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Russia launches one of war’s largest air attacks days after Ukraine’s bomber raidRussia launched a barrage of drones and ballistic missiles across broad swaths of Ukraine early Friday, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others, days after Kyiv launched a daring raid on Moscow’s fleet of strategic bombers. For residents of Kyiv, the night’s soundtrack was familiar: the shrieking whir of drones, air raid sirens and large explosions overhead – whether from air defenses successfully downing missiles, or projectiles puncturing the capital. Three firefighters were killed in Kyiv, two civilians were killed in Lutsk, and another person was killed in Chernihiv, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used more than 400 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack, putting it among the war’s largest. He said Moscow’s attack injured 80 and targeted “almost all” of Ukraine, listing nine regions, from Lviv in the west to Sumy in the northeast. Although Russia has pummeled Ukraine almost daily over three years of full-scale war, Ukrainians had been bracing for retaliation since Sunday, when Kyiv launched an audacious operation that struck more than a third of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers. In a call with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would have to respond to Kyiv’s assault. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump told reporters Ukraine “gave Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night.” Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its strikes were in response to what it called Kyiv’s “terrorist acts.” It was not immediately clear if the attack was the extent of Russia’s pledged retaliation, or if Putin intends to escalate further. After the embarrassment of Kyiv’s operation, there was a chorus of bellicose calls from pro-Kremlin pundits for a severe – potentially nuclear – response. Although Ukrainians had been buoyed last weekend by the news of Kyiv’s successful operation, many were wary of how Russia might strike back. But after Friday’s strikes, Kyiv residents told CNN they supported Ukraine’s strikes against the aircraft Moscow has used to bomb Ukraine for more than three years. “It didn’t break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces,” said Olha, a 39-year-old from the capital who did not wish to give her last name. She said the apparent “retaliation” from Russia was not so different to countless other nights of the war. “Maybe (this was the retaliation), but maybe the retaliation is yet to come. Either way, it doesn’t change our attitude towards the enemy or towards our country.” After daylight broke on Friday, residents are able to see the extent of damage to apartment buildings from Russia's strikes overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s general staff on Friday said it launched overnight strikes on two Russian airfields, where it said Moscow had concentrated many of the aircraft that had not been damaged in Kyiv’s “Spiderweb” operation last weekend. Ukraine stressed that the operation, which blindsided the Kremlin, had targeted the planes that Russia uses to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and kill civilians. After Russia’s large-scale attack Friday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Moscow had “responded” to its destroyed aircraft by once again “attacking civilians in Ukraine.” As daylight broke, images from Kyiv showed flames rising over apartment buildings and firefighting crews at work, with residents picking through the debris of damaged apartments. Several cars parked in the streets below were covered with shards of glass and slabs of masonry torn from the walls of residential buildings. Ukraine’s air force said Russia’s barrage comprised 407 drones, six ballistic missiles, 38 cruise missiles and an anti-radar missile. Of those 452 projectiles, the air force said it had downed 406, including 32 of the cruise missiles and four of the ballistic missiles. The other two ballistic missiles did not reach their targets, it added. The strikes also hit Chernihiv, near the border with Belarus, which was rocked by 14 explosions from drones and ballistic missiles, including cruise missiles and Iskander-M missiles, local officials said. Five others were wounded in strikes in the northwestern city of Lutsk, near the border with Poland. Footage geolocated by CNN showed at least four missiles slamming into the city, kicking up fiery explosions on impact. The Russian Ministry of Defense said it had also intercepted and destroyed 174 Ukrainian drones from Thursday evening to early Friday morning and had destroyed three Ukrainian Neptune-MD guided missiles over the Black Sea. Putin’s call with Trump All week, Ukrainians have been bracing for Russia’s retaliation to last weekend’s drone attack, which struck 34% of Moscow’s nuclear-capable bombers stationed at airfields as far away as Siberia. On Tuesday, Ukraine also launched an attack on the Kerch Bridge , the only direct connection point between Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsula, with 1,100 kilograms of explosives that had been planted underwater. After Trump’s call with Putin on Wednesday, the US president said his Russian counterpart had told him that Moscow would have to respond to Ukraine’s assaults. Trump’s account of the call gave no indication that he had urged Putin to temper his response, to the dismay of many in Ukraine. “When Putin mentioned he is going to avenge or deliver a new strike against Ukraine, we know what it means. It’s about civilians,” Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko told CNN earlier this week. “And President Trump didn’t say, ‘Vladimir, stop.’” Despite Trump’s support for recent peace talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia, on Thursday he signaled that he may be adopting a more hands-off approach, likening the war to a brawl between children. “Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy,” Trump said in the Oval Office, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz looked on silently. “They hate each other, and they’re fighting in a park, and you try and pull them apart. They don’t want to be pulled. Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart.”;0,1
Europe cuts interest rates again, day after Trump renews attacks on the FedThe European Central Bank on Thursday cut its main interest rate again, citing slowing price rises. The widely anticipated move takes the ECB’s main rate to 2%, from 2.25% previously, and marks the eighth time the central bank has slashed borrowing costs since last June as inflation has tumbled from multi-decade highs. Year-on-year consumer price inflation across the 20 countries using the euro dropped to 1.9% last month — falling below the ECB’s 2% target for the first time since September. The decision risks provoking further attacks by President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve for not following suit and lowering borrowing costs in the United States. The Fed has kept interest rates steady in recent months, opting to wait and see how the president’s trade war will impact the world’s largest economy before deciding whether to cut or raise rates. Trump has used the ECB’s recent rate cuts as a cudgel with which to pressure Fed Chair Jerome Powell. “‘Too Late’ Powell must now LOWER THE RATE. He is unbelievable!!! Europe has lowered NINE TIMES!” Trump wrote in a social media post Wednesday in anticipation of the ECB’s decision. (Fact check: The ECB had by that point cut its main rate seven times since it started lowering borrowing costs in June 2024). Hussain Mehdi, an investment strategist at HSBC Asset Management, said the ECB is in “an enviable position.” “Underlying inflation is back at pre-Russia/Ukraine (war) levels,” he said Thursday, adding that inflation in Europe was likely to continue slowing due to a stronger euro and lower oil and gas prices. “Tariffs may also help keep prices in check, given they weigh on demand.” Central bankers tend to lower the cost of borrowing when they feel the economy needs juicing. And Trump’s trade war risks sapping economic growth in Europe, America and the rest of the world. ECB President Christine Lagarde told reporters Thursday that “a further escalation in global trade tensions and associated uncertainties could lower euro area growth by dampening exports and dragging down investment and consumption.” The European Union has been working to strike a trade agreement with the US, conscious in particular of Trump’s recent threat to slap a 50% tariff on goods arriving from the bloc. Maroš Šef?ovi?, the EU’s top trade representative, told reporters Wednesday that negotiations with his US counterpart, Jamieson Greer, were progressing “at pace” and “in the right direction.” Similarly, Greer said the talks were “advancing quickly.” Underscoring the importance of these talks, Felix Schmidt, senior economist at bank Berenberg, said Monday that “uncertainty is holding back the eurozone economy more than the stance of monetary policy.” “If this uncertainty diminishes in the wake of a deal between the US and the EU, as we expect, growth should rebound,” he wrote in a note.;-0,025
Texas governor signs new law requiring Apple and Google to verify all app store users’ agesGoogle and Apple will soon be required to verify app store users’ ages in Texas, after Gov. Greg Abbott signed the rule into law on Tuesday. The Texas App Store Accountability Act follows similar legislation that passed in Utah earlier this year, although it requires the app stores to collect even more user data. Enforcement of the Texas law is set to begin at the start of next year — giving app stores several months to determine how they will collect this information. The bill was passed with super-majority approval by the Texas House and Senate. It’s part of a broader push for regulation to better protect kids online, with lawmakers and some social media companies arguing that app stores should serve as centralized clearinghouses for verifying users’ ages. A handful of other US states have proposed similar legislation. But the app store operators, as well as some experts, say the age verification rules could pose privacy risks and be difficult to enforce. “We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement regarding the bill last week. Apple CEO Tim Cook called Abbott earlier this month to encourage him not to sign the bill as written, according to a Wall Street Journal report . “Safety and online privacy for Texas children remains a priority for Governor Abbott,” the governor’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement. “Texas will empower parents to have more control over the online content their children can access.” Like Utah’s law, the Texas bill requires app stores to verify all users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minor users download or make a purchase through an app. They’re also required to share “age categories” — child, young teenager, older teenager or adult — with app developers so that, at least in theory, they can provider safer experiences for young users. But Texas’ law adds an additional requirement: The app stores must also confirm that the parent or guardian approving a minor’s app downloads has the legal authority to make decisions for that child. App store operators Google and Apple argue that the age verification bills will undermine individual privacy. That’s because every user, not just children, will have to provide sensitive data — likely an ID or a scan of their face — to confirm their age, even if they only want to download something like a weather app, where age is irrelevant. And the custody rule will require parents to turn over even more personal documentation. Legal experts have also raised concerns that such laws could run afoul of the First Amendment by forcing adults to choose between handing over personal information or accessing “legally protected online speech.” Likewise, minors would be forced to get parental consent before accessing protected online speech. Apple and Google have suggested alternative proposals that would involve a shared responsibility for age verification between app stores and app developers, and sharing age data only with the platforms that need it. Apple says it is set to release an “age assurance” feature that lets parents share their child’s age range with app developers. “Importantly, this solution does not require app marketplaces to collect and keep sensitive data—such as passports or driver’s licenses—from all users to verify age,” a company spokesperson said in a statement last week. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment after Abbott signed the Texas law. However, some social media companies — including Meta, Snap and X — have advocated for app stores to be responsible for verifying users’ ages, saying it will prevent users from having to share personal information across multiple platforms. The new laws come as online platforms have faced fierce criticism for exposing young users to harms such as sexual harassment and eating disorder content. And the rise of artificial intelligence chatbots has raised even more concerns and questions about how teens use technology. Even as they have rolled out teen safety features, critics have noted that young people could evade them by signing up for accounts with inaccurate birthdates and called for formal age verification.;-0,05
Epstein files: Allies tried to broker Trump-Musk peace but a personal allegation complicated things Allies tried to broker Trump-Musk peace. An Epstein files allegation complicated things By Kaitlan Collins , Kevin Liptak and Kit Maher , CNN 3 minute read Updated 7:13 AM EDT, Fri June 6, 2025 CNN — Multiple allies caught in the middle of the implosion between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were delicately attempting to broker peace between the two men on Thursday when their quiet conversations were disrupted by a post on X. “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk wrote, stunning those with close relationships to Trump and Musk. Several people familiar with what was happening behind the scenes — who were desperately making phone calls to one another and trying to tamp down the escalating feud — described that as the tipping point, fearing that there was no going back after Musk’s loaded accusation about the president regarding the so-called Epstein files. Illustration by Leah Abucayan/CNN/Getty Related article Timeline of Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s feud While Trump and Musk had largely argued over policy, it had now turned personal. Some people close to Trump and Musk now hope a telephone call between the men could put to rest their ongoing, explosive feud. Whether one materializes Friday, however, remains an open question. There has been an effort on the part of some people close to both men to arrange a phone call, according to people familiar with the matter. But until one actually occurs, no one seemed particularly confident that it would happen. Another source familiar offered no confirmation of a call between Musk and Trump, adding that the president’s focus is on passing the “one big, beautiful bill.” Officials in the West Wing spent most of Thursday glued to their phones as they watched the battle between the two play out on X and Truth Social. Several aides were sending the updates in group chats, likening it to a divorce and commenting that they expected this would happen, just not this soon. “I thought maybe August,” one noted to CNN. White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Musk’s claims an “unfortunate episode” in a statement to CNN Thursday night. “This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again,” Leavitt said. Musk blasts Trump’s agenda bill as a ‘disgusting abomination’ Musk has not detailed how he would have gained access to unreleased files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and has not provided any evidence of where his information was coming from. Tensions had been growing between the two billionaires throughout the week, as Musk, who recently departed the administration following a time-limited stint as a special government employee, railed against the Trump domestic agenda bill currently making its way through Congress. But the feud reached new ruptures on social media on Thursday afternoon as Trump floated the termination of Musk’s business contracts with the government and Musk invoked Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,” Trump said on his social platform, Truth Social, complaining about the fight emerging as his administration seeks to pass its policy bill. Musk soon after called for Trump’s impeachment, threatened to decommission the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that returned NASA astronauts from the International Space Station and said the president’s tariffs would trigger a recession later in the year. Late Thursday, however, he walked back the plans to decommission the Dragon spacecraft, after an X user encouraged the parties to “Cool off and take a step back for a couple days.” “Good advice,” the tech billionaire responded. “Ok, we won’t decommission dragon.” Billionaire investor Bill Ackman offered similar advice on X, writing: “I support @realDonaldTrump and @elonmuskand they should make peace for the benefit of our great country. We are much stronger together than apart.” “You’re not wrong,” Musk responded. This story has been updated with additional details.;0,025
North Korea refloats destroyer that capsized during launch, surprising naval analysts North Korea says it has successfully refloated a new destroyer that capsized upon launch last month, with state media reporting the damaged vessel will be moved to a dry dock in a different shipyard for repairs. “After restoring the balance of the destroyer early in June, the team moored it at the pier by safely conducting its end launching on Thursday afternoon,” a report from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. A satellite photo taken by Planet Labs on June 5 showed the formerly stricken vessel righted and seemingly floating in water away from the pier where the disastrous launch took place. The 5,000-ton destroyer is the country’s newest warship and was meant to be a triumph of North Korea’s ambitious naval modernization effort . This satellite image shows a re-floated North Korean destroyer after it suffered a failed launch while being put to sea in Chongjin, North Korea, on Thursday. Planet Labs PBC/AP Instead, a malfunction in the launch mechanism on May 21 caused the stern to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway, KCNA reported at the time. A day later, state media reported the damage was not as bad as initially feared. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the failed launch in the northeastern city of Chongjin, called it a “criminal act,” and the government quickly said it arrested four people it claims are responsible for the launch accident . Kim ordered officials to swiftly repair the as-yet-unnamed ship before the late-June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, calling it a matter of national honor. KCNA reported Friday that Kim’s goal will be met. “The next-stage elaborate restoration is to be carried out at the dry dock of the Rajin Dockyard for the period of 7-10 days,” KCNA reported, adding that Central Committee Secretary  Jo Chun Ryong, who is leading the repair effort, said “the perfect restoration of the destroyer will be completed without fail” before the plenary meeting. The quick action to refloat the ship surprised analysts, who, based on satellite images of the accident, thought the process would take much longer. “Sheer manpower and – let’s face it – an innovative approach to righting the ship , delivered a solution in two weeks that people like me didn’t expect for four to six,” said analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain. The innovative approach apparently was using aerostatic balloons attached to the ship’s hull to help balance and refloat it, satellite imagery showed. Maxar imagery shows continued efforts to conceal the damaged destroyer at Hambuk Shipyard one day after the failed launch. Maxar/DigitalGlobe/Getty Images Damage to the hull was less severe than analysts expected when they saw what happened on May 21. During the sideways launch, in which the ship was supposed to slide into the water laterally, the stern of the warship slipped into the water while the bow remained on land. Analysts thought the stresses placed on the hull and keel during such an accident could have potentially led to its scrapping. But “the hull damage must have been significantly less than estimated,” Schuster said. Schuster said if North Korea can devote the same effort to internal repairs to the warship as it did to refloating it, it could be made ready for sea trials much sooner that he would have thought after the accident. Internal spaces of the ship, as well as machinery and electronics, will have to be purged of sea water and dried salt in the repair process, he said. “Nearly everything is doable if you are willing to commit the resources and have the human talent to employ it,” Schuster said.;0
Trump’s image of dead ‘white farmers’ came from Congo, not South Africa Reuters — U.S. President Donald Trump showed a screenshot of Reuters video taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of what he falsely presented on Wednesday as evidence of mass killings of white South Africans. “These are all white farmers that are being buried,” said Trump, holding up a print-out of an article accompanied by the picture during a contentious Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In fact, the video, published by Reuters on February 3 and subsequently verified by the news agency’s fact check team, showed humanitarian workers lifting body bags in the Congolese city of Goma. The image was pulled from Reuters footage shot following deadly battles with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The blog post showed to Ramaphosa by Trump during the White House meeting was published by American Thinker, a conservative online magazine, about conflict and racial tensions in South Africa and Congo. The post did not caption the image but identified it as a “YouTube screen grab” with a link to a video news report about Congo on YouTube, which credited Reuters. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Andrea Widburg, managing editor at American Thinker and the author of the post in question, wrote in reply to a Reuters query that Trump had “misidentified the image.” She added, however, that the post, which referred to what it called Ramaphosa’s “dysfunctional, race-obsessed Marxist government”, had “pointed out the increasing pressure placed on white South Africans.” The footage from which the picture was taken shows a mass burial following an M23 assault on Goma, filmed by Reuters video journalist Djaffar Al Katanty. “That day, it was extremely difficult for journalists to get in… I had to negotiate directly with M23 and coordinate with the ICRC to be allowed to film,” Al Katanty said. “Only Reuters has video.” Al Katanty said seeing Trump holding the article with the screengrab of his video came as a shock. “In view of all the world, President Trump used my image, used what I filmed in DRC to try to convince President Ramaphosa that in his country, white people are being killed by Black people,” Al Katanty said. Ramaphosa visited Washington this week to try to mend ties with the United States after persistent criticism from Trump in recent months over South Africa’s land laws, foreign policy, and alleged bad treatment of its white minority, which South Africa denies. Trump interrupted the televised meeting with Ramaphosa to play a video, which he said showed evidence of genocide of white farmers in South Africa. This conspiracy theory, which has circulated in far-right chat rooms for years, is based on false claims. Trump then proceeded to flip through printed copies of articles that he said detailed murders of white South Africans, saying “death, death, death, horrible death.”;-0,325
Far-right activist with history of anti-gay comments fired from leadership role at Kennedy Center after CNN investigation CNN — Floyd Brown, a far-right political activist with a history of anti-gay rhetoric and promoting conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama, said he was fired from a senior leadership role he briefly held at the Kennedy Center — just hours after CNN reached out with questions about his past statements. Brown’s past statements include calling homosexuality “a punishment” upon America and condemning the legality of gay sex. He has also falsely claimed that Obama is Muslim and promoted conspiracy theories about his birth documents. Brown briefly served as a Vice President of Development, a top fundraising role responsible for helping raise tens of millions of dollars annually in support of the nation’s most prominent performing arts center. His appointment, which had not been formally announced by the Kennedy Center, had sparked internal concern among some staffers, according to sources. It was the latest change to the Kennedy Center since President Donald Trump was installed as the new chair in February and overhauled the board. In an email to CNN on Wednesday, Brown said it was an “honor” to work at the Kennedy Center. He defended his remarks as rooted in his Christian faith and said they did not influence his professional conduct. “It was truly not my intention to offend anyone with my comments,” he wrote. Later on Thursday morning, Brown posted a lengthy note on X explaining his dismissal and criticizing Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center’s president , who is gay. Brown claimed in an email he was asked to “recant” his belief that marriage is only between a man and a woman. “I refused to recant and was shown the door,” Brown wrote . “He preemptively fired me for my Christian beliefs on marriage,” Brown wrote in reference to Grenell. Brown’s statement did not address his past comments on Obama. Grenell did not respond to a request for comment from CNN. A source familiar with the Kennedy Center confirmed to CNN that Brown is no longer there and said that Grenell had not met with Brown, did not know him, and was not involved in his hiring. This still from 2023 shows Floyd Brown at FreedomFest, an annual libertarian conference, in Memphis, Tennessee. From C-SPAN Brown’s new role was listed on his LinkedIn page and his appointment had been confirmed by several sources involved with the Kennedy Center. A long-time political consultant, Brown helped found Citizens United, a conservative non-profit best known for successfully challenging campaign finance laws. He was also executive director of Young America’s Foundation, a non-profit that supports conservative college students. He is perhaps best known for his involvement in helping produce the racially charged Willie Horton ad from the 1988 presidential campaign, which is seen as among the most effective and infamous political attack ads of all time. It’s unclear what led to Brown’s hiring, but sources told CNN he reported to Lisa Dale, the Development Department’s senior vice president. Brown, like Dale, was an advisor to former Arizona Republican candidate Kari Lake. Sources told CNN Brown worked at the Kennedy Center for a month and that donors and staff had expressed concern over him bringing in traditional political donors at the expense of the center’s more frequent and core donor base. Brown told CNN that his past comments did not affect his work. “As a Christian, I am called to work with others of different beliefs and worldviews,” Brown said. “It was truly not my intention to offend anyone with my comments. I have never intended to attack or demean any person in my statements, and have always shared the mission of Jesus, striving to love others unconditionally.” Brown’s history of anti-gay commentary stretches back years. As a commentator Brown once attacked CPAC for “an acceptance of the open promotion of the gay lifestyle inside the tent of conservatism,” called same-sex marriage both “godless” and a “hoax,” and posted cartoons on his personal website that attack the “queer military.” In 2008, his website attacked Obama for saying homosexuality was not a choice and not believing that homosexuality was “immoral.” Speaking at a Christian event in 2023, Brown discussed his time working as a staffer on Capitol Hill, and referenced what he said was “the dirty little secret” of gay staffers working for Republican lawmakers. Brown said that unlike himself, with a wife and children at home, gay congressional staff lacked family responsibilities outside the office, allowing them to focus entirely on work. “They literally worked for the member 24/7 and then went out to Adams Morgan and had their gay sex, and then came back to work the next day,” said Brown Brown later attacked George W. Bush for appointing Ken Mehlman, who later came out as gay, as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Brown said Mehlman “systematically filled it with homosexual staff. And that’s why we never make any progress on family issues.” A syndicated 2011 column from Brown lamented that homosexual intercourse is now legal. “It was not until the teachings of Christ and Saint Paul conquered Rome and Western Europe that sodomy was outlawed,” Brown wrote in a column with his wife. “But alas much has changed. Now sodomy is once again legal, and some states believe these acts deserve celebration in the most public of ceremonies, the wedding.” “Homosexuality is a punishment that comes upon a nation that has rejected God,” Floyd said in 2023 on conservative talk radio. “They’re debasing themselves and their humanity.” A history of Obama smears As the founder of ExposeObama.com, ImpeachObamaCampaign.com, FloydReports.com and the far-right website Western Journal in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Brown often shared inflammatory misinformation about Obama, including photoshopped images depicting him with a long beard and turban similar to a photo of Osama bin Laden. “As the son of a Muslim father, Obama is a Muslim, period,” read a 2010 post on his blog attributed to by Brown and his wife, under the crude picture of Obama with the turban and beard. In 2008, Brown wrote on his personal website that he was “vindicated” in insisting that Obama was a Muslim. In 2008, Brown gained national recognition for raising money for a TV ad – “Was he Muslim?” – that questioned if Barack Obama was formerly a Muslim as a child. Another ad on Brown’s personal YouTube page features a video “intended for Barack Hussein Obama” with an Islamic call to prayer and a link to his website “ ExposeObama.com ,” accusing Obama of lying about being a Muslim. “Are you embarrassed that you once followed Muhammed,” the ad asks. The website appears to have launched in 2008 according to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine and included tags for articles like “Muslim Roots.” A defunct, but still online X account for the website shows links to numerous articles questioning if Obama was Muslim or a natural born citizen. One post on his website cited birth conspiracy theorist Joe Arpaio saying that Obama’s birth certificate “fraud” was “10 times worse than Watergate.” Archived results searchable on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine similarly show scores of articles by Brown questioning Obama’s birthplace and religion. Brown has even raised that Obama might not be a citizen, even if he was born in the United States.  In 2009, Brown argued on the radio that Obama had not proven he was a citizen. “He has not proven to me definitively that he was born in the United States,” Brown said in 2009. In 2009, Brown also claimed Obama “changed his story”    around being Muslim in his syndicated column. That same year, Brown promoted plans to impeach Obama just months into his new term citing claims that Obama was not a natural born citizen – saying on the radio his goal was a half a million people for a petition to impeach Obama on ImpeachObamaCampaign.com. The website   was a project of the Policy Issues Institute, a non-profit group where Brown served as president as late as 2023 and paid him nearly $500,000 that year in compensation, according to public records. One of the website’s so-called articles of impeachment   said that Obama, “unlawfully engaged in a conspiracy to suppress evidence of the true place of his birth,” which violated, “the Constitutional provision that a President of the United States must be a natural born citizen.” Remaking the Kennedy Center In February Trump dismissed 18 Kennedy Center board members appointed by President Joe Biden and appointed 14 new ones, most of whom are his close allies. The newly appointed board then elected Trump as the new chair of the Kennedy Center and voted to terminate Deborah Rutter as president – appointing Grenell as interim president. President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside Richard Grenell, President of The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, during a guided tour before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trump has said he wants to have the Kennedy Center’s programming align with a new vision for American arts and culture – which he has criticized as overwhelmingly liberal and out of touch. “I want to make sure it runs properly,” Trump said in February. “We don’t need woke at the Kennedy Center, and we don’t need — some of the shows were terrible. They were a disgrace that they were even put on.” The changes have sparked backlash from the arts community, leading to cancellations from some high-profile performances. The Kennedy Center’s Development Department raises tens of millions annually through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support its performances and arts education programs. It manages relationships with individual, corporate, foundation and government donors to sustain the institution’s mission and operations. The Center usually receives around $43 million in federal funding each year, which helps cover costs related to operating, maintaining and repairing the facility. This amount represents approximately 16% of its total annual budget of $268 million, according to the New York Times. The House Republican budget passed last week allocates nearly $257 million to the Kennedy Center, a substantial increase, signaling Trump’s desire to reshape the institution with both influence and government investment.;-0,4
Israel faces growing condemnation as Gaza aid distribution devolves into chaos Israel is facing growing international pressure as aid distribution efforts in Gaza devolved into chaos during the first days of a controversial new mechanism backed by the United States and Israel. According to the Palestinian health ministry, 11 people have been killed and dozens injured as crowds of desperate people arrived at distribution sites in southern Gaza since they opened earlier this week. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which runs the new sites, said on Thursday that no one was killed or injured during the distribution of aid. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, pushed towards famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade , descended on both the sites belonging to the GHF, as well as a warehouse run by the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) over the past three days, grabbing bags of food and bags of flour. Food scarcity in Gaza has sparked scenes of desperation and widespread looting in recent days. The start of the new aid mechanism comes as some of Israel’s closest allies have grown increasingly vocal in their condemnation of its conduct in Gaza, and their threats of action should the bombardment and restrictions on aid continue. On Wednesday, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said, “Israel’s strikes in Gaza go beyond what is necessary to fight Hamas.” She also criticized the new aid mechanism run by GHF, saying the EU does not support “any kind of privatization of the distribution of humanitarian aid.” Recent comments by officials from Germany, one of Israel’s staunchest defenders in Europe, have also put support for Israel under the spotlight. “The Israeli government must not do anything that its best friends are no longer prepared to accept,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week. Last week, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada threatened to take “concrete action,” including targeted sanctions, if Israel does not stop its renewed military offensive and continues to block aid from entering Gaza. The Israeli military issued a massive evacuation order blanketing much of northern and eastern Gaza late Thursday, with a new directive for residents in five major areas. This order, combined with another forced evacuation from most of southern Gaza issued earlier this week, appear to be designed to displace Palestinians into a shrinking band of land along the coast. Although the exact number of people required to evacuate is uncertain, this development is likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave. The Israeli strategy, set out by Defense Minister Israel Katz last month, is to empty large parts of Gaza and treat anyone staying behind as a combatant. But even as Israel’s allies issue warnings, the desperation of starving Palestinians persists – while the GHF presses on with its push to become the enclave’s primary aid provider. On Tuesday, a massive throng of Palestinians overran the first GHF aid site in southern Gaza, tearing down some of the fencing and climbing over crowd control barriers. The rush forced the private contractors manning the site in Tel al-Sultan to “fall back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely,” GHF said, even as videos from the scene showed masses of people grabbing boxes of aid and leaving. GHF asserted that “there have been no deaths at any GHF location. Reports to the contrary originated from Hamas and are inaccurate.” A day later, “hordes of hungry people” broke into a UN warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, in search of food, according to the WFP. Sounds of gunfire were audible in videos from the scene. According to WFP, initial reports indicated that two people were killed and several were injured in the incident. WFP said humanitarian needs had spiraled out of control after “80 days of complete blockade” by Israel, which was only been partially relieved in the past week. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Wednesday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was “at its darkest point yet.”  It criticized the new framework, saying that “a new militarized distribution system has just been launched” that “puts people at risk, and it will not meet people’s needs, or dignity, across Gaza.” “The conditions for us to deliver aid safely and at scale are absent,” OCHA said in a statement. For now, the new GHF mechanism and the established UN distribution are concurrently operating in Gaza. But little aid is coming into the territory, and some areas, especially in northern Gaza, appear to be receiving nothing. The UN has explained that it has not been able to collect humanitarian aid from the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza for the past three days, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. During Thursday’s noon briefing, Dujarric stated that the organization is facing obstacles, including obtaining necessary clearances to collect and distribute aid on the Gaza side. Out of 900 trucks, 600 have been offloaded on the Gaza side and “have not yet been distributed into Gaza itself,” Dujarric explained. Geolocated video on Thursday also showed crowds looting a street market in Zeitoun, northern Gaza, an area where even less aid is arriving than in the south. On Thursday, three of four GHF sites distributed boxes of food, including the first such site in central Gaza, as the organization tries to reach its stated goal of providing food for 1.2 million Palestinians by the end of the month, just days away. Yet GHF remained confident, saying “we are well on our way” to providing enough food – along with UN distribution – for the entire population of more than 2 million Palestinians in the besieged enclave. UN officials have cast doubt on GHF’s projections. Omar Abd Rabbo, a Gaza resident, went to the new site in the center of the enclave for food as it opened. In a series of videos, he said, “The place was filled with chaos and random jostling, a scene that reflects the extent of the suffering and hunger experienced by the people of Gaza.” He took a short video with one of the US security contractors manning the site and said, “Thank you.” But many did not get the food for which they desperately waited. Video from the scene showed security inside the site throwing what appeared to be stun grenades at Palestinians waiting for food outside. GHF said “non-lethal means” were used, including “smoke and warning shots,” when the crowd would not disperse. Witnesses said people who didn’t get aid took the tables and chairs from the site. Yousef Hammad, another resident, said a huge crowd numbering tens of thousands approached the newly opened site, but he told CNN that very few got boxes. “This is a big lie, a trap and betrayal, and this is only for thieves and merchants… People do not benefit anything,” Hammad said. “There is no aid or any humanity. This is humiliating and insulting. This is lack of dignity for our people and children.”;0,325
"Trump and Musk's extraordinary spat minute-by-minute The row between Elon Musk and Donald Trump escalates as the pair trade insults in a public feud after the SpaceX billionaire criticises the US president's signature tax bill. By Megan Harwood-Baynes, news reporter Friday 6 June 2025 09:23, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:02 Trump and Musk's feud explained Why you can trust Sky News They were once the best of friends, but last night that came to an end - and it all unfolded online as people across the world looked on... and retweeted. Tension between Elon Musk and Donald Trump had been building for several days after the SpaceX billionaire criticised the US president's signature tax bill. While initially it remained cordial, the president suggested his former backer and adviser missed being in government and suffered from ""Trump derangement syndrome"", leading to a sudden and dramatic deterioration in relations between the pair. They have two of the largest platforms in the world, and last night, they turned them on each other. While much of Europe slept through it, here is every insult and barb as it happened... so far. 6.39pm: 'Big ugly spending bill' Musk tells Trump his ""big ugly spending bill"" will make the economic situation worse. Five minutes later he retweets a video in which he says the bill will increase the US's deficit to $2.5 trillion (£1.85 trn). AT 6.48pm he shares a post about the bill's popularity, simply saying: ""Kill bill"". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 18:59 'Wheels come off' Musk-Trump relationship ?? Follow Trump100 on your podcast app ?? 6.49pm: Trump's 'body double' Earlier in the evening, Musk reshares a series of posts (dating back to 2012) from Trump's X account, including ones saying deficits should not be allowed. He then reshares a post of someone praising him, adding: ""Where is the man who wrote these words? Was he replaced by a body double!?"" X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once.You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies.To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once He then retweets a meme, making light of Trump's plan, which links to a poll he had run the previous day. X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once.You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies.To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once 7.23pm: Back to the bill Musk starts tweeting about the ""big ugly spending bill"" again, saying members of Congress didn't even have time to read it before it was passed. He continues to tweet about this for most of the night, including accusing the government of ""spending America into bankruptcy"". 7.30pm: Who is right? Musk retweets a poll that shows 76% of 1.5 million voters think he is right in his spat with the president. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free 7.37pm: Elon was 'wearing thin' Trump shares a post on his Truth Social site that accuses Musk of going ""crazy"" after the president took away his EV mandate. Image: Trump says he asked Musk to leave his position within the White House. Pic: TruthSocial Musk responds by sharing a number of former interviews, including a video from 2021 where he says the industry does not need EV tax credits. Trump then shares a post in which he writes the ""easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts"". 8.10pm: The Epstein 'bomb' Arguably the largest moment in their fight - Musk accuses Trump of being in the Epstein files . He gives no evidence for the claim. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismisses the comment. X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once.You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies.To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once 9.06pm: Musk 'turning against me' Trump says he doesn't mind Musk turning against him, but adds that ""he should have done so months ago"". He then goes on to voice continued support for his bill, calling it ""one of the greatest bills ever presented to Congress"". Read more: The big beautiful bust up that everyone knew was coming Image: In a post shared on his Truth Social account, the US president says he doesn't mind Musk 'turning against' him. Pic: TruthSocial 9.09pm: Decommissioning Dragon Following Trump's statement about terminating his contracts, Musk tweets: ""In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately."" Dragon is the only US spacecraft available to deliver crew to and from the International Space Station. Two minutes later he retweets a post calling on Trump to be impeached, adding simply: ""Yes."" Image: Musk and Trump in happier times, on the campaign trail in 2024. Pic: AP 9.29pm: Trump's tariffs Musk hits out at Trump's tariffs, resharing a tweet from someone who called them ""stupid"". ""The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year,"" he adds. X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once.You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies.To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once For the rest of the evening, Musk reshares posts from other users, often adding a laughing face emoji, or the occasional comment, including the words: ""If America goes broke, nothing else matters."" 2.20am: Musk says he won't decommission spacecraft Just after 2am, an account with a few hundred followers tweets Musk: ""This is a shame this back and forth. You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days."" X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies.To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once.You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies.To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once In response, Musk agrees he won't decommission the Dragon spacecraft. Related Topics Donald Trump Elon Musk";-0,125
"Trump and China's Xi have 'very good' phone call and agree to more talks amid trade war Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a 12 May agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks took place. Thursday 5 June 2025 17:29, UK Donald Trump says he has had a ""very good"" phone call with Xi Jinping amid their ongoing trade war, during which they agreed to more tariff talks. Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a 12 May agreement between the two countries to reduce their rates on levies while talks took place . The call was first reported by Chinese state media and confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry. According to Chinese state media, Mr Trump initiated the call with the Chinese president. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said: ""I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, trade deal."" He said the call lasted around an hour and a half and ""resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries"". There ""should no longer be any questions"" on rare earth products, he said. ""The conversation was focused almost entirely on trade. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran,"" Mr Trump added. He said the two nations had agreed to further tariff talks, and both leaders invited each other to visit their respective countries. According to Chinese state media, Mr Xi ""pointed out that it is especially important to correct the course of the big ship of China-US relations, which requires us to keep the rudder and set the direction, especially to remove all kinds of interference and even sabotage"". Mr Xi ""emphasised that the US should handle the Taiwan issue carefully"" to avoid the two countries being dragged ""into a dangerous situation of conflict and confrontation"". According to the readout of the call, Mr Trump ""expressed great respect for President Xi Jinping and the importance of the US-China relationship"". It came a day after Mr Trump declared it was difficult to reach a deal with his Chinese counterpart. ""I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is very tough, and extremely hard to make a deal with!!!,"" Mr Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The US president has cut his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks, while China reduced its taxes on US goods from 125% to 10%. The trade war has produced sharp swings in global markets and threatens to damage trade between the two nations. Mr Trump's treasury secretary Scott Bessent had suggested only a conversation between the two leaders could resolve their differences in order for talks to begin in earnest. Mr Trump and Mr Xi last spoke in January, three days before his inauguration, where they discussed trade, as well as Mr Trump's demand for China to do more to stop the drug fentanyl from entering the US.";-0,125
"Americans are wearing biggest smiles in NATO defence spending battle Increased military spending may be good for global security, but until Europe expands its own defence industry, it's also excellent news for the US economy. Adam Parsons Europe correspondent @adamparsons Thursday 5 June 2025 20:22, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 What was agreed at the NATO meeting? Why you can trust Sky News Everyone at NATO knows about battles. Sometimes you come out on top and sometimes you have to know when you're beaten. And here, it's the Americans who are wearing the biggest smiles. It has long been a mantra of President Trump that European nations should spend a lot more money on defence. During his first term in office, when he seemed to be deriding NATO on a regular basis, he amplified a debate that had long rumbled; now it feels like it's coming to a resolution. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 Hegseth: 'Not here to discuss' leaving NATO Certainly there was a bounce in the step of US defence secretary Pete Hegseth when we spoke. ""We all need increased capabilities and we all need to spend more,"" he said. ""Thank you to President Trump for reviving this alliance. It was an alliance that was sleepwalking to irrelevance and President Trump, in his first term, said you need to step up and spend more. And he has in this term done the same."" More on Donald Trump Israel defied Trump and chose to act now Q&A: Trump v Newsom, Los Angeles, and the missing transcripts China strikes cautious tone after Trump claims trade deal is 'done' Related Topics: Donald Trump NATO Russia Ukraine ""What I saw in there"", gesturing to the meeting rooms where all the ministers had met, ""were countries prepared to step up to push the limits of what they can do. That's a good thing. That's friends helping friends."" Image: Pete Hegseth and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Pic: AP Mr Hegseth came into this meeting in Brussels with one big demand - for NATO allies to bump up their defence spending to a total of 5% of GDP - more than any of them are spending at the moment. Of that, he believes that at least 3.5% should be going towards core defence spending - soldiers, planes, guns and so on - while a further 1.5% could be spent on other ""defence-related"" elements - infrastructure, espionage, civil defence. Pot one is clear. Pot two is vague - nobody seems quite sure what counts as ""defence-related"". Climate change resilience, for instance, has been suggested by some countries. That one will need clearing up. But even the 3.5% demand is a huge one. Over third of worldwide defence spending by US According to the latest data I've seen, only one NATO member presently spends above that target - and no, that isn't America. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:09 NATO spending targets explained It's Poland , which has ramped up military spending ever since neighbouring Ukraine was invaded. Lithuania , Estonia and Latvia have all done the same, nervously looking towards Russia . The United States sits at 3.4% of GDP. But that's 3.4% of a very big number, so it equates to an awful lot of spending. To put that in context, more than a third of worldwide spending on defence is carried out by America. Look at the top 10 nations in the world for defence spending, and America is top by a mile. It spends more than the other nine countries on that list put together. What's more, the vast majority of that money goes to American companies, and a great deal of it is shared among a relatively small number of those companies. Follow the World Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday Tap to follow Read more: Trump and Musk trade insults Russia partly blames UK for drone attack Trump and Xi's 'very good' call Increased military spending may well be good for global security, but until such time as Europe expands its own defence industry, it's also excellent news for the American economy. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, admitted that it was a huge challenge, but said that he would not accept countries simply kicking the financial can down the street. Countries will be monitored constantly to ensure they are making annual progress towards the 5% target. A finishing line hasn't been established yet, but it's probably going to be 10 years from now. Still, Rutte said he didn't want ""hockey sticks"" - the statistical model where things stay flat for a long time, and the big rise only comes at the end. Related Topics Donald Trump NATO Russia Ukraine";-0,325
"Minister 'not going to speculate' on alleged UK involvement in Ukrainian drone attack Steve Reed declines to ""speculate"" on whether the UK had aided the strike, but says the country ""wants to stand alongside Ukraine"". A government minister has declined to say if the UK was involved in a Ukrainian drone strike after the Russian ambassador partially blamed Britain for the attack. More than a hundred drones were used to attack sites inside Russia over the weekend, leading to more than 40 warplanes being destroyed. Speaking to The World With Yalda Hakim on Sky News following the attack, Russia's UK ambassador warned it could risk escalating the conflict to ""World War III"". Andrei Kelin pointed the finger at the UK because of the nature of the strike. ""[This] kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geospaced data, which only can be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington,"" he told Hakim . ""I don't believe that America [is involved], that has been denied by President Trump, definitely, but it has not been denied by London. ""We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together with Ukraine."" Asked if the UK had provided Ukraine with this technology, Steve Reed, the environment secretary, told Sky News: ""I'm not going to speculate on something when I don't know what the facts were."" He said that ""we as a government, cross-party actually, are standing foursquare alongside Ukraine as they fight - try to defend themselves - against a brutal, unprovoked and illegal attack and invasion"". Mr Reed added: ""We want there to be peace talks. We want this conflict to end. But it's quite right that we should support Ukraine."" Challenged if this escalation could risk Britain getting sucked into the conflict with Russia more directly, the cabinet minister responded: ""I do know that the people of this country and the government of this country, want to stand alongside Ukraine. ""We need peace to happen in that region, we can't allow Russia to get away with invading any more countries."" It comes at a time of escalating tensions in the region, with both Russia and Ukraine upping their attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country's drone strikes at the weekend ""will undoubtedly be in history books"". Sir Ed Davey has said supports the government's actions ""to back President Zelensky"", but said he would like to see them go further. The party leader said on Friday: ""Liberal Democrats would like the government to give even more support to Ukraine. ""We would like to see the Russian assets that have been frozen in the UK confiscated so we have the resources to support Ukraine even more."" Sir Ed said people in the UK ""want us to be backing Ukraine with finance and with armaments"" and his calls for the government to go further extend to military support, too. Asked if this might put the UK at risk of walking into a wider conflict, Sir Ed dismissed this, saying he doesn't ""believe that risk is there"". ""I think the Russians will no doubt try to threaten in their way that they've done year after year, but they always back down"", he added. The Lib Dem leader said the Russian ambassador's comment did not surprise him and that Russian officials ""just lie every time"". The blow is seen as one of the most daring of the war so far, though the US estimated only around 10 Russian bombers were blown up - and Russia said none were. Overnight, Russia claimed it downed 174 Ukrainian drones and three cruise missiles across the country. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said Russia attacked towns and cities across Ukraine overnight. Mr Zelenskyy said the assault was formed of more than 400 drones and 40 missiles. US President Donald Trump had urged Mr Putin not to retaliate on Thursday. He told reporters: ""I don't like it, I said don't do it, you shouldn't do it, you should stop it."" In response to the allegations of British involvement, a Downing Street spokesperson said: ""We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad.""";0,35
"Moon lander 'likely to have crashed', says Japan's ispace The spacecraft is believed to have descended too fast after a laser system for measuring altitude did not work as expected. But despite the failure, the firm ispace is pledging to press ahead with more moon missions. Friday 6 June 2025 05:09, UK Japan's private space company ispace has said its latest uncrewed moon lander has probably crashed on to the surface, two years after another unsuccessful touchdown attempt. The Tokyo-based company declared the mission a failure on Friday, several hours after communication was lost with the lander, named Resilience. It follows its failed inaugural mission in 2023. CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada issued an apology at a news conference. ""This is the second time that we were not able to land. So we really have to take it very seriously,"" he told reporters. But he stressed that the company would press ahead with more lunar missions. On Wednesday, ispace released footage from the Resilience lander circling the moon, ahead of Thursday's planned landing. Initial analysis of the mission failure suggests the laser system for measuring the altitude did not work as planned, and the lander descended too fast, officials said. ""Based on these circumstances, it is currently assumed that the lander likely performed a hard landing on the lunar surface,"" ispace said in a written statement. The company had hoped to follow in the steps of US companies Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace - which have already conducted successful, or partially successful, commercial landings. Resilience was launched in January from Florida on a long, roundabout journey, and entered lunar orbit last month. It shared a SpaceX ride with Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost, which reached the moon faster and became the first private entity to successfully land there in March. Another US firm, Intuitive Machines, arrived at the moon a few days later, although that lander skidded into a crater near the south pole and was declared dead within hours. Resilience was targeting a flat area at the top of the moon, in a long, narrow region full of craters and ancient lava flows that stretches across the near side's northern tier. On board was ispace's European-built rover - named Tenacious - with a high-definition camera and a shovel to scoop up some lunar dirt for NASA. Besides science and tech experiments, the lander was also carrying a tiny, Swedish-style red cottage with white trim and a green door. It was called the Moonhouse by creator Mikael Genberg and was supposed to be placed on the lunar surface.";-0,025
