a potential nominee who could spend much of next year on trial rather than on the campaign trail as a viable general election candidate is another question, however.

A fourth, sweeping indictment

Trump was charged in Fulton County last week under racketeering laws with being the kingpin of an alleged “criminal enterprise” involving 18 others to reverse President Joe Biden’s win in Georgia, a swing state that will again be critical in 2024. Many of those co-defendants are expected to also turn themselves in over the coming days, in a spectacle that will underscore the huge scale of the case being brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, as well as the accounting taking place over a previous election with another campaign well underway.

Trump, the first-ever ex-president to be indicted, had already been charged in two federal probes – one into his election-stealing effort and the other into his mishandling of classified documents at his Florida resort after he left office. Trump, who denies all wrongdoing, is also awaiting trial in Manhattan in a case arising from a hush money payment to an adult film actress in 2016.

The crush of cases means next year is shaping up as an election year like no other as prosecutors and judges juggle trial dates in multiple prosecutions and Trump’s swamped legal team seeks to put off any reckoning until after the November 2024 election. He seems to be hoping to reacquire many of the executive powers that would allow him to freeze criminal cases against him or even pardon himself. But those powers wouldn’t apply to the Georgia and Manhattan prosecutions because of how power is divided between states and the federal government. Still, Trump would almost certainly launch a legal battle to test whether a sitting president is subject to state or local convictions.

All that is far in the future and is dependent on Trump first winning the Republican nomination or the presidency. But in the meantime, the latest indictment unveiled in Georgia further plays into Trump’s core campaign theme – that he’s being persecuted by the Biden administration to prevent him from a White House return.

At the same time, Trump’s conduct after the last election and his handling of classified documents raises another conundrum at the center of this election. If he escaped prosecution for conduct that would leave any other citizen in trouble with the law simply because he’s an ex-president and current presidential candidate, how long can US political and judicial institutions survive?

This clash between what the law seems to require and the risk of further fracturing trust in judicial institutions among millions of voters who think Trump is being politically targeted encapsulates the daunting reality that will haunt next year’s election.

Republicans struggle to deal with Trump’s shadow

This week’s political drama is also likely to show how Trump’s legal plight – combined with his outsize personality and his strategy of flouting conventional campaigning – is making life almost impossible for the Republican challengers seeking his crown.

On Sunday, for instance, the ex-president – basking in a new CBS News national poll showing him with a stunning 46 percentage point lead over his nearest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis – announced that, as expected, he’d skip the debate in Milwaukee. “The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, before adding in capital letters, “I will therefore not be doing the debates!”

While he will not be on stage in Wisconsin, another key 2024 swing state, he will dominate the gathering nonetheless. The evening is likely to highlight the difficulty Trump’s rivals have had in harnessing the potential general election liabilities posed by his multiple legal threats without alienating vast swathes of the GOP rank and file who are fully bought into his claims that he’s an innocent victim of politicized justice.

A few GOP candidates have spoken up, like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has put savage criticism of Trump at the center of his campaign and was rewarded by likely GOP primary voters with just 2% in the CBS poll. Another Republican candidate, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that Trump’s legal troubles will force every Republican on the debate stage to show their hand.

“It’s important because there’s difference between the candidates,” he said. “Donald Trump will be in the background, because every candidate needs to state what their position is on Donald Trump and his actions on January 6 and talk about the differences for our future,” Hutchinson told Kasie Hunt. Like Christie, however, Hutchinson barely registers in national primary polls.

Instead of showing up at the Fox News debate, Trump is planning to appear with Tucker Carlson, the former Fox prime-time host who helped amplify his false claims of election fraud, in an interview set to air on Wednesday on the social network X, which was formerly known as Twitter.

“The counterprogramming is typical Trump, right?” said former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a frequent GOP critic of the ex-president, on “State of the Union” on Sunday. “I mean, he wants to suck all the oxygen out of the room. He wants all the attention to be on him and not on the other candidates. And, to some extent, he will probably have some success with that.”

This is just the start. Trump’s arrest in Georgia and his overshadowing of the Republican debate will provide just a small preview this week of how he hopes to ensure that even his mountain of criminal liability does not doom his new White House bid. He’s trying to ride it back into the office.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!© Provided by BANG Showbiz

The grand jury responsible for indicting Donald Trump has been hit with death threats.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

Personal information, including the addresses and photos of the jurors, was shared on right-wing platforms after Trump, 77, was indicted for a record third time, leading to him facing a trial next year for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 US presidential election.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has also said it is aware of threats made against the jurors and was trying to track down those behind them after Trump supporters seemingly compiled further information available online and posted photographs and addresses to forums of the jurors, including on the social media site Telegram.

Police say the threats could amount to jury intimidation, with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office saying in a statement: “Our investigators are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to track down the origin of threats in Fulton County and other jurisdictions.”

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is on very shaky ground,

• KERO 23 Bakersfield, CATrump Faces Fourth Indictment in Election Conspiracy2:15
• BloombergTrump Indicted Over 2020 Election Probe4:22
• Dailymotion Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 2020 Election Charges in Federal Court1:24

It added they took the matter very seriously and would respond quickly to ensure the safety of jurors.

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Media Matters, a non-profit organization that monitors conservative media bodies, reported that one user called the information a “hit list”.

It comes just days after the jury voted to indict Trump on 13 charges, which include racketeering and election meddling.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

He has said the charges are politically motivated and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt.

A US judge warned Trump on 11 August not to make inflammatory statements that could intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on four known criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 US election.

Trump was arraigned for a third time on 1 August and has pled not guilty to four charges that have so far been leveled against him in a court hearing.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

The former ‘Apprentice’ judge has denied his involvement in the events of 6 January that saw his supporters storm the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., leaving five people dead and others injured.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is on very shaky ground,

• KERO 23 Bakersfield, CATrump Faces Fourth Indictment in Election Conspiracy2:15
• BloombergTrump Indicted Over 2020 Election Probe4:22
• Dailymotion Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 2020 Election Charges in Federal Court1:24

It added they took the matter very seriously and would respond quickly to ensure the safety of jurors.

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Media Matters, a non-profit organization that monitors conservative media bodies, reported that one user called the information a “hit list”.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

It comes just days after the jury voted to indict Trump on 13 charges, which include racketeering and election meddling.

He has said the charges are politically motivated and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

A US judge warned Trump on 11 August not to make inflammatory statements that could intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on four known criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 US election.

Trump was arraigned for a third time on 1 August and has pled not guilty to four charges that have so far been leveled against him in a court hearing.