"Fight like a girl? Ana de Armas on twisting phrase for a new meaning From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina sees Ana de Armas play a young female trainee assassin who looks to become the best in the criminal underworld. Set between John Wick 3 and 4, it also features Keanu Reeves. Debbie Ridgard Entertainment reporter @Debbie_Ridgard Friday 6 June 2025 04:51, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Actress Ana de Armas said they wanted the phrase 'fight like a girl' to be empowering and motivational, transforming it from something once used in a derogatory way. Why you can trust Sky News More often than not, the inclusion of women in an action film is shaped by the male gaze, the tropes, the stereotypical backstory and/or the unnecessary physique-revealing scenes connected to it. ""That's a pet peeve of mine,"" director Len Wiseman tells Sky News in an interview for his new John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas. ""I think a lot of times you see it's overly sexualized or there's not a realism to it, and it is important to me that [this was] approached from a female [perspective] that can be labelled: 'A woman is strong to begin with'. I think there can be some kind of pandering in certain ways that I think is too far."" Wiseman started his career with the female-led action film franchise Underworld starring his former partner Kate Beckinsale before directing Die Hard 4.0, Total Recall and Sleepy Hollow. From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina serves as a spin-off to the John Wick films and is set between the events of the third and fourth movies. It follows a young trainee assassin who looks to be the next world-renowned assassin in the film universe. ""We never wanted to go as far as Eve looking like we were doing a female John Wick. Eve is Eve and is a woman... and it's a woman in a man's world,"" says de Armas. More from Ents & Arts Yung Filly faces further sexual assault charges in Australia Video game actor strike ends in US - but AI described as 'direct threat' to UK industry Harvey Weinstein found guilty of criminal sexual act in New York retrial ""That phrase 'fight like a girl', we wanted that to come across as something really empowering and really pull from there. That is a motivation for her. That has been said before in a derogatory way or as something diminishing."" Image: De Armas insists she didn't want to be a 'female John Wick'. Pic: Murray Close/Lionsgate Wiseman and de Armas both say that while they wanted Eve to be strong, they also wanted her to feel every moment of the battle. If there are choreographed fight scenes or flashy action moves, she feels them. ""I wanted her to struggle,"" explains de Armas, detailing how she consistently asked for her to look more dishevelled as the film progresses. ""It didn't come from a place of I need to prove myself, I don't need to prove myself to anybody, but I wanted to do that from the moment we started talking about the script, we even brought on board a female writer, because it was important for me to have that."" De Armas, similar to her soon-to-be co-star Tom Cruise , relished in undertaking the more difficult stunts and wore the bruises and marks from them like badges of honour. Image: Playing Eve involved stunts and even some bruises. Pic: Larry D Horricks/Lionsgate The actress would even send photos of the markings the following day to Wiseman proudly as she jokes: ""I just wanted to keep him posted, you know, on how my body was at the end of the day."" The film was shot practically, with the explosions and countless action surprises for film fans happening on set repeatedly. Get Sky News on WhatsApp Follow our channel and never miss an update. Tap here to follow Read more from Sky News: Meghan dances before giving birth A-ha frontman has Parkinson's Diddy trial: Rapper warned by judge When asked about her toughest stunt to execute, without hesitation, she mentions a scene which included prop grenades. ""All the debris and everything that was flying with those grenades were real, so most of the dust and the little things flying were getting in my eyes, and I just could not open my eyes during the scene. So in between takes, the medics were like just rinsing my eyes with some water."" With a film set around changing the meaning of 'fight like a girl', de Armas says she has a clear definition of it now: ""Be yourself and make people gravitate around you and your rules. You make your own rules."" From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina is in cinemas now. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free";0,275
"Russian ambassador partly blames UK for Ukrainian drone attack Andrei Kelin pointed the finger at the UK when he said Ukraine must have had assistance in the weekend's drone attacks. Thursday 5 June 2025 22:14, UK Russia's UK ambassador has told Sky News that Ukraine's recent attacks risk escalating the conflict to ""World War III"" as he partly blamed the UK. Andrei Kelin warned that Ukraine's actions ""are bringing the conflict to a different level of escalation"", in an interview with Sky News' Yalda Hakim , and said Kyiv should ""not try to engulf World War III"". ""That's the very worst case scenario that we can imagine,"" he said. More than a hundred Ukrainian drones were deployed inside Russia over the weekend, destroying more than 40 warplanes in an attack Volodymyr Zelenskyy said ""will undoubtedly be in history books"". Mr Kelin pointed the finger at the UK when he said Ukraine must have had assistance in the attacks. ""[This] kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geospaced data, which only can be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington,"" he said. ""I don't believe that America [is involved], that has been denied by President Trump, definitely, but it has not been denied by London. ""We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together with Ukraine."" On Wednesday, Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin told him ""very strongly"" that Russia ""will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields"". The US president said that he discussed the attack with Mr Putin during a phone call that lasted more than an hour. ""It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace,"" he wrote. Mr Kelin repeated this sentiment, telling Sky News: ""It is up to the Ministry of Defence to make a right solution, but we have to respond to it."" A Downing Street spokesperson said: ""We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad.""";-0,225
"Artwork referencing JK Rowling taken down by National Trust after being 'tampered with' The Harry Potter author's name was ""stitched over by other participants"". Later, a feminist campaigner said she had ""corrected"" the work by taking off the stitching which was over Rowling's name. Wednesday 4 June 2025 21:00, UK Image: A campaigner unpicked stitching covering JK Rowling's name. Pic: @JeanHatchet /@LightninLex Why you can trust Sky News The National Trust says it has taken down a piece of art featuring JK Rowling's name after it was ""tampered with by a member of the public"". It has urged people ""not to damage or tamper with artworks"" once they are finished and on public display. Between April and November last year, visitors to Derbyshire's Hardwick Hall were invited to nominate a ""contemporary Virtuous Woman"", whose name was then sewn into the fabric, before it was put on public show in February. Until recently, the artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring the Harry Potter author's name, which was ""stitched over by other participants"" at an unspecified time. Image: Pic: @JeanHatchet/@LightninLex Feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said on X last week that she had ""corrected"" the work by unpicking the stitching which was over Rowling's name. It comes after criticism of Rowling 's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. The National Trust said the piece has been ""taken off display… to protect it from further tampering or damage"". More on Jk Rowling Women's centre founded by Harry Potter author JK Rowling to host conference on internet pornography John Lithgow on JK Rowling's trans stance backlash: 'She's handled it fairly gracefully' JK Rowling calls for Sir Keir Starmer to apologise after Supreme Court ruling on women Related Topics: JK Rowling Ms Hatchet has criticised the organisation's move, saying she removed the ""stitching with the correct tool"", took ""great time and care"", and did not damage it. X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once X This content is provided by X , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options . Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to X cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow X cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once She told Sky News: ""Everyone involved in managing this project behaved in a cowardly fashion after a vindictive individual performed an act of woman-hating. It should have been removed immediately. Because they wouldn't, we did."" The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, ex-prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and singer Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and the National Trust. Get Sky News on WhatsApp Follow our channel and never miss an update. Tap here to follow A spokeswoman for the trust said: ""The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. ""During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched on to the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. ""At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. ""We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. ""The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one."" Related Topics JK Rowling";0,075
"Meta found 'covertly tracking' Android users through Instagram and Facebook Google says Meta and search engine company Yandex used Android capabilities ""in unintended ways that blatantly violate our security and privacy principles"". Mickey Carroll Science and Technology reporter Wednesday 4 June 2025 16:45, UK Meta and search engine company Yandex have been ""covertly tracking"" Android users in the background of their devices, according to experts. Academics at the Radboud University in the Netherlands and IMDEA Networks said they discovered Meta and Yandex have been tracking Android users' browser activity without their consent and then using the data in their apps. Meta said it was looking into the issue, while Yandex denied collecting any sensitive data. Gunes Acar, assistant professor at Radboud University, said the ""covert"" data collection was spotted in January. He said he discovered Meta's apps, including Facebook and Instagram, and Yandex's apps, such as Yandex Maps, were sitting in the background of Android devices and loading a script that sent data locally back to apps on users' phones. The scripts bypassed Android's security measures and meant that Meta and Yandex could track what users were doing on web browsers, without the user consenting or even knowing, according to the expert. ""They are bridging these two worlds that we think are separate; web browsing and mobile app activities,"" Dr Acar told Sky News. ""That's very shocking."" The apps were able to track users' browser data on all major Android browsers, even if the user was in incognito mode, the academics said. ""It's really concerning because it negates every privacy control that you have in modern browsers and also in modern mobile platforms like Android,"" said Narseo Vallina-Rodriguez, associate professor at IMDEA Networks, to Sky News. Google , which owns the Android operating system, confirmed the covert activity to Sky News. It said Meta and Yandex used Android's capabilities ""in unintended ways that blatantly violate our security and privacy principles"". What have Meta and Yandex said? Meta told Sky News it was quickly looking into the issue. ""We are in discussions with Google to address a potential miscommunication regarding the application of their policies,"" said a Meta spokesperson. ""Upon becoming aware of the concerns, we decided to pause the feature while we work with Google to resolve the issue."" Yandex said it ""strictly complies with data protection standards"", adding: ""The feature in question does not collect any sensitive information and is solely intended to improve personalisation within our apps."" Read more science and tech news: AI foot scanner recognises heart warning signs Coffee 'helps women age more healthily' Get Sky News on WhatsApp Follow our channel and never miss an update Tap here to follow Meta appeared to have been doing the data tracking for around eight months, while Yandex had since 2017, the academics said. ""We found that Facebook was doing it on roughly 16,000 websites when visited from the EU, [...] Yandex was doing this on 1,300 websites,"" said Tim Vlummens, a PHD student at KU Leuven who worked on the research. Google told Sky News it had already ""implemented changes to mitigate these invasive techniques and have opened our own investigation and are directly in touch with the parties"". Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free The tech giant did not respond when asked what repercussions Meta and Yandex were facing for their conduct. Firefox, Microsoft Edge and DuckDuckGo browsers were also affected, with Firefox owner Mozilla and DuckDuckGo engineers taking action to stop any future covert tracking. Related Topics Android Google Privacy";0,15
"Serving coffee in America, under fear of death from the Taliban in Afghanistan ""This 2025 version of Trump's 2017 'Muslim ban' turns the so-called American dream into a nightmare for millions around the globe,"" writes Sky's David Blevins. David Blevins US correspondent @skydavidblevins Friday 6 June 2025 00:41, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 Trump travel ban explained Why you can trust Sky News At a coffee shop in northern Virginia, you'll find a taste of the Middle East. But President Trump's travel ban has turned the stomachs of the owner and her staff. Layla Atik is from Yemen, her employees are from Afghanistan and Eritrea, three of the 12 countries on the restricted list. ""I see firsthand the struggles that my own colleagues go through, and they're very hard-working people,"" Layla told me. ""So, coming here, they're adding value to this economy. They're not coming here and causing trouble or anything,"" she added. Image: Atefeh Aslami worries the Taliban will 'kill' her family if they return to Afghanistan Atefeh Aslami, who works in the cafe, fled from Afghanistan but now fears she won't be granted asylum in America. ""If I go back to Afghanistan, the Taliban will kill us,"" she said. ""My children don't want to go back to Afghanistan, especially my girl, who will not be allowed to go to school. ""It's a matter of life for me, for my husband, for my children, for all of us."" Image: This coffee shop in northern Virginia has three employees from countries on President Trump's restricted list Pouring from a cezve, a Turkish coffee pot, her Afghan colleague Zahir Moradi said: ""If someone is trying to come here… it's because they need help, because they want to live a better life, that's it."" A wall, emblazoned in gold with the words ""life begins"", forms the backdrop to a vast array of Middle Eastern coffee and pastries. Read more on Sky News: Musk says Trump appears in Epstein files Russian ambassador partly blames UK for Ukrainian drone attack Former girlfriend tells Diddy trial of sex with male escorts Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'We don't want them' -Trump But this 2025 version of Trump's 2017 'Muslim ban' turns the so-called American dream into a nightmare for millions around the globe. President Trump claimed last weekend's firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, justified new travel restrictions. But a Vietnam veteran, drinking coffee with his family at the cafe in Virginia, didn't believe the latest ban would make America safer. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Anger over Trump's travel ban He said: ""I'm a firm believer in allowing immigration, and I think it's terrible that we're deporting people that really have never done anything wrong. ""They just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, they get picked up by ICE (Immigration Compliance and Enforcement), and off they go."" Trump's travel ban: The notable countries omitted - amid anger over 'moral disgrace' Follow The World Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday Tap to follow His nephew, seated beside him, told me those who think the travel ban is about security were ""misguided"". ""I think you fear what you don't understand,"" he said. When I asked what the administration doesn't understand, he replied: ""Other cultures."" Related Topics Donald Trump";0,6
U.S. hits International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over investigation into Israel The Trump administration is slapping sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court over the tribunal’s investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and in the West Bank. The State Department said Thursday that it would freeze any assets that the ICC judges, who come from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda, have in U.S. jurisdictions. The move is just the latest step that the administration has taken to punish the ICC and its officials for investigations undertaken against Israel and the United States. “As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies,” Rubio said. “This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel.” In February, The Hague-based court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was placed on Washington’s list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons,” barring him from doing business with Americans and placing restrictions on his entry into the U.S. Khan stepped aside last month pending an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. Within minutes of the administration’s announcement, the court condemned its actions. “These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution,” ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement. The new sanctions target ICC Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, who is from the West African country of Benin and was part of the pretrial chamber of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. She also served on the bench that originally greenlighted the investigation into alleged Israeli crimes in the Palestinian territories in 2021. The 69-year-old was also part of the panel of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. Last year, a court in Moscow issued a warrant for her arrest. From Slovenia, Beti Hohler was elected as a judge in 2023. She previously worked in the prosecutor’s office at the court, leading Israel to object to her participation in the proceedings involving Israeli officials. Hohler said in a statement last year that she had never worked on the Palestinian territories investigation during her eight years as a prosecutor. Bouth Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, from Peru, and Solomy Balungi Bossa, from Uganda, are appeals judges at the ICC. Each woman has worked on cases involving Israel. Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of and neither recognizes the legitimacy of the court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes over his military response in Gaza after the Hamas attack against Israel in October 2023. Israel strongly denies the allegations. Lee and Quell write for the Associated Press. Quell reported from The Hague.;-0,275
"Trump says it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia ‘fight for a while’ President Trump meets Thursday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) By Seung Min Kim, Kirsten Grieshaber and Geir Moulson June 5, 2025 12:11 PM PT WASHINGTON — President Trump said Thursday that it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia “fight for a while” before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. In an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump likened the war in Ukraine — which Russia invaded in early 2022 — to a fight between two young children who hated each other. “Sometimes you’re better off letting them a fight for a while and then pulling them apart,” Trump said. He added that he had relayed that analogy to Russian President Vladimir Putin in their phone conversation on Wednesday. Asked about Trump’s comments as the two leaders sat next to each other, Merz stressed that both he and Trump agreed “on this war and how terrible this war is going on,” pointing to the U.S. president as the “key person in the world” who would be able to stop the bloodshed. But Merz also emphasized that Germany “was on the side of Ukraine” and that Kyiv was only attacking military targets, not Russian civilians. “We are trying to get them stronger,” Merz said of Ukraine. Thursday’s meeting marked the first time that the two leaders sat down in person. After exchanging pleasantries — Merz gave Trump a gold-framed birth certificate of the U.S. president’s grandfather Friedrich Trump, who emigrated from Germany — the two leaders were to discuss issues such as Ukraine, trade and NATO spending. Trump and Merz have spoken several times by phone, either bilaterally or with other European leaders, since Merz took office on May 6. German officials say the two leaders have started to build a “decent” relationship, with Merz wanting to avoid the antagonism that defined Trump’s relationship with one of his predecessors, Angela Merkel, in the Republican president’s first term. The 69-year-old Merz — who came to office with an extensive business background — is a conservative former rival of Merkel’s who took over her party after she retired from politics. A White House official said topics that Trump is likely to raise with Merz include Germany’s defense spending, trade, Ukraine and what the official called “democratic backsliding,” saying the administration’s view is that shared values such as freedom of speech have deteriorated in Germany and the country should reverse course. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the discussions. But Merz told reporters Thursday morning that if Trump wanted to talk German domestic politics, he was ready to do that but he also stressed Germany holds back when it comes to American domestic politics. Merz has thrown himself into diplomacy on Ukraine, traveling to Kyiv with fellow European leaders days after taking office and receiving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin last week. He has thanked Trump for his support for an unconditional ceasefire while rejecting the idea of “dictated peace” or the “subjugation” of Ukraine and advocating for more sanctions against Russia. In their first phone call since Merz became chancellor, Trump said he would support the efforts of Germany and other European countries to achieve peace, according to a readout from the German government. Merz also said last month that “it is of paramount importance that the political West not let itself be divided, so I will continue to make every effort to produce the greatest possible unity between the European and American partners.” Under Merz’s immediate predecessor, Olaf Scholz, Germany became the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. Merz has vowed to keep up the support and last week pledged to help Ukraine develop its own long-range missile systems that would be free of any range limits. In his remarks on Thursday, Trump still left the threat of sanctions on the table. He said sanctions could be imposed for both Ukraine and Russia. “When I see the moment where it’s not going to stop ... we’ll be very, very tough,” Trump said. At home, Merz’s government is intensifying a drive that Scholz started to bolster the German military after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In Trump’s first term, Berlin was a target of his ire for failing to meet the current NATO target of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense, and Trump is now demanding at least 5% from allies. The White House official said the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands later this month is a “good opportunity” for Germany to commit to meeting that 5% mark. Scholz set up a 100-billion euro ($115 billion) special fund to modernize Germany’s armed forces — called the Bundeswehr — which had suffered from years of neglect. Germany has met the 2% target thanks to the fund, but it will be used up in 2027. Merz has said that “the government will in the future provide all the financing the Bundeswehr needs to become the strongest conventional army in Europe.” He has endorsed a plan for all allies to aim to spend 3.5% of GDP on their defense budgets by 2032, plus an extra 1.5% on potentially defense-related things like infrastructure. Another top priority for Merz is to get Germany’s economy, Europe’s biggest, moving again after it shrank the past two years. He wants to make it a “locomotive of growth,” but Trump’s tariff threats are a potential obstacle for a country whose exports have been a key strength. At present, the economy is forecast to stagnate in 2025. Germany exported $160 billion worth of goods to the U.S. last year, according to the Census Bureau. That was about $85 billion more than what the U.S. sent to Germany, a trade deficit that Trump wants to erase. “Germany is one of the very big investors in America,” Merz told reporters Thursday morning. “Only a few countries invest more than Germany in the USA. We are in third place in terms of foreign direct investment.” The U.S. president has specifically gone after the German auto sector, which includes major brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen. Americans bought $36 billion worth of cars, trucks and auto parts from Germany last year, while the Germans purchased $10.2 billion worth of vehicles and parts from the U.S. Trump’s 25% tariff on autos and parts is specifically designed to increase the cost of German-made automobiles in hopes of causing them to move their factories to the U.S., even though many of the companies already have plants in the U.S. with Volkswagen in Tennessee, BMW in South Carolina and Mercedes-Benz in Alabama and South Carolina. There’s only so much Merz can achieve on his view that tariffs “benefit no one and damage everyone” while in Washington, as trade negotiations are a matter for the European Union’s executive commission. Trump recently delayed a planned 50% tariff on goods coming from the European Union, which would have otherwise gone into effect this month. One source of strain in recent months is a speech Vice President JD Vance gave in Munich shortly before Germany’s election in February, in which he lectured European leaders about the state of democracy on the continent and said there is no place for “firewalls.” That term is frequently used to describe mainstream German parties’ refusal to work with the far-right Alternative for Germany, which finished second in the election and is now the biggest opposition party. Merz criticized the comments. He told ARD television last month that it isn’t the place of a U.S. vice president “to say something like that to us in Germany; I wouldn’t do it in America, either.” Kim, Grieshaber and Moulson write for the Associated Press. Moulson reported from Berlin. AP writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.";-0,325
Supreme Court throws out Mexico's suit against U.S. gun makers in a unanimous decisionWASHINGTON — Mexico has a severe problem with gun violence, which originates north of the border, the Supreme Court acknowledged Thursday. “The country has only a single gun store, and issues fewer than 50 gun permits each year. But gun traffickers can purchase firearms in the United States — often in illegal transactions — and deliver them to drug cartels in Mexico,” the court said. These weapons are used to “commit serious crimes — drug dealing, kidnapping, murder, and others.” Nonetheless, the justices in an unanimous decision threw out Mexico’s lawsuit against the U.S. gun industry, ruling that federal law shields gun makers from nearly all liability. Justice Elena Kagan said Congress enacted the law in 2005 to prevent gun companies from being sued for harms “caused by the misuse of firearms by third parties, including criminals,” she said. The law has one narrow exception, she said, that would allow suits if the gun companies had knowingly and deliberately helped criminals buy guns to be sent into Mexico. But she said Mexico’s lawsuit did not cite evidence for claim. “Mexico’s complaint does not plausibly allege that the defendant manufacturers aided and abetted gun dealers’ unlawful sales of firearms to Mexican traffickers,” she wrote. “We have little doubt that, as the complaint asserts, some such sales take place — and that the manufacturers know they do. But still, Mexico has not adequately pleaded what it needs to: that the manufacturers ‘participate in’ those sales, as in something that [they] wish to bring about.”;0
Supreme Court sides with Catholic Charities in religious-rights case over unemployment taxesThe Supreme Court, in a unanimous ruling, said a Catholic charity doesn’t have to pay Wisconsin unemployment taxes. WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court decided Thursday that a Catholic charity doesn’t have to pay Wisconsin unemployment taxes, one of a set of religious-rights cases the justices are considering this term. The unanimous ruling comes in a case filed by the Catholic Charities Bureau, which says the state violated the 1st Amendment’s religious freedom guarantee when it required the organization to pay the tax while exempting other faith groups. Wisconsin argues the organization has paid the tax for over 50 years and doesn’t qualify for an exemption because its day-to-day work doesn’t involve religious teachings. Much of the groups’ funding is from public money, and neither employees nor people receiving services have to belong to any faith, according to court papers. Catholic Charities, though, says it qualifies because its disability services are motivated by religious beliefs and the state shouldn’t be making determinations about what work qualifies as religious. It appealed to the Supreme Court after Wisconsin’s highest court ruled against it. President Trump’s administration weighed in on behalf of Catholic Charities. Wisconsin has said that a decision in favor of the charity could open the door to big employers like religiously affiliated hospitals pulling out of the state unemployment system as well. The conservative-majority court has issued a string of decisions siding with churches and religious plaintiffs in recent years. This term, though, a plan to establish a publicly funded Catholic charter school lost when the justices deadlocked after Amy Coney Barrett recused herself. The nine-member court is also considering a case over religious objections to books read in public schools. In those arguments, the majority appeared sympathetic to the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters. Whitehurst writes for the Associated Press.;-0,2
Protesters and police clash in eastern Panama Men carry a fellow demonstrator injured during clashes with police at a protest in Arimae, Panama, on June 5, 2025. (Matias Delacroix / Associated Press) By Matías Delacroix June 5, 2025 5:48 PM PT ARIMAE, Panama — Authorities and protesters were injured Thursday in eastern Panama when border police tried to open a highway blocked in an Indigenous community as part of monthlong demonstrations against changes to the country’s social security system. Border police in riot gear launched tear gas and fired rubber-coated metal balls to disperse balaclava-wearing protesters firing rocks from slingshots and throwing Molotov cocktails. The National Border Service said in a statement that three of its members were taken for medical treatment. Among the protesters, at least one man’s back and arm were studded with a constellation of wounds from pellets fired by police and another appeared to suffer a serious injury to one eye. An Associated Press journalist saw at least one home burned when police fired a tear gas canister onto its thatch roof. The roadway was covered in felled trees. A resident who requested anonymity because they feared retaliation said they were worried that one protester was going to lose his eye after being struck in the melee. The small community is in the Darien, the remote province that borders Colombia and that has seen hundreds of thousands of migrants pass through until the flow in effect stopped this year. Protests have persisted in parts of Panama for a month and a half. They’ve covered issues including the changes to social security and opposition to a security agreement giving U.S. soldiers and contractors access to some facilities in Panama. President José Raúl Mulino has said he will not reverse the social security changes, nor will he allow protesters to obstruct roads. Delacroix writes for the Associated Press. AP journalist Alma Solís in Panama City contributed to this report.;0,15
U.N. food agency appeals for $46 million to help 2 million Haitians facing severe hunger A woman combs the hair of another at a shelter for families displaced by gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on May 22. (Odelyn Joseph / Associated Press) By Edith M. Lederer June 5, 2025 10:21 AM PT UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. food agency is appealing for $46 million for the next six months to help about 2 million Haitians in dire need of food, including 8,500 at the worst catastrophic level of hunger. The appeal was issued by Lola Castro, the World Food Program’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, who recently returned from Haiti, where escalating gang violence has displaced well over 1 million people and left half the population — 5.7 million people — in urgent need of food. Two million of them are in the two worst categories in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the leading international authority on hunger crises, and 8,500 are in the worst Phase 5 category, she said. That means at least one in five people or households severely lack food and face starvation and destitution. Haiti is one of only five countries in the world that have people in the Phase 5 category of catastrophic hunger, Castro said, “and it is really dramatic to have this in the Western Hemisphere.” Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and are now estimated to control 85% of the capital and are moving into surrounding areas. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination, and the top U.N. official in the country said in April the country could face “total chaos” without funding to confront the gangs.. A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. The WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organization, is among the U.N. agencies facing funding cuts, mainly from the United States, which provided nearly half of its funding in 2024. Castro said WFP reached over 1.3 million people this year until March using carryover funds from last year. But the agency is facing a dramatic situation now with food stocks only until July to assist with emergencies, new displacements or hurricanes, she said. In the past four years, Castro said WFP always had stocks to help between 250,000 and 500,000 people with any emergency. “This year, we start the hurricane season with an empty warehouse where we have no stocks for assisting any emergency, or we have no cash neither to go and buy [food] locally if it was possible in some areas, or to do a rapid humanitarian response,” Castro said. “We are very concerned that a single storm can put hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti again into humanitarian catastrophe and hunger.” WFP normally provides a meal every day for around 500,000 school children, but that number will be cut in half without additional resources, she told a video news conference on Tuesday. With $46 million, she said, WFP will be able to help the 2 million Haitians in most need of food, keep providing school meals for half a million children, and provide social protection for very vulnerable people in camps for the displaced. Haiti must not be forgotten as the world deals with other crises, Castro said, urging donors to be generous. “We really need to stop this and to hold the line on hunger,” she said. “We continue calling the humanitarian community to provide support.” Lederer writes for the Associated Press.;0,225
Trump says after Xi call that U.S. and China will resume trade talksPresident Trump, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 29, 2019. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) By Will Weissert and Chris Megerian June 5, 2025 Updated 3:46 PM PT WASHINGTON — President Trump said Thursday that his first call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping since returning to office was “very positive,” announcing that the two countries will hold trade talks in hopes of breaking an impasse over tariffs and global supplies of rare earth minerals. “Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump wrote on his social media platform after the call, which he said lasted an hour and a half. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. side in negotiations. The Republican president, who returned to the White House for a second term in January, also said Xi “graciously” invited him and First Lady Melania Trump to China, and Trump reciprocated with his own invitation for Xi to visit the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Trump initiated the call between the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies. The ministry said in a statement that Xi asked Trump to “remove the negative measures” that the U.S. has taken against China. It also said that Trump said “the U.S. loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America,” although his administration has vowed to revoke some of their visas. Comparing the bilateral relationship to a ship, Xi told Trump that the two sides need to “take the helm and set the right course” and to “steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions,” according to the ministry statement. Trump had declared one day earlier that it was difficult to reach a deal with Xi. “I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” Trump posted Wednesday on his social media site. Craig Singleton, senior director of China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the phone call “simply paused escalation on trade” but “didn’t resolve core tensions” in the bilateral relations. With the White House still weighing more punitive measures, the current calm could be upended as Beijing also is prepared to fight back the moment Washington escalates, Singleton said. “We’re likely one competitive action away from further confrontation,” he said. In his note, Gabriel Wildau, managing director at the consultancy Teneo, wrote that the call “prevented derailment of trade talks but produced no clear breakthroughs on key issues.” Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge. The U.S. accuses China of not exporting critical minerals, and the Chinese government objects to America restricting its sale of advanced chips and access to student visas for college and graduate students. Trump has lowered his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks. China also reduced its taxes on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. The back and forth has caused sharp swings in global markets and threatens to hamper trade between the two countries. Bessent had suggested that only a conversation between Trump and Xi could resolve these differences so that talks could restart in earnest. The underlying tension between the two countries may persist, though. During the call, Xi said that the Chinese side is sincere about negotiating and “at the same time has its principles,” and that “the Chinese always honor and deliver what has been promised,” according to the  Foreign Ministry. Even if negotiations resume, Trump wants to lessen America’s reliance on Chinese factories and reindustrialize the U.S., whereas China wants the ability to continue its push into technologies such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence that could be crucial to securing its economic future. The United States ran a trade imbalance of $295 billion with China in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. Although the Chinese government’s focus on manufacturing has turned it into a major economic and geopolitical power, China has been muddling through a slowing economy after a real estate crisis and COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns weakened consumer spending. Trump and Xi last spoke in January, three days before Inauguration Day. The pair discussed trade then, as well as Trump’s demands that China do more to prevent the synthetic opioid fentanyl from entering the United States. Despite long expressing optimism about the prospects for a major deal, Trump became more pessimistic recently. “The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted last week . “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” Weissert and Megerian write for the Associated Press.;-0,1
How Trump's cuts to weather experts could imperil California  The Trump administration’s cuts to NOAA are said to have resulted in roughly 600 employee departures, or about 15% of its workforce. Americans are already being told to expect higher seafood prices, due to Trump’s tariff policies, according to a U.N. report. WASHINGTON — When a fire erupts in California, it is a lab across the country, at the University of Maryland, that works together with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine where the smoke is going. Those unsung scientists help warn the people downwind of dangerous air quality levels. About a half-hour drive away, NOAA’s Satellite Operations Facility provides the bulk of the work used to forecast atmospheric rivers that are crucial — and sometimes threatening — to communities across the state. And it is the National Weather Service, working with buoys at sea and satellites in orbit, figuring out the risks of increased winds and dryness that could prompt devastating fires in highly populated areas such as Los Angeles. It is not just meteorologists and technicians being forced out of their jobs en masse, jeopardizing the standards of those programs, said Craig McLean, a 40-year veteran of NOAA who served as the agency’s assistant administrator for research and acting chief scientist until his retirement in 2022. The Trump administration proposes to go further, seeking to eliminate the entire research team that provides forecasters with tools to make their assessments. The Satellite Operations Facility has been hit with deep layoffs. Contracts for the buoys, and other equipment, are on hold while under review by the Commerce Department. It is a cascade of delays and setbacks that could become evident to the public sooner rather than later, McLean said. “The forecast risk is apparent upon us,” he told The Times. “I think it’s ridiculous to assume that it’s not — whether it’s for the fire season and the hydrology, whether it’s for the atmospheric rivers and the inundation and deluge, or whether it’s just for the high wind.” Trump seeks cuts both to forecast and response The Trump administration’s cuts to NOAA, which have resulted in roughly 600 employee departures, or an about 15% of its workforce, appear to involve the entire agency, based on self-reporting from employees and the National Weather Service Employees Organization. But the agency itself has provided few details to the public on the extent of its reductions. “When the voluntary early retirement separation initiative was put up, in one day, NOAA lost 27,000 person years of experience, which is extraordinary in an agency of what was 12,000 personnel,” said Rick Spinrad, who served as administrator of the agency under President Biden. “So much of what is done at NOAA is interpretive,” he added. “At the end of the day, when your weather forecast office or your local sea grant extension agent is informing you of what might happen, there’s a lot of interpretation of the environment, of local geography, local roads. That experience is gone.” A bill introduced by both Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives on Friday, called the Weather Workforce Improvement Act, seeks to protect employees of the National Weather Service, “reinforcing the public safety mission” of the agency by granting it temporary direct hiring authority. But for now, if NOAA and the National Weather Service are ill-prepared for hazardous weather events — entering fire season in the West and hurricane season in the East — the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be worse off, having lost nearly a third of its employees since January. This week, Reuters reported that President Trump’s acting FEMA chief, David Richardson, told staff that he wasn’t aware the country had a hurricane season. Trump has already raised concerns that he is rejecting disaster relief to states for political reasons. In the first three months of his presidency, Trump issued conditions on disaster aid to California after fires ravaged Los Angeles and rejected requests for disaster relief from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, both Democrats. Californians may find themselves more vulnerable to other natural disasters, as well. FEMA announced this month it would cancel $33 million in grants for Californians to retrofit their homes to gird against earthquakes, sparking “grave concern” among state officials. “This move must be reversed before tragedy strikes next,” Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California wrote to the agency. More disruption for ports and fisheries Each year, before fishing season begins, NOAA issues a series of scientific reports surveying fish populations and environmental conditions, a basic precaution to prevent permanent damage and overfishing along America’s coasts. But this spring, staff cuts to NOAA forced the agency to take emergency action on the East Coast so that fishing could begin by May 1. And in Alaska, it took the state’s two Republican senators to plead with the White House to take action to allow fishing to resume. “The federal government has to do two things: They need to do robust surveys for accurate stock assessments and timely regulations to open fisheries. That is it. When the federal government does not do that, you screw hardworking fishermen,” GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska said at a hearing in May. “To be honest, right now, it is not looking good, and I am getting really upset.” Their challenges don’t stop there. Fishing ships will not able to sail on time without reliable forecasts from the National Weather Service, likely resulting in a reduction of the number of days out at sea and, in turn, leading to fewer profits and staff members. Americans are already being told to expect higher seafood prices, due to Trump’s tariff policies driving up duties on seafood imports by 10% to 30%, according to a new United Nations report. “A fisherman who goes out to collect their lobster pots or go fish for tuna needs a reliable weather report,” said Mark Spalding, president of the Ocean Foundation. “Everybody who works with NOAA, from fishermen to shipping, to other businesses that rely on weather and the predictability of currents and storms, are going to feel less secure if not operating blind.” Similar problems are facing the country’s largest ports, which rely on government experts in ocean monitoring that have left their jobs. “At the ports of Long Beach and L.A., the systems used to optimize the ships coming in and out of the ports — the coastal ocean observing systems — are being compromised,” Spinrad said. “The president’s budget threatens to eliminate a lot of that capability.” Vulnerabilities across the Pacific In Singapore over the weekend, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that a Chinese assault on Taiwan “could be imminent” and would threaten the entire Pacific region, including the United States. He touted U.S. partnerships across the region on maritime security — an acknowledgment that any conflict that might arise in the Pacific would be a fight at sea. Cuts to NOAA could threaten U.S. readiness, McLean said. “Because we have territories throughout the Pacific, NOAA is responsible for providing weather forecasts in those areas,” he said. “The defense community doesn’t operate completely dependent on NOAA in military conflicts — they have meteorologists in the Air Force and the Navy. But they are using NOAA models and are heavily guided by what the NOAA forecasts are offering, certainly for bases, whether it’s in Guam or Hawaii.” The military, for example, uses data produced by thousands of buoys deployed and tracked by NOAA — called the Argo Float Network — that are considered the gold standard in ocean monitoring. The program faces cuts from the Trump administration because of its affiliation with climate change. “There is a national defense component here,” McLean said. “The defense community is dependent upon what NOAA provides, both in models and in research.”;0,55
Trump says Putin told him that Russia will respond to Ukraine's attackWASHINGTON — President Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him “very strongly” in a phone call Wednesday that he will respond to Ukraine’s weekend drone attack on Russian airfields as the deadlock over the war drags on and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses Russia’s ceasefire proposal. The U.S. president said in a social media post that his lengthy call with Putin “was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.” It’s the first time Trump has weighed in on Ukraine’s daring attack inside Russia. The U.S. did not have advance notice of the operation, according to the White House, a point the president emphasized during the call with the Russian leader, according to Putin’s foreign affairs advisor. The U.S. has led a recent diplomatic push to stop the full-scale invasion, which began Feb. 24, 2022. Trump, in his social media post, did not say how he reacted to Putin’s promise to respond to Ukraine’s attack, but his post showed none of the frustration that Trump has expressed with his Russian counterpart in recent weeks over his prolonging of the war. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs advisor, said at a briefing that the two leaders characterized the call as “positive and quite productive,” and reaffirmed their readiness to stay in touch. “I believe it was useful for Trump to hear our assessments of what happened,” Ushakov said, noting that the discussion of the attacks was one of the key points in the conversation. He didn’t respond to a question about what the Russian response to the attacks could be. Trump repeatedly promised to end the war quickly and even said he would accomplish it before he was sworn in. But he lost patience with Putin in recent weeks, publicly pleading with him to stop fighting and even said late last month that the Russian leader “has gone absolutely CRAZY .” Trump, however, has not committed to backing a bipartisan push to sanction Putin. The call was Trump’s first known talk with Putin since May 19. They also discussed, according to Trump and Ushakov, Iran’s nuclear program and the possibility of Russia engaging in talks with Tehran as the U.S. pushes the Islamic Republic to abandon its rapidly advancing nuclear program. It was unclear whether Trump also planned to speak with Zelensky. The White House did not respond to a message Wednesday afternoon. Zelensky brushes off Russian plan and pushes for talks The Ukrainian leader earlier Wednesday dismissed Russia’s ceasefire plan as “an ultimatum” and renewed his call for direct talks with Putin to break the stalemate over the war , which has dragged on for nearly 3½ years. Putin, however, showed no willingness to meet with Zelensky, expressing anger Wednesday about what he said were Ukraine’s recent “terrorist acts” on Russian rail lines in the Kursk and Bryansk regions on the countries’ border. “How can any such [summit] meetings be conducted in such circumstances? What shall we talk about?” Putin asked in a video call with top Russian officials. Putin accused Ukraine of seeking a truce only to replenish its stockpiles of Western arms, recruit more soldiers and prepare new attacks such as those in Kursk and Bryansk. Both sides exchanged memorandums setting out their conditions for a ceasefire for discussion at Monday’s direct peace talks between delegations in Istanbul, their second meeting in just over two weeks. Zelensky had challenged Putin to meet him in Turkey, but the Kremlin leader stayed away. Russia and Ukraine have established red lines that make a quick deal unlikely, despite a U.S.-led international diplomatic push to stop the fighting. The Kremlin’s Istanbul proposal contained a list of demands that Kyiv and its Western allies see as nonstarters. ‘This document looks like spam’ Zelensky said that the second round of talks in Istanbul was no different from the first meeting on May 16. Zelensky described the latest negotiations in Istanbul as “a political performance” and “artificial diplomacy” designed to stall for time, delay sanctions and convince the United States that Russia is engaged in dialogue. “The same ultimatums they voiced back then — now they just put them on paper.... Honestly, this document looks like spam. It’s spam meant to flood us and create the impression that they’re doing something,” Zelensky said in his first reaction to the Russian document. The Ukrainian leader said that he sees little value in continuing talks at the current level. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov led the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul, while Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin, headed the Russian team. Zelensky said he wants a ceasefire with Russia before a possible summit meeting with Putin, possibly also including Trump, in an effort to remove obstacles to a peace settlement. U.S. Defense secretary stays away A second round of peace talks Monday between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul lasted just over an hour and made no progress on ending the war. They agreed only to swap thousands of their dead and seriously wounded troops. A new prisoner exchange with Russia could take place over the weekend, Zelensky said. In tandem with the talks, both sides have kept up offensive military actions along the roughly 620-mile front line and carried out deep strikes. Ukraine’s Security Service gave more details Wednesday about its spectacular weekend drone strike on Russian air bases, which it claimed destroyed or damaged 41 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers. The agency released more video showing drones swooping under and over parked aircraft and featuring some planes burning. It also claimed the planes struck included A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, An-12, and Il-78 aircraft, adding that the drones had highly automated capabilities and were partly piloted by an operator and partly by using artificial intelligence, which flew the drone along a planned route in the event it lost signal. The drones were not fully autonomous and a “human is still choosing what target to hit,” said Caitlin Lee, a drone warfare expert at Rand , a think  tank. Ukraine’s security agency said it also set off an explosion Tuesday on the seabed beneath the Kerch Bridge, a vital transport link between Russia and illegally annexed Crimea, claiming it caused damage to the structure . But Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that there was no damage. Russia’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday that its troops have taken control of another village in northern Ukraine’s Sumy region, on the border with Russia. Putin announced May 22 that Russian troops aim to create a buffer zone that might help prevent Ukrainian cross-border attacks. Since then, Russia’s Defense Ministry claims its forces have taken control of nine Sumy villages. Arhirova and Price write for the Associated Press. Arhirova reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Chris Megerian in Washington, Emma Burrows in London and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.;-0,05
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 92 Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 92 people, including women, children and a local journalist, officials said Wednesday, as Israel prepares to ramp up its campaign in the strip, with the devastating war now entering its 20th month. Two Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday in central Gaza killed at least 33 people and wounded 86, including several children, though the actual death toll is probably higher, according to health officials. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes. The new bloodshed comes days after Israel approved a plan to intensify its operations in the Palestinian enclave, which would include seizing Gaza, holding on to captured territories, forcibly displacing Palestinians to southern Gaza and taking control of aid distribution along with private security companies. Israel is also calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers to carry out the plan. Israel says the plan will be gradual and will not be implemented until after President Trump wraps up a visit to the region later this month. Any escalation of fighting probably would drive up the death toll. And with Israel already controlling about 50% of Gaza, increasing its hold on the territory, for an indefinite amount of time, could open up the potential for a military occupation, which would raise questions about how Israel plans to have the territory governed, especially at a time when it is considering how to implement Trump’s vision to take over Gaza. The Israeli offensive has so far killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel blames Hamas militants for the death toll, saying the group operates from civilian infrastructure, including schools. Strikes target crowds in Gaza City Wednesday’s strikes included two attacks on a crowded market area in Gaza City, health officials said. Footage posted online reportedly showed the aftermath, with men found dead, including one still seated in a chair inside a Thai restaurant used by locals as a gathering spot, and several children lying motionless on the ground, covered in blood. Journalist Yahya Sobeih, who freelanced for several local outlets, was among those killed, according to Gaza’s media office. He had shared a photo on Instagram of his newborn  girl. Victims of the blasts, some with severe injuries, were taken to the nearby Shifa Hospital, Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi told the Associated Press. An attack Tuesday night on a school sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians killed 27 people, officials from Al Aqsa hospital said, including nine women and three children. The school has been struck repeatedly since the war began. Earlier, a strike on another school turned shelter in Gaza City killed 16 people, according to officials at Al Ahli Hospital, while strikes in other areas killed at least 16 others. In Bureij, an urban refugee camp, paramedics and rescuers rushed to pull people out of a blaze after a large column of smoke and fire pierced the dark skies above the school shelter. Trump jars Israelis with remark on hostage figures The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Trump on Tuesday stunned many in Israel when he declared that only 21 of the 59 hostages remaining in Gaza are still alive. Israel insists the figure stands at 24, although an Israeli official said there was “serious concern” for the lives of three captives. The official said there has been no sign of life from those three, whom he did not identify. He said that until there is evidence proving otherwise, the three are considered to be alive. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details related to the war, said the families of the captives were updated on those developments. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing the families of the captives, demanded of Israel’s government: If there is “new information being kept from us, give it to us immediately.” It also called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the war in Gaza until all hostages are returned. “This is the most urgent and important national mission,” it said on a post on X. Since Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas in mid-March, it has unleashed fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds and captured swaths of territory. Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in 19 months of war. Key interlocutors Qatar and Egypt said Wednesday that mediation efforts were “ongoing and consistent.” But Israel and Hamas remain far apart on how they see the war ending. Israel says it won’t end the war until Hamas’ governing and military capabilities are dismantled, something it has failed to do in 19 months of war. Hamas says it is prepared to release all of the hostages for an end to the war and a long-term truce with Israel. The U.S.-Houthi deal does not appear to cover Israel Against the backdrop of the plans to intensify the campaign in Gaza, fighting has also escalated between Israel and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis fired a ballistic missile this week that landed on the grounds of Israel’s main international airport. Israel responded with a series of airstrikes over two days, whose targets included the airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Houthis have been striking Israel and targets in a main Red Sea shipping route since the war began in solidarity with the Palestinians. On Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. would halt a nearly two-month-long campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, after the rebel group agreed to not target U.S. ships. Israel does not appear to be covered by the U.S.-Houthi agreement. The Israeli official said the deal came as a surprise to Israel and that it was concerned because of what it meant for the continuation of hostilities between it and the Houthis. Shurafa and Goldenberg write for the Associated Press. Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv. AP reporter Fatma Khaled in Cairo contributed to this report.;0,025
"We're keeping a couple bags packed': Weyakwin, Sask., residents start returning after evac order liftedOn Thursday, an evacuation order for Weyakwin was lifted, allowing residents back in for the first time in a week. Thick smoke remains, as does the threat of spot fires. Firefighters prevented any damage to buildings in community Jeremy Warren · CBC News · Posted: Jun 06, 2025 7:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: June 6 Firefighters managed to prevent wildfire from damaging any buildings in the hamlet of Weyakwin, Sask. The evacuation order for Weyakwin was lifted Thursday. (Jeremy Warren/CBC) Social Sharing Lisa Powder and her great grandchildren were among the first Weyakwin residents to return home after fleeing a wildfire that burned dangerously close to the northern Saskatchewan community. ""It's sad to come home to see it like this,"" Powder said while walking to a neighbour's house Thursday afternoon. ""Kind of scary with all the smoke and knowing the fires are still around. So we're keeping a couple bags packed just in case."" Low on power or data? Use CBC Lite for the latest on wildfires An evacuation order for Weyakwin, a hamlet located about 250 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, was lifted on Thursday, allowing residents back in for the first time in a week. Thick smoke remains, as does the threat of spot fires. Lisa Powder was one of the first Weyakwin residents to return home after the hamlet's mayor ended the mandatory evacuation order on June 5, 2025. (Jeremy Warren/CBC) Powder is grateful for the firefighters and other crews that stopped the fire from damaging a single building in the hamlet. There are small losses, though, like a favourite walking trail. Other losses will regrow. ""We lost a good berry patch,"" Powder said. ""That was the best blueberry patch in town."" A handful of fire crews patrolled Weyakwin on Thursday, checking sprinklers and watching for spot fires. A crew of volunteer firefighters from the RM of Grant stop to refill the truck after looking for hot spots on the outskirts of Weyakwin. (Jeremy Warren/CBC) Jordan LaValle and his crew were glad to see people returning. They've been fighting off nearby Ditch fire since May. That's when LaValle, who grew up in Weyakwin and is a certified emergency firefighter, got a surprise visit while working his regular job at the La Ronge Co-op. ""My crew showed up there and they needed a crew boss, so I ended up clocking out and told my boss I want to go firefighting and save the town,"" LaValle said. That's exactly what Lavalle's crews and dozens of other firefighters and volunteers did. Jordan LaValle, left, and Kalan Natonagan in front of their 'fire truck' before heading out on spot fire patrol in Weyakwin on June 5, 2025. (Jeremy Warren/CBC) Kalan Natonagan lives in Weyakwin and is part of LaValle's crew. On Thursday, he was heading out to extinguish a spot fire in the bush just down the street from his house. ""It feels good to fight for my own community,"" Natonagan said. As wildfires rage across the country, how can Canadians help evacuees? Sask. wildfires have already burned 900K hectares of forest so far this year: SPSA The fire burned much of the forest in the area. Charred trees and brush line Highway 2. ""There's very little remaining out there,"" LaValle said. ""You can't really see any wildlife or nothing."" Working on the front line of an unprecedented wildfire season is a bit of a thrill, he said. ""You couldn't even walk 50 feet and there was another guy there working to put out the fires,"" LaValle said. Firefighters wirking in the Weyakwin area take a moment. (Submitted by Jordan LaValle) Powder stayed at Montreal Lake Cree Nation with other evacuees from Weyakwin, Timber Bay and Molanosa. They were treated well, but are happy to be home, even if there's a bit of a mess. ""We got home and there was ash all over and the house smells like smoke, so I got the rug freshener and put it all over,"" Powder said. She knows she is one of the lucky evacuees. Thousands of displaced residents are still waiting to hear about their homes. WATCH | Mother-daughter duo living out of an SUV after fleeing La Ronge fires: Mother-daughter duo living out of an SUV after fleeing La Ronge fires 8 days ago Duration 2:20 Joslynn Thedorf and her 11-year-old daughter Hayleigh are calling their silver SUV — parked in a Prince Albert parking lot — their home for the time being. They joined the convoy that left La Ronge earlier this week as wildfires advanced on the northern Saskatchewan community. As of Thursday afternoon, there were 27 wildfires burning in Saskatchewan, six of them not contained, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. ""To the evacuees out there, please be patient,"" Powder said. ""Have faith your homes will still be there. ""We're praying for everybody to be safe."" Up-to-date info on active fires, smoke and related topics is available at these sources: Current evacuation orders. Interactive Sask. active fire map . Fire danger map . Fire bans. Environment and Climate Change Canada weather alerts . Sask. Highway Hotline . Smoke forecast . Air quality . Tracking wildfires across Canada . ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeremy Warren Reporter Jeremy Warren is a reporter in Saskatoon. You can reach him at jeremy.warren@cbc.ca. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices · About CBC News Corrections and clarifications · Submit a news tip · Report error Related Stories Some Manitoba communities start preparing to welcome wildfire evacuees back — but threat not gone yet No relief in sight from wildfires as 20 Sask. communities under evacuation orders 'I've never seen anything like it': Sask. premier says thousands more may need to evacuate in coming days Wildfire evacuation orders to lift Tuesday in Yellowhead County Living in a parking lot: Sask. evacuees share concerns with emergency response now";0
"Musk vs. Trump: A power couple tumbles into a messy divorce It's gotten very ugly, very quickly. Within hours, Elon Musk appeared to call for U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment. Meanwhile, Tesla stock had plunged, as the market feared the president might punish Musk businesses. As feud erupts into the open, president threatens former ally; Musk appears to call for impeachment Alexander Panetta · CBC News · Posted: Jun 05, 2025 3:29 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 6 Threats, insults as Trump-Musk feud explodes into public view 7 days ago Duration 2:27 U.S. President Donald Trump’s feud with the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has exploded into public view as the two trade threats and insults on social media. Trump accused Musk of going ‘crazy,’ while Musk alleged Trump is ‘in the Epstein files.’ Social Sharing It's splitsville for a global power couple. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are tumbling into a messy public divorce, with unusual political fallout. Tension between the erstwhile Oval Office buds bubbled into open view Thursday, as they exchanged digs in public and on their own social media sites. It got ugly, quickly. Within hours, Musk appeared to call for Trump's impeachment. Meanwhile, Tesla stock had plunged, as the market feared the president might punish Musk businesses. The official cause of the breakup between the world's most powerful elected politician and its richest man was the hefty U.S. federal budget deficit. Musk has been disparaging the president's signature budget bill since leaving his government role last week, fuming recently that the legislation will plunge the U.S. deeper into its debt hole . He called it ""a disgusting abomination."" Trump and Musk in happier times: Here the billionaire jumps on stage in celebration at a Trump rally in Butler, Pa., months after Trump had survived an assassination attempt there. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) Trump's reply: Musk is just bitter. He suggests Musk is unhappy with parts of the bill that hurt his electric-vehicle business. He also suggests the Tesla billionaire misses the action in the White House. And because this is Donald Trump's Washington, the chancellor of Germany happened to be seated in the room, witness to one side of the feud. ""Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore,"" Trump told reporters during a lengthy photo op Thursday in the Oval Office with Friedrich Merz. ""He's not the first. People leave my administration and they love us. And then at some point, they miss it so badly.... I don't know what it is. It's sort of Trump Derangement Syndrome, I guess they call it,"" he said. ""They leave, and they wake up in the morning, and the glamour's gone, the whole world is different — and they become hostile. I don't know what it is."" Trump even held an event to support Tesla for Musk, speaking to reporters as he picked out a model for himself at the White House in March. (The Associated Press) It degenerated from there. Trump continued the dispute on his own social-media site. On Thursday afternoon, he posted on his social-media platform Musk was ""wearing thin,"" and suggested he'd fired him. ""I asked him to leave,"" Trump wrote on Truth Social, to which Musk responded on X, formerly Twitter, ""Such an obvious lie. So sad."" The president also uttered a thinly veiled threat: Trump wrote that one easy way to trim the federal budget is to cancel government contracts with Musk's companies, worth billions . ""I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!"" Tesla stock plunged abruptly, dropping 14 per cent within a couple of hours. 'Without me, Trump would have lost' Musk, meanwhile, has been using X, the enormous online megaphone he owns, to rail at the administration. He's disputing that his own business interests soured him on the budget bill. The legislation, which has passed the House but faces an uncertain path in the Senate, eliminates an EV tax credit. And he's demanding a little more gratitude after he dumped the equivalent of nearly $400 million Cdn into electing Trump and his allies. ""Without me, Trump would have lost the election,"" Musk posted Thursday on X. ""[Democrats] would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate."" He later replied, ""Yes,"" to a tweet calling for Trump's impeachment. Musk also predicted Trump's tariffs will cause a recession. The Trump tariffs will cause a recession in the second half of this year <a href=""https://t.co/rbBC11iynE"">https://t.co/rbBC11iynE</a> &mdash; @elonmusk And in an eye-poppingly personal string of tweets , Musk referred several times to Trump's encounters with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein, offering no evidence or detail to buttress his ominous insinuations. Hints of trouble in political paradise It's an abrupt plot twist: The pair were all smiles and praise for each other just last week, as Musk announced his departure from Washington. But there were hints of trouble in political paradise. There were occasional reports of blowups between Musk and other members of the administration, and the New York Times reported that sources were concerned about Musk's frequent use of different drugs, including, allegedly, so much ketamine that it was affecting his bladder. Musk denied it. WATCH | Musk's time in the Trump administration comes to an end: Elon Musk gets Oval Office send-off from Trump 13 days ago Duration 2:03 U.S. President Donald Trump lauded billionaire Elon Musk’s time heading the Department of Government Efficiency during an event marking the end of Musk’s controversial tenure in the Trump administration. Now Musk has gone from White House consigliere to chief heckler in under a week — a speed record even for D.C. As is custom in Trump-era Washington, the human-resources gossip risks overshadowing the substantive challenges of the U.S. government. With American debt levels ballooning, and the cost of servicing the $ 36 trillion national debt recently outpacing even military spending, Musk was tasked with controlling finances. He slashed countless offices, programs, research initiatives, and even the entire agency that oversaw U.S. international aid. Still, it put only a modest dent in federal spending. Musk's DOGE project has eliminated an estimated $170 billion US, less than one-10th of the annual budget deficit . Elon Musk holds a chainsaw onstage in February as he attends the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland. For a time, the billionaire helped the Trump administration make deep cuts to the public service. (Nathan Howard/Reuters) Musk's uncertain legacy in government If anything, the initiative demonstrated that actually halting the growth of the national debt would require real sacrifices from Americans: Either popular programs get cut or taxes go up. Even if Musk had eliminated all U.S. foreign aid, he could do it 25 times over , and the U.S. would still have a deficit, and the debt would keep growing. That's because the vast majority of U.S. federal spending is on pensions, the military, public health, income support, and paying past debt. But some of Musk's critics say his legacy in government can't be counted solely in terms of public finances. The co-author of a report titled Corruption In Plain Sight said at least 32 federal investigations into Musk companies might have vanished during his months in politics — in part, because the investigating agencies were defunded or the investigators were fired. ""Musk's legacy under DOGE is something that has benefited him, largely,"" said Margaret Poydock of the Economic Policy Institute, a group focused on fighting inequality that's funded mostly by union or left-of-centre donors. She cited several examples, like the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which screens federal contractors for workplace bias and racial discrimination, and can fine and punish offenders. It was auditing Tesla, but it was gutted quickly after Trump's inauguration. The U.S. Agency for International Development, meanwhile, had been investigating Musk's company Starlink over its service of satellites supplied to Ukraine ; he eliminated the agency. ""I think that's pretty egregious,"" Poydock said. Thursday's stock-market plunge, however, illustrated Musk's dalliance with politics also included downside risks. Unlike some relationships with Donald Trump, this one didn't come with a prenup.";0,05
"L'Orignal braces for impact of hike to U.S. steel tariffL'Orignal braces for impact of hike to U.S. steel tariff After facing a 25-per-cent U.S. tariff on steel, the eastern Ontario village of L'Orignal is watching to see what will happen to major employer Ivaco as the import tax doubles. Ivaco Rolling Mills employs hundreds in community and surrounding area Workers and the community around a major eastern Ontario steel plant are nervously watching what the doubling of U.S. tariffs will mean for the area's economy. Ivaco Rolling Mills is a major employer in L'Orignal, Ont., a village about 90 kilometres northeast of Ottawa, that draws workers and creates spinoff business for the surrounding region. Ivaco's parent company, Heico, announced the layoffs of 140 workers in March, with about one-third of those cuts affecting the L'Orignal plant. A combination of reduced hours, furloughs, and permanent layoffs to absorb the blow of tariffs has followed, according to the union local. Eric Fournier, president of the plant's United Steelworkers union local, told CBC News on Wednesday when the tariffs were announced that there hadn't been word of any cancelled orders related to the tariff, but people are feeling the uncertainty. ""We have daily phone calls or people that show up to my office asking questions [like], 'What's next? What's happening?'"" he said. Workers from both sides of river Fournier estimates about 60 per cent of the plant's output goes to the U.S. with the rest sold domestically. He said the company's sales teams have been working to find other buyers. ""Hopefully we stay afloat for that time and the next administration will just open the gates,"" he said. ""Mexico [and] Canada, we're not the enemy; we're the allies."" If tariffs put more people out of work, the ""next big job"" would be around an hour's commute away, Fournier added. How has Canada responded to Trump's tariff hike on steel and aluminum? Doubled tariffs raise concerns Canadian steel could be shut out of U.S., but some companies say they'll adjust Christina Famili recently moved to L'Orginal with her husband and called the spike in tariffs ""frightening."" ""If it was me, I would be very, very nervous, very upset. I don't know what they're going to do,"" Famili said outside the pharmacy next to the town's welcoming moose statue. Famili said the plant employs residents of the town plus people living in neighbouring communities such as Hawkesbury and Quebecers who come across the Ottawa River. The name of L'Orignal, Ont., means moose in French. This sculpture of a moose welcomes visitors at the corner of Highway 17 and Longeuil Street. (Nkele Martin/CBC) While L'Orignal doesn't have a downtown strip, Highway 17 runs through the town and connects it to Ivaco and industrial and farm equipment businesses. King's Garage owner Guillaume Landriault said his business benefits from the transport trucks that drive to and from Ivaco and require repairs or inspection. He said he's also received some inquiries from Ivaco employees looking for work. ""It's an important plant for sure for all the community,"" he said. He's confident he has other clients to keep his mechanics busy, but tariffs of 50 per cent raise serious questions. ""It could affect people, the restaurants, car dealers, families. It's going to affect the country and all the areas around here."" Guillaume Landriault does business with Ivaco in L'Orignal, Ont., and is concerned about the uncertainty tariffs have caused in the community. (Matthew Kupfer/CBC) Fournier says the message he has received from the company is that they will keep calm in the face of new levies. ""Tariffs were put on all sorts of goods and then they were removed again … We always try to look [ahead] a couple of days and see what really happens."" Ivaco did not respond to CBC's request for comment by deadline.";0,05
"Air quality reaches highest risk level in Ottawa | CBC News Drifting smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across nearly all of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, prompting Environment Canada to upgrade its alert to the highest risk level Friday afternoon. Poor air quality began Thursday night, could last into Saturday CBC News · Posted: Jun 05, 2025 2:22 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 7 Drifting smoke from wildfires in Western Canada caused poor air quality and reduced visibility in Ottawa on Friday. The hazy conditions could last into Saturday. (Gabrielle Huston/CBC) Social Sharing Drifting smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across nearly all of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, prompting Environment Canada to upgrade its alert to the highest risk level Friday afternoon. Special air quality statements covered the entire region except the Deep River area as of 7 a.m. Friday. Environment Canada says those conditions could last into Saturday. The Air Quality Health Index for downtown Ottawa rose to 10+, or very high, on Friday at 1 p.m. It dipped to high risk at 2 p.m. and is forecast to drop down to eight, or moderate, by the evening — higher than previous forecasts. Friday afternoon's index in eastern Ontario was, as of 1 p.m.: Eight, or high, in Kingston . Eight, or high, in Belleville . Nine, or high, in Gatineau . Six, or moderate, in Cornwall . The smoke may pose health risks, Environment Canada said, advising people in affected areas to limit time outdoors and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit also warned of health risks and advised residents to watch for symptoms including: Eye, nose and throat irritation. Coughing. Headaches. Dizziness. Chest pains. Difficulty breathing. Both agencies said people over 65, pregnant people, children, people with pre-existing health conditions and people who work outdoors are more likely to be impacted by air pollution. Here's how wildfire smoke exposure can impact your health A skateboarder cruises up Wellington Street in Ottawa on Friday as drifting smoke from wildfires in Western Canada shrouded the city. (Gabrielle Huston/CBC) Wildfires are raging across Western Canada, with B.C, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all battling blazes. Improved weather helps crews battle wildfires in Manitoba's north, east, but fight will continue for some time Air quality warnings have been issued from the Alberta-B.C. border into Labrador as of Friday morning. The drifting smoke has been categorized as ""hazardous"" in parts of the U.S. Midwest, with air quality alerts issued in Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices · About CBC News Corrections and clarifications · Submit a news tip · Report error Related Stories Montreal air quality deteriorates as Prairie wildfire smoke blankets much of southern Quebec Here's how wildfire smoke exposure can impact your health Improved weather helps crews battle wildfires in Manitoba's north, east, but fight will continue for some time now";0
"Nearly half of northern Alberta community destroyed as wildfires flare | CBC News Nearly half of northern Alberta community destroyed as wildfires flare As Albertans forced out by wildfires wait for word when it will be safe to return home, other evacuees are learning their homes have been lost to the flames. Evacuation orders lift in Swan Hills as Chipewyan Lake assesses the damage As Albertans forced out by wildfires are being allowed to return home, other evacuees are learning their homes have been lost to the flames. During what has proven to be a devastating wildfire season across western Canada, the remote community of Chipewyan Lake has been among the hardest hit in Alberta in terms of damage to infrastructure. Close to half of the buildings in the small community, nestled in the boreal forests of northern Alberta about 450 kilometres north of Edmonton, have been destroyed. A wildfire swept through the remote community last week, hours after it was evacuated. Questions remain about how and when the community can rebuild, and where its 100 residents will live during the long recovery ahead. Chipewyan Lake lost some of its most critical community buildings, local emergency management officials with Bigstone Cree Nation and the MD of Opportunity No. 17 said Tuesday. Firefighters temporarily trapped in northern Alberta as wildfires rage across the province Hundreds ordered to evacuate overnight in northern Alberta as wildfires flare Flyovers of the community show 38 structures and nine sheds destroyed.  An additional 10 buildings have been damaged, while 38 structures appear intact. Marcel Auger, reeve of the municipal district, said an aerial assessment was completed by forestry officials on June 1. Ground surveys of the damaged buildings began Tuesday ""The information is still not 100 per cent accurate until we have a boots-on-the-ground assessment completed,"" he said. ""We will need to complete assessments of the community. We will also need to conduct a major cleanup and rebuild damaged infrastructure."" An image of the damage caused to the community health centre in Chipewyan Lake. The fire that moved in on the region continues to burn out of control nearby. The destroyed buildings include the Bigstone Health Centre, a local church and the community's water treatment plant — as well as homes and sheds. An aerial map released Wednesday shows the flames breached the community's sole entrance road before ripping through the heart of its streets, overlooking the southwest edge of the lake.  Red dots, representing complete losses, dot the map. A preliminary aerial image shows the impact in the community. 'Committed to rebuilding' A wall of flames tore through the community on the evening of May 29, temporarily trapping eight firefighters overnight when their dispatch radios failed. The flames flared, consuming buildings and toppling trees, blocking the only road out. The firefighters were forced to take shelter overnight in a local school and fire hall before a rescue crew could cut a path through the downed trees. Andy Alook, chief of Bigstone Cree Nation —  which is made up of Chipewyan Lake as well as the communities of Calling Lake and Wabasca — said local government officials are working closely in the wake of the disaster. ""Our governments are committed to rebuilding the community of Chipewyan Lake,"" Alook said in Tuesday's update to evacuees. ""We are lobbying both the federal and provincial governments to support the efforts."" Small northern communities face unique struggles in fighting wildfires Demand for water bombers has 'skyrocketed' as Canada grapples with more intense wildfires Officials are working to obtain temporary housing solutions as soon as possible in Wabasca and are discussing permanent housing solutions in Chipewyan Lake, Alook said. The fire threatening Chipewyan Lake has now consumed more than 132,170 hectares and continues to burn out of control. It's part of a complex of four wildfires in the region that has triggered ongoing evacuation orders in nearby communities including Red Earth Creek, Peerless Lake, Trout Lake and Loon River First Nation. As of Thursday morning, a total of 52 wildfires were burning across Alberta  — 21 are out of control and eight are considered a current threat to nearby communities or critical infrastructure. While relatively cooler temperatures this week have helped firefighting efforts, conditions remain dry and the wildfire risk remains extreme in regions across the province. Evacuation lifts in Swan Hills On Thursday afternoon, more than a week after evacuation orders were issued, the 1,300 residents of Swan Hills received word it is safe to return home. Evacuation orders have been downgraded and now changed to a four-hour evacuation alert. Residents of the town are allowed to return to the community as of 11 a.m. Thursday, but must be prepared to leave on short notice. A wildfire, covering more than 16,880 hectares, continues to burn about eight kilometres north of the town, around 220 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Mandatory evacuation order issued for area in Lac La Biche County due to wildfire Around 4,000 Albertans have been forced to evacuate their homes. Thousands more have been put on evacuation alert and must be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. The Kiskatinaw River wildfire, south of Dawson Creek, has now forced the evacuation of 110 civic addresses near the B.C.-Alberta border and closed Highway 52 east. It's also prompted an evacuation alert in the County of Grande Prairie in Alberta.";0,025
"Israel 'operated clans' in Gaza, Netanyahu says, after being accused of arming Palestinian militias Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has ""operated clans"" in Gaza in a video published on social media Thursday after an opposition leader accused him of arming Palestinian militias in order to bolster opposition to Hamas. When asked about the allegations made by Avigdor Lieberman, leader of one of the opposition parties in the Knesset and a former defence minister, and whether he made them for political gain, Netanyahu said: ""What did Lieberman leak? ... That with the advice of security forces, we have operated clans in Gaza who oppose Hamas. What's wrong with that? It is only good. It only saves IDF soldiers' lives."" In the video posted on his Facebook and X accounts, Netanyahu said releasing details of Israel's actions is ""benefiting only Hamas,"" according to a translation of the original Hebrew from Reuters. In the wake of Lieberman's comments, The Times of Israel reported that Israel had transferred weapons to Yasser Abu Shabab, a leader of a large clan in the Rafah area that is among those accused of looting humanitarian aid . Rafah is now under full Israeli army control. The report cited a defence source. The New York Times reported similar details citing two Israeli officials close to the matter who told the paper that Israeli authorities had provided ""support, including weapons, to Yasser Abu Shabab."" Abu Shabab denies receiving arms from Israel A few hours after Netanyahu's video was posted on social media, Abu Shabab posted a statement on Facebook in which he claimed Israeli media reports were false and denied that he received weapons from Israel. ""We categorically reject these accusations and consider them a blatant attempt to distort the image of a grassroots force born from suffering—one that stood up to injustice, looting, and corruption,"" the statement read. It went on to say that the weapons his group does use are from the ""support of our own people."" Abu Shabab said his clan would never be ""a tool of the occupation"" and called on Israel to present evidence to Palestinian people and the media. Abu Shabab previously said that he was building up a force to secure aid deliveries into some parts of Gaza. Aid sites shuttered on Friday Meanwhile, aid distribution in Gaza was halted on Friday after the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said overcrowding had made it unsafe to continue operations in the latest disruption to its troubled relief effort. With severe food shortages plaguing the coastal enclave, fighting continued in many areas of the Gaza Strip. Local health authorities said 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes, mostly in northern Gaza, while the Israeli army said four of its soldiers were killed and five were wounded by an explosion in a building in Khan Younis to the south. Ten Palestinians were killed by Israeli tank fire in Gaza on Friday, local health authorities said, as a U.S.- and Israeli-backed group handing out aid in the enclave said all its distribution sites were closed until further notice. In a day of confusing messaging, the GHF first announced its distribution sites in southern Gaza were closed then it revealed that it had actually handed out food, before saying that it had had to close its gates as a precautionary measure. ""The distribution was conducted peacefully and without incident; however, it was paused due to excessive crowding that made it unsafe to proceed,"" it said in a statement. As Palestinians across the war-ravaged Gaza Strip marked the start of one of Islam's most important holidays, Eid al-Adha, Israeli forces continued military operations that they say are needed to root out and destroy Hamas militants. The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in a booby-trapped building, which brought the army death toll to eight since the start of June. The army earlier issued new evacuation orders for areas in and around Gaza City, warning of an imminent attack. With many residential areas of Gaza reduced to rubble by months of fighting, locals held Eid al-Adha prayer services in the open, next to bombed-out mosques and homes. ""As you can see, we are holding Eid prayers, while the bombing, shelling and planes are ongoing,"" said Umm Mahmoud in Khan Younis. The United Nations has warned that most of Gaza's 2.3 million population is at risk of famine after an 11-week Israeli blockade of the enclave, with the rate of young children suffering from acute malnutrition nearly tripling. The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid distribution that the United Nations says is neither impartial nor neutral. It suspended operations on Wednesday and asked the Israeli military to review security protocols after hospital officials said more than 80 people had been shot dead and hundreds wounded near distribution points between June 1 and 3. After the two-month ceasefire broke down in March, Israel blockaded aid supplies into Gaza for 11 weeks, prompting a famine warning from a global hunger monitor. Israel, which has only partially lifted the blockade since, vets all aid into Gaza and accuses Hamas of stealing some of it, something the militant group denies. Israel has re-intensified an offensive against Gaza's dominant Hamas militant group since breaking a two-month-old ceasefire in March in a war triggered by the cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, led by Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by several countries including Canada. The initial attacks killed 1,200 people in Israel, including several Canadian citizens . Some 251 hostages were also taken, with around a couple dozen believed still alive, according to the Israeli government. While many of the remaining were freed in periodic prisoner exchanges, the bodies of other hostages have been repatriated, including Canadian citizen Judih Weinstein and her husband just this week. Israel's military campaign in response to those attacks has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.";-0,025
"Renewed attacks by Russia kill at least 6 in Ukraine, officials sayRussia struck Ukraine with a thunderous aerial bombardment overnight, further dampening hopes that the warring sides could reach a peace deal anytime soon, days after Kyiv embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia. The barrage was one of the fiercest of the three-year war, lasting several hours, striking six Ukrainian territories, and killing at least six people and injuring about 80 others, Ukrainian officials said Friday. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv, one person in Lutsk and two people in Chernihiv. The attack came after U.S. President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, told him Moscow would respond to Ukraine's attack Sunday on Russian military airfields. It was also hours after Trump said it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia ""fight for a while"" before pulling them apart and pursuing peace. Trump's comments were a remarkable detour from his often-stated appeals to stop the war and signalled he may be giving up on recent peace efforts. Ukrainian cities have come under regular bombardment since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022. The attacks have killed more than 12,000 civilians, according to the United Nations. ""Russia doesn't change its stripes,"" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The war has continued unabated even as a U.S.-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine. The negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs, however, and the sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting. Ukraine has offered an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin to break the deadlock. But the Kremlin has effectively rejected a truce and hasn't budged from its demands. ""The Kremlin continues efforts to falsely portray Russia as willing to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, despite Russia's repeated refusal to offer any concessions,"" said the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think-tank, late Thursday. Further peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are expected in coming weeks, as is another exchange of prisoners of war. Russia's latest barrage included 407 drones and 44 ballistic and cruise missiles, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said. Ukrainian forces said they shot down about 30 of the cruise missiles and up to 200 of the drones. The Kyiv emergency workers were killed while responding to the strikes. ""They were working under fire to help people,"" the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Russia's Defence Ministry said it aimed at Ukrainian military targets with ""long-range precision weapons"" and successfully struck arms depots, drone factories and repair facilities, among other targets. But fitting a pattern for Russian attacks throughout the war, Friday's bombardment also struck apartment buildings and other non-military targets, according to The Associated Press. In Kyiv, explosions were heard for hours as falling debris sparked fires across several districts, said city official Tymur Tkachenko. He urged people to seek shelter. Fourteen-year-old Kyiv resident Vitalina Vasylchenko sheltered in a parking garage with her six-year-old sister and their mother after an explosion blew one of their windows off its hinges. ""I heard a buzzing sound, then my dad ran to me and covered me with his hand, then there was a very loud explosion,"" she said. ""My whole life flashed before my eyes, I already thought that was it. I started having a panic attack.… I'm shocked that I'm alive."" In Kyiv's Solomyanskyi district, a fire broke out on the 11th floor of a 16-storey apartment building. Emergency services evacuated three people from the structure. The attack caused a blackout in some areas, and more than 2,000 households on the eastern bank of Kyiv's Dnipro river were without power, city officials said. Elsewhere, 10 people were injured by an aerial attack on the western Ukraine city of Ternopil, regional governor Viacheslav Nehoda said. The strike damaged industrial and infrastructure facilities, left parts of the city without electricity, and disrupted water supplies. Russia also targeted the western Lviv and Khmelnytskyi regions, the northern Chernihiv region, and the central Poltava region, where at least three people were injured. In Russia, air defences shot down 10 Ukrainian drones heading toward the capital early Friday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. As a precaution, flights at Moscow airports were temporarily suspended overnight Thursday into Friday and then again late Friday afternoon. Ukrainian drones also targeted three other regions of Russia, authorities said, damaging apartment buildings and industrial plants. Three people were injured, officials said. Russia's Defence Ministry said that air defences downed 174 Ukrainian drones over 13 regions early Friday. It added that three Ukrainian Neptune missiles were also shot down over the Black Sea. Ukraine struck airfields and other military targets in Russia, such as fuel storage tanks and transport hubs, the Ukrainian General Staff said. Also, a locomotive derailed early Friday in the Belgorod region after the track was blown up, Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Russia has recently accused Ukraine of sabotaging the rail network. A subhead in an earlier version of this story said Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia would retaliate Sunday for an earlier Ukrainian drone attack. In fact, the reported comments did not specify a time for Russia's response.";0,125
"U.S. Air Force cadet who graduated with flying colours isn't allowed to serve their country | CBC RadioU.S. Air Force cadet who graduated with flying colours isn't allowed to serve their country | CBC RadioHunter Marquez expected to be commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Instead, they’ve been barred from service and placed on administrative leave under the U.S. President Donald Trump’s transgender military ban, along with two of their fellow graduates. 3 U.S. Air Force Academy graduates denied commission under Trump's transgender military ban Sheena Goodyear · CBC Radio · Posted: Jun 05, 2025 6:21 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 6 Hunter Marquez, right, graduates Class of 2025 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Despite completing their training and meeting all the physical requirements for service, Marquez has been denied a military commission under the U.S. president's transgender military ban. (Submitted by Hunter Marquez) Social Sharing As It Happens 6:28 This U.S. Air Force cadet who graduated with flying colours isn't allowed to serve their country Serving in the U.S. military felt like a calling for Hunter Marquez. The 22-year-old cadet has spent the last four years training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., culminating in an emotional graduation ceremony last week, surrounded by friends and families. With degrees in aeronautical engineering and applied mathematics, Marquez expected to be commissioned as a second lieutenant and as a combat systems officer. Instead, they've been barred from service and placed on administrative leave under the U.S. President Donald Trump's transgender military ban, along with two of their fellow graduates. ""I grew up loving this country … so I thought this was the best thing that I could do with my life, was giving back,"" Marquez told As It Happens host Nil K?ksal. ""Being transgender does not define my ability to serve."" Regardless, being transgender does define their eligibility to serve, according to the U.S. Air Force. ""Service members and applicants for military service who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the requirements of military service and are no longer eligible,"" an Air Force spokesperson told CBC in an email. Gender dysphoria is a diagnostic term sometimes used to describe the distress someone feels when their gender identity is at odds with the sex they were assigned at birth. Support from teachers, classmates and alumni Shortly after taking office, Trump issued an executive order barring transgender people from serving in the military. Several legal challenges to the policy are making their way through the courts, including a lawsuit in which Marquez is a plaintiff. But, in May, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can enforce its ban while those cases proceed. Days later, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth — a former Fox News host who has referred to transgender women as "" dudes in dresses "" — issued a deadline: Transgender service members have until June 6 to identify themselves and begin the process of ""voluntary separation"" from the military. Anyone who doesn't comply, he said, will be found and kicked out. That court ruling and subsequent deadline upended Marquez's future. ""I used to have a guaranteed job. You know, I was riding on that for four years. Now I don't,"" Marquez said. ""Now I have to move back home and figure out what my next step will be."" Marquez, far right, says graduation was joyful day, despite everything. (Submitted by Hunter Marquez) Marquez says their teachers and classmates have been supportive. What's more, more than 1,000 U.S. military academy graduates have signed an open letter in support of trans and non-binary cadets . ""We firmly believe that the simple fact of being transgender is in no way incompatible with any of our Academies' cherished virtues and values,"" it reads. ""Rather, we understand that living authentically as a trans person, especially at our Academies, is often a profound expression of them."" Scrolling through the long list of signatures brought tears or Marquez's eyes. ""Some of those names I did recognize. I had been best friends with them, or I had played sports with them. They were in my squadron, or I just knew them in the class,"" they said. ""So it really meant a lot."" Trump says trans troops not 'fit for duty' Trump's order states that transgender officers are not ""mentally and physically fit for duty."" Marquez takes issue with that assertion. ""I met all the standards when I was serving under a female gender marker. And then when I transitioned to the male gender marker, I still met all of the standards,"" Marquez said. ""There wasn't anything I was lacking on. There wasn't anything I fell short of. I got academic distinction from the Academy. So, on paper, you know, there's nothing that says that being transgender makes me less than."" WATCH | Trump's anti-trans policies based on misinformation, says advocate: How Trump's policies on transgender people are affecting them 4 months ago Duration 7:37 Louis Stay, a transgender man and executive director of Trans Spokane, says U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping executive orders will restrict transgender people's ability to travel and serve in the military. Stay says the orders are based on misinformation about transgender people. For now, Marquez is still a cadet with full benefits. They and their fellow trans graduates have been placed on administrative leave. That could change with Hegseth's June 6 deadline rapidly approaching. A  memo from military brass stated that cadets who don't leave the military voluntarily before the deadline ""may"" have to pay back the cost of their education, which, in Maquez's case, adds up to roughly $400,000 US. The U.S. Air Force told CBC that graduates who choose voluntary separation ""will not be subject to monetary repayment."" Marquez, however, doesn't intend to leave willingly. They said they have been assured they won't have to pay back their tuition, either way. The Air Force has not confirmed this to CBC. ""I believe that what is happening is unfair and I want to stay in the Air Force for as long as possible,"" Marquez said. ""The Air force is going to have to be the one to kick me out."" 'We deserve a lot better,' U.S. Navy Lt. says as Trump ramps up transgender military purge Organizer of transgender history conference in Canada says U.S. participants now afraid to cross the border When and if that happens, Marquez is planning to go back to school to get a graduate degree. They are also a plaintiff in Talbott v. United States , one of several legal challenges against the transgender military ban. ""I am putting my trust in the American justice system and hoping for the best, but I also want to stay realistic,"" Marquez said. ""We're going to keep fighting until the end."" Corrections An earlier version of this article stated that U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made a derogatory comment about transgender men in the U.S. military. In fact, the remarks in question were directed at transgender women. Jun 06, 2025 10:43 AM EDT Interview with Hunter Marquez produced by Livia Dyring Related Stories Trump cuts $175M US in funding to university over transgender athlete on swim team Iowa lawmakers vote to remove gender identity protections from civil rights code U.S. Supreme Court to hear challenge to Colorado ban on conversion therapy for minors Trump presidency in 100 days keeps courts busy with deportation, transgender and tariff lawsuits Transgender advocates to challenge Trump executive order on military service Add some “good” to your morning and evening. Get the CBC Radio newsletter. We'll send you a weekly roundup of the best CBC Radio programming every Friday. Email address: Subscribe Current Time Ignore this field. If any data is entered for this field, you will not be subscribed to this newsletter. . . . The next issue of Radio One newsletter will soon be in your inbox. Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre. 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"22 crew members rescued from lifeboat in North Pacific after cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles catches fire The crew of a cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles to Mexico, including 800 electric vehicles, abandoned ship after they could not control a fire aboard the vessel in waters off Alaska's Aleutian island chain. No injuries reported among crew members Mark Thiessen · The Associated Press · Posted: Jun 05, 2025 5:15 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 5 In this photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, smoke rises from cargo vessel Morning Midas approximately 490 kilometres south of Adak, Alaska, on Tuesday, as the crew of a cargo ship carrying around 3,000 vehicles to Mexico abandoned ship after they could not control a fire. (U.S. Coast Guard/Courtesy Air Station Kodiak via The Associated Press) Social Sharing The crew of a cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles to Mexico, including 800 electric vehicles, abandoned ship after they could not control a fire aboard the vessel in waters off Alaska's Aleutian island chain. A large plume of smoke was initially seen at the ship's stern coming from the deck loaded with electric vehicles Tuesday, according to U.S. Coast Guard photos and a Wednesday statement from the ship's management company, London-based Zodiac Maritime. There were no reported injuries among the 22 crew members of the Morning Midas. Crew members abandoned ship, were evacuated onto a lifeboat and rescued by the crew of a nearby merchant vessel called the Cosco Hellas in the North Pacific, roughly 490 kilometres southwest of Adak Island. Adak is about 1,930 kilometres west of Anchorage, the state's largest city. The crew initiated emergency firefighting procedures with the ship's onboard fire suppression system, but they were unable bring the flames under control. ""The relevant authorities have been notified, and we are working closely with emergency responders with a tug being deployed to support salvage and firefighting operations,"" Zodiac Maritime said in a statement. ""Our priorities are to ensure the continued safety of the crew and protect the marine environment."" The U.S. Coast Guard said it sent aircrews to Adak and a ship to the area. The status of the fire onboard the ship was unknown as of Wednesday afternoon, but smoke was still emanating from it, according to the Coast Guard. Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guard's Seventeenth District, said in a statement that as the search and rescue part of the response concluded, the Coast Guard was working with Zodiac Maritime to determine how to recover the ship and what will be done with it. ""We are grateful for the selfless actions of the three nearby vessels who assisted in the response and the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, who helped save 22 lives,"" Dean said. The 183-metre Morning Midas, a car and truck carrier, was built in 2006 and sails under a Liberian flag. The cars left Yantai, China, on May 26, according to the industry ship-tracking site marinetraffic.com . They were being shipped to Lazaro Cardenas, a major Pacific port in Mexico. Earlier this month, a Dutch safety board called for improving emergency response on North Sea shipping routes after a deadly 2023 fire on a freighter that was carrying 3,000 automobiles, including nearly 500 electric vehicles, from Germany to Singapore. That fire killed one person, injured others and burned out of control for a week, and the ship was eventually towed to a port in the northern Netherlands for salvage. The accident increased the focus on safety issues on the open sea and on containers that fall off the massive freighters, which have increased in size dramatically in recent decades. More than 80 per cent of international trade by volume now arrives by sea, and the largest container vessels are longer than three football fields. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices · About CBC News Corrections and clarifications · Submit a news tip · Report error Related Stories Aggressive wildfire prompts highway closure in B.C.'s far north as evacuation alert issued Wildfire prompts evacuation order, highway closure in northeastern B.C. Firefighters temporarily trapped in northern Alberta as wildfires rage across the province Construction workers safe after huddling in shipping container as wildfire raged around them Cargo ship towed away from Norway home it nearly struck now";0
"Lebanon slams Israel after airstrikes in Beirut area The Israeli military struck several sites in Beirut's southern suburbs that it said held underground facilities used by Hezbollah for drone production Thursday, on the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday. The strikes marked the first time in more than a month that Israel had struck on the outskirts of the capital and the fourth time since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement ended the latest war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in November. Israel posted a warning ahead of the strikes on X, announcing that it would hit eight buildings at four locations. Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon since the ceasefire, which Lebanon has said are in violation of the agreement. Israeli officials say the strikes are intended to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping after a war that took out much of its senior leadership and arsenal. The Israeli army said in a statement that Hezbollah was ""working to produce thousands of drones under the guidance and financing of Iranian terrorist groups."" Hezbollah ""used drones extensively in its attacks against the State of Israel and is working to expand its drone industry and production in preparation for the next war,"" the army statement said. There was no immediate statement from Hezbollah. But a Hezbollah official denied that there were drone production facilities at the targeted locations. ""In the [ceasefire] agreement, there is a mechanism for investigating if there is a complaint,"" the official said. ""Israel in general, and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu in particular, wants to continue the war in the region."" Lebanese army pushed to prevent strikes A Lebanese army official said the army had attempted to convince Israel not to carry out the strikes and to instead let Lebanese officials go in to search the area under the mechanism laid out in the ceasefire agreement, but that the Israeli army refused, so Lebanese soldiers moved away from the locations. Israeli army officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Both Lebanese officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes. Aoun in a statement called them a ""blatant violation of an international agreement, as well as the basic principles of international and humanitarian laws and resolutions, on the eve of a sacred religious occasion"" and said it demonstrates Israel's ""rejection of the requirements of stability, settlement and just peace in our region."" He accused Israel of using Lebanon as a ""mailbox"" to send a message to the United States. He did not elaborate. Washington has been negotiating with Iran — Hezbollah's longtime backer — for a deal over Tehran's nuclear program and has warned Israel not to strike Iran in the meantime. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in a statement praised the Israeli air force for ""perfect execution"" of the strikes and said Israel will ""continue to enforce the ceasefire rules without any compromise."" He said Israel holds the ""Lebanese government directly responsible for preventing violations of the ceasefire and all terrorist activity against the state of Israel."" The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began in October 2023 when the Lebanese militant group began launching rockets across the border in support of its ally, Hamas, in Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes and shelling and the two were quickly locked in a low-level conflict that continued for nearly a year before escalating into full-scale war in late 2024. It killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, while the Lebanese government said in April that Israeli strikes had killed another 190 people and wounded 485 wounded since the ceasefire. There has been increasing pressure on Hezbollah — both domestic and international — to give up its remaining arsenal, but officials with the group have said they will not do so until Israel stops its airstrikes and withdraws from five points it is still occupying along the border in southern Lebanon.";-0,05