The grand jury that indicted Donald Trump over alleged election plot hit with death threats!

The former ‘Apprentice’ judge has denied his involvement in the events of 6 January that saw his supporters storm the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., leaving five people dead and others injured.

US Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas sits for an official photo with other members of the US Supreme Court in the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, June 1, 2017. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)© (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Clarence Thomas Says ‘Unreported’ Yacht Voyage With Oil Baron Seized On By Liberal Media… Never Actually Happened

ProPublica’s latest story on Justice Clarence Thomas features “a previously unreported voyage on a yacht around the Bahamas” that the justice reportedly told a close friend never happened.

Clarence Thomas Says ‘Unreported’ Yacht Voyage With Oil Baron Seized On By Liberal Media… Never Actually Happened

ProPublica reported that oil baron Paul “Tony” Novelly’s chauffeur in the Bahamas said his company once drove the justice to the marina where Novelly’s 26-foot luxury yacht, the Le Montrachet, often docks. Mark Paoletta, a Schaerr Jaffe law firm partner and close friend of the justice, wrote in a Friday Wall Street Journal op-ed that Thomas told him he has never even seen the boat.

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“ProPublica’s claim that Justice Thomas was a passenger on any yacht owned by Tony Novelly, including the Le Montrachet, is completely false,” Paoletta told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “He has never laid eyes on this boat. Moreover, Justice Thomas has never been in the Bahamas with Tony Novelly.”

Clarence Thomas Says ‘Unreported’ Yacht Voyage With Oil Baron Seized On By Liberal Media… Never Actually Happened

“He last visited the Bahamas in the 1980s, long before he went on the Supreme Court and long before he met Mr. Novelly,” he continued. “There is not a shred of truth to this story.”

The yacht trip is one of 38 destination vacations ProPublica says Thomas took in a recent article detailing gifts he received from wealthy friends. ProPublica reported that three of Novelly’s former yacht workers said they remember Thomas coming on board Novelly’s yachts “multiple times.”

Clarence Thomas Says ‘Unreported’ Yacht Voyage With Oil Baron Seized On By Liberal Media… Never Actually Happened

“Our reporting on Justice Thomas’ trip to the Bahamas was based on multiple firsthand sources,” ProPublica editor-in-chief Stephen Engelberg told the DCNF. “We asked Justice Thomas about this trip and he did not respond. We take any allegation of error seriously and our policy is to correct any inaccuracies as quickly as possible.”

Paoletta wrote in his WSJ op-ed that Thomas once walked onto a different yacht, the Daybreak, which Novelly co-owns, spending 30 minutes on board for a tour of the engine room.

Clarence Thomas Says ‘Unreported’ Yacht Voyage With Oil Baron Seized On By Liberal Media… Never Actually Happened

“That’s the only time he has set foot on a boat owned by Mr. Novelly,” he wrote.

Paoletta also disputed other elements of ProPublica’s story, including the facts surrounding a standing invitation Thomas was extended for an exclusive, members-only golf club and the value of a seat at a football game Thomas attended with business executive David Sokol.

While ProPublica estimates the “annual” price of the luxury suite Thomas and Sokol occupied during a University of Nebraska football game in 2019 to be $40,000, Paoletta says the Nebraska Athletic Department confirmed the ticket price for Thomas’ seats was just $65, and notes he attended the game too. As for the golf club invitation extended by billionaire Wayne Huizenga, Thomas never accepted, according to Paoletta.

ProPublica notes in its article that it “has not identified any legal cases that Huizenga, Sokol or Novelly had at the Supreme Court during their documented relationships with Thomas, although they all work in industries significantly impacted by the court’s decisions.”

A DCNF review of tax documents in June revealed that ProPublica’s biggest donors, such as the Sandler Foundation, which launched the outlet, also fund several groups calling for Thomas to be investigated or resign. A majority of experts cited by ProPublica in its stories on Supreme Court justice’s alleged ethics violations also have histories of donating to Democratic campaigns and left-wing causes, the DCNF’s review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) records found.

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 reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

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Clarence Thomas Resign Calls Grow Over Vacations: ‘Corrupt as Hell’Unmute

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FILE – This undated photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a humpback chub in the Colorado River basin in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The National Park Service will renew efforts to rid an area of the Colorado River in northern Arizona of invasive fish by killing them with a chemical treatment, the agency said Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. It’s the latest tactic in an ongoing struggle to keep non-native smallmouth bass and green sunfish at bay below the Glen Canyon Dam and to protect a threatened native fish, the humpback chub. (Travis Francis/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP, File)© Provided by The Associated Press

PAGE, Ariz. (AP) — The National Park Service will renew efforts to rid an area of the Colorado River in northern Arizona of invasive fish by killing them with a chemical treatment, the agency said Friday.

A substance lethal to fish but approved by federal environmental regulators called rotenone will be disseminated starting Aug. 26. It’s the latest tactic in an ongoing struggle to keep non-native smallmouth bass and green sunfish at bay below the Glen Canyon Dam and to protect a threatened native fish, the humpback chub.

FILE – Juvenile smallmouth bass sit at a National Park Service laboratory near Page, Ariz., July 1, 2022. The National Park Service will renew efforts to rid an area of the Colorado River in northern Arizona of invasive fish by killing them with a chemical treatment, the agency said Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. It’s the latest tactic in an ongoing struggle to keep non-native smallmouth bass and green sunfish at bay below the Glen Canyon Dam and to protect a threatened native fish, the humpback chub. (Jeff Arnold/National Park Service via AP, File)© Provided by The Associated Press

The treatment will require a weekend closure of the Colorado River slough, a cobble bar area surrounding the backwater where the smallmouth bass was found, and a short stretch up and downstream. Chemical substances were also utilized last year.

The effort will “be carefully planned and conducted to minimize exposure” to humans as well as “desirable fish species,” according to the National Park Service. An “impermeable fabric barrier” will be erected at the mouth of the slough to prevent the crossover of water with the river.

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Once the treatment is complete, another chemical will be released to dilute the rotenone, the park service said.

In the past, smallmouth bass were sequestered in Lake Powell behind Glen Canyon Dam, which had served as a barrier to them for years. But last summer, they were found in the river below the dam.

Due to climate change and drought, Lake Powell, a key Colorado River reservoir, dropped to historically low levels last year, making it no longer as much of an obstacle to the smallmouth bass. The predatory fish were able to approach the Grand Canyon, where the largest groups of the ancient and rare humpback chub remain.