"Zelenskiy says Ukrainian troops pushing back Russian forces in SumyUkrainian forces were gradually pushing Russian forces out of the border Sumy region, where Moscow was able to establish a foothold in recent weeks, president Volodymyr Zelensky said. “Our units in Sumy region are gradually pushing back the occupiers,” Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address. “I thank you! Thanks to every soldier, sergeant and officer for this result."" Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said there had been a concentration of Russian men and equipment in the Sumy region following months of Ukrainian operations across the border in Kursk . He advised caution to establish details of the situation on the ground. Russian forces have been moving into Sumy region since April when Vladimir Putin called for the creation of a buffer zone following the eviction of Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region. Ukraine, meanwhile, claimed that Russia had lost more than one million troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will attend the G7 summit in Canada next week and hopes to meet Donald Trump there. Mr Zelensky told a news briefing that he hopes to discuss continued support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and future financing for Kyiv's reconstruction efforts during the summit. Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky last met at the Vatican in April, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis. Russian president Vladimir Putin said that drones had played a major role in the conflict in Ukraine and called for the rapid development and deployment of separate drone forces within the military. ""We are currently creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the military and we need to ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development,"" Russian news agencies quoted him as saying at a meeting on arms development. Mr Putin told the second day of the gathering that Russia was well aware how Ukraine was dealing with the issue. ""But on the whole, I do not believe we are lagging behind on anything,"" he was quoted as saying. ""More to the point, it seems to me we are bringing together good experience with a view to creating just such forces."" Ukraine’s military has claimed that Russian troop losses have reached one million. Of those million soldiers either killed or wounded, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said well over half of those casualties - more than 628,000 -occurred in the last year and a half. “This is the price the enemy pays for unleashing a bloody war in Ukraine,” the armed forces said. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said there had been a concentration of Russian men and equipment in Sumy region because of months of military operations across the border in Kursk region. He advised caution to establish details of the situation on the ground. ""I think (Ukraine's) military has the situation under control and I think we shall see a different picture in the coming days,"" Podolyak told Ukrainian TV Channel 24. The popular Ukrainian military blog DeepState, which charts the position of Russian troops using open-source materials, reported Russian gains in recent days around villages inside the border. Other Ukrainian bloggers said on Thursday that Russian forces had advanced to within 20 km (12 miles) of the city of Sumy and were likely to move southward on villages to secure high ground outside the city. Russian media reported similar advances through the region. One military site ""Voyennoe Obozrenie"" said Russian forces had made ""significant progress"" and were now positioned south of a major highway. Russian forces have been moving into Sumy region since April when Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin called for the creation of a buffer zone after he said all Ukrainian troops had been evicted from a months-long incursion into Russia's western Kursk region. Both Russian and Ukrainian reports indicate that Russian forces have seized a series of villages in the region, which has for many months also come under heavy Russian air attacks. And Russian reports said Moscow's troops were advancing in the area. Russia, which controls just under one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, has seized over 190 sq kms (73 square miles) of the Sumy region in less than a month, according to pro-Ukrainian open-source maps. Russian troops have captured more ground in the past days, advancing to around 20 kilometres from Sumy’s northern suburbs, bringing the city closer to being within the range of long-range artillery and drones. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their attacks, but thousands of civilians have died in the three-year-long conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. The number of displaced people arriving in Ukraine’s war-hit Sumy region is increasing, said Kateryna Arisoi, head of Pluriton, a non-governmental organisation that operates a shelter for internally displaced people. “We are seeing the frontline slowly moving toward Sumy,” she said. ""So far evacuation has been ordered in more than 200 settlements."" Last week, a Russian rocket attack on Sumy killed three people and injured 28, including three children, while also damaging several buildings. The number two US diplomat questioned the need for Nato in a post on X – which he later deleted – as the alliance prepares for an annual summit expected to be dominated by a US demand for higher defence spending and Russia's war on Ukraine. Deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau was replying to a social media thread by Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to Nato. Mr Whitaker in his post said that what happened in the Indo-Pacific mattered for transatlantic security. ""He obviously didn't get the memo our of our Deputies Committee meeting on this very issue,"" Mr Landau wrote at 6.56pm on Wednesday, referring to Whitaker. ""Nato is still a solution in search of a problem."" It was not clear if Mr Landau meant for his message to be public or if he intended to send Whitaker's post to a third person. ""This was a casual, lighthearted remark intended for a brief, private exchange,"" a State Department spokesperson said in emailed comments. ""The Deputy Secretary’s comment was in the context of his desire to improve Nato and ensure it remains focused on its mission,"" the spokesperson said. Mr Landau's post was later deleted. This week Russia and Ukraine began implementing a deal reached at 2 June peace talks in Istanbul to hand over 1,000 prisoners of war each, and also a huge number of human remains. Alongside the joyful scenes of soldiers returning home and hugging loved ones, there have been macabre images of men dressed in hazmat suits transferring body bags from refrigerated trucks. Russia said it plans to hand over the remains of around 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers in this phase of the exchange. So far this week, it said it transferred 1,212 sets of remains, while Ukraine said it handed over the bodies of 27 Russian soldiers. Volodymyr Umanets, a 69-year-old security guard, hopes his son will be among the Ukrainian prisoners of war now being handed over by Russia, but he knows he could be part of a more sombre homecoming: the repatriated remains of dead soldiers. Not knowing which group his son, Sergiy, will be in is a torment. “I am told to wait. What else is left for me to do?” said Umanets, as tears welled up in his eyes. For Ukraine, the repatriation of the remains marks the start of a long and painstaking process to identify who they are, how they died, and to notify their families. The task is made more complicated because sometimes the returned soldiers were killed in explosions so their bodies are in fragments, according to Djordje Alempijevic, a professor of forensic science at Belgrade University who helped examine the remains of people killed in conflicts in the Western Balkans in the 1990s. An added complication, he said, is that some of the remains have been stored for a long time, and they degrade, even if kept in refrigeration. Donald Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine has been branded “naive” and “unsophisticated” by former director of the CIA John Brennan . In the first five months of his second term, the US president has aggressively pushed for peace but refused to offer unconditional support to Kyiv in its defence against Russian aggression. Volodymyr Zelensky has announced Kyiv is seeking to boost investment for Ukraine’s air defence infrastructure. “We have some weapons still in development, some systems have already been developed, and we are trying to secure more funding for mass production,” Mr Zelensky said. “These include various types of intercepter drones, among other things.” He said he will “not disclose which systems are located where, or which energy facilities they protect”.";0,175
Downing Street ‘exploring plan for digital ID cards’ Downing Street is exploring a proposal to introduce digital ID cards for every adult in Britain in a move to tackle the UK’s illegal migration crisis, according to reports. The new “BritCard” would be used to check on an individual’s right to live and work in Britain, with senior No 10 figures examining the proposal, The Times has reported . The card, stored on a smartphone, would reportedly be linked to government records and could check entitlements to benefits and monitor welfare fraud. The scheme’s supporters think it would send a clear signal that the UK is not “soft touch” on illegal migration and would help ease the small boats crisis. The idea was one of former prime minister Tony Blair’s flagship policies in Downing Street, but it was killed off after he lost power. The idea was one of former prime minister Tony Blair’s flagship policies in Downing Street, but it was killed off after he lost power ( PA Wire ) The proposal from the thinktank Labour Together, whose founders include the No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, has been backed previously by dozens of Labour MPs, with the new paper endorsed by two “red wall” MPs, Jake Richards and Adam Jogee. The analysis in the paper found that the ID cards – a hugely controversial policy proposal during Tony Blair’s era – would make right-to-rent and right-to-work checks quicker and easier for tenants and employees. The paper reportedly said that it would cost up to £400m to build the system and around £10m a year to administer as a free-to-use phone app. In their foreword, Richards, the MP for Rother Valley, and Jogee, the MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said the BritCard “should form an important part of Labour’s enforcement strategy that does not compromise our principles and values”, according to reports. They said that those living in the UK without regular status were “exploited by criminal employers, which in turn suppresses wages for legal citizens and migrants alike”. They said the coalition government’s “hostile environment” had made very little difference to the overall numbers but had had a disproportionately cruel effect on those unfairly targeted. “The Windrush scandal saw thousands of people wrongly targeted by immigration enforcement, including many legitimate British citizens who were unjustly detained or deported,” they said. “We believe that a progressive government does not have to choose between dealing with these injustices. It must tackle them all head on.”;0,35
Reform’s Richard Tice doubles down on call for burqa ban debate after chairman quits Reform’s deputy leader has doubled down on calls for a debate on whether burqas should be banned in Britain after a furious row over the issue saw the party’s chairman quit . Zia Yusuf resigned on Thursday after describing a call from the party’s newest MP to ban the burqa as “dumb”. Speaking as he entered the count for the Hamilton , Larkhall and Stonehouse Holyrood by-election, Richard Tice said MPs should “discuss” a potential ban. “Let’s have a discussion about these things, all these important issues, as opposed to not discussing anything, smearing and labelling,” he said. Pressed on his personal view amid chaotic scenes, Mr Tice said there should be a “national debate”. And, asked if Mr Yusuf’s resignation implied the party was racist, the Boston and Skegness MP said: “With the greatest of respect, that’s nonsense.” It came after the new Runcorn and Helsby MP Sarch Pochin used her first Prime Minister’s Questions question to call on Sir Keir to ban burqas “in the interest of public safety”. She said: “Given the prime minister’s desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will he, in the interest of public safety, follow the lead of France, Belgium, Denmark and others and ban the burqa?” Sir Keir welcomed Ms Pochin to the Commons, but said “I am not going to follow her down that line”. A Reform spokesman later clarified that banning burqas was not party policy, sparking calls from the far-right for Mr Farage to adopt the proposals. Later, Mr Yusuf said it was “dumb for a party to ask the prime minister if they would do something the party itself wouldn’t do”. He quit the party on Thursday saying “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office”. Asked on Wednesday night about Ms Pochin’s comments on the burqa, party leader Nigel Farage also said he would welcome a broader debate about face coverings in public. He told GB News: “I think this debate actually goes beyond the burqa… I was in Aberdeen Monday, there was a mob there to meet me, an organisation called Antifa, and half of them had complete face coverings on so they would be unidentifiable. “I don't think face coverings in public places make sense, and I think we do deserve debate about that, which I see the burqa as being a part.” Denying his party was “in chaos”, Mr Tice paid tribute to the outgoing former chairman. “As Nigel’s said, as I’ve said, we’re very sad that Zia has resigned,” he said. “He’s worked incredibly hard, he’s been instrumental in driving the party forward. “ One of the reasons that this result could be really close – who knows which way it will go – is because of the success of what Zia has achieved.” He added: “It’s very sad, politics is difficult, it’s time-consuming, but he’s worked incredibly hard.”;-0,225
"Three New Zealand MPs suspended for performing haka in parliamentNew Zealand’s parliament voted to hand out record suspensions to three Indigenous M?ori MPs for performing the haka to protest a controversial law. M?ori Party co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer were handed a suspension for 21 days while New Zealand's youngest MP, Hana-R?whiti Maipi-Clarke, was barred for seven days. The suspensions marked the longest period any lawmaker has been barred from parliament in the country’s history. Suspensions of MPs are already rare in New Zealand and a three-day suspension has been previously handed. Only three MPs have been suspended in the past 10 years, according to New Zealand parliamentary services. The suspended MPs said “M?ori would not be silenced”. The opposition Labour party said the decision was inconsistent with New Zealand's democracy. The three MPs performed the haka last November in parliament ahead of a vote on a bill, now defeated, that would have reinterpreted the 185-year-old Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed between the British and Indigenous M?ori tribe. The video of the protest, a ceremonial M?ori dance made world-famous by the country’s men’s rugby team, the All Blacks, went viral across the internet and made international headlines. The footage showed Ms Maipi-Clarke, 22, ripping apart a copy of the bill after rising from her chair and performing the haka. Ms Maipi-Clarke was then joined by Mr Waititi and Ms Ngarewa-Packer in the chamber floor as they chanted “Ka Mate”, the chant often performed by the All Blacks rugby team before games. Lawmakers who decried the performance said the legislators from Te Pati M?ori, the M?ori Party, left their seats and strode across the floor toward government politicians and disrupted the vote on a proposed law. Ms Maipi-Clarke criticised the suspension and said it was an effort to silence the M?ori in parliament. ""A member can swear at another member, a member of cabinet can lay their hands on a staff member, a member can drive up the steps of parliament, a member can swear in parliament, and yet they weren't given five minutes of suspension,"" she said. ""Yet when we stand up for the country's foundational document, we get punished with the most severe consequences. ""Are our voices too loud for this house? Is that the reason why we are being silenced? Are our voices shaking the core foundation of this house? The house we had no voice in building … We will never be silenced and we will never be lost,"" she said. In a dramatic display, Mr Waititi held up a noose as he said the decision means “you’ve traded the noose for legislation”. ""In my maiden speech, I talked about one of our [ancestors] who was hung in the gallows of Mt Eden Prison, wrongfully accused,"" he said. ""The silencing of us today is a reminder of the silencing of our ancestors of the past, and it continues to happen. ""Well, we will not be silenced."" Judith Collins, the committee chair, said the behaviour was egregious, disruptive and potentially intimidating, defending the decision. ""It's not about the haka … it is about following the rules of parliament that we are all obliged to follow and that we all pledged to follow,"" Ms Collins said. Labour parliamentarian Duncan Webb said the decision was ""inconsistent with the fundamental nature of this democracy"". ""This decision is wildly out of step with any other decision of the Privileges Committee,"" Mr Webb said.";0,4
Common prescription drug statin could reduce deaths by sepsis, study findsCritically ill patients with sepsis who are given statins may be more likely to survive, new research suggests. Researchers set out to explore whether the cholesterol-busting drugs may bring additional benefits for patients. The new study examined information on sepsis patients who received statins during a stint in intensive care and compared it with patients in a similar situation who did not receive statins. Some 14.3 per cent of 6,000 sepsis patients who were given statins died within 28 days. This is compared with 23.4 per cent of 6,000 patients who did not receive statin therapy. The research was carried out to see if statins had other benefits other than helping cholesterol  The research team from China said that this equates to a 39 per cent reduced risk of death within a month. The research, based on data from thousands of patients at a hospital in Israel between 2008 and 2019, also found that 7.4 per cent of statin patients died while in the intensive care unit compared with 13.6 per cent of those who did not receive statins. And during their overall hospital stay, some 11.5 per cent of sepsis patients who were given statins died, compared with 19.1 per cent of sepsis patients who did not take statins. However, it appeared that those who were not prescribed statins had a slightly shorter hospital stay compared with those who did receive them – an average of eight days compared with almost 10 days. “We found that statin users exhibited decreased 28-day all-cause mortality,” the authors wrote in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that occurs when the immune system overreacts and starts to damage the body’s tissues and organs. In the UK, 245,000 people are affected by sepsis every year. UK sepsis experts said that “anything which might reduce the burden of a condition which claims one in five lives worldwide needs to be rigorously explored” as they called for larger trials to confirm the findings. Statins are known as cholesterol-busting drugs because they can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. But experts said that they also have other benefits, including reducing inflammation and antibacterial effects. The research team called for larger trials to confirm their findings. “Our large, matched cohort study found that treatment with statins was associated with a 39 per cent lower death rate for critically ill patients with sepsis, when measured over 28 days after hospital admission,” said Dr Caifeng Li, the study’s corresponding author and an associate professor at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in China. “These results strongly suggest that statins may provide a protective effect and improve clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis.” Commenting on the study, Dr Ron Daniels, founder and chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said: “It has been known for some time that the anti-inflammatory properties of statins confer a survival benefit on those who take them if they develop sepsis. “Whilst previous studies have failed to show a similar survival benefit in treating people with sepsis with statins, this new study supports calls for a large, multi-country, randomised control trial. “Anything which might reduce the burden of a condition which claims one in five lives worldwide needs to be rigorously explored.”;0
The starvation of Gaza is a manmade catastrophe that shames us allWhatever else may be concluded about the shooting of Palestinian civilians at, or near, aid centres in Gaza, they do not suggest that sufficient humanitarian aid is being delivered in a timely and efficient manner. As has been widely proposed, a fully independent inquiry is needed before the claims and counterclaims about responsibility can be settled. But, for the time being, the efforts of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to replace the United Nations have proved to be utterly inadequate. That, of course, may turn out to be a wildly generous understatement if it is indeed proved that the Israel Defense Forces committed war crimes in these most pitiful and unforgivable of circumstances. From what can be discerned from the reportage, the verdict of the International Red Cross on the situation appears accurate – “worse than hell on earth” . It bears repeating that Israel, too, suffered its own atrocities on 7 October 2023 – but its conduct of the war waged since has become increasingly indefensible, intolerable and counterproductive to its interests. It is a total catastrophe for all involved, most of all the vulnerable non-combatants. The death toll across three major incidents at GHF sites amounts to about 60 people, and each and every case must be properly investigated. The Red Cross – not Hamas – says that, for example, its medical teams in Rafah treated 184 patients, including 19 people dead on arrival and eight others who died of their wounds shortly afterwards. This represents the highest figure for casualties from a single incident at the field hospital since it was established last year. And, of course, there are countless Palestinians far from even a GHF base, with no hospital facilities to speak of, and still under constant bombardment. They cannot all be terrorists – and they cannot be dismissed as mere inevitable collateral damage. These are human lives, and, as the universal phrase goes, they matter. In due course, a more comprehensive accounting for the actions of the Israeli authorities will also have to be made, taking full account of the terrorist threat they face, but not thereby absolving Israel’s government and its agencies for everything they have done. Israel’s friends and partners across the world, as well as its own people, cannot adopt a “Netanyahu, right or wrong” approach, in which every single action and incident is justified by the 7 October massacres and kidnappings. Perhaps the most emphatic admission of failure by the GHF is that such operations as it has been undertaking – and they are grossly inadequate to the task – have been suspended . So, at least no Gazans will be shot trying to get their hands on food, but they and their families will stay hungry. Indeed, so hungry that malnutrition, especially of children among many thousands of people, and famine stalk the land. The Palestinians of Gaza, their homeland, face what the UN calls a “hunger crisis” and “critical famine risk”. The Israeli government knows this. The Arab states in the region know this. The whole world knows this. We see the television images of emaciated infants. Not even the White House can deny these realities. And yet nothing happens. We should be clear at least about how things will develop in this medieval-style siege if the world fails to pressure Israel into relenting and permitting the UN agencies and charities to resume their work immediately. For some, it is too late – but for the living, it is never too late. The aid is waiting to pour into the territory, all parts of it, not just the cynically misnomered “safe zones”. To make the aid effort fully effective would mean a ceasefire, and the restoration of medical facilities and the means for a civilised existence – principally, shelter. It is not, in that sense, the kind of hopeless, overbearing situation that follows some environmental disaster – a flood, a terrible hurricane or a drought. This is a manmade catastrophe and could be stopped in short order with the political will to do so. Such political will does not exist within the Israeli government. One reason why the war has gone on for as long as it has, and with such pain and destruction, is that it suits Benjamin Netanyahu’s domestic political interests. The secondary reason is that the United States has acquiesced in much of what he does, which was true of the Biden administration and is even more the case under Donald Trump. However, recent weeks have shown the limits to American forbearance and the failure of Mr Netanyahu to stabilise the situation. Some of the hostages have still not been released, and Hamas still operates, as it will even if every one of its leaders is eliminated. Israel has lost the chance to build peace with its neighbours, and is less secure than it was before 7 October, even if Iran is temporarily disarmed. At that time, it would have been inconceivable that Israel would stand accused at the International Criminal Court of such grievous atrocities, that more of its European allies would recognise the Palestinian state, or that they’d be openly discussing arms embargoes and sanctions. Since 7 October, Mr Netanyahu has played into the hands of Hamas, who wished for nothing more than for Israel to lash out, provoke Arab and Muslim opinion, outrage the West and become the perpetrator, not the victim, of terror. All the goodwill that was shown, rightly, on 7 October has been squandered. In other words, it is in the interests of Israel itself to cease the fighting and allow the aid to come through to what the UN calls “the hungriest place on Earth”. But who can and who will make Mr Netanyahu see sense?;0,716666667
Tiananmen massacre: It’s time to wake up and stand up to the butchers of BeijingOn this day, 36 years ago, thousands of peaceful protesters were gunned down in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and in the streets and alleyways of China’s capital during a brutal crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests. Thousands more were massacred in cities across China. British diplomatic cables revealed that the death toll may have been as high as 10,000 . Last week, a group known as the Tiananmen Mothers – whose sons and daughters were killed, injured or jailed in 1989 – issued a statement calling for an independent investigation into the massacre. “The bereaved will never forget,” they wrote. “This atrocity, engineered entirely by the government of the time, remains one of the darkest chapters in human history. The pain it has caused has never left – it is a nightmare that time cannot fade.” Yet, as far as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is concerned, nothing happened on 4 June 1989. This was a day erased from history – no commemoration has ever been possible in mainland China. Even in Hong Kong, the one city in China where memorials used to be held, candlelight vigils have been banned over the past five years. Hong Kong’s Catholic Church, which used to hold commemorative masses, has not done so for the past three years. Simply lighting a candle on this day can land you in jail for years. Thirty-six years on, one might ask the question: what did the student movement in 1989 achieve? On the surface, nothing, except bloodshed, death and repression. Over the past three decades, despite brief periods of relative relaxation and apparent opening, the rule of the CCP regime has become more repressive, and authoritarianism in China has intensified. Over the past 13 years of Xi Jinping’s rule , in particular, China has been plunged into a new dark age of repression – in which we have seen the dismantling of Hong Kong’s once-celebrated and vibrant civil society, genocide of the Uyghurs, an acceleration of persecution of Christians and Falun Gong practitioners, and increased repression in Tibet. In addition, we have seen more aggression towards Taiwan and more transnational repression against Beijing’s critics abroad, with China operating clandestine security outposts in places like New York and London to monitor and threaten Chinese activists abroad. For too long, the free world has emboldened and facilitated the CCP’s repression. The decision by the US to award China “permanent normal trading status” (PNTR) and later “Most-Favoured Nation” (MFN) status in 2000, just over a decade after the slaughter, was wrong-headed. Turning to the present day, there is a need for a wake-up call. We should not have normal trading relations with a genocidal regime committing crimes against humanity and dire repression. Such a regime cannot be trusted. Few sane voices would say we should disengage or stop all trade – that is not possible with such a vast market and such a strong power. No, the question before us is not whether to engage, but how – and on whose terms? We should impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for the Uyghur genocide , but also for the dismantling of Hong Kong’s freedoms in violation of an international treaty, the Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which Beijing promised to uphold Hong Kong’s autonomy and liberty at least until 2047. We should also demand the release of political prisoners. Any trade deals with China should be contingent on the release of media entrepreneur and British citizen Jimmy Lai , barrister Chow Hang-tung and all Hong Kong political prisoners. Ms Chow was jailed for organising candlelight vigils to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre (Chow had her conviction overturned, but is still behind bars over a separate subversion case) and one of the multiple charges against Lai was the crime of lighting a candle and saying a prayer at such a vigil, so their cases are symbolic on this anniversary. But the international community must also step up efforts to demand the release citizen journalist Zhang Zhan , Christian pastor Wang Yi , Uyghur medical doctor Gulshan Abbas , dissident Dr Wang Bingzhang , who has been held for 23 years after being abducted from Vietnam, Tibet’s Panchen Lama and his relatives, and the thousands of prisoners of conscience across China. On the surface, Beijing’s leaders seem emboldened. Even though China’s economic miracle appears to have waned , with its property bubble bursting and the opportunities for young people to find good jobs declining, nevertheless it appears on track to hit 5 per cent growth this year. With its Belt and Road Initiative, despite failures and frustrations, China appears to have successfully entrapped many developing countries in its orbit, building an alliance of authoritarianism to counter the free world. The turbulence over Donald Trump’s tariffs so far does not appear to have dented Xi Jinping’s grip on power – and may even have strengthened his hand in the short term. Yet, there are two important things that the protesters in Tiananmen Square 36 years ago achieved, which we forget at our peril. First, they showed that, when given the chance, the people of China want freedom – and many have made enormous personal sacrifices towards that goal. They are not beholden to the CCP. Even today, when I speak with Chinese friends privately, many of them indicate their desire to be free. And protests in recent years – notably the White Paper movement of 2022 – show that the lamp of freedom in China has not dimmed and will, periodically, emerge again. Second, by peacefully protesting, the students in Tiananmen Square and around the country illustrated the stark contrast between their cause and character and the regime’s. Faced with peaceful protestors, the CCP sent in tanks and soldiers. They met placards and hunger strikers with guns and bullets. In so doing, they exposed to the world – not for the first time, and not for the last – their true nature. Thirty-six years on, the regime has not changed. It continues its repression, cruelty, inhumanity, barbarity and criminality. The question is not whether China has changed. It is whether the free world has the courage to change its approach to China . Will we put morals before mammon? Will we, who believe in freedom and human rights, finally wake up and stand up to the butchers of Beijing? Benedict Rogers is Senior Director of Fortify Rights , co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, and author of The China Nexus: Thirty Years In and Around the Chinese Communist Party’s Tyranny;0,1875
"Rachel Reeves must take back control of the growth agenda Chancellor Rachel Reeves does not present as one of life’s gamblers. Her proudest boast, curriculum vitae aside, is her “iron” determination to put Britain’s public finances on a sustainable footing. Yet, as the latest report from the OECD shows, that objective has been far from fulfilled – and will become even more difficult to achieve, at least over the coming year or so. The organisation’s downgraded UK growth forecasts – 1.3 per cent this year, and 1 per cent for 2026 – are miserable, and will do nothing to lift confidence among consumers and investors, nor banish the dismal mood in her party about its electoral prospects. For most people, there is no practical difference between living in an economy with such minimal expansion and one that is stagnant or in a mild recession. Ms Reeves’s problem is that, fiscally speaking, she likes to live dangerously – or, at least, that is how things have turned out. She has never provided herself with sufficient leeway in meeting her self-imposed fiscal rules to withstand the kind of bad luck or more serious shocks to the economy that might come any chancellor’s way. Such unfortunate developments have been all too frequent in her time in office, and that has led to a sort of perma-crisis over tax , spending and borrowing, with politically sensitive cuts to benefits adding to the sense of jeopardy. Time and again, Reeves has created the thinnest of margins of error – about £10bn, in a spending total of around £1,300bn – and, time and again, it has been wiped out. Sometimes, that has been because of the usual vicissitudes, such as inflation proving more stubborn than usual, and elsewhere because of unpredictable events, most obviously Donald Trump’s gyrating attitude to tariffs . But she has made her own mistakes, too. Cutting the pensioners’ winter fuel payment yielded minimal additional revenues for maximum electoral loss, and she placed too much emphasis on raising employers’ national insurance contributions, which appears to have had a more depressing effect than thought. Her biggest gamble, however, has been in hoping that she could meet her fiscal rules by the absurdly small margins she allowed herself. The OECD recommends that the chancellor “steps up” her efforts to create a more comfortable buffer against adversity, and Ms Reeves would be as well to take their advice. The comprehensive spending review next week is the best opportunity she will have on that side of the ledger to inspire confidence that she is indeed making the right kinds of tough choices – ones that protect the most vulnerable, as well as boosting growth. At the Budget in the autumn, she will have another chance to “kitchen-sink” the measures needed to avoid the periodic crises that have unnerved markets and so drained confidence in the government. The OECD suggests a “balanced” approach: targeted spending cuts , including the closure of tax loopholes; revenue-raising measures such as re-evaluating council tax bands for the first time since they were introduced in 1991; and the removal of distortions in the tax system. These reforms to taxation would probably mean a fairer and more rational system, and might thus make the economy a little more healthy. But the main effect must be to chart a medium-term fiscal strategy that markets can have confidence in, which provides room for the Bank of England to ease interest rates, and, at last, puts the government back in control of events, rather than being pushed around by them. Few governments have foundered as swiftly as the Starmer administration, but that does not mean recovery, both economic and political, is impossible. Far from it. This early in the parliament, and with such a substantial majority at the government’s disposal, Ms Reeves has a chance to put right the mistakes she made in her first months, and move beyond (rightly) chastising the Conservatives for their complacency and banging on about the notorious £22bn “black hole”. To borrow a phrase popular in government circles, she should have gone further and faster last year to sort the public finances out for the rest of the parliament. The good news for her and her colleagues is that it is not too late to lay those firm fiscal foundations for growth. But this year, she should play safe, take more notice of the raw politics of her choices, and develop a more compelling narrative about the future rewards for prudence. It will be painful, but not as uncomfortable as watching another wager fail. She will indeed need an iron determination.";-0,1125
US travel ban: How Trump’s order could impact World Cup and Olympic Games | The IndependentDonald Trump has often stated his excitement for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics , claiming they are among the events he looks forward to most in his second term. Trump himself will present the tournament’s winner with the trophy after the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on 19 July. However, there is growing uncertainty surrounding visa policies for foreign visitors planning to attend these major sporting events in the US. Trump's recent travel ban on citizens from 12 countries has raised concerns about the potential impact on the World Cup and the Summer Olympics , both of which rely on hosts welcoming participants and spectators from around the globe. The travel ban has cast a shadow over the feasibility of hosting these international events. Here’s a look at the potential effects of the travel ban on those events. What is the travel ban policy? When Sunday ticks over to Monday, citizens of 12 countries should be banned from entering the US. They are Afghanistan , Myanmar, Chad , the Republic of Congo , Equatorial Guinea , Eritrea, Haiti , Iran , Libya , Somalia , Sudan and Yemen . Tighter restrictions will apply to visitors from seven more: Burundi , Cuba , Laos, Sierra Leone , Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Trump said some countries had “deficient” screening and vetting processes or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. How does the travel ban affect the World Cup and Olympics? Iran , a soccer power in Asia, is the only targeted country to qualify so far for the World Cup being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico in one year’s time. Cuba, Haiti and Sudan are in contention. Sierra Leone might stay involved through multiple playoff games. Burundi, Equatorial Guinea and Libya have very outside shots. But all should be able to send teams to the World Cup if they qualify because the new policy makes exceptions for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.” About 200 countries could send athletes to the Summer Games, including those targeted by the latest travel restrictions. The exceptions should apply to them as well if the ban is still in place in its current form. What about fans? The travel ban doesn’t mention any exceptions for fans from the targeted countries wishing to travel to the US for the World Cup or Olympics. Even before the travel ban, fans of the Iran soccer team living in that country already had issues about getting a visa for a World Cup visit. Still, national team supporters often profile differently to fans of club teams who go abroad for games in international competitions like the UEFA Champions League. For many countries, fans traveling to the World Cup — an expensive travel plan with hiked flight and hotel prices — are often from the diaspora, wealthier, and could have different passport options. A World Cup visitor is broadly higher-spending and lower-risk for host nation security planning. Visitors to the Olympics are often even higher-end clients, though tourism for a Summer Games is significantly less than at a World Cup, with fewer still from most of the 19 countries now targeted. How is the US working with FIFA and Olympic officials? FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly built close ties since 2018 to Trump — too close according to some. He has cited the need to ensure FIFA ’s smooth operations at a tournament that will earn a big majority of the soccer body’s expected $13 billion revenue from 2023-26. Infantino sat next to Trump at the White House task force meeting on May 6 which prominently included Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. FIFA’s top delegate on the task force is Infantino ally Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs partner whose two-year run as US Soccer Federation president ended in controversy in 2020. Any visa and security issues FIFA faces — including at the 32-team Club World Cup that kicks off next week in Miami — can help LA Olympics organizers finesse their plans. “I don’t anticipate any, any problems from any countries to come and participate,” LA Games chairman Casey Wasserman told International Olympic Committee officials in March. He revealed then, at an IOC meeting in Greece, two discreet meetings with Trump and noted the State Department has a ”fully staffed desk” to help prepare for short-notice visa processing in the summer of 2028 — albeit with a focus on teams rather than fans. “Irrespective of politics today,” Wasserman said in March, “America will be open and accepting to all 209 countries for the Olympics.” FIFA and the IOC didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment about the new Trump travel ban. What have other host nations done? The 2018 World Cup host Russia let fans enter the country with a game ticket doubling as their visa. So did Qatar four years later. Both governments, however, also performed background checks on all visitors coming to the month-long soccer tournaments. Governments have refused entry to unwelcome visitors. For the 2012 London Olympics, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko — who is still its authoritarian leader today — was denied a visa despite also leading its national Olympic body. The IOC also suspended him from the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.;-0,1
"Mapped: Canada’s wildfires are impacting air quality in these US communitiesSmoke from wildfires still raging in Canada is degrading air quality across the northern U.S., turning skies a murky orange hue and forcing sensitive groups indoors. In New York, the smoke could be seen in the upper atmosphere from satellites, and an air quality alert was in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday evening. Poor air quality was also in store for Chicagoans, who were told to reduce time spent outdoors. Government maps showed the worst levels of particle pollution around the Windy City and Detroit, with the latter under an advisory through noon on Friday. In Chicago, one area saw an Air Quality Index at a level of 157, which is deemed “unhealthy.” The particle pollution can affect the eyes, throat, lungs, and heart. Sometimes, it can even lead to premature death. “It’s probably a good idea to limit time outside,” Kevin Doom, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said, according to The Chicago Sun-Times . “Doing a lot of heavy breathing is probably not ideal on a day like today.” Forecasters said there’s a chance an alert there would be extended into Friday , as temperatures across much of the eastern U.S. continue to spike ahead of a rainy weekend. The worst air quality in the country right now is around Chicago and Detroit. That is highlighted in the red blotches on this map. Forecasters said impacts could linger through Friday  Recommended Smoke pollution from wildfires is causing an extra 12,000 deaths per year, experts warn Canada wildfires: How to keep yourself safe as smoke from deadly inferno reaches Europe PHOTO COLLECTION: Canada Wildfires Smoky Skies Some of the haze also has to do with ozone pollution, which is linked to that heat. “On hot and sunny days, especially in urban areas, heat and sunlight react chemically with pollutants in the air to form ground-level ozone, which can be very irritating to people with respiratory problems,” WNBC’s Lauren Maroney warned . In the U.S., wildfires have burned in Minnesota, Florida, and the West. There have been more than 1.1 million acres torched to date across the country, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. There are more than 200 active wildfires raging in Canada, and more than 6.4 million acres have burned since the start of the year. Two new blazes were reported on Thursday, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The deadly fires have resulted in the deaths of two people and forced tens of thousands of people to flee. Officials in Mantiboa and Saskatchewan have declared a state of emergency. Manitoba skies have turned a ruby red color . ""I've never seen anything like it,"" Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said, according to CBC News . Climate change is helping to stoke the flames of wildfires around the world each year, bringing even hotter and drier conditions. As smoke continues to impact millions in the northern U.S., it is heading South. AccuWeather said it might collide with a 2,000-mile-wide plume of Saharan dust later this week. “This appears to be the largest Saharan dust plume to reach America so far this year,” Lead Hurricane Expert Alex Dasilva said in a statement.";0,15
Our neighbour's massive 'Jack and the Beanstalk' tree could crush our homes - but the council has BANNED her from cutting it downHomeowners living on a historic road are in a row with the council over a 'Jack and the Beanstalk' oak tree they say is a danger to them. Residents living in the terraced properties in Winchester are surrounded by the 45 foot high tree and have branded the decision to issue a preservation order as 'grotesquely irresponsible'. They claim the oak - which is still relatively young and grew six feet last year - was planted around 50 years ago by a previous resident who thought it was a 'good idea at the time'. But it has continued to rapidly grow to the point that it is now 'out of proportion' to the surrounding properties and totally dominates the small garden it sits in. The current homeowners, Orla Williams, 40, and her partner, moved into the terraced Grade II Listed home on Canon Street two years ago and have since applied to have the tree felled. However, Winchester County Council put a preliminary protection order on it and cited that it was 'appreciated' by the residents on a neighbouring street. The decision has been slammed by neighbours - who live on one of Winchester's 'most prestigious roads' - who said that they are not the ones who will be forced to deal with the repercussions if it were to topple over. The street, where the average house price is more than £600,000, is just yards from Kingsgate Street, and was where Admiral Nelson's mistress Lady Hamilton once lived. The decision has been slammed by neighbours who said that they are not the ones who will be forced to deal with the repercussions if it were to topple over Orla Williams, 40, (pictured) and her partner moved into the terraced Grade II Listed home on Canon Street two years ago and applied to have the tree felled However, the Winchester County Council put a preliminary protection order on it and cited that it was 'appreciated' by the residents on a neighbouring street The doctor said that after moving in, she was approached by several neighbours who raised concerns about the tree. The mother-of-two said: 'They were concerned that it is getting very large and that it could cause damage to their properties and potentially harm to people if it gets any larger, so they wanted it to be taken down. 'We applied to the council to have it removed and someone came to look at it. '[The tree officer] said that they want to put a tree protection order on it.' Read More Are we allowed an 8ft fence for privacy? Our neighbour says we've broken planning rules The homeowner said that an 'awful lot of detritus' falls from the oak in the autumn and winter, and she is concerned about the droppings which fall down from wildlife like pigeons and squirrels. She added: 'We appreciate that the tree is beautiful but it's the wrong tree in the wrong place. 'It is quite sad to remove something like that but it is only going to get bigger and potentially cause damage to lots of properties which is the main concern. 'The council said they were concerned about removing it because it's one of the only trees in the area. 'All of the local residents seem to be of the opinion that unfortunately, it's the wrong tree in the wrong place.' The tree continued to rapidly grow to the point that it is now 'out of proportion' to the surrounding properties and totally dominates the small garden it sits in A Winchester County Council meeting will take place next week to confirm whether or not the order will remain in place According to a council report, the tree officer visited Ms Williams' address after receiving notice from the couple that it was due to be felled. After visiting, he found that that tree met the criteria for a provisional protection order, which was issued in February of this year. A Winchester County Council meeting will take place next week to confirm whether or not the order will remain in place. In total nine residents objected to the order. They all live in the centre of the cathedral city on roads which sit just yards away from Winchester College - the country's oldest public school and Rishi Sunak's alma mater. Mark Pocock, a retired resident living on Canon Street, branded the council's decision to protect the tree as 'ludicrous'. 'As trees grow older they become more brittle,' he said. Pictured: Mark Pocock stood in his back garden with the tree behind him Ms Williams said that an 'awful lot of detritus' falls from the oak in the autumn and winter 'If it were to fall and damage properties or persons, I would say the responsibility would be entirely with the council - not the owners of those properties. 'I think putting a tree protection order on is grotesquely irresponsible of the council. 'It could be a danger to property and life.' Nick Goff, 80, moved into his property on the road adjacent to Canon Street just over a year ago. The retired British Airways pilot said he is worried that if the tree continues to go, the roots underneath will damage a medieval wall in his garden, which was built in the Tudor era. Mr Goff said: 'The issue is that in 10 years' time, that will be double the height and double the width. 'It put on six feet last year it it's going to put on another six feet this year.' The homeowner commissioned an independent report from a tree consultancy business who found the oak is still a 'teenager'. A report found that while the tree is in 'good physiological condition', it is 'a large sized tree in a very small area' and so the tree protection order is 'unjustified' The report found that while the tree is in 'good physiological condition', it is 'a large sized tree in a very small area' and so the tree protection order is 'unjustified'. It also said that 'the possibility of longer term damage to the retaining walls and footings of the adjacent properties as entirely foreseeable'. 'Some guy planted this as something to do 40 years ago,' Mr Goff continued. 'Now, we have got Jack and the Beanstalk. It's not a historic tree, it's a silly mistake.' The council report issued ahead of next week's meeting stated that the tree officer believed the concerns raised over the tree were 'speculative'. It said that while it is 'not historic', the tree 'contributes meaningfully to local biodiversity and visual amenity'. The report also stated that it is 'clearly visible' from residents living on a neighbouring private road, where it is 'appreciated'. It added: 'It is also the last significant tree in an area of land between Canon Street and St Swithun's Street, enhancing the character of the conservation area.' The report also stated that it is 'clearly visible' from residents living on a neighbouring private road, where it is 'appreciated' Retired resident Graham Rule, 62, said the decision by the local authority was 'irresponsible'. He said: 'We all love trees but that shouldn't be there. 'The people who want the protection order, they don't live here - its totally irresponsible.' Mr Rule said the tree was planted in the early 70s by a former resident. He added: 'Like a lot of things, it seemed like a good idea at the time. 'I'm a huge fan of trees but at the end of the day that tree shouldn't be there.' The conclusion of the tree officer's report stated that if the provisional TPO is not confirmed at the council meeting, it will be 'left vulnerable to being removed'. The report added: 'The removal of this tree will have a detrimental impact on the biodiversity and also character of the conservation area.';-0,1
Sam Thompson in complete agony and breaks down in tears as he FINALLY completes gruelling Soccer Aid challenge and raises £1.5M for Unicef after battling horrendous injuriesSam Thompson broke down in tears as he finally completed his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge, raising £1.5 million for Unicef . Despite suffering horrendous injuries, the Made In Chelsea star, 32, battled through agonising pain to complete the 260-mile journey to transport the Soccer Aid matchball from London's Stamford Bridge to Manchester's Old Trafford ground. Due to his injuries, Sam was advised by the medical team to complete larger parts of the journey by bike than planned, but it was on foot that he finally crossed the finish line on Friday. As Sam took the final steps, having been supported by many stars and celebrity pals along the way, he was embraced by his emotional sister Louise, her fiancé Ryan Libbey and their son Leo. The star then struggled to hide his shock as it was revealed he had raised £1,516,433 for Unicef during the five-day journey. Sam Thompson broke down in tears as he finally completed his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge, raising £1.5 million for Unicef Despite suffering horrendous injuries, the Made In Chelsea star battled through agonising pain to complete the 260-mile journey, crossing the finish line at Old Trafford ground on Friday As Sam took the final steps, he was embraced by his emotional sister Louise, her fiancé Ryan Libbey and their son Leo Speaking after completing the challenge, Sam said: 'My legs have completely gone but I feel good. I'm so grateful for everyone being here, I didn't think anyone would turn up. 'To everyone who has donated, I've said it before but I'll say it a million times, you are so heroic. The money will help so many children, I'm so grateful.' Mere minutes after the challenge was finished, Sam's pal Pete Wicks shared a gushing tribute to him on Instagram Stories. Posting a snap of the moment he surprised him on Wednesday, he captioned the post: 'He f*****g did it! I couldn't be prouder, you have always been ''THE GUY''.' Having started back at London's Stamford Bridge on Monday, Sam travelled to Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on the first day, where he suffered the nasty injury. On medics' advice, he then cycled on the second day to Villa Park in Birmingham, before setting off on Wednesday to reach Vale Park in Stoke-On-Trent. Setting off from there on Thursday, Sam then travelled to Liverpool's iconic Goodison Park, before heading to Old Trafford on the final day. As Sam kicked off the final day of his challenge, he was thrilled to hear a message of support from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The star then struggled to hide his shock as it was revealed he had raised £1,516,433 for Unicef during the five-day journey He's captured the attention of the nation during the grueling journey, after suffering a calf injury which has left him battling through agonising pain in order to complete his mission Mere minutes after crossing the finish line, Sam's pal Pete Wicks shared a gushing tribute to him on Instagram Stories Louise and her husband-to-be Ryan were ready with signs of support for Sam as they waited for him to cross the finish line The star rushed to embrace her brother as he crossed the finish line The family broke down in tears as they emotionally embraced Sam on the finish line Having suffered multiple injuries, Sam battled through agonising pain to complete the lengthy journey, both on foot and by bike Placing the match ball on its podium, Sam left many viewers in tears as he crossed the finish line live on This Morning The exhausted star then learned that he'd raised £1.5 million for Unicef during the five days As Sam kicked off the final day of his challenge, he was thrilled to hear a message of support from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 'Shut up! No you don't! The Prime Minister!', Sam screamed after hearing the news The Prime Minister said: 'I've seen footage of him running including with that injury and I have to say its pretty inspiring and he's doing an absolutely incredible job - all tribute to him' The I'm A Celeb star finished his five-day slog across the country with the Soccer Aid match ball on Friday, just in time to for the big match on Sunday, June 15 On Thursday Sam completed the fourth leg of his mission after travelling from Stoke-On-Trent to Liverpool's Goodison Park Stadium He's captured the attention of the nation during the grueling journey, after suffering a calf injury which has left him battling through agonising pain in order to complete his mission. Host Fleur East told Sam: 'We've got a very special message for you from the Prime Minister.' To which the elated star responded: 'Shut up! No you don't! The Prime Minister!' Sir Keir's message read: 'My message to him is he's doing a fantastic job. 'I've seen footage of him running including with that injury and I have to say its pretty inspiring and he's doing an absolutely incredible job - all tribute to him. 'We all applaud what he's doing, it's really hard work particularly with an injury and Soccer Aid is always good so I'll do everything to support him I can.' Sam was left in utter disbelief after hearing the message, describing it was 'one of the most mental things' he's ever seen. 'He knows my name! I can't imagine Sir Keir looking at my 'gram,' he added. That wasn't the last of the surprises however, with Sam also treated to words of support from a host of other stars including Diversity, Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford and even actor Olivia Colman. 'Sam, I've been watching your incredible challenge,' Peep Show star Olivia said. 'Wow! It looks so so tough and you are doing amazingly. Everyone at Unicef is behind you and I encourage everyone watching to support you and donate. Lots of love, you're amazing!' The final leg of Sam's brutal challenge saw him travel from Goodison Park in Liverpool to his final destination, Old Trafford in Manchester. With his leg in 'absolute pieces', the reality TV star completed the fourth leg of the mission on Thursday, travelling from Stoke-On-Trent to Merseyside. Speaking to MailOnline before he began, the Made In Chelsea star said: 'Today is a tough day. It's wet, it's cold, it's windy. My leg is in absolute pieces, but we go again. 'We passed the half-way point yesterday and it was such a great day. I've got to try and channel that mindset and spirit. 'Today is going to be one step in front of the other. Also, the fact that we have raised over £600,000 is keeping me going – that will warm anyone's soul! 'The love and outpouring from people has been so immense and I'm so glad people are donating to UNICEF's work for kids around the world. I've seen it firsthand and know the difference it'll make.' The Staying Relevant presenter has battled a nasty calf injury to continue his 260-mile journey to transport the Soccer Aid matchball from London to Manchester Sam revealed his leg is in 'absolute pieces' as he was surprised by his pal Joshua Patterson on the fourth day of his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge As he prepared to set off, Sam received yet another surprise from one of his close pals Josh 'JP' Patterson, who ran with him for the first part of Thursday. Josh said: 'I want to support my friend through possibly one of the most vulnerable experiences of his life, but he's doing it for the most wonderful cause. I want to help raise as much money as we can, so when he steps across the finish line, he knows he's given it every single ounce of himself. 'He's been phenomenal. For someone who doubts himself so much, I hope one of the things he takes from this challenge is ''he is the guy''!' After completing the race, the news was broken to the determined personality that he had already smashed the £1million mark. He responded: 'Yes!!! One milly baby!!! Come on!!! I'm so happy, thank you so much. I'm so grateful to literally everybody. 'I've said this before, I'll say it again. They are all the heroes, the people who are putting their hands in their pockets.' After completing the gruelling third day of his challenge, Sam was surprised with a motivational message from close pal Jamie Laing. After suffering in his own gruelling charity marathon, Jamie, 36, knew exactly how Sam was feeling as he reached the halfway mark. After completing the gruelling third day of his challenge, Sam was also surprised with a motivational message from close pal Jamie Laing The BBC Radio 1 presenter had the whole nation behind him as he ran 30 miles for five consecutive days across the country in March, raising an incredible £2.3m. 'It's day three baby, it's the worst. It's the worst', Jamie laughed. Sam screamed: 'I can't move man! My Leg!' Jamie said: 'Listen, I've been there. I know how hard it is and your body is screaming for you to give up. Every single moment, you just keep going. One foot in front of the other, you don't stop.' Sam teared up: 'Seeing your face just then has literally just made my day. I remember watching you doing your runs and being like your an inspiration man. 'The fact that you're just giving me your energy and your time man, I'm so grateful.' Jamie said: 'You're doing the best thing ever, you're doing it for the best cause. Let's keep going, I adore you, I love you, everyone's behind you, you're the greatest.' 'You got this Sam!', Jamie's wife Sophie Habboo cheered in the background. Day three saw him set off from Villa Park, Birmingham and pass through Walsall, Cannock, Stafford and Stone on his way to Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent. Pete Wicks hilariously parodied Sam's ex Zara McDermott's famous 'you can!' moment from Made In Chelsea as he supported him on his challenge on Wednesday The 'you can!' refers to a now infamous Made In Chelsea scene where Zara begs for Sam back after cheating on him during her time on Celebrity X Factor in 2019 Pete Wicks hilariously parodied Sam's ex Zara McDermott's famous 'you can!' moment from Made In Chelsea as he supported him on his challenge on Wednesday. The 'you can!' refers to a now iconic Made In Chelsea scene where Zara begs for Sam back after cheating on him during her time on Celebrity X Factor in 2019. Zara and Sam then split for good earlier this year - with the former Love Island now moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. In a video shared on Pete and Sam's Staying Relevant podcast TikTok page Pete is seen screaming 'you can!' at Sam - sending him into fits of giggles on his bike. The sign read: 'You can do it... YOU CAAAN!' as Pete shouted it in the same tone that Zara had as she insisted that Sam could forgive her for her infidelities all those years ago. Earlier in the day Sam broke down in tears as pal Pete surprised him to mark half way of his 'intensely painful' challenge. Sam, who sustained a 'significant' injured his calf earlier in the week, threw his arms around his friend, 37, before telling MailOnline the reunion 'made his day'. As Pete strolled up, Sam became overwhelmed to see the friendly face amid day three of him cycling and running another whopping 49 miles. The TV star was given the task to travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the match ball to its new home in Old Trafford (pictured on Tuesday) Before setting off on Monday, Pete shared a gushing tribute to his pal on Instagram writing: 'Tomorrow this man embarks on a mental and physical challenge for an amazing cause' On Tuesday, Sam was joined by pal Chris Hughes as they battled wet conditions to cycle together on the second day of the challenge Read More Emotional moment Sam Thompson is told he's raised over £1million for Unicef The TV star was given the task to travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the match ball to its new home in Old Trafford, with the hope of raising much-needed funds for Unicef. He told MailOnline: 'Seeing Pete half way made my day. The pain is so intense but this has put a smile on my face'. Before adding: 'Please donate if you can, I'm so grateful for all the support'. On Tuesday, Sam was joined by his pal Chris Hughes for the second day of his endurance challenge. And Chris' new girlfriend JoJo Siwa made sure to send her support to the star as she sent him a motivational message. Appearing on Hits Radio, the singer, 22, told Sam: 'No matter what burn yourself out, burn those little legs out, keep it pushing!' 'You're gonna be proud if you do it. In five days from now you are either going to be really proud or you're gonna be like 'Damn I probably could have done it if I had tried a little harder. So don't have that regret.' During an appearance on Tuesday's This Morning, Chris joined Sam for part of the cycle, hours after suffering a nasty calf injury. As Sam looked visibly downcast, Chris told viewers: 'He's emotional, he's upset and it's tough because he's got to go again and it's relentless. 'I was saying when we were going around I've so much admiration for you Sam because I'm struggling with this... knowing that I'm going to stop in a minute and Sam has to carry on this amazing journey, raising so much money, it's warrior like... 'Please donate because Sam is going through the wringer here, I've seen the tears, I've seen the grit and the determination - keep supporting the boy!' Before setting off on Monday, Pete shared a gushing tribute to his pal on Instagram writing: 'Tomorrow this man embarks on a mental and physical challenge for an amazing cause @Unicef.' 'Mate I couldn't be prouder of you as a friend, a brother and as a man. You are gonna push yourself to the limit and I can't wait to watch you complete this f**king mammoth task. I know how much work you've put in and I know you're doing it for the right reasons'. He continued: 'Just so you know, you're doing it with every single one of your friends and family right behind you. I hope the nation follows your journey and helps you along the way in donations and support. You are an inspiration to me and many others and I admire the man you've become this year more than any other year I've known you. Good luck brother, you've got this' During an appearance on Tuesday's This Morning, Chris joined Sam for part of the cycle despite horrific weather conditions, hours after he suffered his nasty calf injury On Tuesday, JoJo Siwa offered a message of support for Sam, after her boyfriend Chris joined him for part of the journey Still battling forwards with an injured calf and given the green light by the medical team, the reality star was determined to complete the challenge. He said: 'This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I now have to accept that I've done damage to my calf and running is very difficult'. 'But I can and will carry on, not matter what, on two feet and two pedals, I'm still going to get there and get across the finish line on Friday. It's just going to be longer, harder but my reason for doing it still hasn't changed. I really hope people are digging deep for UNICEF, seeing what I'm trying to do and are getting behind this challenge.' Speaking about Sam's injury, on the road physio, Gary Lewin said: 'Sam has got a significant injury to his calf. We tried to take the weight off of it yesterday by giving him a bike day and in the afternoon he said it felt better, so we tried a bit of walking'. 'He can't put much weight on it. My advice today is we're going to start out with a walk today and then cycle and see how we get on. He's in safe hands and medical advice is he can continue'. Manchester Made In Chelsea UNICEF Sam Thompson;0,15
Bride's brother used car 'as weapon' to murder Good Samaritan before stabbing the groom when family feud exploded after wedding, court hearsA feuding family member killed a 'Good Samaritan' when he 'used his car as a weapon' and ploughed into the middle of a wedding brawl, a court heard yesterday. Hassan Jhangur, 25, is accused of hitting five people with his Seat Ibiza when he arrived at his sister's wedding reception, where a fight had broken out between the two families. Sheffield Crown Court heard Jhangur drove into the father of the rival Khan family, who was standing in the street, throwing him over the vehicle's bonnet. He then crashed into a group of four people, including Chris Marriott who was walking past and stopped to help one of Jhangur's sisters as she lay in the road. Jurors heard 46-year-old Mr Marriott was killed and the three others were injured, including off-duty midwife Alison Norris and Jhangur's own mother and sister. The defendant then allegedly got out of the car and stabbed his new brother-in-law, Hasan Khan, several times. The court heard he later told officers at the police station: 'That's why you don't mess with the Jhangurs.' Jhangur, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, denies the murder and manslaughter of Mr Marriott, but has pleaded guilty to causing Mr Marriott's death by dangerous driving. Chris Marriott was killed and three other people were injured in the incident in December 2023 A court artist's sketch of Hassan Jhangur, who is on trial at Sheffield Crown Court Police at the scene on College Close in the Burngreave area of Sheffield in December 2023 Jason Pitter KC, opening the trial to jurors yesterday, said the prosecution case is that Jhangur is guilty of murder because he intended 'at the very least to cause really serious harm' when he used his car as a weapon. He said that although Jhangur's target may have been the Khan family, 'the law says your intentions can be transferred from one person to another, even if he did not intend to hit that particular person'. Mr Pitter said the 'public spirit' of Mr Marriott and Ms Norris 'brought them unwittingly into the midst of a family dispute', which had spilled out into the street in the Burngreave area of Sheffield on December 27, 2023. Mr Pitter said a wedding between Amaani Jhangur and Hasan Khan, which had taken place that morning, 'appears to have been at the heart of the tension'. He told jurors: 'Although Amaani's family may have been relatively happy about the marriage itself, an issue arose over the timing and location of the wedding and escalated to Amaani falling out with her own mother and sisters. 'In the end, none of her family attended the wedding ceremony at the mosque.' Chris Marriott, pictured with his wife Bryony, was out with his family on a post-Christmas walk The court heard that when Amaani Jhangur was at the Khan family home in College Court after the wedding, her mother Ambreen Jhangur and sister Nafeesa Jhangur arrived, and an increasingly 'unpleasant' argument in the street escalated into violence, and led to Nafeesa Jhangur being rendered unconscious, probably by members of the Khan family. Mr Marriott, who was out with his family on a post-Christmas walk, saw Nafessa Jhangur lying in the road and decided, 'fatefully', to see whether he could help, while his wife and children returned home. Ms Norris, who was also out walking with her partner and children, did the same thing. 'Those actions to help in the dispute were to unwittingly seal their fate,' Mr Pitter said. The court heard Jhangur had been told about his sister being injured, and arrived at the scene in a Seat Ibiza, driving into Hasan Khan's father, Riasat Khan, who was standing in the middle of the road talking to a 999 call operator. Mr Pitter said Riasat Khan 'would have been clearly visible to the defendant' and his intention 'could only have been to cause at least really serious harm'. The court heard Riasat Khan was thrown up on to the bonnet and cartwheeled over the roof of the vehicle, as it continued 'without apparently braking or deviating from its path'. The trial is taking place at Sheffield Crown Court (file picture) The Seat then hit a group of four people in the road who were attending to Nafeesa Jhangur - Nafeesa Jhangur herself, Ambreen Jhangur, Ms Norris and Mr Marriott - before coming to a stop in a nearby front garden. Mr Marriott was wedged completely underneath the car and showed no signs of life when emergency services tipped the vehicle to get to him. Mr Pitter said Jhangur got out of the car while the engine was still running and stabbed Hasan Khan multiple times to the left side of his head and to his chest, with a knife be had brought with him. Jhangur has admitted causing serious injury to Alison Norris, Ambreen Jhangur, Nafeesa Jhangur and Riasat Khan by dangerous driving, but also pleaded not guilty to four charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He denies attempting to murder Hasan Khan and wounding him with intent. His father, Mohammed Jhangur, 57, of Whiteways Road, Sheffield, denies a charge of perverting the course of justice, which relates to him allegedly concealing a knife. The trial continues.;0
"Noel Edmonds is 'a coloniser who's come in like Lord Of The Manor': Furious locals slam TV star over pub plans and say they 'don't give a s***' about his fame. Now he gives HIS side of the story - and reveals 'earth angel' helping him cope'Really, I don't miss anything,' says Noel Edmonds, excluding family and friends. The veteran broadcaster turned his back on his British career and moved 11,500 miles away to New Zealand with his wife Liz, but has no regrets. 'Because truthfully, I was already missing things while I was still living in Britain. I missed a sense of community, a slower pace of life,' he says, meaning that these things had already disappeared from this country before he left, in his opinion. 'What don't I miss? Congested roads. The pressure on education, healthcare and infrastructure. We don't have those problems here.' Noel left this country in 2018 while still recovering from a series of blows that had included prostate cancer, the collapse of a marriage and a banking scandal that nearly drove him to suicide. But he's back on our screens with Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, a revealing and entertaining ITV series detailing his attempts to start again with a pub, restaurant and vineyard in a little place on the South Island called Ngatimoti. Some are calling it a rival to Clarkson's Farm - and much of the charm depends on Noel's willingness to reveal his eccentricities. The show opens with him apparently naked in a garden ­shower, in front of snow-capped mountains, chanting, 'I am healthy. I am happy. I am loving. I am loved. I am - Oh Jesus!' No, the 76-year-old hasn't converted to Christianity; he's just been shocked by the icy water. He sets great store by keeping his energy positive - and needs it in the face of locals who have posted their opposition to his plans online. One called him 'a coloniser' who has 'come in like the Lord of the Manor'. Another wrote, 'He thinks he's this big, famous person. But people don't give a s*** about that here.' They were upset by reports he'd sacked 17 locals with a day's notice after taking over River Haven, a pub, restaurant, cafe and vineyard. Noel calls the reports 'hurtful' and 'inaccurate' and says on camera, 'I'm so committed to New Zealand that I've invested tens of millions of my hard-earned dollars here. All I'd ask, from the bottom of my heart, is give us time. Don't judge us too quickly.' Noel Edmonds turned his back on his British career and moved 11,500 miles away to New Zealand with his wife Liz Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure is an ITV series detailing his attempts to set up a pub - The Bugger Inn - in Ngatimoti on South Island There's been a lot of adjusting to do in this rural landscape, and he's not afraid of sounding like Alan Partridge with his verdict on local drivers. 'They drive too fast. You can pull out onto an empty road, and 30 seconds later, there's a ute [a kind of pick-up truck] right up your backside. They're not aggressive, just not very courteous. But maybe that's why New Zealand's produced so many great racing drivers. They must start their training on the school run.' There are only two main roads on the island anyway, he says. 'If there's a landslip? That's it. A journey that should take five hours can suddenly take a day - or not happen at all. But I like that. Life in Europe has become so frenetic. Moving here was a big decision. Liz and I didn't know a soul. We rented a house and hoped for the best.' Any Brits around tend to remember him from the very old days. 'A woman came into the pub and said, ""I used to watch you on Swap Shop. Have you done anything since?"" I think she was impressed when I filled her in.' Noel Edmonds conquered Saturday-night telly with Noel's House Party in the 90s, spawning the pink-and-yellow-spotted Mr Blobby. Then there was Deal Or No Deal, one of our longest­-running game shows. He built a successful production company then saw it reduced to bankruptcy by bankers who were later convicted of fraud. Lloyds apologised and paid a reported £5 million in compensation, but that took a long time. Noel was living with prostate cancer and his second marriage broke down, which he says on the new show made him consider suicide. 'I used to look down my nose and think, ""Why would anybody want to take their own life?"" If you've been in that dark space you'll never be critical, because it is a space where there is no reason.' He shows the cameras a huge statue of a kneeling knight in the grounds of River Haven, which is there to remind him of coming through those days. 'The knight is not kneeling in defeat. He's praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy.' Some clocks at his new home are set to the exact time on 6 October, 2006, when he met Liz, the make-up artist on Deal Or No Deal. 'Liz was sent to me. She's my earth angel. Her energy is my life blood. I believe it was a gift from the cosmos.' Liz, who is 20 years younger, smiles and tells the cameras, 'I thought, ""Somebody has to look after him."" My little bit of care in the community!' Noel admires his huge statue of a kneeling knight in the grounds of River Haven, which is there to remind him of tough times he has endured in his life and how he got through those periods They were married in 2009 and already thinking of moving to this side of the world when he entered the Australian jungle for I'm A Celebrity in 2018. Liz says on the new show that she has recently lost her father and has left a mother behind in England who is unable to travel. 'I had my parents' blessing. They said, ""You go. We've had such a wonderful life. You have to go and live yours.""' Despite the opposition, Noel, who is stepfather to two grown-up sons and has four daughters from his first marriage, tells Weekend many locals have been friendly. 'From the moment you walk in their door you're part of something. Sharing food, ­stories, community. It's beautiful.' Some object to the earthy sense of humour that sees his pub The Bugger Inn serving Tits Up Lager and Dickens Cider, but others love it, like the local who rides in on a motorbike to declare, 'He seems a good bugger.' Noel still has a fine head of hair and looks younger than his years, which the show's narrator Rob Brydon attributes to 'a meticulously planned age-defying health and wellness regime'. We see Noel lying under crystals the colours of his chakras, which apparently vibrate at a healing frequency. And his routine involves 'Nutrition, structured water, pulsed electro-magnetism, exercise done slowly and quietly, visualisation of body energy and meditation.' Then there are the cold showers, saunas and a hyperbaric chamber: 'A little bit of oxygen, three times a week. I'm rocking!' He must know some people will make fun of him, but this man who is usually intensely private is also very clear on screen about why he has let the cameras in. 'Maybe people who have had negative thoughts about me will see this show and see an honesty, a sincerity, a commitment, a positivity,' he says. 'And maybe a few of them will even change their views.' Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, Friday 20 June, ITV1 and ITVX. ITV New Zealand Noel Edmonds Clarkson's Farm";0
"Lisa Snowdon, 53, shows off her incredible body in skimpy red leopard print bikini video from Italian getawayLisa Snowdon showed off her incredible body in a cheeky bikini video from her Italian getaway on Friday. The presenter, 53, smiled for the camera as she flashed her bottom in the skimpy two-piece bikini, which was decorated with a pink and red leopard print design. Lisa finished off the look with a pair of black sunglasses and opted to wear her hair down in natural, free-flowing waves. In the video, she can be seen putting on a pair of matching shorts and a scarf before playfully posing for the camera. The cheeky clip ended with with her leaning down to blow a kiss as she continued her stay in Salento. It was captioned with a sun and drinks emoji, which were added together with a plus sign to the dancing emoji. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail’s new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Lisa Snowdon, 53, showed off her incredible body in a cheeky bikini video from her Italian getaway on Friday Lisa finished off the look with a pair of black sunglasses and opted to wear her hair down in natural, free flowing waves The presenter showed off her derriere in the skimpy two-piece bikini, which was decorated with a pink and red leopard print design The cheeky clip ended with with her leaning down to blow a kiss as she continues her stay in Salento Fans were quick to praise the presenter for the clip and compliment her toned body, with the star previously explaining that regular exercise was her key to getting through the menopause. Amanda Holden replied to the video with fire emoji. Stylist Helen Canning added: 'Gorgeous!!! And obsessed with the matching shorts!' Claire Sweeney wrote: 'You look amazing xxxx' The bikini video comes after Lisa admitted she has 'reservations' about marrying her partner George Smart eight years after they got engaged. The model and communications firm founder, 44, first dated more than 20 years ago when she was a DJ at MTV and he was the channel's head of events. The lovebirds rekindled their romance a decade ago and got engaged in 2017. When asked when they're going to tie the knot, Lisa admitted she has a 'tiny hint of reservation' that marriage will 'change' their relationship. Fans were quick to praise the presenter for the clip and compliment her toned body, with the star explaining that regular exercise was her key to getting through the menopause The bikini video comes after Lisa admitted she has 'reservations' about marrying her partner George Smart eight years after they got engaged When asked when they're going to tie the knot, Lisa admitted she has a 'tiny hint of reservation' that marriage will 'change' their relationship Read More Lisa Snowdon, 53, shows off her toned physique in a khaki bikini during dreamy Salento getaway 'Deep down I do know it wouldn’t, but then I think, ""Well my mum and dad’s marriage didn’t last,"" and some people say, ""Don’t do it because it changes things,""' she told The Mirror . 'So there's 90 per cent of me that knows nothing would change, but a tiny hint of reservation where I think it would.' George, however, said he has no hesitation and would marry Lisa tomorrow if they could get their friends - who are 'dotted around the world' - all together. He told the outlet he 'knows nothing would change' and is ready to 'have that bravery' to take 'the next step'. When asked what she's excited for about getting married, Lisa said: 'Being able to call him ""my husband"" and saying, ""My husband’s coming soon, I’m just waiting for my husband!"" I think I prefer ""my husband"" to ""my fiancé"" – I’d love it!” The couple, who recently enjoyed a trip to the Caribbean to celebrate Lisa's 53rd birthday, are planning more travel in the future to Chile, Peru, Thailand and Guatemala. As for TV work, they said they'd love their own travel show, with George joking it should be called 'Couples Travel'. Claire Sweeney Amanda Holden Lisa Snowdon";0
Michelle Keegan wears bikini as she lovingly cradles baby daughter Palma and reveals tot's sweet nickname amid family's first sun-soaked holidayMichelle Keegan looked sensational as she shared snaps from two-month old daughter Palma's first holiday abroad to Instagram on Thursday. The former Coronation Street actress, who shares the tot with husband Mark Wright, both 38, lovingly cradled her daughter as they soaked up the sun in Marbella at the swanky £300-a-night SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel. Michelle also took the opportunity to share Palma's sweet nickname with followers as she captioned the post: 'Princess P’s first family holiday'. The stunner, who celebrated her birthday earlier this week, looked sensational in a skimpy black bikini as she gazed adoringly at the little one while shielding from the sun beneath an umbrella. Michelle later slipped into a crochet dress while teasing a glimpse of her swimwear beneath. Michelle Keegan, 38, looked sensational as she shared snaps from two-month old daughter Palma's first holiday abroad to Instagram on Thursday The former Coronation Street actress, who shares the tot with husband Mark Wright, also 38, lovingly cradled her daughter as they soaked up the sun in Marbella Michelle also took the opportunity to share Palma's sweet nickname with followers as she captioned the post: 'Princess P’s first family holiday' Beaming for the camera Michelle wore shades and a straw hat as she pushed Palma in her pram. Earlier in the week, doting parents Michelle and Mark were spotted out with their daughter in Marbella as they celebrated the actress' birthday. Michelle was cradling her little girl, three months, in her arms as they strolled along together - looking every inch the picture perfect family. The couple welcomed t heir first child together on March 6 and then announced the news on their respective Instagram pages a week later. Michelle looked lovely in a white lace co-ord from her Very collection, which included a white applique shirt and a pair of matching shorts. She boosted her frame with flip flop style heels and accessorised with gold hoop earrings, wearing her brunette hair in a low ponytail. Her daughter was wearing a sweet pale yellow two-piece. Meanwhile, former TOWIE star Mark was dressed in all black for their evening out, sporting a short-sleeved shirt with linen trousers. Michelle showed off her stunning figure in the snaps after celebrating her 38th birthday earlier in the week Doting mum Michelle dressed Palma in an adorable dress as she took the tot to dinner The couple welcomed their first child together on March 6 and then announced the news on their respective Instagram pages a week later Michelle then modelled a stunning yellow dress from her own Very collection Michelle showed off the stunning SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel He completed the ensemble with black Birkenstock sandals and a chain necklace. The outing came as Michelle shared a rare sneak peek of her baby daughter, she uploaded an adorable black and white photo of Palma's feet, she wrote: 'Yep... my toes.' Michelle and Mark have been enjoying their time as parents and have been sharing small glimpses of Palma on their social media accounts. It's believed the couple chose the name Palma because of their strong links to Mallorca, which has been their go-to holiday destination for years and the setting for their pregnancy reveal photoshoot. Michelle married Mark in May 2015 and the couple live together in a £3.5 million Essex mansion they built from scratch. Chatting with his best friend and fellow dad Olly Murs on his Heart Breakfast show, TOWIE star Mark recalled the moment he first held his newborn daughter in his arms. Mark fought back emotions as he said: 'Mate, it's actually hard to put into words. 'It's the biggest achievement of my life it's all I think about but obviously, hats go off to my wife she is an absolute superhuman, a superhero for bringing this baby into the world.' Earlier in the week, doting parents Michelle and Mark were spotted out with their daughter in Marbella as they celebrated the actress' birthday (pictured) Sharing his appreciation for Michelle, he added: 'It makes you realise what our mums did for us and makes me have so much more respect than I already had and what women had to go through. 'It's the best feeling in the world. I wake up every morning just so excited to see her face.' Recalling the first moment he held Palma, he continued: 'That moment when I held her in my arms, it gets me emotional now thinking about it.' Mark added: 'I suppose everything else goes out the window and its made me realise what life is all about and my little baby Palma I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. 'It's a very special feeling. I can't really put it into words. We've waited a little bit of time, we've chased our dreams and our careers and now we're here. We've got a baby.';0,033333333
Love Island reintroduces bold hideaway rule for the first time in five yearsLove Island fans are set to enjoy again the x-rated sex scenes happening in the famous Hideaway as a new summer instalment looms in. The hit dating ITV show is set to bring sexy back for the very first time in five years, according to bosses' comments. 'If sex happens, we'll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours,' Mike Spencer, Love Island's Creative Director said. He added: 'We need to keep the show fresh and exciting. After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive.' And although the usual play of Love Island is to couple up with one other person from the opposite sex - b osses are hoping for potential throuples in the villa this year as they ‘tear up the rule book’ and install new furniture to help encourage bonking and create drama. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Love Island fans are set to enjoy again the x-rated sex scenes happening in the infamous Hideaway as a new summer instalment looms in (pictured Joey Essex) The hit dating ITV show is set to bring sexy back for the very first time in five years, according to bosses' comments (pictured Grace Jackson and Joey Essex in the Hideaway) One of the new additions includes a trampoline bed that sits across the swimming pool, and the Love Island exec has insisted it has been tested for up to four people. The secret hideaway - which includes a bed and hot tub - is now open 24 hours a day for those that aren’t coupled up. Speaking ahead of the 10-year anniversary series of the hit reality show, which will air on Monday, Mike told the Mail: ‘There’s a new trampoline bed, that would be good for throuples. 'It can take the weight of four, we’ve checked. It’s all about keeping the show fresh and exciting. And that’s what we’ve got.’ ITV bosses have attempted to give the new villa and series a glam-up to avoid the show being boring. The TV executive also revealed ITV will broadcast intimate activity if and when it happens and that they’ve had to ‘tear up the rule book’ this year, after viewing figures have dwindled after years of tame series of the reality show hit. ‘The hideaway is open for business for 24 hours all the time, as long as they don’t come with their partner,’ Mike said. ‘We told the islanders last year they could but they kept forgetting they could come in here. We’ve seen the same things time and time again how and it’s boring. We’ve got to move on. 'If sex happens, we'll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours,'  Love Island's Creative Director Mike Spencer-Hayler said (pictured Rebecca Gormley and Luke Trotman) Bosses are hoping for potential throuples in the villa this year as they ‘tear up the rule book’ and install new furniture - a new trampoline bed that fits up to four pictured-  to help encourage bonking and create drama ‘It felt static, and the show needs to feel fresh. People that come in, all do the same thing. Because they’ve all watched it time and time again. It became too formatted. ‘We’ve got to push forward. All the twist and turns, we’re going to give it all we’ve got to make it an exciting series.’ Last year the show had a shock entry when TOWIE favourite Joey Essex, 34, entered the villa. Asked if they will be getting another former reality tv star or celebrity in as a contestant this year, Mike said something else will be a surprise. ‘No former love islanders are coming in this year,’ he said. Something big is coming in week one though. Not another reality star like Joey Essex.’ ‘We’ve got a big week one planned. It’s not a celebrity, but totally new. It’s even different this year the way islanders will couple up. ‘You can’t rest on people loving the show, we have to keep it exciting. Tear up the rule book a bit.' The TV executive also revealed ITV will broadcast intimate activity if and when it happens and that they’ve had to ‘tear up the rule book’ this year It can now be revealed that contestants this year will be seen eating in the villa for the first time Love Island’s 2025 lineup has already been mocked after unveiling 'clones' of previous stars. Love Island producers - who have long been accused of lacking diversity in their casting - seemed to be sticking to 'their type on paper' as they opted for new stars who bear striking resemblance to past contestants. Fans were left doing a double take when Harry Cooksley was unveiled as the final Islander of the 2025 series, with many commenting that they had mistaken him for Tom Clare. In a spooky coincidence, Harry, 29, and Tom, 25, don't just have their rugged good looks in common, but their careers too - with both working as semi-professional footballers. Both the epitome of a blonde bombshells with their long, flowing curls and striking features, Helena Ford could be mistaken for Danielle Sellers. LOVE ISLAND 2025: MEET THE CONTESTANTS Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. Dejon Noel Williams NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! Tommy Bradley NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair Alima Gagio NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. Ben Holbrough NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. Helena Ford NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. Blu Chegini NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Shakira Khan NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. Harry Cooksley NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. Conor Phillips NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! Toni Laites NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. Kyle Ashman - AXED NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there. Shea NAME: Shea Mannings AGE: 25 FROM: Bristol OCCUPATION: Scaffolder WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing. Remell NAME: Remell Mullins AGE: 24 FROM: Essex OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes. IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional. Maya Jama Love Island Joey Essex Iain Stirling;0
"Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori doubles down and reposts nude photo online after calls for 'public indecency arrest'Bianca Censori has doubled down and reshared another nude photo after setting pulses raising last week.The Australian-born wife of rapper Kanye West left very little to the imagination when she shared a trio of racy photos to Instagram .Posted without comment, the trio of photos showed Censori, 30, leaving very little to the imagination in a pair of sheer pantyhose and a see-through black fishnet top.She finished her racy ensemble with a pair of glittering silver kitten-toe heels that featured a contrasting black lace-up design.The raven haired beauty left her long, jet black tresses down and, in addition to having wispy fringe covering her face, she finished her barely-there look with a pair of dark sunglasses.From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop .Bianca Censori, the Australian-born wife of Kanye West, has doubled down and reshared another nude photo after setting pulses raising last weekBizarrely, Censori deleted one of the three photos, only to reupload the racy image on Friday.Despite the eye-popping display being a 're-run', the image sent her 496,000 followers into a frenzy.Summing up the sentiment of many, one fan chimed in with a swooning: 'sure, I'll look at it again.'One eagle-eyed follower however was quick to point out the repetition with: 'Post a new pic or sum sheeesh or are u having another glitch moment?'It comes after Censori showed off her derriere in another X-rated snap, channelling her husband's ex-wife Kim Kardashian last month .She also faced backlash after baring her breasts in a see-through top, much like her most recent post during a public outing in Spain with the rapper.The 30-year-old wandered from stall to stall wearing a black fish net bra top with her nipples in full view while visiting the booths of an outdoor market in Mallorca.Locals were 'left horrified' as the couple walked through the market in the revealing ensemble.The Australian-born wife of rapper Kanye West left very little to the imagination when she shared a trio of racy photos to InstagramBizarrely, Censori deleted one of the three photos, only to reupload the racy image on FridayRead More Bianca Censori's past laid bare: Pals reveal what model was really like before she met Kanye'People were horrified.They could be heard asking ""is that her real nipple?"" as they walked by,' one witness told news.com.au .'Kanye was standing back a little, letting her browse the market.'Despite the backlash, women have been allowed to go topless in certain areas of Spain since 2020 under Catalan equality law.Spanish officials have enforced rules that allow women to sunbathe topless in public without fear of arrest, according to the Daily Record.Authorities can be fined up to £430,000 [$900,000 AUD] if they prevent women from going topless.However, Bianca's revealing look has been deemed ''inappropriate' and many have slammed her look.'Why hasn't this woman been arrested for indecency yet!!!?' one person asked.'We have literally seen it all, even when we didn't want to,' another said, while a third wrote: 'So disrespectful to the country and their modest views.'Despite the eye-popping display being a 're-run' the image sent her 496,000 followers into a frenzy'How do they get away with this nudity?If any other non - celeb tried it, they would be arrested,' another asked.Censori has been married to West since December 2022 and, most recently, the pair have been entangled in rumours of marital woes.Following West's unhinged and offensive social media rants, they were reported to have called it quits for a bit before reuniting again in Spain.West's ex-wife Kardashian - whom he was married to from 2014 to 2022 - has also reportedly been 'going through hell' and has strengthened her security for her children in the aftermath.West and Kardashian share four kids — daughters North, 11, Chicago, six, and sons Saint, eight, and Psalm, five.Kanye West Spain Instagram Bianca Censori";0
Prince William fans swoon as British royal dons Air Corps uniform and scruffy beard The 42-year-old set tongues wagging in a series of snaps shared on Instagram He donned the buttoned-up camo uniform and grey beret - as well as a beard READ MORE: Kristin Cavallari admits 'dry humping' Glen Powell on secret date By OLIVIA SALAMONE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:14 BST, 5 June 2025 | Updated: 19:45 BST, 5 June 2025 e-mail 113 shares 122 View comments Prince William has caused quite the stir on social media after posting photos in his Air Corps uniform. Fans couldn't stop swooning over the future king and Colonel-in-Chief, 42, as he donned the classic buttoned-up camo uniform and a grey beret during a visit to the Army Air Corps (ACC) in Wattisham, Suffolk, on Wednesday. The Prince of Wales, who also sported a scruffy beard, shared a series of photos from the outing to his and his wife Kate Middleton 's official Instagram afterwards. One photo showed Prince William starring intensely at a computer screen, while another featured him passing out meals to soldiers and their families. A different shot saw the Duke of Cornwall walking as he looked off to the side. 'Proud to visit the Army Air Corps as its Colonel-in-Chief. Great to spend time with the soldiers and their families here at Wattisham Air Base,' the post's caption read. 'Thank you for the warm welcome and heartening to see the strength of the regiment's community. 'Very impressed by the relentless commitment, physical capability and mental acuity on display at the combat PT session. An excellent reflection of the Army Air Corps' readiness and professionalism. Prince William has caused quite the stir on social media after posting photos in his Air Corps uniform Fans couldn't stop swooning over the future king and Colonel-in-Chief, 42, as he donned the classic buttoned-up camo uniform and a grey beret during a visit to the Army Air Corps (ACC) Read More EXCLUSIVE Mama June Shannon issues stark warning about weight loss shots as she reveals update on her health 'A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the AAC for the warm welcome - and for everything you do.' People rushed to the comment section and were ecstatic to see William all dressed up in the uniform and rocking some facial hair, with some calling him 'handsome' and others branding him 'hot.' 'Well, I think I can speak on behalf of womankind... we are HERE for the beard,' one user wrote. 'Dear god…! Our future kings is not supposed to be this hot,' another person shared. 'Prince William has entered his DILF era ...' joked someone else. A fourth comment read: 'Talk about aging well...' while a fifth said, 'Wow... so handsome.' 'WOW!!!! William is so so hot, the older he gets the more good-looking he gets,' a different person observed. 'Look, dude, stop posting the beard and beret combo pics. It's not right for a future king to be that damn hot,' another commented. The Prince of Wales, who also sported a scruffy beard, shared a series of photos from the outing to his and his wife Kate Middleton 's official Instagram afterwards People rushed to the comment section and were ecstatic to see William dressed up in the uniform and rocking some facial hair, with some calling him 'handsome' and 'hot' 'Normally I'm not a fan of beards, but this beard has me fanning myself,' someone else said. 'The beard is bearding,' penned one fan. Other comments read: 'Always a good day when William is in uniform,' 'Ageing like a fine wine,' 'His Royal Highness looks amazing,' and, 'He looks like a movie star with that beard.' The trip to Wattisham, Suffolk marked the first time he toured the regiment since become the Colonel-in Chief of the Army Corps in 2024, per the New York Post. William completed his training as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force back in 2010, later flying an air ambulance two years before stepping down to take on more royal roles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. Kate Middleton Instagram Prince William;-0,125
Jack P. Shepherd's fiancée Hanni Treweek shares sweet post about Celebrity Big Brother winner as they count down days to July weddingJack P Shepherd's fiancée Hanni Treweek has shared a sweet post about her husband-to-be as they celebrated a year since getting engaged . The Celebrity Big Brother winner, 37, and Hanni, 35, who was a colleague of the star's as a storyline writer and researcher on Corrie, will tie the knot on July 26 of this year. The couple's wedding is set for next month and Hanni shared a sweet tribute to her husband on Thursday as she counts down the days to the nuptials. Sharing a collection of throwback snaps from their trip to the Serengeti where he asked her to be his wife, Hanni wrote: '365 days of being your Fiancée. 51 days until we become Husband & Wife. 'Looking back at the most special memories with you, Tanzania will always hold a special place in my heart ???? Happy one year anniversary. What a magical year it’s been ?.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop . Jack P Shepherd's fiancée Hanni Treweek has shared a sweet post about her husband-to-be on Instagram on Thursday as they celebrated a year since getting engaged Sharing a collection of throwback snaps from their trip to the Serengeti where he asked her to be his wife, Hanni wrote: '365 days of being your Fiancée. 51 days until we become Husband & Wife' Resharing the post on his Instagram Story, Jack wrote: 'Happy one year anniversary @hannitreweek. I'm so lucky to call you my future wife.' Jack and Hanni got engaged during a romantic safari holiday in the Serengeti in June 2024. At the time, the couple posed for loved-up snaps in their safari getups to announce the happy news on social media. Flashing her sparkling engagement ring, Hannah beamed for the camera before kissing her new fiancé. Captioning the snaps, she gushed: '05.06.24 I said YES to forever!!!' Jack and Hanni have been dating since 2017, after meeting on the soap when she worked in the press office. She later became a storyliner on the ITV show, before quitting to work as a fashion influencer. Despite being colleagues, their romance actually began when Jack impressed Hanni at a mutual friend's wedding. The Celebrity Big Brother winner, 37, and Hanni, 35, who was a colleague of the star's as a storyline writer and researcher on Corrie, will tie the knot on July 26 of this year Sharing snaps she said: 'Looking back at the most special memories with you, Tanzania will always hold a special place in my heart ???? Happy one year anniversary' Resharing the post on his Instagram Story, Jack wrote: 'Happy one year anniversary @hannitreweek. I'm so lucky to call you my future wife' Jack and Hanni got engaged during a romantic safari holiday in the Serengeti in June 2024 (Pictured) Speaking to OK! Magazine in 2020, Jack recalled: 'Then our mutual friends got married and we were both guests at the wedding. 'We got chatting, I made Hanni laugh, we had a couple of drinks and we flirted. That was it.' The duo then later bumped into each other once again in a Sainsbury's, which led to an exchange of texts and a blossoming romance. He told The Daily Star: 'I texted her afterwards and said 'that was awkward' and she told me she thought she looked a mess and then we started texting from there. 'I actually thought she looked fit – I just saw the girl I fancy wearing Lycra! We quickly went on our first date and we just clicked.' In 2018, the couple went public with their relationship and Jack gushed that Hanni was his 'soulmate' in another interview with OK! Magazine. He went on to discuss their next steps during an appearance on Loose Women in 2020 during a chat about marriage. Jack said: 'I think it is only sensible really to have those sorts of conversations with a partner or someone that you're dating even if you're going out for like a few months, as soon as you know it's serious.' Despite being colleagues, their romance actually began when Jack impressed Hanni at a mutual friend's wedding Now, the couple are stronger than ever and are in the midst of wedding planning with their big day just months away Hanni added: 'I think we fell quite quickly and from that we just clicked, and we were on the same page, and you do have those conversations but yeah I think we would like to... in the future.' Now, the couple are stronger than ever and are in the midst of wedding planning with their big day just months away. In March, Hanni shared a loved-up picture of the couple along with the caption: 'Love wedding planning with you, a cute lil wednesday evening menu tasting for the big day.' The smitten couple regularly share insights to their loved-up relationship, including date nights, the home they share, and their three dogs. Before his relationship with Hanni, Jack was engaged to ex Lauren Shippey, who he had been dating since he was 14 and shares two children with - Nyla and Reuben. Celebrity Big Brother;0
Belfast city centre sees retail revival as Donegall Place ‘on its way to being fully occupied once again’A retail revival is now in full swing in Belfast city centre with Donegall Place, long afflicted with empty units, due to reach full occupancy, it’s been claimed. Business group Belfast One said the arrival of new brands like underwear label Victoria’s Secret at Donegall Place, along with LEGO and Bershka at Victoria Square, heralded a reversal of fortune for the city.;-0,075
Ardara House: Comber apartment that was birthplace of historic shipbuilder Thomas Andrews Jr goes on the marketDating back to 1872, Ardara House in Comber was the birthplace of Thomas Andrews Jr, the chief designer, owner and managing director of Harland and Wolff — and the designer of Titanic. The house has been subdivided into six luxury apartments of which number 2 is the largest. Number 2, The Andrews Suite, which extends to 2400 sq ft, is accessed by the original mahogany front door with leaded arched top light. The reception/dining hall is full of decorative touches including ceiling friezes, alcove detailing, wrought iron staircase and picture rails. There is a walk-in cloaks/boot room/utility fitted with excellent storage and is plumbed for a washing machine and dryer above. The family bathroom boasts a white suite with panelled bath, bidet, fully tiled shower cubicle, period Victorian tiled floor and large storage cupboard. There is a separate matching WC. On the first floor landing, a door leads to concealed staircase to the lounge and attic storage, plus a glazed atrium suitable for conversion subject to usual permissions. The kitchen/living/dining space has a dual aspect outlook to rear and side with original sliding sash windows of Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough. There’s a bespoke recently installed fitted kitchen by Johanna Montgomery. Amenities include an integrated Neff four ring hob, fixed canopy extractor hood above, drawer units below, and integrated Neff high level double ovens. Additionally, there’s a Welsh style dresser, built-in wine rack, deep filled pot and pan drawers, integrated dishwasher and white marble period fireplace. The drawing/dining room has views across Ardara House gardens and grounds. There is a bespoke fitted gentleman’s study with built-in book and display shelving. On entrance to the study, you’ll find a concealed storage cupboard understairs. There are two bedrooms, each with high cornice ceiling, picture rail, fireplace and cast iron inset. One room has Oregon pine built-in robes and cupboards, the other has shelving and a pedestal wash hand basin. There is extensive storage in the roof space with built-in shelving and wash hand basin. Externally, well maintained communal grounds surround the property, laid in lawn with rhododendron bushes, wisteria and shrubbery. There is car port parking for one car with communal visitor parking and access to the garden store. Offers over £450,000. For more information contact John Minnis on 028 9187 1212.;0
DUP still silent on plans to sell east Belfast headquarters that have been scene of much dramaThe DUP has remained silent on plans that it could be selling its Dundela Avenue headquarters in east Belfast. Sources have said the party believed that the building no longer met its needs.;0
World’s first gonorrhoea vaccination programme approved for NI roll-out this summerThe Department of Health (DoH) has approved the roll-out of the world’s first vaccination programme to target gonorrhoea in Northern Ireland. Individuals who have a sexually transmitted infection and gay and bisexual men who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners or sexually transmitted infections are among those eligible for the jab which will be offered from August. Research shows that the vaccine could offer up to 40% protection against infection and help tackle increasing levels of antibiotic restraint against the bacteria, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Health Minister Mike Nesbitt encouraged anyone eligible for the vaccine to get it in order to protect themselves and others. “With gonorrhoea cases rising, the launch of this world-first vaccine programme is important and very timely for Northern Ireland’s public health,” he said. “By targeting those most at risk, we have an opportunity to curb the spread and reduce transmission rates from this complex disease, and to prevent thousands of cases over the next few years. “STIs aren’t just an inconvenience, they can seriously impact on your health and that of any sexual partners. If you are offered the vaccine, I strongly encourage you take it, it is an important step to protect yourself and others.” The vaccine will be administered by local Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) through GUM clinics. It follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in November 2023, which recommended commencing roll out of the vaccine following an upsurge in gonorrhoea diagnoses Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “The introduction of the vaccination programme will have significant public health benefits for both those who receive the vaccine, and the wider population. “The programme has the potential to result in less patients presenting with more complex cases and clusters of gonorrhoea. I would encourage all of those eligible to take up the vaccine when offered later in the year.” Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected sex or genital contact with an infected partner – even if an infected person has no symptoms the infection can still be transmitted. It is now the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in NI. Around 8 out of 10 infections occur in men with gay and bisexual men most commonly affected. For more information visit Sexual Health NI .;0,2
"Hair stylist hits out at inability to bid for NHS wig contracts: ‘If I had a shot it would grow my business’ A hairdresser has complained that there is no way for hair stylists in NI to compete for contracts to supply wigs to NHS patients suffering from hair loss. The Department of Health has confirmed to this newspaper that there is currently “no regional tendering process” in place for hairdressers here. Individuals can access free wigs through Health and Social Care services but, since 2015, only two hairdressers in the entire region have been permitted to supply wigs for NHS patients, it has been revealed. Wigs are used by patients undergoing chemotherapy or with hair loss conditions but, due to red tape, there hasn’t been a procurement exercise for three years. One Health and Social Care Trust said that the “non-existence of a product specification” and the “lack of national and international standards for wigs” is the reason for this. It comes after a Co Down hairdresser — who has been in the business for more than 30 years and does not wish to be named — said that it is “not fair” that the process for the tender is essentially closed to newcomers. “Some wigs can cost up to £2,000. And if I had a chance of securing this tender, some of my customers could have easier access to wigs they’re entitled to under the NHS,” she told the Belfast Telegraph. “This problem desperately needs solved but the Health Department and the Trusts aren’t providing a clear pathway on how to solve this issue. “If I had a shot at it, at least for one year, it would grow my business and allow me to hire more people. But this means no one else gets a chance. “A lot of my customers find that the wigs help with their confidence after experiencing hair loss. It’s hard for them to cope; losing your hair can be a loss of your femininity.” Since 2015, only two hairdressers in NI have been permitted to supply wigs for NHS patients A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that agreement on tenders is based on a “locally agreed criteria” through individual health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland. “The Department of Health does not have a role in procurement of these services,” they said. “Availability of such services is determined at Trust level and arrangements are in place to offer appliances in line with locally agreed criteria.” The South Eastern Trust, where the hairdresser has based their business, however, said that since 2022 a procurement exercise to determine who is awarded the tender was stood down. “The non-existence of a product specification and lack of national/international standards for wigs currently means that a regional tendering process has not been possible,” a spokesperson said. “A procurement exercise in 2022 was stood down mainly due to a lack of a suitable product specification and national standards for the supply of wigs. “This resulted in the procurement panel not being able to evaluate bids from a value for money perspective.” The South Eastern Trust revealed: “As a result, all five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) in NI are exploring the opportunity to reform wig provision. “Legal advice sought back in 2022 indicated that due to current NI legislation and subsequent policy position, all HSCTs were limited in any changes they could make to how wigs were to be procured. “Trust representatives, together with the DoH, have been progressing work to establish a way forward for the future supply of wigs, which will include consideration of procurement options by Procurement and Logistics Service and any legislative or policy changes required. “In the meantime, all HSCTs have been using the services of one of two providers that had successfully tendered for the 2015 Wigs and Associated Products contract. “A regional commissioning position on the provision of wigs across NI, encompassing cancer services, dermatology and psychiatry, is required to support implementation of any proposed change to the current process.”";0,05
Joe Hodgson reveals how Gary Moore changed his life, why he rejected London’s party scene, and finding love during lockdownJoe Hodgson’s new album is out later this month Lee Campbell Fri 6 Jun 2025 at 11:00 Now settled in his homeland ahead of his upcoming album release, Fields of Redemption , Joe Hodgson discusses his influences, career path, and finding love and peace through his return to Irish soil. The guitarist is from a village called Ballymagorry, just a few minutes drive from Strabane, Lifford and the border.;0
Derry aid worker who survived Russian blast in Ukraine ‘honoured’ to meet royals alongside refugee at Buckingham Palace A Londonderry man who survived a Russian blast in Ukraine while delivering aid has said meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales was an “amazing” experience. Peter Jennings, who escaped death after being caught up in an explosion , received the Order of the Gold Star, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour, from President Zelensky last year following his ordeal. He travelled to Buckingham Palace for a garden party last month, where he met the future King and Queen. The “once in a lifetime” experience was shared with Ukrainian refugee Tatiana Atananenko. He said: “We met with Prince William and Princess Kate, along with Sophie and Edward, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. “They were all there. It was an amazing day. You don’t go back twice for that. “It was a nice honour for me, but it’s not really my scene, because I don’t like publicity. “It was more for Tatiana. That was the biggest honour bestowed on her. “She said to me: ‘I never, ever thought, being a refugee, I would be in a position with you to go and see the royal family, going to Buckingham Palace and walking around the gardens, having tea and eating the same food as the King eats’. “She can’t quite get her head around it yet, that she has been to Buckingham Palace. “I got to meet Princess Kate, she looked absolutely amazing following her cancer treatment. “You never would have thought she was ill, she looked a million dollars. “She was so polite and so nice. She had time to listen and talk, not just shake your hand and disappear. “She was really down to earth. She was a lovely woman. “Prince William said to me: ‘Peter, we are all very proud of you. We know everything about you because we have been told about you’.” Mr Jennings began organising humanitarian trips to Ukraine in 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion. He is grateful for the generosity of local people who support his work, especially small businesses in Derry. On his last trip he visited an orphanage and children’s hospital near the front line, where he delivered more than 750 Christmas presents to young people affected by the war. Earlier in the year, while travelling to the contested region of Kherson in the east of the country, he was blasted out of his lorry during a Russian strike which claimed the lives of three soldiers he had become friendly with — Ivan Kovalenk, Aleksander Shevchenko and Maxim Kravchenko. Despite being left with permanent injuries to his eyes and a limp, Mr Jennings is committed to delivering on a promise he gave the men. He said: “I made a vow that day to the soldiers: ‘Don’t think you have seen the end of me, because I will be back’. “To the three soldiers who were lost and their families, I owe it to them.” Mr Jennings also keeps in touch with President Zelensky, who has become the public face of his country’s defiance against the Russian invasion. He explained: “I have a lot of time for Zelensky, I actually have his mobile number. “He sends me a text every once in a while, asking if I am okay, and how my injuries are. “I think I am the only one in the UK to have the Golden Star. “They are very rare. It’s the biggest civilian award they can give you. “I am proud of that one. It means more to me than the other medals, it’s very special. “I have got 10 medals — one from Kyiv, a volunteer one, Patriot of Ukraine, one for Bucha, then there’s the star, and one for Kharkiv. “I got one for being injured as well, not that I need a reminder.” While suffering as a result of his injuries, he insisted he will not be stopped from delivering much-needed aid to Ukraine. Mr Jennings intends to continue defying of his doctor’s orders — and the Russian leader who started the war. “I am OK at the moment. Ukraine is more important to me,” he said. “Putin is going to have to try harder than that to kill me.”;0,2
Kneecap film wins top prize at Celtic Media AwardsThe film about Irish-language rap group Kneecap has scooped the top prize at the Celtic Media Awards. The self-titled movie was awarded the Spirit of the Festival at the long-established celebration of media throughout the Celtic nations and regions.;0