Environmentalists have accused the federal government of failing to act swiftly. The Center for Biological Diversity pointed to data from the National Park Service released Wednesday showing the smallmouth bass population more than doubled in the past year. The group also said there still have been no timelines given on modifying the area below the dam.

“I’m afraid this bass population boom portends an entirely avoidable extinction event in the Grand Canyon,” said Taylor McKinnon, the Center’s Southwest director. “Losing the humpback chub’s core population puts the entire species at risk.”

Conservation groups also continue to criticize the 2021 decision to downgrade the humpback chub from endangered to threatened. At the time, federal authorities said the fish, which gets its name from a fleshy bump behind its head, had been brought back from the brink of extinction after decades of protections.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident© Provided by SimpleFlying

On August 23rd, 2000, Gulf Air Flight 072 crashed while approaching Bahrain. The accident’s death toll resulted in it becoming the deadliest in Bahraini aviation history, a tragic title that it retains today. Let’s take a look back to see how exactly the accident unfolded and what factors contributed to it.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

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The flight and aircraft in question

Gulf Air Flight 072 was a scheduled service that originated at Cairo International Airport (CAI), the busiest and largest air hub in Egypt. Its destination was Bahrain International Airport (BAH), which remains Gulf Air’s primary hub today. Gulf Air still operates this route today alongside Air Arabia, DHL Aviation, and Egyptair.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

According to the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft operating Gulf Air flight 072 on August 23rd, 2000, was an Airbus A320 registered as A4O-EK. Data from ATDB.aero shows that this particular airframe had been at the Bahraini flag carrier for just under six years, having initially joined the airline brand-new in September 1994.

At the time of the accident, A4O-EK had accumulated a total of 17,370 flight hours across 13,990 cycles, giving it an average cycle length of around 74.5 minutes. The flight had a total of 143 occupants onboard, with this figure consisting of 135 passengers and eight members of crew. Sadly, none would reach Bahrain alive.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Unsuccessful go-around

The flight was a late afternoon/early evening service, and it departed Cairo at 16:52 local time. The majority of the journey across to Bahrain proved uneventful, and it planned to make a standard approach. This would see its crew disconnect the autopilot systems once they had attained visual contact with the runway.

However, approximately one nautical mile (1.85 km) before touchdown, the pilots realized that their approach was too fast and high. As a result, they requested to make a tight 360-degree left turn, known as an orbit, to correct the situation. They did so at a 36-degree bank angle but ultimately opted to go around.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Having been given clearance to do so, with instructions to climb to 2,500 feet to try another approach, the aircraft climbed at a five-degree nose-up angle. However, upon reaching 1,000 feet, the plane suddenly entered a 15-degree nose-down descent. Despite audible warnings from the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), the descent couldn’t be rectified, and the A320 crashed into the sea.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Aftermath and investigation

At the moment that the plane came into contact with the sea, it was traveling at a reported speed of 280 knots (520 km/h), with its nose-down angle being 6.5 degrees. Sadly, the crash, which occurred at 19:30 local time, resulted in the deaths of all 143 people onboard, making it, at the time, the A320’s deadliest accident.

An investigation into the accident found an array of factors to have contributed to what happened. While it highlighted pilot error and spatial disorientation, Gulf Air Flight 072 ultimately crashed as a result of a deadly combination of various individual and systemic aspects. For example, a lack of crew resource management (CRM) training is also said to have played a role.

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Part of the conclusion in an MoT Bahrain report read:

“The factors contributing to the above accident were identified as a combination of individual and systemic issues. The individual factors during the approach and final phases of the flight were: non-adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the captain; the first officer not drawing the attention of the captain to the deviations of the aircraft from the standard flight parameters and profile; the spatial disorientation and information overload experienced by the flight crew; and, the non-effective response by the flight crew to the ground proximity warnings.”

Gulf Air Flight 072: Bahrain’s Deadliest Air Accident

Today, Gulf Air remains a major player in the Middle East. It is still a prominent operator of the A320, holding 14 units in its fleet.

What are your thoughts about the crash of Gulf Air Flight 072? What do you make of the overall causes and consequences of the accident? Let us know what you think of the event in the comment section.

Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network

Hawaiian Electric crews working to repair damaged power lines in Lahaina, Hawaii.© Go Nakamura for The New York Times

Hawaiian Electric has known for years that extreme weather was becoming a bigger danger, but the company did little to strengthen its equipment and failed to adopt emergency plans used elsewhere like being prepared to cut off power to prevent fires.

The utility’s poles may not have been strong enough to stay standing in the winds that hit Lahaina.© Max Whittaker for The New York Times

Before the wildfire on Maui erupted on Aug. 8, killing more than 100 people, many parts of Hawaiian Electric’s operations were showing signs of stress — and state lawmakers, consumer groups and county officials were saying that the company needed to make big changes.

Hawaiian Electric Was Warned of System Fragility Before Maui Wildfire

In 2019, Hawaiian Electric itself started citing the risk of fires. The company said that year that it was studying how utilities in California were dealing with similar threats.

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Two years later, in a report about Hurricane Lane in 2018, the Maui County government warned of the potential that “aboveground power lines that fail, short or are low-hanging can cause fire ignition (sparks) that could start a wildfire, particularly in windy or stormy conditions.”

But it wasn’t until last year that the company asked state regulators to authorize it to spend $190 million to strengthen power poles and other equipment — a request that is still pending. Even when it is approved, the work will take several years to complete.

Attention turned to the company after the emergence of a video recorded on Aug. 8 that appeared to show a power line in Lahaina throwing off sparks and igniting dry grass just hours before the fire devastated the city. In addition, data from sensors owned by a company called Whisker Labs appear to show major faults with the company’s systems just as the wind picked up.

Hawaiian Electric Was Warned of System Fragility Before Maui Wildfire

The wildfire in Lahaina killed more than 100 people.© Go Nakamura for The New York Times

“This is not a highly reinforced system,” Robert McCullough, of McCullough Research, an energy consulting firm in Portland, Ore., said about Hawaiian Electric’s system. “It has not been hardened.”

Utility executives and regulators across the United States have been stunned by the ferocity and frequency of weather-related disasters in recent years, including several major wildfires in California and the 2021 winter storm in Texas that left much of the state without light or heat for days.

But energy experts say these calamities and their effect on electric grids should not have been surprising. In many places, utilities have neglected to sufficiently maintain and improve electric grids for decades, and regulators and lawmakers have largely looked the other way.