‘He insisted he would never do something like this’: The brutal killing of Tina Satchwell This month Richard Satchwell was sentenced with the murder of his wife, Tina Satchwell. In March 2017, Richard Satchwell claimed that his wife had went missing – almost immediately he did multiple rounds of the press, saying that he believed she was still alive. In reality, he had brutally killed Tina, keeping her body in a freezer before burying her remains under the stairs of the family home. Her body remained undiscovered for over six years, with Richard finally being charged for the murder in October 2023. After the discovery of the body, he claimed that he had been a victim of domestic abuse, a claim which was repeated many times in court. However, the Garda believe that he murdered his wife in fear of her finding out that he had become involved in an elaborate scam to obtain two pet monkeys. In a harrowing victim statement, Tina Satchwell’s niece said that Richard Satchwell had offered her the freezer he had kept his wife’s body in just days before, and said the brutal murder had left a “permanent hole” in the family’s lives. Olivia Peden is joined by the Irish Independent’s Munster Correspondent Ralph Riegel, who has been following the disturbing case. How Richard Satchwell almost got away with murder: “He told lies, upon lies, upon lies” Read more ‘A monster’: Richard Satchwell sentenced to life in prison for murder of his wife Tina in their Cork home Related topics Olivia Peden Daily Headlines Newsletter Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening This field is required Sign Up More;0
Keeping your supermarket shelves stocked: The vital role of blue wooden palletsThe conveniences of modern living have made it all too easy to take the simple things for granted. For example, let’s think about your supper tonight. Between the farmer’s field and your dinner table lies a complex and dynamic journey. One that requires multiple businesses and logistics partners to work collaboratively across numerous touchpoints to move pallet loads of goods to retail, ensuring they arrive quickly, sustainably, and in perfect condition. This is the work of the supply chain. Without skilled and experienced management, supply chains can quickly become costly and difficult to manage, resulting in a direct impact on the costs you pay at the checkout. That’s why circular economy approaches, such as the one pioneered by CHEP, are so important. Millions of CHEP’s blue pallets are circulating in supply chains around the world every day, helping products get from manufacturers through to retailers, and into your shopping basket. These pallets are supported by CHEP’s experienced supply chain experts, who ensure that they are moving as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Rather than our pallets being discarded or broken down at the end of their use, we collect them and take them back to one of our many service centres for inspection and repair. They can then be reissued into the supply chain to be used again. By using, repairing, and reusing our pallets, we create a continuous regenerative loop of service that helps businesses large and small to cut costs and carbon from their supply chains, enabling them to operate more efficiently and effectively whilst preventing pallets being wasted or destroyed. Our circular economy also enables us to leverage our data-driven network of collaboration to optimise the use of transport, from filling empty return truckloads and identifying points of inefficiency or delay that can cause product spoilage along the supply chain. Together, these help us not only preserve our precious natural resources but minimise the impact of the world’s supply chains on the environment altogether, whilst still meeting the consumer demand. It’s why we’re rated as one of the world’s most sustainable businesses, and trusted by the world’s biggest brands. All CHEP pallets and containers are the property of CHEP, and may never be bought, sold, or destroyed. We mark all our assets clearly with a “property of CHEP” notice to indicate this and paint our pallets a distinctive blue colour to aid in recognition. However, some of our pallets lose their way, and rather than returning to our service centres for repair and reissue, they end up being used without authorisation, or worse, destroyed. Unfortunately, many of these lost pallets have been burned in recent years during the celebratory bonfires across Northern Ireland. Removing these pallets from the supply network causes significant impacts to local businesses – without sufficient pallet supply, goods simply cannot be moved through the supply chain. Every CHEP pallet lost this way makes the supply chain less efficient, and more costly to operate, and higher supply chain costs invariably lead to higher prices at the checkout. What can you do to help? We want to ensure that businesses and communities in Northern Ireland and across the world can achieve the maximum benefit from being part of our circular economy network. To that end, we’re calling upon anyone who interacts with or sees our pallets out and about to help us get them home before they’re gone for good. If you see any CHEP pallets looking lost in yards, building sites, or other far corners, please visit collect.chep.com to let us know where, and we’ll come and collect them for free. If you use CHEP pallets within your place of work, please ensure that any empty pallets are stored securely and contact CHEP to organise a free collection. By working together, we can help keep our vital supply chains and the businesses that operate within them running efficiently and sustainably. And that goes a long way to keeping all those essential foods and products on the shelves, ready for when you need them. You can find out more about CHEP, and how we’re delivering sustainable and smart supply chains by visiting CHEP.com;0,175
"AI would vote for mainstream parties, shows Swiss experiment In the experiment, the AI models showed ""more uniform behaviour"" than the humans. ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, votes differently from humans, according to an experiment at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich. Nevertheless, AI will change democracy, say the researchers. This content was published on June 6, 2025 - 09:00 7 minutes Benjamin von Wyl As a reporter I cover developments in democracy where the Swiss perspective becomes relevant. I am Swiss and have long been fascinated by the way public discussions shape society. If ChatGPT had the vote, it would probably back an established party, suggest the results of the study, which also conclude that ChatGPT makes more streamlined decisions than humans. How was the Computational Social Science team at ETH Zurich able to find this out? The large language models are programmed to react evasively to political questions. “If you asked ChatGPT whether you should vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, the AI said it was neutral and gave no answer,” Joshua Yang, a computer scientist at ETH Zurich, told SWI swissinfo.ch. Joshua Yang is part of the Computational Social Science team at ETH Zurich and is involved in the projects “Kultur Komitee Winterthur”, “Stadtidee Aarau” and “vTaiwan”. So the team didn’t ask for big political decisions; instead, it asked the AI models ChatGPT4 and Llama 2 for their opinions on local, ostensibly non-political urban development projects. Among these were proposals to make Zurich’s Langstrasse car-free, to establish a multicultural festival on Sechseläutenplatz, and to set up a children’s festival in Leutschenpark. Which of the 24 projects would AI choose to make the city of Zurich better for its citizens? The scientists then compared the results of the AI models with those of 180 human participants in an analogue experiment involving the same projects. The human and AI participants made their decisions in sessions with a variety of set-ups and voting procedures. Sometimes they awarded points to individual projects; sometimes they chose as many projects as they wanted. Tests were also conducted using the ranked choice procedure  The results of this experiment can be applied primarily to participatory budget decisions and elections with multiple winners – such as proportional representation elections, where parties send representatives from their electoral lists to parliament in proportion to their results. However, the ETH study has limited relevance for elections with only one winner – such as US presidential elections. AI models showed ‘more uniform behaviour’ In general, the differences between humans and AI were large – even when the AI was asked to take on the role of a human. The AI models often chose the same number of projects and showed “more uniform behaviour” than humans, according to the study.  ChatGPT almost always chose four or five projects, while the 180 humans were enthusiastic about widely differing numbers of projects. According to the study, this result confirms that “synthetic AI-simulated samples have a WEIRD bias (Western, educated, industrialised, rich, democratic)” and “often fail to show meaningful variance (or diversity) in their judgments”. But at the same time, AI allowed itself to be influenced in its decision by the order of the projects on the list. This shows the limits of its decision-making competence: imagine if humans voted for a different party depending on what was at the bottom of the ballot paper and what was at the top. ‘Human-centred approach’ But at least the AI models opted more frequently for less expensive projects. The study recognises this and points out that human voters often lack cost awareness. The ETH team’s research refers to César Hidalgo’s ideas on digital AI twins to replace politicians and the proposal by two economists to assign a digital twin to each person entitled to vote.  The study , which Yang presented at the Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society in San José, California, urges caution. “A human-centred approach is essential to ensure that AI deployment supports rather than compromises the collective intelligence derived from diverse human preferences in society,” it said. Instead, AI models should be used “in a human-in-the-loop framework”. That way, an AI agent can improve human decision-making; for example, by processing, summarising or explaining background knowledge on a topic. Dealing with sensitive personal data “We were interested in finding out how language models affect democracy as we know it,” Yang says. “Many people already ask ChatGPT questions. The language model informs them and therefore influences their political decisions.” The tricky question is how to handle personal data. “What information do we feed AI when we ask it to take the perspective of a person?” Yang asks. It is possible to use sensitive demographic data such as skin colour and religion as a basis, or even the transcript of a long, personal conversation with the person. The personas can also be created on the basis of an opinion poll, similar to Smartvote  The ETH team used this approach in their experiment. According to Yang, this may not be any less efficient. He hopes for clear ethical and legal guidelines and a social discussion about where to draw the line between functionality and privacy. Swiss democracy as ‘ideal testing ground’ While the study tends to emphasise critical aspects, Yang’s enthusiasm for AI models is palpable. “I am cautiously optimistic that AI holds a lot of potential for democracy,” he says. AI could help people make more frequent and better decisions – without taking agency from them, he says. Switzerland, with its frequent referendums, is “an ideal testing ground” for AI technologies, he says. This is because AI models are better at helping with referendums that can be approached rationally than with emotionally driven elections. They could potentially increase low voter turnout – especially on local issues. A digital voting booklet that Swiss citizens can not only read but also consult is conceivable, for example. This could motivate those who stay away from voting due to a lack of knowledge. “If a specific AI agent with a wealth of data relevant to the task is created for this purpose, there is also a significantly lower risk that it will convey incorrect facts,” Yang explains. “AI agents hallucinate when they don’t have access to the correct answer.” However, large language models such as ChatGPT are unsuitable for this because they rely equally on relevant and misleading data. Yang, who is involved in local democracy projects in Switzerland and Taiwan, sees a global opportunity for AI to boost direct democratic (and deliberative) instruments. Initially, Yang believes, individual politicians and groups will rely on AI agents to analyse discussions and prepare arguments, compromises and options for action. Gradually, AI agents could then become part of the institutions.";0,2
"Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?Big platforms like X promised to become a digital meeting place akin to town squares; not everyone is convinced it has worked out this way. Guiziou Franck / AFP Listen to the article Listening the article Toggle language selector Select your language Close English (US) English (British) Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise? Close Share With online platforms under pressure and artificial intelligence set to potentially flood the internet with content, is it all over for grand ideas about a harmonious digital public sphere? This content was published on February 10, 2025 - 09:00 8 minutes Domhnall O'Sullivan As part of the democracy team, I report on the dynamic relationship between citizens and their institutions in Switzerland and abroad.Born in Ireland, I have a BA in European Studies and MA in International Relations. I've been at SWI swissinfo.ch since 2017. More from this author English Department Other languages: 9 EN original Deutsch de Ist die Vision einer harmonischen digitalen Öffentlichkeit gescheitert? Read more: Ist die Vision einer harmonischen digitalen Öffentlichkeit gescheitert? Français fr Les plateformes en ligne contribuent-elles à la démocratie ou ne sont-elles que de bruyantes chambres d’écho? Read more: Les plateformes en ligne contribuent-elles à la démocratie ou ne sont-elles que de bruyantes chambres d’écho? Italiano it Le piattaforme online favoriscono la democrazia o sono solo rumorose casse di risonanza? Read more: Le piattaforme online favoriscono la democrazia o sono solo rumorose casse di risonanza? Español es Plataformas online: ¿ayuda u obstáculo para la democracia? Read more: Plataformas online: ¿ayuda u obstáculo para la democracia? Português pt Plataformas digitais ajudam a democracia? Read more: Plataformas digitais ajudam a democracia? ??? ja SNS?????????????????????????????? Read more: SNS?????????????????????????????? ??????? ar ?? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ??????????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ????? Read more: ?? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ??????????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ?? zh ?????????????????????? Read more: ?????????????????????? ??????? ru ???????? ?? ???????? ????????? ?????????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ? ????? ????? Read more: ???????? ?? ???????? ????????? ?????????? ??? ??? ????? ?? ? ????? ????? When someone with fewer than 5,000 followers quits the social media platform X, they shouldn’t expect to make the news. But not everybody is the Swiss Interior Minister. So, when Elisabeth Baume-Schneider posted her last tweet in October 2024, saying X had “profoundly changed” and she’d had enough of the debate culture, it didn’t go unnoticed. In jumping ship, the left-wing politician was jumping on a global trend. In 2022, after buying the platform, Elon Musk promised a “common digital town square” which would be “warm and welcoming for all”; by January 2025, an advisory group to the Swiss government was warning External link that the commercial and opinion-forming power of X – and other big platforms like Facebook or TikTok – was a threat to democracy itself. Baume-Schneider’s retreat to politer Instagram Over the past two years, hate speech has increased External link on X and the tone has roughened, partly due to eased moderation rules and a culture shift, re-igniting debates about what a decent online public sphere would look like. And while Musk’s overhauls – and the similar approach decided more recently by Meta – have come as good news to free speech fans, others have been moving elsewhere – including many advertisers. But for people worried about polarisation and anti-democratic discourse, does abandoning a platform like X achieve anything? Or is an exodus to politer places – in Baume-Schneider’s case, it was Meta-owned Instagram – just a retreat into “digital gated communities”, as the Neue Zürcher Zeitung wrote? In the echo chamber of echo chambers “Echo chambers do exist, but it’s not clear how big a problem they are,” says Emma Hoes, a digital technology and online behaviour researcher at the University of Zurich. Hoes reckons talking about echo chambers all the time might even make them into more of an issue than they are, pushing us into an “echo chamber of echo chambers”. “Ultimately, at least some research shows that what we see on social media is more diverse than what we see in our offline life,” she says. Even in places like the independent service Bluesky – where many of Hoes’ colleagues have moved – “there’s accidental exposure to things we didn’t choose to see”. In any case: if you did design a system to push opposing views in front of users all the time (a model which sounds like how some free speech absolutists would describe X) it might not lead to more open-mindedness. “One of the most consistent research findings is that political views remain super stable over time,” Hoes says. “People form their outlooks early in life and are not easily swayed by tinkering with social media feeds.” Even in the age of endless opinion and information, “people don’t really change their minds”. Emma Hoes is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Zurich, where she studies how digital technologies influence the quality of information ecosystems. Courtesy of It’s also easy to over-estimate the prevalence of political debates on the internet. In reality, Hoes says, most people consume “crap” online, whether it’s entertainment or culture-war fodder. Add TikTok, porn, gambling, gaming and the rest to the mix, and the picture is not necessarily one of polarising policy discussions but one that looks more like “ news deprivation ”. It’s also easy to be overly idealistic about the prospect of a digital public sphere – an online space of deliberation which allows for many views to be channelled into something representing a democratic will. Rather than aggregate information in this way, one of the main points of the internet has always been to connect similar, often niche, interests. People find others who share their language, whether it’s harmonious or hate-filled; communities meet to discuss crosswords or the ellipsoid nature of the Earth. This can lead to a splintering of political opinion into disparate groups which find it difficult to coalesce around a common cause. In a 2024 paper External link , Hoes’ University of Zurich colleagues Renate Fischer and Otfried Jarren wrote that the sheer size, speed, and diversity of ideas online makes it difficult to pull out a common public opinion that can be used to take action in a democracy. The public sphere then “loses its power to stabilise society and to integrate and it is becoming increasingly difficult to transform deliberative processes into political ones”, they wrote. In short: we’re all online, giving our opinion, surfing the growing seas of content; at the same time, with trust in democracy sinking in many western countries, it’s hard to see what all the online noise adds up to – if it adds up to anything. ChatGPT as discourse machine “Well, that’s the whole point of the internet – it’s so vast that no one can process it all,” says Hannes Bajohr from the University of California, Berkeley. Bajohr, who researches how AI and large-language models (LLMs) influence text and writing, also says things could be about to become much vaster. LLMs like ChatGPT, which enable basically anyone to become a creator of text, video, or music, could hyper-accelerate the already countless streams of online stuff. This could make it even harder than it already is to find good information. At the extreme end, it could even lead to “artificial public spheres”, Bajohr says – entire spaces where you can’t tell if something is written by a human or a computer. Bajohr warns that such uncertainty would put key democratic ideas like trust, truthfulness, and responsibility under pressure. Hannes Bajohr is an assistant professor in the Department of German at the University of California, Berkeley. He previously held post-doc positions at the University of Basel and the Collegium Helveticum in Zurich. Jen Siska / Courtesy of LLMs could also change the type of discourse humans use in the first place. Since they are programmed using specific data and according to specific choices, tools like ChatGPT don’t produce the kind of neutral language their creators claim, Bajohr says. Like social platforms, they have biases External link and they write a certain way. And since they are statistical, they run the risk of “value lock”, Bajohr says – getting trapped in a way of speaking which can’t quickly adapt to political or linguistic shifts in the real world. For Bajohr, these might not be such big issues if there were millions of such LLMs to play with. But in a field limited – at least for now – to a few profit-driven firms, it could lead to “a certain streamlining of language and a certain type of discourse, prescribed by these companies”. In the long run this could even lead to a streamlining of thought that would remove some of the communicative competencies which humans need for democratic deliberation, he reckons. Should you nudge people to be nicer? Meanwhile, efforts to regulate AI and big platforms don’t generally focus on how people say things or where they say them, unless it comes to enforcing laws against hate speech. But on a free internet, you can’t force people to gather in the same spaces, even if these spaces are well-designed. Neither can you prosecute people for being just mildly offensive. Whether you can nudge people to be nicer, or to write a certain way, is another question. On the corporate level, it’s already happening. Apple, for example, recently plugged an AI tool that can make your emails less abrasive; auto-complete tools and spell-check features could even be seen as precursors to such well-meaning tools. These are all fine as long as they are opt-in, Bajohr says – the dystopian idea is that such features get slotted into communication tools without us knowing about it. Overall, both Bajohr and Hoes agree that meddling with what people say and share is tricky. For Hoes however, it’s important not to get too wrapped up in the problems. “While there’s a lot of ‘bad’ content online, it’s still a minority of what people consume,” she says. She thinks all the ingredients – accurate and diverse information, broad participation – for a well-working online public sphere are already in place. It’s up to people to find them, or to help others find them. “People have all the tools they need. They just don’t always use them,” says Hoes. Edited by Benjamin von Wyl/ac Popular Stories More Demographics How retiring baby boomers could crash Swiss property market Read more: How retiring baby boomers could crash Swiss property market More Demographics Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities Read more: Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities More The world’s strongest currency is also super-competitive Read more: The world’s strongest currency is also super-competitive More Foreign Affairs The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service: ‘This is espionage’ Read more: The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service: ‘This is espionage’ More Swiss Abroad Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July Read more: Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July Most Discussed Next Previous More Debate Hosted by: Marc Leutenegger What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices? Switzerland is steering towards a housing crisis. Are there solutions? Join the discussion Apr 25, 2025 32 Likes 53 Comments View the discussion More Debate Hosted by: Patricia Islas How does your country prepare for and respond to natural disasters? Have you experienced natural disasters in your country of residence? How are these events predicted and responded to? Join the discussion Jun 6, 2025 1 Likes 2 Comments View the discussion More Debate Hosted by: Dorian Burkhalter Is there a future for the humanitarian sector? What should it look like? With key donors cutting aid budgets, the humanitarian sector faces a crisis. What strategies can organisations adopt to navigate this challenge? Join the discussion May 14, 2025 12 Likes 13 Comments View the discussion More Debates In compliance with the JTI standards More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us! If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch . SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR";0,2
"How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation The Swiss government is concerned about disinformation and influence in the ""grey zone between war and peace"". How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries like Sweden, France and the UK doing about it? This content was published on April 6, 2025 - 10:30 11 minutes Benjamin von Wyl As a reporter I cover developments in democracy where the Swiss perspective becomes relevant.I am Swiss and have long been fascinated by the way public discussions shape society. More from this author German Department Other languages: 9 Deutsch de Geistige Landesverteidigung 2.0? Wie die Schweiz und andere Länder mit Desinformation umgehen Original Read more: Geistige Landesverteidigung 2.0? Wie die Schweiz und andere Länder mit Desinformation umgehen Français fr Une défense spirituelle 2.0 ou comment faire face à la guerre hybride Read more: Une défense spirituelle 2.0 ou comment faire face à la guerre hybride Italiano it Svizzera e altre democrazie di fronte alla disinformazione Read more: Svizzera e altre democrazie di fronte alla disinformazione Español es Defensa espiritual en la era digital: Cómo Suiza y otros países gestionan la desinformación Read more: Defensa espiritual en la era digital: Cómo Suiza y otros países gestionan la desinformación Português pt Suíça vê democracia ameaçada por desinformação estrangeira Read more: Suíça vê democracia ameaçada por desinformação estrangeira ??? ja ?????????????????????? Read more: ?????????????????????? ??????? ar ??????? ?? ??? ??????: ??? ????? ?????? ???????????? Read more: ??????? ?? ??? ??????: ??? ????? ?????? ???????????? ?? zh ?????????????????2.0??? Read more: ?????????????????2.0??? ??????? ru ??? ????????? ? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ????????????? Read more: ??? ????????? ? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ????????????? The global political situation has changed in recent years – even for a small, neutral country like Switzerland at the heart of Europe. Alongside conventional threats, the focus is now also on methods “in the grey zone between armed conflict and peace”, according to a Swiss government report External link published last year. Disinformation and influence operations are “increasingly aimed directly at Switzerland”, while “influence actors” could have an impact in the area of foreign policy and on Switzerland as the host of numerous international organisations. More More Former US general advises Switzerland to prepare for war This content was published on Mar 16, 2025 According to former United States general Ben Hodges, the withdrawal of US troops from Europe is only a matter of time. In an interview with SonntagsBlick, he advises Switzerland to prepare for war. Read more: Former US general advises Switzerland to prepare for war People’s initiatives – a target of disinformation? Are such actors also targeting direct democracy? “Open, democratic societies can be worthwhile targets for influencing their free debates and democratic processes,” the report states. In Switzerland, its “system of direct democracy, in which the population regularly takes political decisions” offers “potential social and political fault lines”. More More How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine This content was published on Jan 27, 2025 Switzerland’s neutrality has not prevented it from becoming the target of fake news and propaganda from Moscow. An explainer. Read more: How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine Concerns about an information war have also reached the Swiss parliament, where several motions on the subject of disinformation and influence will soon be decided. These include a coordination office to combat disinformation External link and a possible application for observer status in the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism External link (G7 RRM). The Swiss government has recommended adopting the parliamentary proposals. The G7 RRM is an attempt to tackle the problem in an internationally coordinated way. It is a coordination effort of the G7 countries, led by Canada, to meet “diverse and evolving foreign threats to democracy”, the press office said, although they could not comment on the prospects of a possible Swiss application. External Content According to last year’s government report, the aim of disinformation is to “unsettle, frighten, upset or divide” the population. The disinformation circulated does not necessarily have to be convincing: frequently repeated statements are more likely to be believed, even if it is actually known that they are misrepresentations. China and Russia of ‘greatest relevance for Switzerland’s security’ The Swiss government’s concerns centre on Russia and China, which are of the “greatest relevance for Switzerland’s security”. However, how to respond to hybrid warfare is a challenge for liberal democracies like Switzerland. Governments should not be the arbiters of what is true and what is false, according to espionage and security expert Rory Cormac. “As soon as governments get involved, it becomes politicised,” he told a British parliamentary hearing in 2024. At the same time, Cormac underlined that foreign powers rely not only on direct channels, but also on networks of organisations and individuals that at first glance do not appear suspicious The shared responsibility of a country’s political parties and politicians Cormac told SWI swissinfo.ch that disinformation undermines “trust in institutions, in the media, and in democracy” and is “pernicious and pervasive”. The professor at the University of Nottingham made it clear that whether foreign influence achieves its goal also depends on domestic policy. According to Cormac, disinformation thrives in an atmosphere of “toxic political debate with scant regard for facts”. What this culture looks like is in the hands of domestic political actors. Cormac generally viewed the UK election in 2024 positively compared to 2019: “I think the candidates in 2024 were less prone to ‘post-truth’ politics than in 2019, largely because [Boris] Johnson was no longer around.” Although, the Conservatives External link repeated “their 2019 trick” in the election campaign: adapting their X account to give the “misleading impression” that it was an “independent fact-checking account”. “That was an utterly irresponsible thing to have done,” said Cormac. Rory Cormac highlights former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as someone who flirted with “post-truth” politics. Keystone-SDA Cormac did not comment on the Swiss threat situation. But for the UK – a non-European Union member like Switzerland – he recognised the importance of a “close relationship with European partners”. For Cormac, Baltic and Scandinavian countries are an example that others like the UK could look to for guidance. “Finland, for example, emphasises media literacy and has a high level of trust in its public broadcaster,” said the university professor. He said that media literacy has “a clear security dimension” in that it strengthens democratic resilience. Cormac holds the G7 RRM, in which the UK participates as a G7 country, in high esteem as a coalition against disinformation in general. In this way, they can “try to get ahead of hostile or false narratives quickly if necessary”. In view of the “recent behaviour of the US government”, he expects “turmoil” in the G7 RRM. “It’s difficult to respond to disinformation when false narratives are now being spread by a G7 member,” he said. ‘We have lost our most important ally’ Even in Switzerland – where the government is hoping for constructive cooperation with the US – there are voices that are reassessing the threat situation considering the new US administration. “We have lost Europe’s most important ally. We are on our own,” Olga Baranova told SWI swissinfo.ch. She said it was an “absolute sea change”, and that Switzerland must now also actively defend liberal democracy. More Debate Hosted by: Benjamin von Wyl Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation? The wave of disinformation is expected to particularly affect direct democracies such as Switzerland or many US states. Join the discussion Dec 5, 2024 88 Likes 154 Comments View the discussion Baranova is the general secretary of the politically progressive Swiss think tank CH++.  She believes it is now urgent for Switzerland to take a holistic approach to its security: CH++ advocates responsible digitalisation and an “expanded concept of security”. At the end of February, she gave a speech to a packed auditorium about a topic that initially sounded more like the past than the future: Baranova is calling for a debate on “spiritual national defence 2.0”. A ‘spiritual national defence 2.0’ for Switzerland? “Spiritual national defence was not a programme for peacetime but a programme for times of war, like now,” said Baranova. Spiritual national defence was a leitmotif of Swiss politics from the 1930s to the 1960s that is remembered ambivalently. It was intended to strengthen national cohesion when the different linguistic regions threatened to drift apart in the interwar period. In this case, the aim was to strengthen Switzerland’s national narrative. “At the beginning of spiritual national defence, people said: ‘The thing that makes Switzerland what it is, is important, and that’s what we’re working on now.’ But at the same time, they didn’t even formulate what Switzerland is all about,” said Baranova, describing this as an “absolute stroke of genius”. “We have lost Europe’s most important ally. We are on our own,” Olga Baranova, secretary general of the CH++ think tank, told SWI swissinfo.ch. Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott Spiritual national defence led to the creation of Switzerland’s public broadcasting network and the Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, in the 1930s, said Baranova. Today, however, it is remembered by many above all for the surveillance of opposition members during the Cold War, as part of the “secret files scandal”. Baranova hopes that a grassroots-level reinvestment into spiritual national defence from civil society would prevent such excesses. She said “informed society” should be defended and “democratic resilience” should be established. Also, rituals must be created that unite the country, and the state should invest in defence with a focus on cyber defence. Above all, Baranova calls for Switzerland’s common narrative to be discussed and shaped. Sweden’s common narrative and ‘agency for psychological defence’ “Voluntary nation”, “diversity”, “morale”, “fortified democracy”: Baranova’s big words strike the listener. But can shared histories and a common identity be part of a security concept in the 21st century? Yes, according to Leon Erlenhorst, a political scientist and co-author of Putin’s Attack on Germany: Disinformation, Propaganda, Cyberattacks . His book provides an overview of the approaches taken by various European countries in dealing with the new threat situation. In an interview with SWI swissinfo.ch, Erlenhorst proposed Sweden as a positive example: “Sweden’s response to the threat of disinformation is remarkable because it takes a holistic approach.” He said that, as part of “building resilience”, this also includes “the narrative of itself as a strong democracy”. Of course, narratives alone are not enough. The country also relies on monitoring, educational programmes, which provide information about artificial intelligence and strengthen media literacy, and possible countermeasures. “According to one person in charge, it is possible that servers used to spread disinformation could be shut down using military means,” said Erlenhorst. Viginum in France In France, the authorities have created the state-run service Viginum to monitor and protect against foreign digital interference. But it cannot initiate any offensive countermeasures itself. “Viginum’s purpose since 2021 has been to detect manipulative activities. France is not shy about announcing when it has discovered a major disinformation campaign,” explained Erlenhorst. Viginum does not work like a secret service; it only has access to public sources to document and analyse patterns, and the data is used anonymously. More More Fake news versus facts: the role of international media This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 The year 2025 is beginning with many uncertainties. Media outlets like SWI swissinfo.ch will become even more essential to make sense of the news. Read more: Fake news versus facts: the role of international media But at what point do such measures jeopardise citizens’ freedoms? “What a Swiss question – but an important one,” said Erlenhorst, adding that this is a sensitive area and that there is always a trade-off. “I think it’s a very small price to pay to use anonymised, publicly accessible data to prevent citizens’ information bases from being manipulated by foreign actors.” Disinformation targets ‘country-specific fault lines’ For Erlenhorst, “pre-bunking” – the process of debunking lies, tactics or sources before they strike – is a decisive principle for strategies against foreign influence. False content can be corrected, but proactive action is better than a reaction, he said. He offered an internationally recognised example: “If you outline and publish all information on the effects and risks of a vaccine right from the start.” If citizens only encounter dubious information afterwards, they are less likely to believe the secondary information than if they have never heard of the topic. Erlenhorst values the role of international projects in combating disinformation. Sometimes the answer can only be international, he noted and cited the European Union’s measures to regulate the biggest social media platforms as an example. Nevertheless, he believes it is important for every country to determine for themselves how they deal with foreign influence. “Disinformation campaigns are always aimed at country-specific fault lines,” he declared. In Switzerland, the debate has begun. More More Our democracy newsletter If you are a fan of democracy, then you’ve come to the right place. We report on the latest democratic developments, debates and challenges. Read more: Our democracy newsletter Edited by David Eugster. Translated from German by Katherine Price/sb Popular Stories More Demographics How retiring baby boomers could crash Swiss property market Read more: How retiring baby boomers could crash Swiss property market More Demographics Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities Read more: Flat-hunting in Switzerland’s cheapest and most expensive municipalities More The world’s strongest currency is also super-competitive Read more: The world’s strongest currency is also super-competitive More Foreign Affairs The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service: ‘This is espionage’ Read more: The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service: ‘This is espionage’ More Swiss Abroad Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July Read more: Swiss food labels must declare animal suffering from July Most Discussed Next Previous More Debate Hosted by: Marc Leutenegger What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices? Switzerland is steering towards a housing crisis. Are there solutions? Join the discussion Apr 25, 2025 32 Likes 53 Comments View the discussion More Debate Hosted by: Patricia Islas How does your country prepare for and respond to natural disasters? Have you experienced natural disasters in your country of residence? How are these events predicted and responded to? Join the discussion Jun 6, 2025 1 Likes 2 Comments View the discussion More Debate Hosted by: Dorian Burkhalter Is there a future for the humanitarian sector? What should it look like? With key donors cutting aid budgets, the humanitarian sector faces a crisis. What strategies can organisations adopt to navigate this challenge? Join the discussion May 14, 2025 12 Likes 13 Comments View the discussion More Debates In compliance with the JTI standards More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us! If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch . Read more Next Previous More Fake news versus facts: the role of international media This content was published on Jan 20, 2025 The year 2025 is beginning with many uncertainties. Media outlets like SWI swissinfo.ch will become even more essential to make sense of the news. Read more: Fake news versus facts: the role of international media More Does social media fuel fake news in Switzerland as much as in the US? This content was published on Jul 12, 2023 Social media platforms are global, but that doesn’t mean they have the same effect everywhere. Read more: Does social media fuel fake news in Switzerland as much as in the US? More Why people in Switzerland trust the state Stable country, stable money, stable lifestyles: in comparison, many things run smoothly in Switzerland. One factor is the high level of trust. Read more: Why people in Switzerland trust the state More In Switzerland, trust and stability are interwoven This content was published on Mar 25, 2025 The global political order is in upheaval, yet Switzerland remains relatively stable. SWI swissinfo.ch reporter Benjamin von Wyl analyses why. Read more: In Switzerland, trust and stability are interwoven More Schoolkids ready for Moldova’s democracy – with Swiss help This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 In Moldovan schools, education for society is a popular subject. Swiss funding supports this progressive approach to pedagogy. SWI swissinfo.ch visited classrooms there to see how it works. Read more: Schoolkids ready for Moldova’s democracy – with Swiss help SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR";0,15
"The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service: ‘This is espionage’ Employees of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) have been cooperating with Russian contacts for years. Highly sensitive data apparently flowed out – and ended up with Russian intelligence services. The affair centres on the FIS cyber team – and a collaboration with the controversial software company Kaspersky. Research by SRF Investigativ shows that when friendly intelligence services threatened to end cooperation, the Swiss intelligence service reacted. This content was published on June 5, 2025 - 11:30 23 minutes SRF Investigativ Other language: 1 EN original ??????? ru ?????????? ??????? ? ??????????? ????????: «??? ??? ???????» Read more: ?????????? ??????? ? ??????????? ????????: «??? ??? ???????» November 3, 2020. Geneva is unusually silent. With restaurants closed and few passers-by, a second Covid lockdown has brought life almost to a standstill. But somewhere in this quiet metropolis two intelligence services meet: the top officials of the FIS and a friendly foreign intelligence service. Switzerland is facing a debacle. The issue, as the FIS itself will later state in a secret report, is accusations of “illegal transfer of data”. According to the report, a Swiss secret service employee – we’ll call him W. – had passed on highly sensitive information to Kaspersky, a Russian cybersecurity company. The information was passed on to Russian intelligence services via Kaspersky, a second friendly intelligence service added a little later. There was “a risk that lives could be endangered”. Headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service in Bern. Keystone//Peter Klaunzer These interventions must have set alarm bells ringing at the FIS headquarters in Bern. Two foreign intelligence services important to Switzerland were threatening nothing less than to “cease co-operation with the FIS if the employee continued to work for the FIS”. Cyber affair becomes Russia affair This investigation by SRF Investigativ delves deep into the inner workings of the intelligence service and shows that W. and his cyber team not only obtained data illegally – that much has already become public in recent years – but they also got involved with a controversial Russian company and shared intelligence. For Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who works for The Insider and Der Spiegel and has been researching Russian intelligence operations for years, it is clear: “This is espionage on behalf of Russia.” The Russia affair begins in 2014/2015. The FIS has recruited W. as the head of the new cyber team. Fellow travellers describe him as charismatic and determined. A doer. W. and his team are tasked with protecting Switzerland in cyberspace. That means, among other things, investigating hacker attacks. The explosive secret report SRF Investigativ accessed information from an investigation report that the FIS itself prepared in 2021 and classified as secret. This means that only very few people are allowed to view it. The report shows that the irregularities previously labelled in public as a cyber affair have a much larger dimension: it involves the most sensitive connections to Russia and threats by friendly intelligence services to end cooperation with Switzerland. Several bodies were involved in the aftermath of the affair: – the FIS with its own investigation; – a law firm commissioned by the FIS; – an external expert commissioned by the defence ministry; – the parliamentary supervisory authority GPDel, which examined and rejected a formal inspection; – the supervisory authority AB-ND, which carried out an investigation; – the then defence minister, Viola Amherd. Together with his team, W. sets up a service within the service. This is clear from the secret report. The team operates its own IT infrastructure, builds its own hacking devices and works independently of the rest of the intelligence service. Several members of the cyber team also state in the internal investigation that “private mobile phones were used for business communication purposes”. The cyber team functioned as a service within a service. SRF The team was extremely successful between 2015 and 2020. According to the external report on the cyber affair, it fended off and investigated cyberattacks and “earned a high reputation among foreign partner services” with this work. Kaspersky is ‘essential’ for the FIS To obtain the best possible data for cyber reconnaissance, W. and his team also maintain contacts with various private companies – partly formalised by contract, partly not. Several of these companies are listed in the secret report under “regular contacts”. At the top of the list: Kaspersky. The cybersecurity company is “essential” for the work of the cyber team, W. is quoted as saying. This is because “the FIS doesn’t have sufficient expertise and resources […] to recognise hacking activities independently and preventively”. Kaspersky headquarters in Moscow. Getty Images Kaspersky is a big name. The Russian cybersecurity company sells anti-virus software worldwide. However, it has also been suspected for years of cooperating with Russian intelligence services. Since 2017, several countries have banned certain authorities from using Kaspersky software for fear of espionage. “Kaspersky is one of the most attractive assets that the Russian intelligence services would have to use as a backdoor to the rest of the world,” Grozev says. He says a company based in Russia that works in the cyber sector inevitably has a connection to Russian intelligence services. Quite simply because Russian laws stipulate this Kaspersky, Russia and Switzerland The company was founded at the end of the 1990s by Eugene Kaspersky and his wife at the time. During the Soviet era, Kaspersky studied at a university run by the KGB intelligence service. He repeatedly denies any connection between his company and the Russian intelligence services. However, US intelligence services warned internally about the company as early as 2004. In 2017 the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times alleged that Russia had stolen data from the US intelligence service NSA – using Kaspersky software. Various countries, including the US, the UK, the Netherlands and Lithuania, subsequently issued a ban. Some of their authorities are no longer allowed to use software from the Russian company. The EU and countries such as Germany and Italy issued warnings against Kaspersky products from 2018. Certain organisations continue to officially work with Kaspersky, such as the international police organisation Interpol. Due to political pressure, Kaspersky relocated part of its infrastructure away from Russia, including to Switzerland, and opened a “transparency centre” in Opfikon, canton Zurich. The proximity to the Russian state appears to be unbroken: last year an investigation by InformNapalm revealed that Kaspersky allegedly helped the Russian army develop spy drones. The Swiss intelligence service’s cyber team maintained a close dialogue with this Russian company between 2015 and 2020. Private emails to Kaspersky A total of nine Kaspersky employees were listed as contacts at the time, one of whom is described as a “person of trust”. The cyber team also secretly used Kaspersky as a money transmitter: payments to a service provider company went through Kaspersky. The FIS cyber team worked closely with Kaspersky. SRF According to the report, these contacts between Kaspersky and the cyber team are not officially documented – as the FIS stipulates. What’s more, W. communicates with them via his private email address. Intelligence service information is also shared via various chats on Threema, an encrypted instant messaging app, some of which are private. Unofficial cooperation What the FIS receives from Kaspersky is mostly run-of-the-mill intelligence services. The cyber team has a contract with the company, as it does with others, to obtain data to investigate cyberattacks. But there is also an unofficial part: the cyber team is also said to have passed on its own information to Kaspersky, such as malware samples, and operated Kaspersky software for this purpose. Malware samples are digital evidence of malicious software such as viruses or ransomware. In other words, they help investigate hacker attacks. ‘Just a present’ There was also a kind of trade in data during this period: the Swiss intelligence service was apparently actively collecting data for Kaspersky and other private cybersecurity companies. The secret report soberly states that the FIS passed on information to the companies “in order to obtain valuable intelligence information from them on other occasions”. Attached is a screenshot of an internal Threema chat. In it, W. asks to collect data: “Can you please start a dump? It’s not APT related […] Just a present to […].” Without any connection to a specific critical cyberattack, just as a gift for the company. “The FIS passes on information obtained e.g. via server images or network traffic recordings […] to private companies (such as a cybersecurity firm) in order to obtain valuable intelligence information from them on other occasions.” Source: Secret report of the FIS 2021 Investigative journalist Grozev finds Swiss cooperation with Kaspersky “extremely naive”. “The ultimate beneficiary of Kaspersky’s work in Russia is the Russian government,” he says. Even something as seemingly harmless as passing on malware samples is of benefit to Russia, he says, explaining that the Russian secret services could use the samples to recognise why a particular cyberattack by Russian hackers didn’t work and adjust their tactics. When asked by SRF Investigativ, Kaspersky rejected the accusation of cooperating with Russian authorities. The company said it is also not subject to the corresponding laws in Russia. Statement from Kaspersky The Russian cybersecurity company wrote in response to an enquiry from SRF Investigativ: “Committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and ethics in its cooperation with third parties, Kaspersky refutes the allegations about having any inappropriate ties or affiliations with any authorities. Kaspersky is focused on serving the security needs of individuals, companies and governments all around the world, and works with its customers and partners, including Law Enforcement Agencies in the best interests of international cybersecurity, providing technical consultations or expert analysis of malicious programs and exchanging data on cyberthreats to support cybercrime investigations in accordance with applicable laws. In regards to legislation, Kaspersky is not subject to Russia’s System of Operative Investigative Measures (SORM) or other similar laws, and is not obliged to provide information to the Russian government.” Information leakage to Russia The FIS also does not know how often W. and the cyber team passed on information to Kaspersky or how explosive it was. In the secret report, the investigation team states that it is “not clear” which specific data was exchanged with partner companies such as Kaspersky. However, at least one specific “extremely critical data outflow” is named. “An employee of the FIS is said to have passed on information to the GRU via the company Kaspersky.” Report from a friendly intelligence service. Source: Secret report of the FIS 2021 An FIS employee is said to have passed on information to the Russian military intelligence service GRU using Kaspersky. This involved “classified information, among other things” on Russian intelligence agents who were in The Hague in March 2018. This is what the FIS writes in the secret report, referring to a friendly partner service. This partner intelligence service warns Switzerland that the life-threatening information had ended up with the Russian military intelligence service GRU and could also have been passed on to the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB. Timing coincides with Skripal case In March 2018, two people were poisoned in Salisbury, England: former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter. It soon became clear that the Russian secret service was behind it. In spring 2018, Russian secret service agents were arrested in the Netherlands in connection with this crime. As the analysis of the toxic substance was handed over to the laboratory in the Swiss town of Spiez in canton Bern, the Swiss intelligence service was also involved in the investigation. So did W. pass on highly sensitive information about the Skripal case to Kaspersky? This is not clear from the secret report, but the timing is striking. The FIS did not comment on this when asked. “According to the content of the document, there is a risk that the information could flow to the FSB and thus endanger lives.” Letter from a friendly partner service. Source: Secret report of the FIS 2021 The first warning about an information leak to Kaspersky dates back to September 2018 – more than two years before the aforementioned interventions in autumn 2020. During these two years, as can be seen from the chronological list in the secret report, the two important Western intelligence services contacted their Swiss colleagues several times. They criticised the “illegal transfer of data” to Kaspersky and warned against W., who had “behaved in a compromising manner”. By spring 2020 at the latest, the director of the FIS was aware of suspicions about W. The secret report does not specify to whom the earlier warnings were addressed – to him or to other people. Cooperation severely strained Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven knows both worlds. The German diplomat and former ambassador was once stationed in Moscow; later he was vice-president of the German intelligence service BND and intelligence coordinator at defence alliance NATO. “Whenever there’s a possible outflow of data to Russia or the danger of this, then the highest level of alert is called for. The partner services really don’t mess around here,” he says. German intelligence expert Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven. SRF Freytag von Loringhoven can imagine that cooperation with the partner services was heavily strained during this Russia affair even if it may not have come to a standstill. “What you often see in such cases, however, is that the cooperation continues formally, so to speak – so no total crisis is declared – but the substance is actually undermined,” he says. The lack of trust means that nothing of significant intelligence value is shared anymore. Cyber team destroys data traces More than two years after the first warning, the FIS reacted in December 2020, according to the secret report. W. is first restricted to working from home and then leaves the intelligence service. In spring 2021, the FIS orders an internal investigation. There are numerous inconsistencies concerning W.’s departure. When he leaves the FIS building, he takes his “personal/official laptop” with him. He didn’t bring it back until March 2021, more than three months later, to be “newly set up”, as it also contained private information. His own cyber team then overwrote the computer several times. The statement says: “Whether the deletion was commissioned and by whom remains unclear.” The cyber team rewrites W.’s laptop. SRF At the same time, the intelligence service received internal information that “data had been deleted on a large scale within the cyber team”. A few weeks later, mobile phones and laptops belonging to members of the cyber team were confiscated as part of the internal investigation and handed over to the Federal Police. However, a systematic analysis never took place. Many questions remain unanswered The secret report leaves many questions unanswered in this Russia affair. For example, it remains unclear whether the cooperation with Kaspersky continued after 2021. And whether it is plausible that W. maintained these contacts on his own. The secret report was sent to those responsible – from the FIS to the supervisory authorities to the Federal Council – in December 2021. Over three years ago. What measures were taken? How were unofficial Russian contacts prevented from continuing? The latest indication of how the Russia affair has been dealt with is provided by the AB-ND supervisory authority’s investigation. It was concluded in February 2024, but the report was published only a few weeks ago in May 2025. It states that the AB-ND was surprised to learn that the FIS had not installed any new checks in the cyber team by 2024. “A dual checking principle” with regard to the cyber team “was still missing”. Cyber FIS has been ‘comprehensively reorganised’ The FIS did not respond to detailed questions from SRF Investigativ, but it wrote that the incidents in the former cyber division between 2015 and 2020 had been investigated. In addition, it said the cyber division was reorganised immediately after the internal investigation. This involved a “fundamental renewal of practices in the procurement of cyber data, an expansion of checking mechanisms and new management”. The oversight of the cyber team had been improved over the past year, it said. Regarding the specific questions from SRF in connection with the internal investigation report, the intelligence service writes: “The FIS does not comment on secret reports to the media.” Statement from the FIS 1) The investigation of incidents in the former cyber division of the FIS (period between 2015 and 2020): Three investigations have been conducted and concluded in this regard. The FIS independently initiated and conducted an internal investigation in 2021. Both the management of the subsequent administrative investigation and the AB-ND had full access to all information, persons and documents of the FIS for both investigations, including the FIS’s secret internal investigation report. The FIS was informed by the defence ministry that a further administrative investigation has now been initiated by the ministry. As with the two previous external investigations, the FIS will also be available for this without restriction. In 2021, directly following the internal investigation, the FIS initiated a reorganisation of the cyber division. This included, in particular, a new division of tasks, a fundamental overhaul of cyber data procurement practices, an expansion of checking mechanisms and new management. The FIS, including the cyber division, was also comprehensively reorganised as of March 1, 2024, as part of the ongoing transformation. The supervisory authority for intelligence activities, AB-ND, also recognises that the FIS was able to plausibly demonstrate in January 2025 that the management of the cyber division had been improved. Furthermore, findings from the administrative enquiry were also incorporated into the current revision of the Intelligence Service Act. 2) The planned publication of the contents of a classified report by the FIS: The internal FIS investigation report cited by you in your enquiry is classified secret. According to the Ordinance on Information Security in the Federal Administration and Armed Forces, information must be classified as secret if unauthorised persons could, among other things, gain knowledge of the strategic means and methods of the intelligence services, jeopardise the execution of strategically important operations of the FIS and seriously impair Switzerland’s foreign policy interests. The FIS regrets that by publishing the contents of the report, SRF is consciously accepting potentially far-reaching consequences for the work of the FIS in safeguarding Switzerland’s internal or external security. SRF has been made aware of these risks – including the potential threat to life and limb – on several occasions. The FIS does not comment on secret reports to the media. In this context, the FIS has filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland on suspicion of violating official secrecy. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has jurisdiction over communications. Defence minister announces investigation Martin Pfister, Swiss defence minister since April, is responsible for the intelligence service. Pfister told SRF Investigativ that a functioning intelligence service is of central importance, “especially in this uncertain global situation”. The affair is to be investigated again. “I have initiated an external administrative investigation,” Pfister said. The aim is to check whether the points raised in previous reports have been implemented. The question of who destroyed the data is also part of the investigation. According to Pfister, no criminal investigations are underway into the events of 2015 to 2020. “Trust in the FIS is of central importance. I am personally doing everything I can to restore it,” Pfister said. And W.? Why did W. cultivate these contacts? What was his motivation? In an internal chat of the cyber team, when the cooperation with one of the important service provider companies threatened to collapse, he wrote that would be a nightmare – “we will be like everybody else”. W. and his highly successful team apparently feared a loss of status. When asked by SRF Investigativ, the former head of the cyber team rejected the accusations. Through his lawyer, he stated that he had cooperated fully with the FIS’s internal investigation in 2021. The intelligence service had made neither an accusation nor an allegation. He said the allegations are false assumptions that are “completely made up out of thin air” and come from “sources that have not been professionally verified”. Statement from W. As part of the internal investigation conducted at the FIS in 2021, Mr W. was questioned and cooperated fully, his lawyer wrote to SRF Investigativ. As a result of this investigation, “neither an accusation nor an allegation” was made against Mr W.. The lawyer continued: “Your questions are based on a series of fanciful assumptions that have been completely plucked out of the air. They can come only from sources that have not been professionally verified.” Mr W. could “easily refute the false assumptions” but was still “naturally obliged to maintain the confidentiality of facts and information that he learnt in the course of his work at the FIS” and would continue to fulfil this obligation even after the end of his employment. One thing is clear: the Russia affair seems to have done W. little harm so far. He remains active in the cybersecurity field and is a sought-after speaker. >>Watch this SRF video (29min) on the Kaspersky affair (click on English subtitles). Imprint Maj-Britt Horlacher, Conradin Zellweger (authors), Nadine Woodtli (production), Nina Blaser (project management), Ulrich Krüger (storytelling desk), Ida Künzle (illustrations). This article was originally published in German External link by SRF Investigativ. Translated from German by DeepL/ts/ac";-0,125
Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East? The UN, sidelined by Israel and the United States in the Middle East conflict, has little room for manoeuvre. But no long-term solution is possible without the international organisation, experts say. This content was published on June 5, 2025 - 09:00 9 minutes Annegret Mathari In January, the fragile two-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was negotiated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. It was intended to end the war between the two parties in three stages. The United Nations, historically a leader of peace mediations in the region did not take part in the process. The war between Hamas and Israel, triggered by the attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group some 19 months ago, shows no sign of ending. Analysts and observers say the UN could contribute more to resolve the conflict. The organisation has the ability to back a political solution, peacekeeping forces, distribution of humanitarian aid and support legally binding rulings of international law. Instead, the UN is increasingly being sidelined in negotiations on the Middle East which are often conducted bilaterally outside the multilateral system. This comes on the back of increasing mistrust of the UN by Israel. “Historically, there has always been UN involvement in resolving the Middle East conflict,” says Marc Finaud, researcher at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and former French diplomat. In 1947, the UN General Assembly decided the partition of Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state. This allowed Israel to legitimately declare its independence. “[For the UN] The partition of Palestine was the basis for a solution to the Middle East conflict,” Finaud says. Since then, the UN has been involved in all the major attempts to resolve the conflict and mediate peace through resolutions or through the work of its agencies on the ground. This has proved more or less effective, depending on whether there was support from the major geopolitical powers at the Security Council, namely the United States, China and Russia. The UN Security Council passed the first major resolution after the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. The resolution laid the ground for a political and legal solution to resolve the conflict. “The most important basis (for a political and legal solution of the conflict) mentioned in the resolution was the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territories through war,” Finaud said, adding that this violates the UN Charter. A multilateral approach was simplified at the time, because no permanent member state of the UN Security Council vetoed the decision. Despite the Cold War, there was a kind of consensus among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Finaud explained. “This strengthened the UN.” In numerous resolutions, the UN states have since called on Israel to end the occupation, stop building settlements and reminded Israel of its obligations under international law. And many reports by independent UN experts have criticised Israel’s human rights violations which include arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful killings and collective punishment. Israel has often cited security reasons and the right to defend itself when accused of breaching international law and international humanitarian law. According to Finaud, Israel no longer has confidence in the UN, as the General Assembly has repeatedly spoken out in favour of a two-state solution. Israel’s mistrust has now extended to UN humanitarian organisations, which it does not allow to work freely since the beginning of the war in Gaza. All entry of aid into the strip was completely blocked by Israel from March 2 until May 19, provoking strong condemnation by the UN and other countries including France and the United Kingdom. At the Arab League summit held at the beginning of March, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres restated that the delivery of humanitarian aid is non-negotiable. Refusing delivery of humanitarian aid is a war crime under international humanitarian law. Israel claims that Hamas is hoarding aid, which Hamas has denied. “The current Israeli government is not interested in UN-led conflict resolution efforts,” Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council and former UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told SWI swissinfo.ch. Since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified attacks on Gaza vowing to take over all the enclave in a bid to definitively defeat Hamas. Israel has started to privatise humanitarian aid delivered and managed until now mainly by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which it has banned from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories since the end of October last year. “The two most powerful players, Israel and the US, do not want to work with the UN,” says Cyrus Schayegh, Professor of International History and Politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The current US administration led by Donald Trump has little consideration for multilateralism. “Trump believes that international relations should be led by bilateral negotiations between governments,” says Schayegh. In Egeland’s view, the UN will be limited to its role as a humanitarian coordinator and normative guide for the member states. It will be up to the US, the Gulf states and the European countries to facilitate peace agreements, he says. But experts say any future peace solution would need UN backing and support in implementation. “A political framework for resolving the Middle East conflict can only be defined by a UN Security Council resolution,” says Finaud.  “The foundations for this can be prepared or strengthened, as with the support of the ceasefire in January this year by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly.” Egeland also believes that Security Council resolutions are important in order to lend legitimacy to possible peace agreements and create a framework for their implementation – provided that all members of the Council agree. The UN Secretary General also has a moral authority and can support with what are known as confidence-building measures, or measures taken to create trust between parties in a conflict situation. “The UN can do a lot if they are asked to promote confidence-building measures – such as prisoner exchanges – and humanitarian agreements,” says Egeland. These could be the first steps towards a comprehensive and overdue political solution, he added. But even such measures are getting more difficult. One day after the ceasefire was broken, Israel killed a UN employee and wounded five others in an attack on the clearly marked UN compound in Gaza. The UN has condemned the attack and has since decided to withdraw a third of the approximately 100 international employees from the area. On a legal level, there are several ways the UN can impact the outcome of the conflict. The International Criminal Court (ICC), which works closely with the UN, issued an arrest warrant for war crimes against both Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia started the war against Ukraine in February 2022 and Netanyahu for war crimes committed in Gaza between October 2023 and May 2024. For Finaud, this shows that the court is at the service of the law and that no one is above the law. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest court, ruled in an advisory opinion that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal. In a new development, it also called for Israel to evacuate over half a million settlers from the West Bank. “The court is developing the law further,” says Finaud adding that the ICJ reaffirmed what the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council had already confirmed. International jurists say this ruling is important as it has to be taken into account in future negotiations on a solution for the Middle East conflict. “The ICJ decision provides the legal basis that qualifies this situation as an occupation, so the only solution is the withdrawal of the armed forces,” says Finaud. “The principle is that Israel and Palestine coexist within their recognised borders.” Finaud is referring to the borders determined in 1967 also called the Green Line. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. Edited by Imogen Foulkes, vm, livm/ac;0,15
Ukraine’s once pioneering agriculture drone industry is hoping to return to the skies The large size of its farms and a regulatory Wild West allowed Ukraine to quickly grow into an agriculture drone powerhouse. Restrictions due to the war have killed off growth in an industry that is hoping for a renaissance once the fighting is over. In 2024, DroneUA, Ukraine’s largest importer and distributor of drones used for agricultural purposes, recorded a turnover of $120 million (CHF99.1 million) from its Ukraine business. Despite the Russian invasion in 2022, the company has been growing steadily but not fast enough for its founder Valerii Iakovenko who is looking overseas for growth. “At the end of 2021, there was a spike in interest in agricultural drones in Ukraine and we were forecasting a tripling or quadrupling of growth in sales in 2022. But war started and during wartime, you cannot freely use the airspace at all,” Iakovenko told SWI swissinfo.ch. In 2023, he set up a new company called Futurology in Newton, Pennsylvania where he has extended family. His American operations yielded $15 million in 2024 alone. “Agriculture business in Ukraine is very difficult right now but we are diversifying our activities waiting for the war to end to boost Ukrainian agricultural operations,” he says. In the US, his company is benefitting from a nascent industry that is only just taking off thanks to the loosening of requirements for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). US Federal aviation regulations used to treat agricultural drones the same as aerial crop spraying aircraft and only recently were exemptions introduced for UAVs. Iakovenko compares the current US market for agricultural drones to what Ukraine had in 2021. “The whole market in Ukraine was self-regulated starting from 2019. We really enjoyed a large boost for these kinds of technologies and the situation we had in 2021 in Ukraine is actually the exact situation that we see in the United States in 2024 and even 2025. Ukraine was three or four years ahead,” says Iakovenko. The lack of regulations in Ukraine – like requiring a drone pilot licence or restrictions on spraying toxic pesticides from drones – allowed the sector to grow rapidly. According to Iakovenko, at the end of 2021 there were approximately 1,500 drones spraying fields across Ukraine. Even newcomers got into the act. “I started my business in 2021 with two drones. I was able to make my money back in a month,” says Mykola Cherniak, CEO of agricultural drone company Agronix. “In Ukraine the law does not tell you what to do but only what you can’t do. This allowed us to experiment with different chemicals and technology and we now have a lot of experience and data.” Wartime challenges The industry has been hard hit by the war. This includes procurement problems, dealing with the shelling of infrastructure and power shortages. In 2021 Cherniak’s company sold about 500 agricultural drones a year but now only sells 100. He cannot purchase new drones anymore and is reduced to selling old stock or used models. “We are unable to buy drones because companies do not want to sell to Ukraine. They are worried about their reputation and scared their drones will be used for military purposes,” he says. Two months after the Russian invasion, Chinese firm DJI stopped selling drones to both Ukraine and Russia. The world’s top manufacturer of commercial drones also extended its freeze to its distributors in other countries. While drones can be used for peaceful purposes, such as agriculture or environmental monitoring, they can easily also be adapted for military and surveillance applications. SWI contacted the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to clarify the legal situation concerning using agricultural drones and whether such drones were being repurposed for military purposes but did not receive a response. An official profile of an agricultural drone operator indicated that while such drones are not suitable for military use their components can be repurposed for warfare systems. Cherniak currently relies more on drone spraying services to generate revenue instead of drone sales but even that is shrinking. Last year, his company was contracted to spray 25,000 hectares compared to 40,000 hectares in 2023, a decrease of 37.5%. Volodymyr Romaniuk, CEO of Bee Agro Aeroservices, remembers how the start of the war put the brakes on his agricultural drone business just as it was picking up. At the end of 2021, he saw an opportunity to expand his services beyond the spraying of crops. He began to produce and sell mixing stations to other companies. Mixing stations measure out agrochemicals and mix them before filling up the drone’s tank. This makes the process of refilling drone tanks safer and more efficient. “Already in January 2022, before the invasion, we had up to ten prepaid orders. And we began preparations to increase the production of our mixing stations. But already on February 24 (the day the war began), we had to stop and quickly evacuate our families from Kyiv to the western part of the country,” says Romaniuk. Romaniuk was eventually able to return to Kyiv in June 2022. However, his business has not picked up since. “Negative factors that affect our activities include the constant shelling of Kyiv’s energy infrastructure which in turn leads to power outages. And this directly affects the production process,” he says. It is not just Russian attacks that affect business. Defensive measures by the Ukrainian army against Iran-designed kamikaze Shahed drones from Russia can also bring a halt to all drone activity. According to Cherniak, Ukraine deploys radio-electronic battle (REB) units that are electronic warfare communications jammers after Russian strikes. They prevent GPS from working which means agricultural drones cannot fly. Human resources are also an issue. Every year Cherniak has to train new drone pilots because anyone over the age of 25 can be conscripted by the army. As a result of conscription his company has been forced to employ and train three pilots who are just 18 years old. “I have a PhD and am a lecturer at a university. I will not be conscripted but my drone pilots are like a gift-wrapped present for the army,” says the 32-year-old entrepreneur. Development of drone use The use of drones in agriculture in Ukraine began a decade ago for crop monitoring or surveillance due to the large size of the farms. According to the World Bank, there are around 10,000 corporate farms in Ukraine with an average size of 1,650 hectares, with 55 agricultural holdings as big as 510,000 hectares. “We are talking about small drones sold on the shelves of supermarkets that are capable of filming the situation of the field from above. The drones are not mapping but simply allow us to see parts of the field that were previously unseen from the ground,” says Iakovenko. The market subsequently evolved and from 2019, drones were used not just to detect damage from weather, pests and disease but also react to them. One of the first large-scale uses of agricultural drones was for the dessication of crops such as sunflower by spraying herbicides like glyphosate. This kind of spraying kills the plant and dries it out, making it cheaper to harvest and transport. “When we started in 2021, 80% of agricultural drone services were used for dessication of rapeseed, sunflower and some corn. Now drones are used to spray insecticide on corn and fungicides on sunflower, rapeseed and soybean,” says Cherniak. According to Iakovenko, the advantages of spraying by drone are not so much the cost – in 2021, the cost of spraying was in the range of $10-$12 per hectare, VAT included, the same as that of conventional machinery – but being to intervene at any time. “For example, two hours after the rains, we can spray protective fungicides instead of waiting four or five days for the field to dry out. Sometimes the harvest was lost on the ground just because the machinery was not able to enter the field. Drones in agriculture are like an emergency service, like ambulances for the field to save the crop from total destruction,” says Iakovenko. Farmers in need Despite martial law restricting airspace use, Ukrainian farmers can still use drones to spray their crops. But they need special permits or waivers. “It takes time and human resources to apply for them and in some regions requests for these waivers are being ignored. Those in charge do not understand how critical this service is for farmers,” says Iakovenko. Ukrainian farmers in financial difficulties have received some help from abroad. A USAID-funded project called Agriculture Growing Rural Opportunities or AGRO, has enabled Ukrainian farmers to continue using drone services. Former USAID Administrator Samantha Power herself visited the beneficiaries of the drone spraying services in 2023 as a show of support for Ukrainian farmers. The programme has survived the freeze of USAID projects by the Trump administration. Swiss drone technology company Pix4D is helping keep Ukrainian agricultural drone operators afloat by offering free licenses for their technology. “We dealt with Pix4D for at least seven or eight years and are their major partner in Ukraine. They provided huge support for Ukrainian farmers and for the emergency services providing free licences for all the players, all the market,” says Iakovenko. The Swiss company confirmed its continued commitment to Ukraine’s farmers. “Indeed we continue supporting Ukraine, including extending free licenses,” says Andrey Kleymenov, CEO of Pix4D. Down but not out The entrepreneurs SWI spoke with remain optimistic for the future of agriculture drones in Ukraine. “Ukraine is still the largest agricultural drone market in Europe even though it has plateaued. And we are still one of the biggest markets in Europe regarding the sales of spare parts for drones,” Iakovenko says. The country is still more advanced than the rest of Europe because of the limitations imposed by the European Union’s Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. In its current form, the EU directive bans any aerial spraying of crop protection products. Special permissions may be granted for specific use cases like spraying on steep slopes in vineyards but are difficult to obtain and can take time. “With the right framework in place, the drone services market in Europe could by 2030 reach a value of €14.5 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%, and create 145,000 jobs in the EU,” stated the European Commission in its Drone Strategy 2.0 communique in 2022. Switzerland is also an agricultural drone pioneer Switzerland was the first country in Europe to develop a regulatory framework for spraying crops with drones in 2019. According to a survey conducted by the Swiss agricultural institute Agroscope, the total area sprayed by drones in the country reached a peak of 846 hectares in 2023. More than half of the treated area (472 hectares) were vineyards and it is estimated that 11.5% of Swiss vineyards by area were sprayed by drones in 2023. Most of these treatments involved fungicides. Other uses of agricultural drones include spraying slug pellets on field crops such as sugar beets, sunflowers, potatoes or rapeseed (185 hectares), as well as weed control with herbicides in meadows (80 hectares). Drones are also used to release parasitic wasps ( Trichogramma evanescens) over 36 hectares of corn fields to control the spread of moths. If the European Commission’s drone friendly vision for 2030 becomes a reality, Ukrainian firms could potentially find a ready market for their expertise and experience. Some like Romaniuk already have a foothold on the continent. “Despite the threats and risks, starting in mid-2022, we managed to enter the European markets with our own products. At the moment, we have partners or sell directly to the end customer in countries like Moldova, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, Czech Republic, Spain and the United Kingdom,” he says. Furthermore, Ukraine is a military drone superpower. Last year, Ukrainian manufacturers produced 2.2 million FPV (first-person view) drones and the target for 2025 is 4.5 million FPV drones. Some of that scaling up will inevitably benefit the agricultural drone sector when the conflict ends. “Ukraine is the largest drone manufacturer in the world. We are manufacturing more drones than China and we have tens of thousands of drone operators in the country. After the end of martial law, they will need to switch from the defence side of the business to some kind of commercial use,” says Iakovenko. Cherniak is hopeful that businesses like his will be able to cash in on an opportunity of a lifetime. “I believe about 5% of the million-strong Ukraine army can become agricultural drone pilots. I will have all right cards once the war ends as I have all the knowledge and infrastructure,” he says.;0
Capital punishment: how Swiss bank reforms could hit UBS The Swiss government on Friday will lay out its long-awaited reforms to the country’s bank capital rules, and the centrepiece proposal will affect just one company: UBS. Switzerland’s Federal Council and financial regulators have been at loggerheads with the country’s largest lender — and most systemically important company — since last year when they proposed strengthening the country’s banking system in the wake of Credit Suisse’s demise. The uncertainty has weighed on UBS’s share price, with the stock falling 3 per cent over the past year, while the Euro Stoxx Banks index, which tracks the biggest lenders in the Eurozone, has climbed about 40 per cent. The draft legislation on Friday will set out a series of measures as part of a “too-big-to-fail” package. By far the most important will be the proposals for how much loss-absorbing capital UBS will be forced to have. The bank’s executives believe they are being punished for the mismanagement of Credit Suisse — including by regulators — in the years before its collapse and subsequent rescue by UBS. In 2017, Finma granted Credit Suisse capital relief which in effect allowed the bank to inflate the value of its foreign subsidiaries. Last year, Swiss lawmakers criticised Finma for the move, calling it “incomprehensible”. Despite an extensive public and private lobbying campaign by UBS’s leadership, senior figures at the bank are resigned to the government proposing what they see as the most “extreme” option: forcing it to fully capitalise its foreign subsidiaries, a move it says would increase its total capital requirements by 50 per cent from current levels. But the way in which the government imposes the additional capital requirements on UBS — as well as details surrounding the implementation timeline — will be crucial to the severity of their impact on the bank. What are the potential rule changes? At the centre of the stand-off between UBS and Switzerland’s political and regulatory establishment is a proposal that banks with foreign subsidiaries be subject to additional capital demands to deal with future crises. Officials have argued that, given the size of the combined bank since the Credit Suisse acquisition — it now has a balance sheet larger than Switzerland’s economy — UBS needs more capital as a buffer against potential losses at its international units. At present, UBS is required to match 60 per cent of the capital at its international subsidiaries — such as the US and UK — with capital at the parent bank. Forcing the lender to match the entire capital at these units would increase its requirements by about $25 billion, according to the company and analysts. “The Federal Council views a less than 100 per cent backing as problematic during a crisis when the value of foreign subsidiaries deteriorates fast, as a hypothetical fire sale of a foreign subsidiary could materially dent the capitalisation of the parent company,” said Giulia Aurora Miotto, an analyst at Morgan Stanley. The Federal Council could require UBS to boost capital either by requiring it to fully deduct its foreign subsidiaries from equity, or by increasing their risk-weighting. Regulators determine how much capital is required to support risk-weighted assets, or RWAs. Under the current regime, UBS’s foreign subsidiaries will by 2028 have their capital risk-weighted at 400 per cent. The Federal Council could increase that to about 600 per cent if it wanted UBS’s parent company to fully match the foreign subsidiaries’ capital. How the risk-weighting approach would work Assume UBS has a 16.7 per cent ratio requirement of “going concern” capital to risk-weighted assets, as Morgan Stanley analysts laid out last year. If foreign subsidiaries are risk-weighted at 400%, that implies a 67% capital participation by the UBS parent (since 400% x 16.7% = 67%). If foreign subsidiaries are risk-weighted at 600%, the parent would fully match the capital in its foreign subsidiaries (since 600% x 16.7% = 100%). Aurora Miotto said the risk-weighted approach “would lead to a lower impact” for UBS, while the capital deduction approach — regarded as the more likely outcome — would be “more penalising”. Analysts at RBC, including Anke Reingen, co-head of global financials research, said their “base case” was that UBS would be required to make a “full [capital] deduction”, adding: “Every $1bn in additional capital needed is a 1 per cent hit to the market cap [of UBS].” Will they affect UBS’s competitiveness? If UBS were forced to fully capitalise its foreign subsidiaries, it would push the bank’s core equity tier 1 ratio — a key measure of capital strength — to between 17 per cent and 19 per cent, according to the bank’s calculations, significantly above the level required of its international peers. Other global systemically important banks such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley have minimum CET1 requirements of 11.1 per cent, 11.3 per cent and 13.5 per cent respectively. Analysts at Goldman Sachs said the proposed increase to UBS’s CET1 ratio would “significantly impair [its] competitiveness versus large international peers”. This is a point that UBS’s senior management, including chief executive Sergio Ermotti and chair Colm Kelleher, have been at pains to stress in recent months. “We are not magicians,” Ermotti said in April. “We are not going to be able to be competitive and provide and be an engine of growth for the financial centre, but also for the economy, if the regulatory framework is not competitive.” Separate to the anticipated reforms, UBS is already adding about $20bn to its capital because of Switzerland’s early implementation of global rules, and its increased size following the Credit Suisse takeover. As a result, there has been speculation UBS may need to offload some of its international businesses. “Depending on the amount of additional capital required, some businesses may become uneconomical for UBS, and this could lead to strategic decisions for the bank, like the potential to sell the US business,” said Morgan Stanley’s Aurora Miotto. Such a move would be a blow to Ermotti and Kelleher’s ambition of turning UBS into a European version of Morgan Stanley, which also has a large wealth management operation but trades at a much higher multiple than its Swiss peer. UBS has identified US growth, especially in wealth management, as a key strategic priority. How could UBS mitigate higher capital requirements? The Federal Council will announce on Friday whether the capital reforms will be implemented via government ordinance — in effect an executive order — or if the legislation will be put to parliament for consultation. While the latter option would give UBS the ability to lobby politicians to water down the new regime as the bill is amended, it would also prolong the uncertainty facing the bank. Industry observers have estimated that the proposed law might not come into force until 2028 or even 2029. There is also the question of how long UBS will be given to implement the new capital regime once it is finalised. Morgan Stanley analysts said: “Anything below 10 years would be a negative, while a longer timeline would be taken positively by the market.” RBC estimated that, based on its analysts’ forecasts for the bank’s free cash flow from 2030, every additional phase-in year would provide UBS with $4 billion of capital. Jérôme Legras, a managing partner at Axiom Alternative Investments said one way UBS could mitigate the impact of higher capital requirements would be to bring excess capital back from its subsidiaries to the parent bank. For example, he said, if one international subsidiary had $13bn of capital, but the local supervisor only required $10 billion, UBS could repatriate $3 billion. Such a move would require approval from the local supervisor, but Legras said that UBS was likely to ask for the minimum amount needed in each subsidiary. The government is also expected to publish on Friday proposals to boost capital quality, changing the treatment of assets that are not sufficiently recoverable in a crisis, such as in-house software costs and deferred tax assets (DTAs). RBC estimates that these adjustments could take up to 2 percentage points off UBS’s CET1 ratio. How might the bank’s shares react? Friday’s announcement is a “significant risk event” for UBS’s share price, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley. They put the potential size of the stock move on the day at 5 per cent — up or down. After more than a year of uncertainty, UBS will get some clarity on the scale of the regulatory challenge it faces — even if the centrepiece proposal is likely to be an unwelcome one for the bank. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025;0
SWISS plans to resume Tel Aviv flights from June 23 Swiss plans to fly again to Tel Aviv from 23 June Swiss International Air Lines intends to resume flights to Tel Aviv again from June 23, after suspending flights in May due to intensifying violence in the Middle East. This content was published on June 6, 2025 - 12:01 2 minutes Keystone-SDA The airline has carried out an in-depth analysis of the situation in the Middle East. From June 23, SWISS will once again operate a daily service between Zurich and the Israeli metropolis. The subsidiary of German giant Lufthansa will also resume its seasonal flights to Beirut from June 10 until mid-September, with two flights a week. Flights to these two destinations are scheduled without an overnight stopover for crews. “The decision to resume these two destinations in the Middle East is based on an in-depth safety analysis and has been taken in consultation with the relevant authorities”, according to the press release published on Friday. For operational reasons, the various airlines in the Lufthansa group, which also includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and ITA Airways, are gradually resuming their routes. “We are continuing to closely monitor the situation on the ground. The safety of our passengers and crews is our absolute priority”, assured Swiss.;0
Geneva university loosens ties with Israeli counterparts The University of Geneva is reducing cooperation with counterparts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The move comes after student sit-ins to protest at the Middle East situation, but it has also generated some criticism. This content was published on June 5, 2025 - 11:41 4 minutes SRF The Swiss university is ending its strategic partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This partnership included, for example, a jointly funded project on disease research and drug development, as well as a project investigating Hebrew and Arabic place names. The University of Geneva also does not intend to extend a student exchange program with the Tel Aviv University, which expires in 2026. However, individual collaborations between researchers from Geneva and Israel will still be possible, the university announced on Tuesday. “It was a matter of strategic, not political consideration,” university rector Audrey Leuba told Swiss public broadcaster RTS. The University of Geneva had carefully examined all comparable partnerships – including with other universities in other countries – and had terminated some of them. A scientific committee recommended this step, Leuba said. The rector did not comment on who was on this committee or on what basis it made its decision. On the same day, the University of Geneva published a communiqué expressing its “outrage at the humanitarian situation in Gaza” and calling on all parties, especially the Israeli government, “to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.” Criticism comes from both camps. This is an “exclusively political act,” writes the Association for the Support and Promotion of Jewish University Members in Switzerland in a statement on Wednesday: “The boycott of Israeli institutions is a long-standing concern of all those who have been working against any political solution in the region for decades by denying Israel’s right to exist, thereby causing great harm, not least to the Palestinian people.” The Geneva Student Coordination Palestine, on the other hand, criticises the fact that the university continues to support individual collaborations with Israeli researchers: “So the result is the same: the University of Geneva will finance research projects in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem or the University of Tel Aviv,” a student spokesperson told RTS. No action at other universities The University of Geneva stands alone in Switzerland with its stance. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) stated that it condemns violations of human rights and international law, but that an academic boycott is out of the question. At the University of Basel, too, the discontinuation of research collaborations and student exchanges is not currently an issue. And the University of Bern describes the step of ending cooperation with Israeli research institutions as a massive restriction of academic freedom, which would contradict all values. Such a step “will not be tolerated.”;0,2
Swiss foreign minister's Gaza remarks provoke strong reactions Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis has been accused by several parliamentarians of repeating Israeli propaganda and distorting facts after he jointly condemned Israel and Hamas for the situation in Gaza. This content was published on June 5, 2025 - 10:36 4 minutes RTS +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) also told Swiss public broadcaster RTS about reality on the ground in Gaza. Citing Swiss neutrality, Cassis refused to join a groundswell of international criticism levelled mainly at Israel, saying “there is a violation of international law on the part of both sides.” + ‘Both sides must be condemned’ in Gaza: Swiss foreign minister Some Swiss parliamentarians were annoyed by this approach. “I find it rather risky to equate some 40,000 Palestinian deaths with 50 Israeli hostages,” Centre Party politician Vincent Maitre told RTS. “Without grading the atrocity, because both are obviously unacceptable, I find it very difficult to compare the acts of a terrorist organisation with the military actions of a democratic state.” Heated debate Green Party member Léonore Porchet said: “I am outraged. The statements are not far from the official propaganda of Israel, which denies the ongoing genocide. Switzerland must do better.” “We must focus on providing access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. I expect the government to put pressure on Israel to make this happen,” said Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian Piero Marchesi, who recently left the Swiss-Israeli parliamentary group, which he found too partisan. + Gaza faces famine risk, warn humanitarian groups Social Democratic Party senator Carlo Sommaruga added his voice to the criticism. “Whether consciously or unconsciously, Ignazio Cassis is delivering information based on an alternative truth that only helps Israel, rather than participating with the international community in defending international law and justice for the Palestinian people.” Cassis was mainly supported by representatives of his own Radical Party. “What do you want to do? Do you want to praise Hamas and forget about the hostages, some of whom are dead and some of whom have been held captive since October 7, 2023?” said parliamentarian Philippe Nantermod. More More Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East? This content was published on Jun 5, 2025 The UN is no longer at the center of negotiations for a solution to the Middle East conflict. But that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. Read more: Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East? “Atrocities can only stop if the parties come to the negotiating table. A neutral state like Switzerland must remind each of the parties of their obligations.” Fatal shooting “If we summarise what Ignazio Cassis said, there is criticism on both sides. Let’s move on, let’s negotiate peace,” said fellow Radical Party member Pascal Broulis. Speaking to RTS about the fatal shooting of 27 people in Gaza earlier this week while food was being distributed, Cassis said it is impossible to know for sure who was responsible. But UNRWA head Lazzarini called the food distribution system “a trap that kills people”. “People don’t know if they’ll come back alive. There have been three fatal incidents. Our General Secretariat has called for an independent international investigation precisely to establish the facts.” Lazzarini has called for the region to be fully opened to the international media and refuted Cassis’s hope that the release of all Israeli hostages would guarantee a ceasefire. “There will be a new chapter once the hostages are freed. Will there be a military occupation? Will there be reconstruction of the Gaza Strip? We’re calling not only for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages, but also for decent humanitarian aid to Gaza.” Adapted from French by DeepL/ mga How we use technology to translate We select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools to translate them into English. A journalist then reviews the translation for clarity and accuracy before publication. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles. The news stories we select have been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team from news agencies such as Bloomberg or Keystone. If you have any questions about how we work, write to us at english@swissinfo.ch;0,05
The Brussels TimesEU to unveil new sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Iran The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals and entities involved in circumventing existing restrictions, including those supporting the war effort through the supply of drones from Iran, according to diplomatic sources.  The new measures are expected to be presented to EU ambassadors on Monday.  They will be part of the 10th round of sanctions imposed on Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.  The exact content and scope of the new sanctions are still being finalised.  However, it is understood that the package will include measures targeting individuals and entities accused of facilitating the circumvention of sanctions already imposed on Russia, which have targeted key sectors of the Russian economy.  The sanctions package is also likely to include measures aimed at further restricting Russia’s access to technologies that it could use to support its war effort in Ukraine.  Specifically, the sources indicated that the sanctions will target Iranian entities and individuals involved in the supply of drones to Russia, which Moscow has been using extensively in its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian targets.  The EU's move comes as several other countries are also considering further sanctions against Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.;0,2
New university under mysterious PLA force to offer training in AI, unmanned operations The institution is one of three formed last month to train talent for Chinese military’s new service branches Reading Time: 2 minutes Why you can trust SCMP 2 Phoebe Zhang in Shenzhen Published: 5:53pm, 6 Jun 2025 A new university under the Chinese military’s mysterious Information Support Force plans to offer training in artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned operations and other key technology, according to its first public enrolment notice. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Information Support Force Engineering University in the central city of Wuhan will offer 10 undergraduate majors in information and intelligent technology, according to a Thursday report by state broadcaster CCTV. It added that students who have taken the college entrance exam and passed political evaluations may apply this month. According to the report, the school will also offer more traditional disciplines such as communication engineering, allowing students to study electromagnetic fields and wave propagation, satellite communication and 6G technology to cultivate commanding officers who can understand, operate and design communication systems. A new data link engineering major, designed for “informationised, intelligent, and unmanned operations in modern warfare”, will teach students about signals and systems, information fusion and processing, and data link technology. This technology is used on missiles, warships, fighter jets and early warning aircraft systems, according to CCTV. Other majors include big data, command and information systems engineering, software engineering, and intelligent vision engineering, which focuses on pattern and intelligent target recognition on the battlefield.;-0,05
Despite US port fee, big shipping companies are still ordering vessels made in China MSC executive tells forum in Oslo that Chinese shipyards can build new vessels for sector’s energy transition While a US port fee targeting ships linked to China has made some vessel buyers hesitant, major shipping companies – including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest – are opting to continue working with Chinese shipyards, saying their competitiveness cannot be easily matched in the short term. Despite the United States’ determination to challenge China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, MSC senior vice-president Marie-Caroline Laurent told the Nor-Shipping Forum in Oslo this week that the port fee would not be a barrier to ordering more vessels from China, the shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported. She said it was good to see the US trying to revive shipbuilding activity, but “we will need new vessels with the energy transition”. “Those ships today are built to a large extent in China,” Laurent said. “They have the competence, they have the capability, and this is where today we will still continue building our vessels.” The International Maritime Organisation wants the global shipping industry to achieve net-zero emissions in the next 25 years or so. In response, companies are increasingly investing in decarbonisation technologies – such as green fuels – leading to a notable rise in new ship orders in recent years. Laurent said any revival of America’s shipbuilding sector would not happen overnight, and realising that ambition would require state subsidies and the retention of some strategic assets. “So this is an interesting conversation to have, also with the US administration,” she said. “Whether that will change our overall strategy in terms of shipbuilding – probably not at this stage.”;0
Chinese student’s Harvard speech, Hokkaido tremors spark quake worry: SCMP’s 7 highlightsFrom Singapore’s 1880 club shutting in Hong Kong to Japanese men’s tips on staying young, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting Reading Time: 2 minutes Why you can trust SCMP SCMP Published: 12:30pm, 6 Jun 2025 Updated: 1:20pm, 6 Jun 2025 We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing . 1. Harvard speech sparks China debate on elite education access, privilege Emotional remarks by a Chinese student who delivered this year’s Harvard University commencement speech have sparked a debate in China about barriers to elite education. 2. Military mishap risks rise with PLA’s ‘grey zone operations’: Taiwan ex-minister Beijing has carried out at least three rounds of large-scale military drills near Taiwan since May 2024, and PLA warplanes continue to fly near the island on a daily basis. Photo: Weibo/PLA Eastern Theatre Command The risks of a cross-strait military accident are on the rise as Beijing steps up pressure on Taiwan, a former Taiwanese defence official has warned, citing the lack of direct communication channels between the two sides. 3. Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears A damaged port in Anamizu, Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, after a strong earthquake on January 1 last year. Photo: Kyodo;0
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong faces fresh charge of foreign collusion Hong Kong national security police have levelled a fresh charge against jailed activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung, accusing him of conspiring with fugitive ex-lawmaker Nathan Law Kwun-chung to collude with foreign forces five years ago. Police were seen strengthening security around West Kowloon Court on Friday as they awaited the arrival of 28-year-old Wong, who was brought to court in a prison van. A charge sheet seen by the Post said Wong conspired with Law and others to instigate foreign sanctions, blockades or implement other hostile activities against Hong Kong and mainland China between July 1 and November 23, 2020. The suspects also plotted to r equest foreign countries and entities to “seriously disrupt the formulation and implementation of laws or policies” by the central and Hong Kong governments “which was likely to cause serious consequences”, the document said. Wong and Law were two of the co-founders of localist party Demosisto. Law was the party’s chairman between 2016 and 2018, whereas Wong served as its secretary general until the party disbanded in June 2020. Joshua Wong leave West Kowloon Court. Photo: Edmond So Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Derek Lau Tak-wai asked that no plea be taken from the defendant and sought a two-month adjournment for police to conduct further inquiries.;0,025
Africa warns Trump travel ban could dampen relationsSeven African nations are among 12 countries targeted by the US, with the African Union asking for ‘a more consultative approach’ and ‘constructive dialogue’ US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on seven African nations could dampen economic and diplomatic ties, a continental bloc warned. Trump on Thursday signed a proclamation that restricts travel by foreign nationals from 12 countries, including Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan, citing the need to counter the threat of terrorist attacks and safeguard the public. The African Union “remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades”, its executive branch said in a statement posted on social-media platform X. The bloc requested the US to “consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned”. Reaction to the travel ban has been limited, and none of the governments affected had publicly signalled their intention to retaliate against US commercial interests or personnel, said Bilal Bassiouni, head of risk forecasting at advisory firm Pangea-Risk. “Precedents from prior travel bans suggest a preference in these jurisdictions for bilateral diplomatic engagement rather than reciprocal restrictions,” he said.;0,025
Alarm over Hong Kong student suicides, but minister rejects calls for counsellors Secretary for Education Christine Choi suggests ‘whole-school approach’ to tackle concerns and blames online world for mental health issues Hong Kong’s education minister has dismissed suggestions to introduce counsellors at schools to address students’ mental health concerns, arguing that the issue should be tackled through concerted efforts across campus, rather than relying on a single individual.Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin told lawmakers on Friday that primary and secondary schools in the city had reported 11 suspected student suicide cases between January and April this year. This follows 28 such cases in the whole of 2024. Most lawmakers at the Legislative Council’s education panel meeting described the student suicide situation as serious. Choi attributed poor mental health among young people to the impact of the online world. “The current online world affects the health of teenagers in many ways, including insomnia and character development. Playing video games, echoing or attacking each other on social media has a very bad impact on the mental health of teenagers,” she said. “Spending too much time [online] also affects brain development.”Choi suggested a “whole-school approach” to address the problem, with personnel collaborating with various professionals to provide students with comprehensive support and services.;-0,025
DeepSeek job ads call for interns to label medical data to improve AI use in hospitals Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) start-up DeepSeek, which has remained mute over a release date for its R2 reasoning model, has begun recruiting interns to label medical data to improve the use of AI in hospitals. According to recruitment ads posted on Boss Zhipin, one of China’s largest hiring websites, DeepSeek is offering 500 yuan (US$70) per day for interns who can work four days a week to label medical data for applications involving “advanced auxiliary diagnosis” tools. The jobs are based in Beijing. The intern roles are not listed on DeepSeek’s official WeChat hiring channel. It is the first time that DeepSeek has publicly mentioned the need for “medical data” in data labelling. The hiring notice on Boss said applicants should have medical backgrounds, and either be undergraduates in their fourth year or have a master’s degree. As well, they need experience in using large language models (LLMs), and should be able to write Python code and write prompts for large AI models. DeepSeek did not immediately reply to a request for comment. A nurse moves a bed through a corridor at a hospital in Duan Yao autonomous county in Guangxi region, China, January 9, 2025. Photo: Reuters The move comes as Chinese hospitals embrace open-source AI models from DeepSeek to generate diagnoses and prescriptions. As of March, at least 300 hospitals in China have started using DeepSeek’s LLMs in clinical diagnostics and medical decision support.;0
What’s up with Section 899 of Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ and its ‘retaliatory’ taxes? Investors are reacting to a clause buried in “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that threatens to curtail inbound foreign investment in US assets With the market taking a closer look at the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” after it was narrowly passed by the US House of Representatives on May 22, a clause called Section 899 has caught the attention of investors worldwide by including a new set of “retaliatory” taxes on inbound foreign investment. As the bill now awaits Senate consideration, there are growing concerns that some of the most sweeping changes to the tax treatment of foreign capital in the US in decades could lead to a sharp reduction in foreign investment in American assets. In this explainer, the Post breaks down some key points in Section 899, including which countries are targeted, and its potential impact on US assets. What is Section 899? Titled “Enforcement of remedies against unfair foreign taxes”, Section 899 is a new provision that targets investments by countries that have “discriminatory and extraterritorial taxes” on US businesses. Taxes that have been named include the digital-services taxes, diverted-profits tax, and undertaxed-profits rules. Governments, corporations, private foundations or individuals from these countries will be charged an additional 5 percentage points of withholding tax rate each year on their US income, potentially taking the rate up to 20 per cent, until the “unfair tax” is removed. Echoing the spirit of the “Mar-a-Lago Accord” , Section 899 reflects Washington’s increasing readiness to leverage US dominance in the global capital market to confront what it views as the unfair treatment of American businesses abroad.;-0,25
Trump and Musk feud in real time as bromance implodes in spectacular fashionDonald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlikely bromance imploded in spectacular fashion on Thursday as the US president and his billionaire former aide tore into each other in a very public, real-time divorce. Trump said in a televised Oval Office diatribe that he was “very disappointed” with criticisms from his top donor of a “big, beautiful” spending bill before Congress, before threatening to tear up the tycoon’s multibillion-dollar US government contracts. The South African-born Musk hit back live, saying that the Republican would not have won the 2024 election without him and slamming Trump on social media for “ingratitude”. As the row got increasingly bitter, Musk also posted that Trump “is in the Epstein files”, referring to US government documents on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide in jail while awaiting trial for sex crimes. A damaged bust of Elon Musk with a plaque reading ‘Elon aka MemeLord by ElonRWA on BASE’, outside Brownsville, Texas, in May. Photo: AFP Shares in Musk’s Tesla electric vehicle manufacturer plummeted about 15 per cent as the astonishing row escalated – wiping off more than US$100 billion of the company’s value.;-0,075
Musk escalates public spat with Trump by making Epstein files claimElon Musk claimed the US president ‘is in the Epstein files’, but offered no evidence With one tweet linking Donald Trump with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Elon Musk reignited a long-running conspiracy theory beloved by the US president’s far-right supporters. The tech billionaire – who exited his role as a top White House adviser just last week – alleged Thursday that the Republican leader was featured in secret government files on rich and powerful former Epstein associates. The Trump administration has acknowledged it was reviewing tens of thousands of documents, videos and investigative material that his Maga movement says will unmask public figures complicit in Epstein’s crimes. “Time to drop the really big bomb: (Trump) is in the Epstein files,” Musk posted on his social media platform, X, as a growing feud with the president boiled over into a vicious public spat. “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”;0,025