“The problem with the electric utilities in the United States is they act like the protected monopolies in the face of catastrophic risk,” said Michael Wara, a scholar focused on climate and energy policy at Stanford University who thinks Hawaiian Electric could have done a lot more to prevent its equipment from becoming a potential cause of fires. “But nature doesn’t care that they’re a protected monopoly. You need to act like a regular company facing a major risk.”

Hawaiian Electric Was Warned of System Fragility Before Maui Wildfire

The industry has known for years that electrical equipment can set off fires when high winds cause poles and power lines to break and collide with dry vegetation. Power lines can also set off fires if they become overloaded because utilities haven’t upgraded them or put in place other safeguards.

Related video: Hawaii government corruption is ‘rampant’ after Maui wildfire: Bryan Sizemore (Fox Business)

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Hawaii government corruption is ‘rampant’ after Maui wildfire: Bryan Sizemore

“Substantial investments in adaptation, hardening, and resilience are being made to help mitigate risk,” said Scott Aaronson, senior vice president of security and preparedness at the Edison Electric Institute, a utility industry trade organization.

Electric utilities in California have had to pay billions of dollars to fire victims in recent years. Hawaiian Electric might have to make big payouts, too. At least four lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Maui residents, and the company’s shares and bond prices have plunged.

In a securities filing on Friday, Hawaiian Electric said that it was consulting with advisers as it seeks “to endure as a financially strong utility that Maui and this state need.”

Officials from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including an electrical engineer, are helping the Maui fire department determine the cause of the fire. The bureau is the primary federal agency that investigates fires and arson.

Hawaiian Electric is a unique utility. Because the state is made up of many islands spread over 1,500 miles, the company operates many electric grids and imports fuel to run power plants. As a result, the state has the highest electricity rates in the country. That makes it much harder for the company and the state to invest in expensive grid upgrades.

Hawaiian Electric Was Warned of System Fragility Before Maui Wildfire

“There’s always been a push and pull on how to pay for it,” State Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran said, referring to plans to improve the electric grid. “The utility doesn’t want to pay for it unless they can pass on the cost to the ratepayers.”

The $190 million proposal Hawaiian Electric made to improve its grid would, among other things, have replaced aging power poles with new ones, including 80 in Maui. Energy experts said many of the company’s poles were probably not strong enough to withstand winds that hit Lahaina.

Some of the company’s poles are surrounded by invasive grasses that can become explosive tinder in the dry season. Experts have long warned that too little was being done to check the spread and growth of the grasses.

“A lot of our concerns were that this infrastructure is way past due,” Jennifer Potter, a former member of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission who lives on Maui, said, pointing in particular to the poles. “Many that have been compromised have been compromised for years.”

Ms. Potter left the commission in November after four years there.

The commission did not respond to a request for comment.

Hawaiian Electric said it had spent $111 million on vegetation management and $287 million on equipment replacement, strengthening the grid, inspections, and using technology like drones and laser imagery to monitor and control the grid since 2018.

“We’re going to look at every decision we made, every tactic we employed to act on the wildfire threat on Maui,” said Jim Kelly, a spokesman for the utility. “Outside voices speak confidently about what happened and what we did or didn’t do, but the facts are that we took the threat seriously and were confronted by an extraordinary climatological event on Aug. 8.”

But some experts say Hawaiian Electric should have done more.

Mr. Wara said that Hawaiian Electric could have established a power shut-off program in consultation with local authorities and emergency services. In California, after warning residents and local officials, utilities shut off power when high winds approach to reduce the chance that power lines will ignite fires.

Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land, a Hawaii nonprofit group that represents consumers before the state Public Utilities Commission, said he “strongly supports” power shut-off programs. The utility, he said, has been dismissive of the idea.

“We’ve been raising climate change for more than two decades, and the utility has been slow in dealing with it,” Mr. Curtis said. “Certainly Hawaiian Electric knew that Lahaina was the most vulnerable place. They’ve known that for years.”

Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric’s chief executive, said after the fire that the company had not shut off power in Lahaina because electricity was needed to keep water pumps and medical devices running.

“In Lahaina, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water — and so that was also a critical need during that time,” Ms. Kimura said at a news conference on Monday. “There are choices that need to be made — and all of those factors play into it.”

Many residents in California have complained about utility power shut-off programs. Utilities there have come up with ways to address some of the concerns raised by residents and Ms. Kimura. San Diego Gas & Electric opens shelters that have electricity for residents facing a power shut-off. The utility also provides backup generators to power water pumps and other critical equipment.

Lawmakers in Hawaii, seeing the growing threat of extreme weather linked to climate change, also pursued measures to bolster the grid. Having seen the vulnerabilities of Puerto Rico in Hurricane Maria in 2017, Lorraine R. Inouye, a state senator, introduced a bill in 2018 aimed at strengthening electrical equipment to better withstand natural disasters. The bill did not advance.

“If it went into effect, today we would have been in a better position,” she said.

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

1.Pneumonia and influenza

Remember when we said diarrhea could be as deadly as catching a cold? Well, we weren’t joking. Pneumonia and influenza killed 40,362 Americans in 1900 because we didn’t have any effective treatments. 

Penicillin changed the game

Alexander Flemming invented penicillin in 1928 and it totally revolutionized how doctors could treat pneumonia patients. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for those with influenza and civilization would have to wait until 1933 for scientists to develop the first influenza vaccines.

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

2. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis was a nasty way to go in 1900s America. The disease often had a long lead time, infecting the septum and gradually destroying one’s lungs over the course of years. Maybe that’s why it killed 38,434 Americans in 1900. 

No reliable treatment

There was really no way to treat tuberculosis at the turn of the century. According to the University of Virginia, doctors would advise their patients to “rest, eat well, and exercise outdoors.” But this was rarely a cure. 

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

3. Diarrhea, enteritis, and ulcers

It’s a little gross but completely understandable considering the lack of tools doctors had to treat diarrhea and intestinal-related illnesses, which killed 28,491 Americans in 1900. 

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

Considering living conditions at the time

Diarrhea would have been a very common phenomenon for most Americans in 1900. Very few people had proper home plumbing or water and there were no refrigerators to store meat… So catching a case of the “hersey’s squirts” might just be as deadly as running as catching a cold! 

4. Diseases of the heart

No, we’re not talking about being lovesick. The number four killer of Americans 123 years ago was heart disease resulting in the death of 27,427 people. 

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

Heart disease in 1900

Unlike today, heart disease was considered relatively uncommon in society and it is thought that a change in dietary habits and an increase in smoking is what has made heart disease today’s top killer.

5. Intracranial lesions of vascular origin better known as Cerebrovascular Disease

Cerebrovascular Disease refers to a group of various conditions that restrict blood flow to the brain and in 1900 they killed 21,353 Americans. 

The collective conditions

Most Cerebrovascular Diseases fall into four categories according to the University of Michigan, these include “blood vessels narrowing (stenosis), clot formation (thrombosis), artery blockage (embolism), or blood vessel rupture (hemorrhage).”

6. Nephritis

You may have to look this one up but it’s relatively simple. Nephritis is a condition in which kidney tissue becomes inflamed and stops filtering waste from one’s blood and it killed 17,699 Americans in 1900. 

10 leading causes of death in America in 1900

Why it was so deadly

Back before the invention of dialysis in the 1940s, doctors could only treat Nephritis with dietary restrictions and recently invented anti-inflammatory drugs. Today we not only have dialysis for severe cases but also a host of drugs and steroids that can be used to reduce the inflammation that causes nephritis. 

7. All Accidents

This category is a little interesting because it includes all accidental deaths that occurred in the United States in 1900. Accidents killed 14,429 people, which seems low considering the United States had a population of 76.3 million at the time. Maybe a few accidents just didn’t get reported?

The most common cause of accidents in America

The biggest accidental killers in America in 1900 were industrial in nature according to the Social Security Administration, so think of accidents while constructing railroads or mining coal. America was a dangerous place during the Industrial Revolution!

8. Cancer and other malignant tumors

Cancer was just as big a problem in the 1900s as it is in today’s America. Cancer and other related malignant tumors killed 12,769 Americans before there were any real treatments. 

How to deal with cancer in 1900s America

Interestingly, doctors in 1900 did have some tools available to help diagnose and treat cancer. X-ray machines and modern microscopes were just starting to be used to identify cancer in the human body and radical mastectomy was being used to eliminate cancerous growths before they spread according to the American Cancer Society. 

9. Senility

What exactly does it mean to die by senility? Well, it essentially means someone died of old age, which is a little worrying since it only appears at number 9 on this list killing only 10,015 Americans in 1900. 

Dying of Senility

Senility covered a broad range of symptoms in the 1900s. For some individuals, it could have meant that they succumb to Alzheimer’s or senile dementia, while for others it may have just meant that they died as a result of the gradual loss of cognitive functions that accompany old age. 

10. Diphtheria

You may have never heard of this type of bacterial infection but for most of our history, Diphtheria was one of the leading causes of death in humans. In 1900 it killed 8056 people in America, which was roughly 40.3 in every 100,000 people. 

A dangerous infection

Diphtheria can be particularly deadly in infants because of the toxins it creates in the body and it wasn’t until a vaccine was developed in the 1920s that Diphtheria dropped off as one of the world’s top killers.

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.© Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Americans will soon roll up their sleeves for an array of shots to stem the anticipated tide of respiratory infections this fall. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

Covid-19 wastewater levels and hospitalizations have been rising from low levels for weeks, and federal data show a rise in positive tests for respiratory syncytial virus, too. Health officials expect the flu to join the mix in the coming months. 

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For the first time, vaccines are available for all three of these illnesses, including new RSV shots for older adults and reformulated vaccines for Covid-19 and the flu. 

“It’s new territory for all of us, particularly for older persons and people at high risk,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-disease physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

Here is a look at what is available when, and when doctors say is the best time to get them: 

Yes, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax all plan to bring boosters to the market this fall. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

Pfizer expects to win Food and Drug Administration approval in August, with vaccinations starting in September. Novavax said it expects to get clearance and ship doses in September, and Moderna said it is waiting for approval.

The new boosters target an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.5 that dominated cases through the spring and summer. It recently declined to a projected 5% of cases, according to federal data, amid a still-busy landscape of Omicron subvariants.  

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

A newer subvariant, called EG.5 and unofficially known as Eris, leads the pack at roughly one in five cases, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projections. The World Health Organization said EG.5 is closely related to XBB.1.5. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

“Unless we get another variant that pops up, we should have a really good match,” said Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious-disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Texas.

Booster for new COVID variant will not be covered by federal funds

The virus continues to evolve. Both the WHO and the CDC said they are tracking a new lineage called BA.2.86. It is another Omicron subvariant with many mutations, according to health authorities. 

There are no official recommendations for the new boosters yet because the CDC creates vaccine guidance only after the shots get clearance from the FDA. 

The shots have shown they help keep people out of hospitals and reduce deaths. People can still face the risk of serious complications from Covid-19, particularly older people, including those with compromised health, and others with weakened immune systems. 

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot. People 60 and older can consider an RSV shot after talking to their doctors. Both shots are starting to arrive in pharmacies and doctors’ offices. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

“Older adults, especially those who have chronic, underlying health conditions, they’re at that higher risk for having severe disease with RSV,” said Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

A new RSV drug approved to protect all infants is expected to be available this season. Though not a vaccine, the injectable medication works similarly by giving infants antibodies to neutralize the virus.

If you are at high risk for Covid-19 and haven’t been boosted in several months, some doctors recommend getting a shot now instead of waiting. Otherwise, the new boosters will likely be a better match to the circulating Covid-19 variants once they come on the market. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

For RSV, people who are recommended to get the shot can get it at any time, because data suggest it will likely provide protection that can last through the winter, doctors said. 

The CDC recommends that most people wait to get their flu shots until September or October because the shots’ effectiveness fades after a few months. But the agency also said children could get shots during late-summer healthcare visits if there won’t be another chance.

One good strategy for eligible adults is to get an RSV shot soon, followed by Covid-19 and flu shots before Halloween, health officials said. 

“RSV given separately from the other two may be ideal,” said Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. 

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

It depends on personal preference, doctors said. Studies and data from last season show that the flu and Covid-19 mRNA vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit. 

The CDC said that the RSV shot can be added in, but the data on safety and effectiveness are limited. Doctors also said it is better to err on the side of getting shots when you can.

Covid-19 Is Back. Flu and RSV Are Coming. What to Know About Fall Shots.

“I wouldn’t overthink it,” said Dr. Erica Shenoy, chief of infection control for Mass General Brigham in Boston. “Make your appointments, and get it done.”

Write to Brianna Abbott at brianna.abbott@wsj.com and Jon Kamp at Jon.Kamp@wsj.com

Inside the Collapse of Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

Hunter Biden, the president’s son, is being investigated by a special counsel appointed by the Justice Department.© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

There were signs, subtle but unmistakable, that Hunter Biden’s high-stakes plea agreement with federal prosecutors might be on shaky ground hours before it went public in June, according to emails sent by his legal team to the U.S. attorney’s office in Delaware.

When one of Mr. Biden’s lawyers sent over the draft of the statement they intended to share with the news media, a top deputy to David C. Weiss, who had overseen the inquiry since 2018, asked to remove two words describing the status of the investigation, according to interviews and internal correspondence on the deal obtained by The New York Times. “Concluded” and “conclusion” should be replaced with the weaker “resolved,” the deputy said.

Inside the Collapse of Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

Six weeks later, the federal judge presiding over a hearing on the agreement would expose even deeper divisions, and the deal imploded, prompting Mr. Weiss to seek appointment as special counsel with the freedom to expand the inquiry and bring new charges.

The deal’s collapse — chronicled in over 200 pages of confidential correspondence between Mr. Weiss’s office and Mr. Biden’s legal team, and interviews with those close to Mr. Biden, lawyers involved in the case, and Justice Department officials — came after intense negotiations that started with the prospect that Mr. Biden would not be charged at all and now could end in his possible indictment and trial.

Earlier this year, The Times found, Mr. Weiss appeared willing to forgo any prosecution of Mr. Biden at all, and his office came close to agreeing to end the investigation without requiring a guilty plea on any charges. But the correspondence reveals that his position relayed through his staff, changed in the spring, around the time a pair of I.R.S. officials on the case accused the Justice Department of hamstringing the investigation. Mr. Weiss suddenly demanded that Mr. Biden plead guilty to committing tax offenses.

Inside the Collapse of Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

Now, the I.R.S. agents and their Republican allies say they believe the evidence they brought forward, at the precise time they did, played a role in influencing the outcome, a claim senior law enforcement officials dispute. While Mr. Biden’s legal team agrees that the I.R.S. agents affected the deal, his lawyers have contended to the Justice Department that by disclosing details about the investigation to Congress, they broke the law and should be prosecuted.

“It appears that if it weren’t for the courageous actions of these whistle-blowers, who had nothing to gain and everything to lose, Hunter Biden would never have been charged at all,” a team of lawyers for one of the I.R.S. agents said in a statement, adding that the initial agreement reflected preferential treatment.

A spokesman for Mr. Weiss had no comment. He is legally barred from discussing an open investigation, and a senior law enforcement official with knowledge of the situation pushed back on the idea that Mr. Weiss had been influenced by outside pressures, and ascribed any shifts to the typical ebb and flow of negotiations.

The documents and interviews also show that the relationship between Mr. Biden’s legal team and Mr. Weiss’s office reached a breaking point at a crucial moment after one of his top deputies — who had become a target of the I.R.S. agents and Republican allies — left the team for reasons that remain unclear.

Above all, this inside chronicle of the agreement vividly illustrates the difficulty of the task facing Justice Department officials like Mr. Weiss, who have been called upon to investigate prominent figures at a time of extreme polarization, when the nation’s political and criminal justice systems are intertwining in treacherous and unpredictable ways.

No one supervising a comparable inquiry in recent years — like those who oversaw the investigations into Hillary Clinton and Donald J. Trump — managed to smoothly unwind their investigations when they chose not to indict their targets.

Inside the Collapse of Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

Precisely what happens next is unclear. Mr. Biden’s top lawyer has quit and accused prosecutors of reneging on their commitments. And Republicans, who waged an all-out war to discredit the deal, are seeking to maximize the political damage to President Biden, seeing it as a counter to the four criminal prosecutions of Mr. Trump, their party’s presidential front-runner.

Mr. Weiss had a few reasons to ask Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to appoint him special counsel. The status could grant him greater authority to pursue leads around the country and could provide him with added leverage in a revamped deal with Mr. Biden. But he was also motivated by a requirement to produce a report that would allow him to answer critics, according to people with knowledge of the situation — an accounting that could become public before the 2024 election.

Inside the Collapse of Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

An Opening Bid

In January, Christopher J. Clark, a lawyer for Hunter Biden, arrived in Wilmington, Del., to push Mr. Weiss to end the investigation into the president’s troubled son that had, at that point, dragged on for more than four years.

Mr. Clark began by telling Mr. Weiss that his legacy would be defined by how he handled this decision.

If his host somehow missed the message, Mr. Clark followed up with an even more dramatic gesture, reading a quote from a Supreme Court justice, Robert Jackson, who had been a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials: Prosecutors could always find “a technical violation of some act on the part of almost anyone” but should never succumb to pressure from the powerful.

That first face-to-face interaction, between a fiery white-collar defense lawyer who has represented Elon Musk and a late-career federal prosecutor known for keeping his gray-haired head down, set into motion months of intense negotiations that led to an agreement that appeared to end Mr. Biden’s tax and firearms violations, only to derail over the extent of his immunity from future prosecution.

Mr. Biden’s foreign business ventures, especially when his father was vice president and later when he was addicted to crack cocaine, had long raised ethical and legal concerns. In 2018, Mr. Weiss was quietly assigned the Hunter Biden investigation and then kept on by Justice Department officials in the Biden administration to complete the job.

Mr. Weiss cast a wide net from the start, examining a range of Mr. Biden’s business dealings, his finances, and personal conduct. But the inquiry eventually narrowed.

By late 2022, Mr. Weiss — who relied on the work of I.R.S. investigators, the F.B.I., and lawyers in the Justice Department’s tax division — had found some evidence but determined that he did not have sufficient grounds to indict Mr. Biden for major felonies, according to several people familiar with the situation.

Mr. Weiss told an associate that he preferred not to bring any charges, even misdemeanors, against Mr. Biden because the average American would not be prosecuted for similar offenses. (A senior law enforcement official forcefully denied the account.)

But in January, the two sides hunkered down on the business at hand. Mr. Clark first tried to undermine the gun case, arguing that the charge was likely unconstitutional and citing recent legal challenges after the Supreme Court’s decision last year expanding gun rights.

Then he took on the tax case, laying out with slides how Mr. Trump’s longtime confidant, Roger J. Stone Jr., had failed to pay his taxes for several more years than Mr. Biden but had been allowed to deal with it civilly and had faced no criminal punishment.

Mr. Weiss seemed noncommittal.

If he chose not to charge, members of Mr. Biden’s legal team believed Mr. Weiss still wanted something from Mr. Biden — like an agreement to never own a gun again — to show there was some accountability after his long-running inquiry.

Mr. Clark would have to wait a while to find out.

Four months later, on Monday, May 15, a familiar figure reached out to Mr. Clark: Lesley Wolf, a top Weiss deputy with whom Mr. Clark had developed a rapport over the previous two years. In a conference call with the Biden legal team, she acknowledged Mr. Clark’s core demand: that his client never be asked to plead guilty to anything.

She then made a proposition — a deal in which Mr. Biden would not plead guilty, but would agree to what is known as a deferred prosecution agreement.

Such a deal allows a person charged with a crime to avoid entering a formal plea if he or she agrees to abide by a series of conditions, like enrolling in drug treatment or anti-violence programs, relinquishing ownership of weapons, or forgoing alcohol.

The agreements, widely used to avoid clogging courts and jails with low-level offenders, have legal teeth. If the terms are violated, a person can be charged with the original crimes.

CIA hit with lawsuit over letter claiming Hunter Biden laptop was Russian disinformation

Mr. Clark — knowing Mr. Biden wanted to bring an end to the investigation that had hovered over him, his family, and the Biden White House — was amenable. He told Ms. Wolf he would draft language for such an agreement, an opening bid that would kick off final talks.

By Thursday, Mr. Clark and his legal team sent Ms. Wolf their version of an agreement. It made no mention of a guilty plea but included a promise that Mr. Biden would never again possess a gun and a pledge that he would pay his taxes.

Ms. Wolf suggested additions, including a demand for a statement of facts, a detailed and unflattering narrative of an individual’s conduct that had been investigated.

The parties then turned to the most important provision of all, an issue that would ultimately unravel the deal: Mr. Clark’s sweeping request for immunity not only for all potential crimes investigated by Mr. Weiss but also for “any other federal crimes relating to matters investigated by the United States” he might have ever committed.

Ms. Wolf appears to have discarded Mr. Clark’s language. Mr. Clark pushed back in a call with Mr. Weiss and the language was replaced with a narrower promise not to prosecute for any of the offenses “encompassed” in the statement of facts.

The end seemed in sight. When the basic outline was hashed out, Mr. Clark asked Ms. Wolf if she was serious about finalizing the agreement — if so, he would fly out to California to explain the terms to his nervous client.

Take the trip, she said.

Mr. Clark ran all of this by Mr. Biden in a meeting at his Malibu house — in a garage where he works on his paintings. He approved the plan.

That Friday, Mr. Clark asked Ms. Wolf if he should stay in California to finalize the deal in Mr. Biden’s presence over the weekend.

No, she replied, it would take her a few more days.

Mr. Clark, believing that they were on the brink of a deal, flew back to New York.

Outcry on Capitol Hill

But on Capitol Hill, the efforts to upend a resolution were gaining momentum.

While Mr. Weiss concluded that there was not enough evidence to charge Mr. Biden with major crimes, not all his colleagues shared that opinion. The perception that Mr. Biden was being treated too softly spurred resistance among some investigators who believed that his office had blocked them from following all leads.

Few were more frustrated than Gary Shapley. A veteran I.R.S. investigator, he had worked on major cases and helped take on big bankers. But every time he said he tried to pursue what he believed could be a major break in the Biden investigation, he felt stymied.

When investigators went to interview Hunter Biden, they were told they couldn’t approach the house. An attempt to serve a search warrant on Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s guesthouse? Denied. The request to search a storage unit belonging to Hunter Biden? Derailed.

Finally, he reached out to Mark Lytle, a former federal prosecutor, and the men eventually connected with former Republican staff members who had worked for Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa and had knowledge of federal whistle-blower protections.

Mr. Shapley had been raising concerns internally since at least the fall of 2022, but that winter, he took his allegations to the Justice Department’s watchdog, complaining in February.

By April, Mr. Shapley offered to share insider details with House Republican committee investigators, including his claim that Mr. Weiss had told him that federal prosecutors in Washington and California had refused to bring tax charges against Mr. Biden. His most startling allegation: Mr. Weiss had been so frustrated that he had considered asking Mr. Garland to appoint him as special counsel in late 2022. (Mr. Weiss and Mr. Garland have both denied that account.)

Mr. Shapley requested special protections to bypass legal restrictions on discussing ongoing federal investigations.

It all began to explode into public view on May 15 — the same day Ms. Wolf contacted Mr. Clark — when it was reported that the investigative team that had worked on the case, including Mr. Shapley, had been removed. The next day the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee fired off a letter to the I.R.S. commissioner demanding an explanation.

Around that time, lawyers for a second tax investigator sent a letter to the I.R.S. commissioner, claiming the team of investigators on the case had been removed after expressing concerns about political interference from the Justice Department.

The letter was quickly made public. The agents’ claims were the breakthrough House Republicans had long been seeking.

The I.R.S. investigators had given Congress something genuinely new: summaries of WhatsApp messages that appeared to show Hunter Biden involved in a shakedown in which he had invoked his father, firsthand testimony from people who had reviewed Mr. Biden’s finances and the credibility of their long careers at the tax agency.

On May 24, CBS aired an interview with one of the agents. Two days later, he testified behind closed doors before the House Ways and Means Committee, creating a buzz on Capitol Hill. The second man testified on June 1. Three weeks later, the committee voted to publicly release transcripts of the testimony, leading to even more news coverage.

Shifting Ground

As the testimony from the I.R.S. agents took hold, Mr. Biden’s legal team felt the ground shift beneath them. The U.S. attorney’s office suddenly went quiet.

Early in the negotiations, Ms. Wolf included what seemed like a boilerplate disclaimer in an email, that her team “had not discussed or obtained approval” from her superiors for the terms of the final agreement.

On Tuesday, May 23, after four days of silence, Ms. Wolf delivered unwelcome news. Mr. Weiss had revised what he wanted in the deal, now demanding that Mr. Biden plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his taxes. It crossed a red line for Mr. Clark.

Erupting in anger, Mr. Clark accused Ms. Wolf of misleading him. He renounced the possibility of any deal, but after consulting with Mr. Biden, reversed course and told Ms. Wolf that Mr. Biden was willing to go along.

Mr. Clark then went to Wilmington to meet the prosecutors, where they hammered out the details of the deal.

By the middle of June, both sides were prepared to announce a deal.

Under the agreement, Mr. Biden would plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors and avert prosecution on the gun charge by enrolling in a diversion program.

Mr. Biden’s legal team was eager to issue a statement claiming that the agreement represented the conclusion of the government’s investigation. That Monday, June 19, Mr. Clark sent a draft to Shannon Hanson, another Weiss deputy, which clearly stated the investigation was over.

“I can confirm that the five-year-long, extensive federal investigation into my client, Hunter Biden, has been concluded through agreements with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware,” it read.

“With the conclusion of this investigation, he looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward,” it continued.

Ms. Hanson suggested the edit from “has been concluded” to “resolved,” and she also asked Mr. Clark to strike the phrase “With the conclusion of this investigation.”

But hours after the agreement was announced, confusion set in. In a news release, Mr. Weiss’s office said that the investigation was “ongoing,” taking Mr. Biden and officials at Justice Department headquarters by surprise.

It was at this critical juncture that Ms. Wolf began to take a significantly reduced role, although it is unclear whether that had anything to do with the Biden case.

In their testimony, the I.R.S. whistle-blowers claimed that Ms. Wolf — who had made a couple of campaign donations to Democrats — had discouraged them from pursuing lines of inquiry that could lead to the elder Mr. Biden.

Around this time, Leo Wise — a senior prosecutor who had spent nearly two decades in the Baltimore U.S. attorney’s office — was quietly transferred to the department’s criminal division, then detailed to Delaware to add legal firepower to the relatively small Delaware office.

It was his name, not Ms. Wolf’s, that appeared on the plea deal. And it was Mr. Wise who was responsible for defending the deal, one he had not negotiated, in front of a federal judge who proved to be unforgiving.

A Deal Upended

Hunter Biden walked into the Wilmington federal courthouse on July 26, with the expectation that his long legal odyssey was nearing an end.

But there were signs all was not well. Hours earlier, the Republican-controlled House Ways and Means Committee had made one final stab at scuttling the agreement, urging the court to consider the whistle-blowers’ testimony.

It turned out to be unnecessary.

Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, repeatedly informed the two sides that she would be no “rubber stamp.” She picked apart the deal, exposing substantial disagreements over the extent of the immunity provision.

Mr. Clark said the deal indemnified his client not merely for the tax and gun offenses uncovered during the inquiry, but for other possible offenses stemming from his lucrative consulting deals. Mr. Wise said it was far narrower — and suggested the government was still considering charges against Mr. Biden under laws regulating foreign lobbying.

The two sides tried to salvage it, but Judge Noreika was not convinced, and Mr. Biden silently left the courthouse under a hail of shouted questions.

Hurricane Hilary Poses Unusual Threat to Southern California© alfredo estrella/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

Hurricane Hilary is charting a rare path to Southern California.

The storm sped up and has been losing strength, declining from a Category 4 hurricane on Friday to Category 2 by Saturday afternoon. While it is expected to weaken into a tropical storm this weekend, Hilary is on course to pummel the west coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula with heavy rains and a dangerous storm surge. On Sunday, it is forecast to bring hazardous flooding to an area unaccustomed to tropical storms.

Hurricane Hilary Poses Unusual Threat to Southern California

The heavy rains, coupled with high winds, could cause mudslides or landslides, and wash out roads in mountainous areas.

Residents and visitors with special needs on Catalina Island, about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, were advised to evacuate Saturday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Forecasters said Saturday the potential for “catastrophic flooding” in Los Angeles and San Diego was very high.

The hurricane’s predicted path is due to an unusual convergence of warm water, a high-pressure zone to the east and a jet stream to the west, according to Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather’s director of forecasting operations.

“You have to have the exact right atmospheric setup,” said DePodwin. “And that’s what we have.”

Hurricane Hilary Poses Unusual Threat to Southern California

Scientists use the term hurricane for storms originating in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific. Hilary formed in the East Pacific, off the coast of Mexico.

Many of the hurricanes that form in the Pacific every year go out into the ocean without affecting the U.S., as steering winds direct the storms away from land. 

In this storm system, a ridge of high pressure that is causing heat waves in the middle of the U.S. is pulling Hurricane Hilary north, DePodwin said. A jet stream off the coast of California is keeping it from moving back into open waters. These sorts of jet streams are usually more prevalent in the winter. 

Related video: Hilary grows to Cat.4 hurricane; SoCal braces for rain (KTLA-TV Los Angeles)

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“It’s squeezed between those two different atmospheric features and it has nowhere else to go but between these two,” said DePodwin. “And in this case, the direction is right into the Southwestern United States.” 

Warmer water is also a factor. Hotter ocean temperatures act like high-octane gasoline, enabling a hurricane to be more powerful, according to Jamie Rhome, the National Hurricane Center’s deputy director. 

Cool Pacific waters typically weaken storms before they can reach Southern California. But the water off the west coast of Mexico is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, several degrees above the historical average for this time of the year, Rhome said. 

“When you have a lot of strength, a lot of intensity, a storm can coast further,” said Rhome. Hilary won’t start losing intensity until it reaches waters below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, he added. 

The weather phenomenon El Niño is contributing, too. It tends to warm the Pacific and help hurricanes such as Hilary acquire substantial strength, said Rhome.

Though this confluence of events is rare, it isn’t the first time the Southwest has faced the impacts of a tropical storm. Historical records dating back to the 1800s show an unnamed hurricane brought floods to San Diego in 1858. Four tropical storms hit the same region between 1938 and 1939, according to DePodwin. 

In 1997, Hurricane Nora cut a similar path to what is predicted for Hilary, though the center of the storm was slightly farther east, in Arizona. 

Forecasters say it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where Hurricane Hilary will make landfall and what path it will take toward the U.S. Currently, the storm is expected to hit San Diego County as a tropical storm Sunday afternoon, about four hours earlier than previously projected. It will first make landfall in Mexico.

The heaviest rainfall in Southern California is expected starting Sunday. San Diego County and Palm Springs in California and northern Mexico along the Tijuana River are likely to experience flooding from tremendous amounts of rain. As the storm moves up the coast, it is forecast to deliver a year’s worth of rain to California’s Death Valley and parts of southern Nevada.

Scientists are hoping Hurricane Hilary will be a learning opportunity. A military aircraft working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will fly to the eye of the hurricane to learn more about where its center is and how strong it has become, said Alex Tardy, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 

The weather service, which usually launches a weather balloon twice a day across 90 locations in the U.S., will launch a special balloon every six hours to gather data on Hurricane Hilary’s location and strength to help make forecasts. 

“We want to sample the atmosphere as best we can,” said Tardy.

Write to Suryatapa Bhattacharya at Suryatapa.Bhattacharya@wsj.com