Musk used X to boost Trump. Now he’s wielding it against himFor almost a year, Elon Musk marshalled the full force of X, his $US45 billion social media platform, to boost Donald Trump’s political fortunes and second presidency. On Thursday, as the two men publicly fought in a flurry of furious online posts, Musk revealed X to be a double-edged sword. The way we were: Trump and Musk’s friendship seems to have come to a bitter end. Credit: AP Musk spent hours firing off mocking memes, curt put-downs and explosive allegations to his 220 million followers, just as he did during Trump’s candidacy and as a member of his administration. Only this time, the target was Trump himself, not the president’s critics. The attack deployed tactics familiar from Musk’s many previous online battles. He dredged up old Trump tweets to suggest hypocrisy. He amplified posts from others critical of Trump. He accused the president of “an obvious lie” about the cause of their falling-out and blasted him for “ingratitude” for Musk’s political support, claiming that “without me, Trump would have lost the election”. As Trump lobbed disparaging posts back from his own social media platform, Truth Social, Musk also turned to a tactic he has used against others who have crossed him: insinuations of personal scandal. “Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk posted. Trump “is in the Epstein files . That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Elon Musk attacked Trump in posts on X on Thursday (Friday AEST). Credit: Michael Howard The tech mogul’s about-face sent shockwaves through X, the social network formerly known as Twitter that Musk acquired in 2022. His attack on Trump tested the loyalties of politicians and influencers on the site, who scrambled to choose sides. And it set up a titanic political battle for the attention era: A pair of very online billionaires duking it out in public, each with his own social network and millions of acolytes ready to amplify his every post. Advertisement Thursday’s online drama underscored that while Musk’s stewardship of X made it into a powerful tool for his allies and the conservative movement, he feels free to wrench it in whatever new direction he pleases. When he acquired Twitter, Musk drove some users and advertisers away from the platform by putting his personal views ahead of business concerns, loosening speech rules and reinstating accounts banned for harassment or spreading misinformation. His fight with Trump proved again that he is willing to risk an exodus of users – this time from the right – by using the platform as a bully pulpit. Trump commands an actual military, but Musk oversees the larger digital horde. He has 220 million X followers, while Trump has 100 million on X and another 10 million on Truth Social, where he has lately become more prolific than he ever was on Twitter. Musk also controls X’s moderation policies and its algorithm, both of which he has used at times to boost his own reach and silence his critics. Musk’s power to direct attention on X has helped drive the emergence of an ecosystem of pseudonymous conservative political and tech influencers. Many have built followings in the millions on X by praising Musk, denigrating his rivals and trumpeting his agenda. They’ve been rewarded with amplification from Musk and a cut of X’s ad revenue. All those advantages were arrayed in Trump’s favour after Musk endorsed his candidacy on X less than an hour after Trump survived an attempted assassination in July. Musk donned a MAGA hat in his profile image, held an hours-long live audio event on X with Trump and posted fake AI-generated images of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in communist regalia. On more than one occasion, pro-Harris accounts found themselves throttled or temporarily suspended, leading some Democrats to cry foul. In happier times: Donald Trump and Elon Musk show off a Tesla at the White House in March. Credit: AP As Musk’s “DOGE”, or Department of Government Efficiency, swept through Washington in February at Trump’s behest, X became a digital command centre of the new administration. Musk used it to amplify claims of waste and corruption, some of them unfounded, at the agencies and programs he targeted for elimination. He baited critics with memes of himself as the Godfather and polled his followers on what DOGE should cut next. Now it’s Trump that Musk is trolling, after ending his government service a long way short of his stated goal of cutting $US2 trillion in federal spending. He sent warning shots on Tuesday, calling Trump’s massive tax and immigration bill – the president’s top domestic priority – a “disgusting abomination”. The conflict escalated in a hurry on Thursday after Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that his “great relationship” with Musk might be over. Over the following hours, Musk accused Trump and other Republican leaders of betraying their principles and approvingly reposted criticisms of them from other accounts. That can have ripple effects across X as users vie to craft posts that will win a reply or amplification from Musk that can boost their own followings. At one point, Musk posted a poll asking his 220 million followers if it was time to “create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 per cent in the middle”. Six hours into the 24-hour poll, the votes leaned heavily toward “Yes”. Traffic to X surely spiked on Thursday as political and tech insiders became glued to the conflict and citizens were left to wonder what it meant for the world’s richest person to be at war with its most politically powerful. How the feud will affect Musk’s influence and business empire is less certain. Loading Tesla and SpaceX, his most valuable companies, depend heavily on government regulation and contracts, making them vulnerable to attacks by Trump and his administration. Tesla stock fell on Thursday as investors appeared to fear retribution. Public spats between influencers are great for engagement on social platforms. But if the acrimony continues, Musk may have to reckon again with an exodus of users repelled by his politics. His embrace of Trump sent liberals scurrying to Meta’s Threads and upstart Bluesky. His split with the president could give Trump an opening to lure more conservatives to Truth Social. On Thursday, some X influencers appeared to have calculated they had better prospects by sticking with Musk. An account called DogeDesigner with 41 million followers posted that Musk “sacrificed a lot for Trump” and deserved better treatment. Just last week, Musk had sent it a heart emoji for a post promoting his alliance with the president. Another account called Shibetoshi Nakamoto mused, “can i finally say that trump’s tariffs are super stupid”. In a battle between Musk and Trump, “My money’s on Elon,” conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote, adding that “Trump should be impeached and [US vice president] J.D. Vance should replace him.” Musk reposted it to his followers, adding only: “Yes.” The Washington Post Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter . 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School Infrastructure ICAC inquiry: Boss Anthony Manning asked staff to ‘chase’ friend  Martin Berry over tender schemeSchool building boss asked staff to ‘chase’ friend over tender schemeThe former boss of the NSW government’s school building unit had a contractor “chase” his friend to apply for an internal pre-qualification scheme which allowed him to bid for a tender that eventually netted his firm about $1 million. The Independent Commission Against Corruption on Friday saw text exchanges between former School Infrastructure NSW chief executive Anthony Manning and his friend Martin Berry showing the two were in contact in the lead-up to his registration for a pre-tender scheme within the agency. Witness Martin Berry arrives back at the Independent Commission Against Corruption after the Friday lunch break. Credit: Sam Mooy The texts show that in December 2017 Manning told Berry that a department contractor, Lily Wong, had been “chasing you for me” but was “not aware of our connection”. The exchange related to a pre-qualification scheme that Berry’s company, Heathwest, was required to join to bid for a contract to provide assurance services to the school building agency. ICAC has previously heard that Manning and Berry had known each other since 2006, when they had worked together in the Sydney office of consulting firm Turner & Townsend. The two men became friends and regularly socialised together, including dinners and social catch-ups on Sydney’s northern beaches. In his previous appearance before the inquiry, counsel assisting Jamie Darams, SC, took Berry through a long history of text messages with Manning dating back to 2015 and early 2016 in which they discussed social catch-ups and cricket alongside work. In October 2017, within about six weeks of Manning starting work as the chief executive of School Infrastructure, the two men talked about engaging Heathwest to provide investor assurance services, the inquiry heard in its opening week. At the time, Heathwest was not prequalified under a whole-of-government scheme called the Performance and Management Services Scheme, and the ICAC has heard another School Infrastructure contractor, Lily Wong, had sent emails to Berry prompting him to join it. Wong previously responded “I assume so” when asked whether she had been emailing Berry at the request of Manning. She told the inquiry she was not aware the two men were friends. However, the messages also show Berry was confused by Wong’s requests. He told the ICAC on Friday that he had previously corresponded with her about applying for a prequalification scheme in her role at a separate agency, Infrastructure NSW, and the messages seem to show he initially believed that was why she had approached him. Berry had asked Manning to be a referee for his application to the prequalification panel, and the messages show him chasing the latter to sign the reference so he could bid for a “tender from INSW”. When Manning said he thought Wong had been “chasing you for me”, Berry responded: “all makes sense now”. The ICAC has heard that in total between 2018 and 2022 Berry and his firm, Heathwest, were engaged nine times by School Infrastructure and paid more than $3 million. After Manning and Berry spoke about investor assurance services in October 2017, the latter sent through a document that later formed the basis of the tender for which he was being prompted to join the prequalification scheme. Berry’s firm won the tender, which was originally worth about $87,000. It ended up costing almost $500,000 and was extended for another 12 months for another $500,000. But he told the ICAC on Friday that while he believed the agency would eventually need similar services he did not know the same information would end up in the tender. He said he was “surprised” by the similarities when he was first shown them by ICAC investigators. “Without sounding too arrogant, I would be seen as one of the most knowledgeable people around investor assurance in NSW,” he said. “I would say this is quite generic published material. When I looked at the tender it’s kind of what I expected a tender for investor assurance would look like.” During his previous evidence to the inquiry, text messages between the two men also revealed Manning was responsible for introducing Berry to Sam Sangster, the former chief executive of Health Infrastructure, where Manning worked at the time. Berry was subsequently employed on a contract doing “complex and significant” work on the Royal North Shore Hospital. Manning organised Berry’s buck’s party and attended his wedding, and they were both members of the “Tom, Dick and Harry Breakfast Club” along with various other consultants who were also contracted to do work for the school building agency. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .;0
Interval walking can improve heart health and reduce blood pressure Forget 10,000 steps. The Japanese walking method is easier and fasterAs fitness trends go, there’s lots to like about Japanese walking. It’s free, easy, time efficient and suits anyone unused to exercise. While walking 10,000 steps can take up to 100 minutes, the Japanese walking method takes just half an hour at a time – and the payoff could be healthier blood pressure, better cardio fitness and (maybe) better lower-body strength. Also called interval walking, it was developed by Japanese researchers two decades ago as a way of turning walking into a workout, and is like a soft version of High Intensity Interval Training. With HIIT, you switch between bursts of high intensity movements, like sprinting, and a few minutes of slower paced exercise that let you recover. With interval walking you’re alternating three minutes of walking at a slower pace with three minutes of brisk walking at 70 per cent of your maximum heart rate. Walk, don’t run. The Japanese walking method is accessible to almost all levels of fitness. “If you’re very unfit this could be a great way to kick-start a journey to better fitness. To someone whose fitness level is low, brisk walking is a high intensity activity,” says Dr Angelo Sabag, lecturer in exercise physiology at the University of Sydney. There are good reasons to make a walk more intense. “Exercising at higher intensities helps your heart pump blood more efficiently and improves how your body delivers and uses oxygen. Over time this makes everyday tasks, like walking up a hill feel easier because your body can meet the energy demands more effectively.” Although the Japanese research originally focused more on heart health , other studies have since found that, compared with walking at a steady pace, it can improve blood glucose control for people with diabetes – at least in the short term. “Most studies have only followed people for a few months, so it’s hard to say how effective interval walking is for long-term glucose control. It could be helpful if done regularly, but to continue seeing improvements over time, you’ll likely need to gradually increase the intensity and/or duration of exercise,” Sabag says. Another limitation of interval walking could be its effect on leg strength – the original Japanese research suggested that it may help maintain strength in the thigh muscles. “Walking can improve lower-body strength if you’re not used to doing exercise, but to really improve it you need regular resistance training – ideally twice a week – with exercises like squats and lunges,” he says. “If you enjoy walking but aren’t comfortable with running, and want to increase the intensity of your workouts, adding resistance training is a great option.” Another twist on interval walking is “eccentric walking” which means including muscle-lengthening movements like lunges and up and downhill walking, adds exercise scientist Professor Ken Nosaka from Edith Cowan University. “If you can incorporate these movements into a walk it can improve leg strength,” says Nosaka whose 2023 research with Japanese colleagues found that eight weeks of eccentric walking also improved balance and cognition in a group of older walkers. “It may look eccentric if we include lunges while going for a walk, but the more people do it and benefit from it, the less eccentric it will become.” Does interval walking have brain benefits compared with regular walking? There’s not enough research to know – but there’s evidence that regular HIIT can, and that its effects are long-lasting. Last year, researchers at the University of Queensland found that six months of HIIT training improved brain function, including memory, in healthy 65 to 85-year-olds. Their training involved three weekly treadmill sessions switching between four minutes working at 85 to 95 per cent of their maximum heart rate with three minutes of recovery at a slower pace. “Five years later, the improvements to cognition were still there, even though the participants hadn’t continued doing HIIT,” says Dr Daniel Blackmore, research fellow with the Queensland Brain Institute. But if your aim is to get fitter , Sabag’s advice is to see interval walking as a stepping stone towards better fitness, rather than an end in itself. “It’s a fantastic place to begin – but not your final destination. It’s also important to do something you like doing and that you’ll keep on doing,” he says. How intense is your workout? If you don’t have a device to measure your heart rate, this guide from the Better Health Channel shows you how. Or use their talk test as a rough guide: If you can talk and sing with no puffing, you’re exercising at a low level. If you can comfortably talk, but not sing, you’re doing moderate-intensity activity. If you can’t say more than a few words without gasping for breath, you’re exercising at a vigorous intensity.;0,025
Trump tariffs: Farmers push back on Albanese using beef in trade talksFarmers fear Australia will open its borders to beef from Mexico and Canada, as the Albanese government seeks an exemption from Donald Trump’s tariffs without buckling to US complaints over its teen social media ban and big tech crackdown. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to meet Trump later this month, sparking warnings from farmers that there must be no compromise on biosecurity to appease the White House, after this masthead revealed on Friday that a biosecurity review could let North American beef into Australia. Jim Walker with his cattle on his property at Rawsonville just outside Dubbo. Credit: Belinda Soole. While US farmers have been permitted to export locally grown beef to Australia since 2019, none has been sent. Instead, the US industry wants access for all the beef in its supply chain, including from stock raised in Mexico and Canada but slaughtered in the US. Biosecurity officials have not approved imports from these countries, and Albanese said on Friday that Australia would not compromise its biosecurity status even as he opened the door to restarting beef exports. “We’ll never loosen any rules regarding our biosecurity,” he told ABC Melbourne. “If things can be sorted out in a way that protects our biosecurity – of course, we don’t just say no.” Loading Agriculture sector representatives were briefed on Friday by government officials. They did not reveal details of how Australia could change its rules to accommodate the US beef supply chain, but said the review would be finalised soon. Industry sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said the only way Albanese could appease the Trump administration, without changing Australia’s biosecurity rules, would be if the current review paved the way for all the beef in their supply chain to be sent to Australia. National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said Australia’s disease-free status was crucial for the red meat sector, which depends on its clean reputation to export around 75 per cent of its product overseas. “Let’s be abundantly clear, our biosecurity isn’t a bargaining chip. We have the world’s best standards, backed by science, and that’s how it needs to stay,” Jochinke said. Australia is seeking exemptions on all of its exports under the US’s sweeping tariff regime, but officials believe it is unlikely the 10 per cent baseline will be dropped. The Trump administration has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium imports, which Australian ministers are hopeful can be reduced in line with the UK . On top of beef, the government also plans to use Australia’s abundant supply of critical minerals , which are key to making advanced electronics, as a bargaining chip with the US. Trump administration officials have also expressed frustration about Australia’s sweeping tech agenda that includes a scheme to force firms such as Meta to pay for local news, and a social media ban on under-16s. But a government spokesperson said Australia would not back away from these policies: “The Albanese government is progressing the electoral mandate to implement the social media minimum age and news bargaining reforms.” US beef was banned from Australia in 2003 , following an outbreak in cattle of mad cow disease – an illness that can cause a fatal brain disorder in humans. The ban was lifted in 2019, as the mad cow outbreak subsided. But the risk of disease overseas remains a key sticking point for the Australian red meat sector, which generated $80 billion in turnover last year. The federal government has estimated that a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, for example, could cost the economy $80 billion. Jim Walker, a beef producer at Rawsonville near Dubbo, said farmers would bear the brunt of an outbreak, which could force farmers to destroy their cattle to stop the disease. “We don’t need any outside meat. The giant risk is disease coming in,” Walker said. “I’d shudder to think what would happen to the business if we got foot and mouth here.” Loading One industry representative told this masthead that for the government to maintain credibility for its negotiating skills must get a quid pro quo from the US government with improved access for Australian beef to the US. Australia’s beef exports to the US were worth $3.3 billion last financial year, with about 6 billion American hamburgers made from Australian beef each year. Aluminium and steel exports to the US are worth $1 billion a year. Agriculture sector consultant Patrick Hutchison, of Gibraltar Strategic Advisory said if US exports to Australia restarted, they would be modest. “US exports would only play a very niche role in the market here, like in food service or potentially, US-aligned supermarket chains,” Hutchinson said. Nationals leader David Littleproud said the government must not compromise biosecurity in trade negotiations. “Rather than jeopardise our beef industry, Australia should be leveraging off our strong historical ties and areas such as critical minerals and AUKUS, using real leadership to obtain a fair deal,” he said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Biosecurity Agriculture Anthony Albanese Donald Trump Trade Trade wars Farming Mike Foley is the climate and energy correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Connect via email . Paul Sakkal is Chief Political Correspondent. He previously covered Victorian politics and has won two Walkley awards. Connect via Twitter . Loading From our partners;0,05
Reserve Bank could deliver pre-Christmas rate cuts Reserve Bank could deliver shoppers plenty of pre-Christmas cheer Home buyers could be delivered a financial windfall just in time for Christmas as markets and economists grow increasingly confident the Reserve Bank will deliver a string of interest rate cuts to protect the economy. Softer-than-expected growth figures, ongoing signs that inflationary pressures are moderating, and concern over the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariff war have sharply lifted market expectations of a rate cut when the RBA next meets in early July. Home buyers could have hundreds of dollars extra in their pockets in time for Christmas, amid growing expectations of a string of interest rate cuts. Markets, which have proven more accurate than economists in anticipating the RBA’s changes to rate settings, started the week putting the chance of a quarter percentage point July cut at three-in-four. By the end of the week, expectations were at 97 per cent. Through the rest of the year, markets and many economists believe the bank will bring the official cash rate down from 3.85 per cent to 3.1 per cent. The two cuts delivered by the Reserve since February have saved a person with a $600,000 mortgage about $200 a month in repayments. Three more cuts by December would increase that saving to $500 a month. By this time next year, markets believe the cash rate will be at 2.85 per cent, its lowest level since November 2022. If a person decides not to reduce their monthly repayments, the time taken to repay a 30-year loan could fall by up to eight years. The turnaround in market expectations on future rate cuts was driven in part by the Reserve Bank’s most recent board minutes, which showed that at its May meeting it seriously considered a half percentage point rate reduction, and the soggy national accounts for the March quarter. The economy expanded by a less-than-expected 0.2 per cent through the first three months. Household spending, which accounts for half of all economic activity, increased by 0.4 per cent through the quarter. But those figures confirmed the struggle facing many consumers, especially those facing higher mortgage repayments. Over the past 12 months, consumer spending has increased by just 0.7 per cent. Spending on clothing and footwear grew the fastest, up by 3.2 per cent, closely followed by insurance and financial services, growing by 3.1 per cent. However, consumers spent twice as much on insurance and financial services, at $26 billion, in the March quarter than on clothing. Households sliced spending on new cars and driving those vehicles, expenditure on food grew by just 0.4 per cent, while eating out at restaurants or takeaways lifted by a modest 0.3 per cent. AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina said the figures, on top of the general economic outlook, meant the Reserve Bank would have to consider more rate relief. “This gloomy growth outlook argues for more interest rate relief from the RBA, as the economy is travelling slower than expected. We had been expecting another 0.25 percentage point rate cut at the August, November and February board meetings, but now expect another 0.25 percentage point cut in July,” she said. One concern about further interest rate cuts is that they may drive up property prices in a country with some of the least affordable housing in the developed world. But Westpac’s head of Australian macro-forecasting, Matthew Hassan, said existing high prices would prove an ongoing headwind for the market. He said the February and May rate cuts, on top of expected further rate relief, were providing some impetus to prices. “However, the reaction remains measured to date, consistent with our view that the nature of the easing and the high starting point for prices would see a fairly muted affordability-constrained response,” he said. “All up, where a lift is evident, markets appear to be tracking a slow, shallow turn. That may change. We are wary of housing’s famous interest rate sensitivity. There is also evidence of substantial ‘pent-up’ or delayed activity.” Not everyone is convinced the bank will deliver another cut in July. ANZ’s head of Australian economics, Adam Boyton, noted that the national accounts showed household finances were now improving rapidly, which meant the RBA could hold fire on further interest rate relief. “Household incomes are now showing robust growth, with the level of real income having returned to the pre-COVID trend. Given the strength in income growth, we don’t think it will take much more on the interest rate front to make households confident enough to spend more,” he said. TD Securities, which had expected just a single rate cut this year in August, now thinks the RBA will move again in November. “We do not see a strong case for the RBA to ease again as early as July, but this is where the risk lies. The RBA could justify a July cut as taking out insurance,” TD’s senior Asia-Pacific rates strategist Prashant Newnaha said.;0,05
Sussan Ley says numerology not behind name change Sussan Ley reveals the real reason behind her name changeAustralia’s most famous numerologist is no more. It may have taken Sussan Ley a decade to correct the record, but the opposition leader has declared the mystical practice was not responsible for her decision to add an “s” to her name – or presumably for the excitement and success she has enjoyed since. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has given a new explanation for her decision to add an “s” to her name. “It was a flippant remark I made to a journalist,” Ley told 3AW radio host Tom Elliott on Friday morning. “It’s actually not the reason. It was something I did in my rebel teenage years. I went through a punk phase in those years and added the extra ‘s’. People have been fascinated by the numerology angle, but it is actually not correct.” It certainly sounded correct in 2015, when a profile in the Weekend Australian Magazine quoted Ley describing how she had gone from Susan to Sussan amidst a life far more interesting (she’s been a pilot, a punk and a rouseabout cook) than most politicians experience. “I read about this numerology theory that if you add the numbers that match the letters in your name you can change your personality,” Ley told the magazine . “I worked out that if you added an ‘s’ I would have an incredibly exciting, interesting life and nothing would ever be boring. It’s that simple. And once I’d added the ‘s’ it was really hard to take it away.” We tracked down Kate Legge, the journalist and author who wrote the piece, who says she can’t see why Ley would have given a false or flippant answer in a serious political profile. “She would have been trying to present her best self and I would have been seeking to present the most accurate picture of her as possible,” Legge says. “Why would she have misrepresented such a simple thing? Was she trying to sound more colourful? And why wait so long to correct the record? “This was a magazine story and we had plenty of time to correct and massage any mistakes and misunderstandings. I’m surprised by her retrospective admission, but she’s now opposition leader , and congratulations to her, which probably requires cleaning up her backstory. “I suspect she doesn’t want to appear too woo-woo in her new role.” Sarah Yip, a numerologist, told Sunrise Ley had got her name right with the extra letter. “[Her] original name was a nine. It’s very serious. It’s the old soul,” Yip told the program. “When she added the extra ‘s’, it became a one. Which means she’d go to number one, she’d be highly competitive, it simplified her life purpose.” Ley’s story about the origin of her name has grown more complex. In 2019, she didn’t dispute that the name change was from numerology, but in 2022 suggested the ‘s’ was from a teenage flirtation with the theory but no actual belief in it. Her opponents in last month’s Liberal leadership contest were all too eager to present it as a sincere belief. In an unsigned hit sheet circulated among party members, leadership candidate Angus Taylor was described as an Anglican, and erstwhile rival Dan Tehan a Catholic. Ley’s “declared faith”? “Numerology,” the sheet read.;-0,15
Greens call on defector to do ‘honourable thing’ and resignGreens MP Sarah Hanson-Young says Senator Dorinda Cox should have quit parliament when she defected to join Labor earlier this week, escalating the minor party’s criticism of its former First Nations spokeswoman. The comment reflects the anger towards Cox from the Greens and goes further than comments made by party leader Larissa Waters, who said earlier this week that she wished her former colleague well. Dorinda Cox said she had lost confidence in the Greens and felt her values aligned with Labor. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Hanson-Young said that for an MP to be elected to represent one party and then shift to another was unfair on the people who voted for them. “I do think the honourable thing is to resign from the parliament,” Hanson-Young said in Canberra. “But, you know, they are not the rules, and so we’re left where we are. “Anthony Albanese helped secure Cox’s defection. But last year, he criticised Senator Fatima Payman for doing the same thing as Cox by leaving the party under whose banner she was elected, but retaining her position in the Senate. “There is a bit of hypocrisy, of course, about how Labor has responded to this. It wasn’t OK to jump ship for Fatima Payman , but apparently when it’s people coming to them, it’s all OK. “There is a bit of rank arrogance and cockiness that is creeping in to the Labor Party after this election.” The Greens praised Payman when she left the Labor Party last year. Former leader Adam Bandt said at the time: “I think it’s a very courageous move from her, and I think you can see from all of the media that she’s given that it is being done on a matter of principle.” Albanese has defended Cox’s decision to join Labor this week, arguing she would face voters at the next election if she won preselection, and on Thursday dismissed the Greens’ calls. “It is not surprising that the Greens political party will put forward some opposition to what has occurred, but Senator Cox has made a decision, and she has decided that the way that she will advance her values is through a party of government,” Albanese said. He said bullying allegations against the senator, which Cox has consistently denied, had been “dealt with” . “There is an independent process for those things to be dealt with,” Albanese said. Cox said on Monday that her “values and priorities are more aligned with Labor than the Greens”. “I’ve worked hard to make Australia fairer and much more reconciled. But recently, I’ve lost some confidence in the capacity for the Greens to assist me in being able to progress this.” This masthead revealed on Wednesday that Cox had made withering criticisms of Labor when she applied to the Greens to run as a senator in 2020. “I was let down by what I found to be a patronising attitude towards women and people of colour,” she wrote that year. “Finally, leaving when it became clear that they cared more about election donors that [sic] the views of members.” On Tuesday, a text message from 2023 where Cox called One Nation leader Pauline Hanson a “f---ing retard” was leaked, in a further sign of the depth of anger felt by the Greens toward the party’s former senator.;0,3
Workers compensation legislation faces second inquiry after government loses first battle Workers compensation legislation to face second inquiry after government loses first battle The NSW Labor government’s contentious workers compensation bill has been dealt a major blow and will be delayed indefinitely after Treasurer Daniel Mookhey failed to convince the Coalition and crossbenchers to back his reforms. To avoid an embarrassing loss in the upper house, the government did not oppose the Coalition’s push to have a second inquiry into the bill, which will occur over at least two weeks and have broad powers to interrogate the data and modelling underpinning the proposed legislation. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey claimed the Coalition’s amendments to the government’s workers compensation legislation would cost $1.9 billion. The proposed changes included increasing the Whole of Person Impairment (WPI) threshold to 31 per cent, limiting the capacity for people with serious psychological injury to receive long-term support or claim damages. Mookhey had warned the Coalition’s amendments to the legislation would cost the state $1.9 billion. This will be the second time the legislation is considered by an inquiry, after a snap one-day hearing was held in mid-May. Some Labor backbenchers had circulated a draft letter imploring the premier to delay the introduction of the bill. Opposition treasury spokesman Damien Tudehope acknowledged he and Mookhey seemed to “have swapped friends” as he argued an inquiry was fundamental to understand the inherent risks with the reforms, a process he believed should have begun in October last year. Mookhey, who hoped the legislation would be debated and passed on Thursday, argued an inquiry would miss an opportunity to begin repairing the state’s workers compensation system, providing certainty to injured workers and small businesses ahead of three successive years of 12 per cent cost rises in premiums. “I understand as well the point that the shadow treasurer is making about the desire to familiarise himself further with data, but that comes at an expense, that is the opportunity cost we have to fix this system,” he said. “I urge the house to do its job today.” Greens MP Abigail Boyd accused the government of employing “secrecy, deception, the blatant mistruths” as it made the public case for reform, despite the serious impacts the reforms would have on vulnerable workers. “A bill that is literally about life and death,” she said. Boyd said the budget’s bottom line, rather than premiums, as claimed by Mookhey, was the primary driver of the need for reform, saying there had been a “complete breach of trust” because of the government’s conduct. She questioned whether any Labor MP would have thought that they would be championing these reforms two years ago. As part of the negotiated solution, one of the Coalition’s motions, referring the legislation to the Public Accountability and Works Committee, was amended by independent MP Mark Latham, providing the committee with scope to interrogate details and modelling underpinning the proposed reforms. With several states already pursuing similar reforms, Latham said he hoped an inquiry would consider the evidence from other jurisdictions including Victoria, where he said costs had been contained by excluding through definitions – rather than as proposed by Mookhey, by curtailing the duration of payments. The unusual addition, that “the committee should … consider making use of the services of any staff or facilities of a government department, administrative office or public body” underscores the bargaining position the crossbench wielded in their negotiations with the treasurer. While there was an intention to bring the legislation back to be voted on in late June, the amendment was open-ended, ensuring the government did not seek to undermine the committee’s work. One crossbencher, speaking on the condition of anonymity, characterised the senior government members as “panicked” and “rattled” during negotiations throughout Wednesday night and Thursday – a view corroborated by a Labor upper house MP. The committee would first meet on Friday, upper house sources said, with independent MP Taylor Martin to be added as a participating member. While the brokered amendment was intended to see the bill return to parliament in late June, an open-ended provision was inserted to stop the government from interfering in the committee’s business, upper house sources involved in negotiations said.;0,1
Illegal tobacco Australia: NSW Police don’t know how many shops sell black-market tobacco Police don’t know how many shops are selling illegal tobacco NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has warned that law enforcement officers cannot be expected to regulate the ballooning tobacco black market and conceded it was not clear how many tobacconist retailers would sign up to a new licensing scheme designed to combat the problem. After Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Wednesday ruled out scaling back the tax on tobacco – which has rocketed from 26 cents per cigarette in 2010 to $1.37 in September 2024 – the debate has shifted to who should take on greater responsibility for tackling the explosion of illicit products. Catley on Thursday downplayed the idea that police should take over from NSW Health to enforce compliance, despite Premier Chris Minns earlier this week raising the prospect of handing officers a greater role in tackling black market tobacco. “Police aren’t regulators, and there’s no question about that. They are not regulators. The police are out there catching crooks, and that’s what we want them to do,” Catley said. Earlier this week, Minns ignited a conversation over whether the federal government’s “massive” excise on tobacco should be reduced as a means of combatting the explosion of illegal tobacco and vapes across Australia, with the lucrative trade providing a rich vein of revenue for criminal organisations. But with NSW Health and the existing regulatory framework failing to stem the number of shops selling illicit tobacco, Catley said the introduction of a licensing scheme from July 1 would give the government a better understanding of “how many shops are turning up” and “where they are”. Police thought there might be about 6000 to 8000 tobacco retailers, but that was “anecdotal”, Catley said. Oversight of the current retail identification number (RIN) required to sell tobacco products was poor, senior government sources said, with little punishment for failing to register under the scheme. On Thursday, the store manager of an EzyMart near Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD told the Herald he was aware of the new licensing scheme, saying: “Of course, all the shops have to be signed up.” But the owner of a souvenir shop which sells tobacco near Parliament House on Macquarie Street was initially unaware of the changes coming into effect in less than a month. “What’s that about?” he said, before later recalling Health NSW officials, who visited the store on Wednesday to investigate reports the shop sold illegal tobacco, had advised staff about how to apply for the new licence. Edward Jegasothy, a lecturer at University of Sydney’s School of Public Health, said the premier’s call to reduce the tobacco excise was a “good point”, casting doubt on the capacity for the state’s licensing scheme to address the prevalence of illegal retailers. “I agree the tax is the main driver for the illicit trade taking over the tobacco market,” he said. “We need to be seriously looking at winding it back to zero. Given how much of a problem the black market is, it definitely needs to be on the table. The tax itself hasn’t proven to be effective in reducing public smoking rates.” Deakin University senior lecturer in criminology James Martin said there was no historical example of a black market of this size being dealt with via enforcement, saying licensing was reliant on retailers playing by the rules, an unlikely proposition given the infiltration of criminal enterprise into the sector. “We don’t know exactly how much of the trade is dominated by organised crime. But we know it’s a lot and it’s worsening with each tax hike. Criminal enterprise won’t necessarily start playing by the rules once this licensing scheme comes into effect,” he said. “Declines in legal tobacco sales were around 30 per cent last year. No industry can survive year-on-year declines like we do with legal tobacco. Legal tobacconists are going out of business and being replaced by illegal ones.” As part of modelling conducted for the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), Tulipwood Economics concluded the legal tobacco market was in “terminal decline” and would be eclipsed by demand for illicit products by 2026-27, with excise revenue declining year-on-year until July 2029. The report found only a combination of freezing the tobacco excise, a regulatory crackdown and legislation of products such as vapes or nicotine pouches would stem the fall of revenue from the excise and GST. Illegal tobacco is estimated to represent nearly 40 per cent of the market currently. Chalmers said the Albanese government was not considering lowering or freezing the tobacco excise, saying he did not believe the excise was causing the proliferation of illicit tobacco products, making a veiled criticism of the compliance arrangement. “I’m not proposing to cut taxes on cigarettes to make them cheaper for people,” he said. “I respectfully disagree with Chris [Minns] … I think the answer here is to get better at compliance, and the [federal government] have come to the table … with hundreds of millions of dollars of new funding to try and combat the scourge of illegal tobacco.” Chalmers acknowledged a decline in national tobacco consumption figures might in part reflect the growing market for illegal tobacco, but said he did not think the federal excise was to blame. “More people are giving up the darts, but more people are also doing the wrong thing. I’m not convinced that cutting the excise on cigarettes would mean that that would be the end of illegal activity.”;-0,075
AMP building reopens as a glittering star on Circular QuaySaved from the wrecking ball, AMP building reopens as a glittering star on Circular Quay There was a frogman in its seawater tank. And the glass facade of the skyscraper was sprinkled with gold dust. Little wonder that the 1962 opening of Australia’s then-tallest building, the 117-metre-high AMP “Sydney Cove” building at Sydney’s Circular Quay, would excite the nation and attract a million tourists, including Queen Elizabeth, to its observation deck within a year. Opening the modernist H-shaped office block at 33 Alfred Street, then-prime minister Sir Robert Menzies said it was a “towering symbol” that “quickened the imagination”. The city’s first real skyscraper, the 26-storey office block by the late architect Graham Thorp, took advantage of a change in legislation to break the city’s 150-foot (46-metre) height limit imposed in 1912. That started “the skyscraper phenomenon” of higher buildings and increased density. Until then, Sydney had been a short and old-fashioned city, and the public feared it would go the way of New York. The AMP Building in Circular Quay was officially reopened on Friday. On Friday morning, Premier Chris Minns and Lord Mayor Clover Moore reopened the 63-year-old building at 33 Alfred Street. Minns said: “The great thing about this project is that they didn’t call in the wrecking balls. They called in some of our best architects and engineers and created an absolutely beautiful building.” The reopening follows a three-year restoration and modernisation by architects Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW), heritage consultants Urbis, and construction company Built for co-owners Dexus Wholesale Property Fund and Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund. With AMP now housed in the Quay Quarter building, the newly modernised office block is expected to become home to some of Australia’s top law firms, including Allens which is expected to take over the floor that was once a public observation deck. As Sydney’s first real skyscraper, Minns said 33 Alfred had helped define the city. A symbol of post-war growth and architectural ambition, it married the best of the old with the best of the new. “What this project shows is we can still do great things in the city.” He was taken with the curve of the roof seen from the observation deck: “When it is stretched against the blue sky on a wonderful Friday in Sydney, it looks like the wing of a Pan Am airplane. They don’t make buildings like that any more.” Moore said the AMP building had to go up in height so it could look over the Cahill Expressway, which she described as a continuing blight that blocked views and separated the city from the harbour. By retaining the AMP instead of demolishing it, Moore said the redevelopment had saved tonnes of carbon and reduced emissions. It was also the culmination of the city’s award-winning Quay Quarter redevelopment, which resulted in new laneways with restaurants and the restoration and reuse of heritage buildings. Dexus said the building had been transformed into a state-of-the-art office tower spanning about 32,000 square metres. Its reuse of the existing structure minimised landfill waste, extended the lifecycle of the building and was developed to achieve a 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating for the base building, and a 6-Star Green Star. Its heritage listing by the state two years ago said the facade was covered with gold dust. Dexus’ general manager of development Nicholas Wilkinson said he didn’t think it was real. “I wish it was,” he said. Thorp wrote in the Herald in 1962 that the building’s shape would not have been seen elsewhere in the world. A curtain wall spandrel with gold-fused backing was used to give a reflective surface with a constantly changing pattern in sunlight. During the restoration, parts of the original facade – the famous curtain walls – were retained. The rest was updated with a material that Wilkinson said sparkled like the original to honour its heritage but used contemporary techniques. The windows were also changed because the views across one of the world’s most famous harbours were “located somewhere between the hips and the chin of the average person standing up. With some smart design, there is now a good line of sight to the harbour.” “That’s where the magic happens,” he said. Nobody has any record of the original frogmen who cleaned the seawater air-conditioning system that created a steady indoor climate in the building. During the restoration, Wilkinson said divers had cleaned and repaired pipes under the ferry wharves to remove seawater, crustaceans, and other matter. Built in 21 months, it was expected to last 40 years. But now it appears increasingly small in contrast with many other tall buildings, including Sydney’s tallest, One Crown at 271 metres high, and others expected to go even higher. Wilkinson said engineers had certified the newly renovated office block for another 50 years, but they expected it would outlast that estimate. He said the building was now setting a precedent for the sensitive renewal and reuse of existing heritage buildings. Many of its features are things we now take for granted. There were 400 to 500 power points in every floor, Wilkinson said. It had windows that didn’t open, a novelty at that time, and was one of the first buildings to house large computing equipment and banks of speedy lifts. It had a vertical conveyer to transfer papers up and down the building. Music was piped into some floors to calm staff. It included decorative panels, art, and about 6690 square metres of glass mosaic tiles and 4600 square metres of Italian and Australian marble. This telegraphed that customers were in safe hands taking out life insurance with the company. Wilkinson said: “It really did set the benchmark.” James Bosanquet of the National Trust of Australia, NSW, said the AMP was promoted as a modernist marvel and really changed Sydney. “Before then, we had modernist buildings, but nothing on this scale.” It may have looked like a “modern mausoleum on the harbour”, he said, but its curved walls allowed it to control the amount of light throughout the day. It was among many changes to transform Circular Quay about that time, ranging from the railway in 1954, the Cahill Expressway in 1958, the Overseas Passenger Terminal (also 1958), and later, in 1973, the Opera House. “An awful lot was happening quickly, and it reflected the feeling that Sydney was coming of age.” Professor Philip Oldfield, the head of the School of Built Environment at the University of NSW, said it was Sydney’s first real skyscraper, “built with all the mod cons you’d expect for a post-war office – open plan floor plates, curtain wall glazing, and even novel spray-on fire-proofing to the steel frame.” Skyscrapers had been springing up in cities around the world. But in Sydney, Oldfield said, fears about the fire safety of taller buildings, and a desire to extend the city outwards rather than upwards, resulted in the 1912 Height of Buildings Act, which limited buildings to about 13 storeys. “It wasn’t until 1957 when the legislation was changed, fuelled by competition with Melbourne, that buildings like the AMP Tower became possible.”;0,15
Arab-Islamic committee urges ceasefire, aid access as Israeli strikes devastate GazaA high-level ministerial committee formed by the Arab-Islamic extraordinary summit on Gaza has called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, along with unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. The appeal comes as Israeli airstrikes continued for a second consecutive day in northern Gaza, deepening what the committee warned is an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. The committee—chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and including top diplomats from Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit—held a virtual meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and senior Palestinian officials. The ministers briefed Abbas on diplomatic efforts to end the war, lift the blockade on Gaza, and prepare for a high-level international peace conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France this June in New York. The conference will seek to revive the two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. In their statement, the ministers voiced strong support for mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. They urged Israel to immediately allow the entry of humanitarian and medical aid, grant full access to United Nations agencies—particularly UNRWA—and end its military escalation in both Gaza and the West Bank. The committee also called for an international recovery and reconstruction conference to be convened in Cairo as soon as a ceasefire is achieved. It condemned Israel’s obstruction of the committee’s planned visit to Ramallah, describing it as a violation of diplomatic norms and a reflection of what they called the Israeli government’s “extremist” policies that block aid and derail peace efforts. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes intensified across northern Gaza on Sunday, targeting residential buildings and high-rises in Gaza City and surrounding areas. Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that roughly 70 residential structures had been destroyed over a 48-hour period, worsening the crisis in one of the world’s most densely populated areas. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 37 people were killed and 136 injured in the past 24 hours. The death toll since Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18 has reached 4,149. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, more than 54,400 Palestinians have been killed and over 124,000 injured, according to local health authorities. In one of the deadliest recent incidents, an Israeli airstrike targeted a crowd near an aid distribution site in Rafah, killing at least 31 people and seriously injuring dozens more. Gaza health officials reported that all victims had been shot in the head or chest, calling it a deliberate targeting of civilians. In Israel, missile sirens temporarily halted operations at Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday after a projectile was detected from Yemen. Israeli media reported that the U.S.-supplied THAAD missile defense system likely intercepted the projectile, prompting a brief airspace closure, according to Channel 12. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, warned that delivering aid in Gaza had become a “deadly trap,” and urged Israel to lift its blockade and allow secure, unrestricted humanitarian access. The crisis is compounded by Gaza’s worsening water shortage. The Gaza City municipality reported that 75% of water wells have been destroyed since October, reducing available daily water supplies to just 35,000 cubic meters—down from 120,000 before the war. Officials warned of looming health and environmental disasters unless emergency relief is delivered soon. Diplomatic momentum for a truce appears to be growing. A senior Hamas official told Reuters the group had responded positively to a new ceasefire proposal but requested several amendments. A Palestinian source familiar with the talks said Hamas is seeking a phased release of hostages over a proposed 60-day truce, broader aid distribution, and international guarantees that any agreement will lead to a permanent ceasefire. Despite these developments, the bombardment of Gaza continues unabated, with destruction mounting and hopes for a durable political resolution still uncertain.;0,4
Namibia mourns former Zambian president Lungu President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, highlighting his efforts to strengthen Namibia-Zambia relations. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who served as both prime minister and deputy minister of international relations during that time, said Lungu consistently worked to deepen cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. “The passing on of former president Lungu is deeply felt by the Namibian people, who have forged strong bonds of friendship with the Zambian people over many decades,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said in a condolence message on Friday. Lungu, who died at the age of 68 on Thursday, led Zambia for six years from 2015, losing the 2021 election to current president Hakainde Hichilema. “During this period of profound sorrow for the Zambian nation, I wish to assure the sister Republic of Zambia and its people that the Namibian people stand with you in grief,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.;0
Euro defies rate-cut logic as European Central Bank moves fail to shake confidence in currency’s strength Despite widespread expectations of a 25-basis point rate cut at the European Central Bank’s meeting today, the euro remains remarkably resilient, defying conventional financial logic and keeping pressure on global currency markets. The euro-dollar exchange rate, a critical barometer of global capital flows, has surged more than 11% in the first half of 2025. Ordinarily, such gains would be unlikely in the face of looser eurozone monetary policy and a widening yield gap with the United States (US). But analysts say the traditional levers that typically drive currency moves have broken down, ushering in a new era where structural, not cyclical, forces are in control. “The market is no longer dancing to the usual interest rate tune. The fact that the euro is holding firm even as the ECB cuts rates shows that deeper shifts are at play, particularly a strategic rethink around the US dollar,” says Max Rix, an economist at Simonis Storm. Historically, a dovish ECB combined with a more patient US Federal Reserve would depress the euro by incentivising capital flows to higher-yielding US assets. Yet, the opposite has happened. The two-year yield differential between the eurozone and the US has widened to over 200 basis points, but instead of falling, the euro has rallied, a clear sign that global investors are looking past short-term returns. Rix notes that concerns over the long-term sustainability of the US’ fiscal position are prompting some investors to hedge against dollar risk. “There’s growing unease about America’s ballooning debt and its implications for the dollar’s role as the global reserve currency. For some, the euro, despite Europe’s own challenges, is seen as the lesser evil,” he says. For now, the euro appears to be buoyed by structural capital flows, and unless the dollar narrative changes dramatically, euro strength may become the new norm.;0,1
Trump and Musk trade insults as row erupts in public viewThe rift between United States (US) president Donald Trump and his former adviser Elon Musk has erupted into the open, with each trading insults after the tech billionaire criticised one of Trump’s key domestic policies. The two billionaires escalated the feud throughout Thursday, lobbing barbs at each other on the social media sites they each own, suggesting a bitter conclusion to their unlikely alliance. The day began with Trump saying he was “disappointed” with Musk’s criticisms of his administration’s centrepiece tax and spending bill, musing that it may be the end of their “great relationship”. Musk then accused Trump of “ingratitude”, adding: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election.” After hours of sparring, Trump appeared to downplay the situation. “Oh it’s okay,” he told news site Politico. “It’s going very well, never done better.” His aides have scheduled a phone call with Musk for Friday, the same news site reported. Musk also appeared to believe there was a need to patch things up. Late on Thursday, in response to post by Bill Ackman, a prominent Trump backer, which suggested the pair needed to make peace, he wrote: “You’re not wrong.” The breaking point in the relationship between the president and his one-time ally came after weeks of Musk lobbying against Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending bill, which was passed by the US House last month and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. Shortly after leaving the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) after 129 days in the job, Musk took to his site X to call the bill a “disgusting abomination” and posting: “Shame on those who voted for it: You know you did wrong.” He argued that the bill will irresponsibly add to the US national debt, and encouraged his followers to phone their representatives to express opposition to the spending plan. Speaking to reporters during a news conference with German chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, Trump defended the bill and said: “I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here. All of a sudden he had a problem.” He went on to suggest that Musk was upset about the removal of subsidies and mandates for electric vehicles, which could affect his Tesla business. Musk denied this was the case and wrote: “Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill.” ‘Pork’ is a term used in US politics to describe wasteful government spending, particularly on things meant to curry favour with particular groups or local areas. The partnership between the two men began when Musk endorsed Trump last July after an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. The Tesla boss reportedly funnelled US$290 million (N$5 billion) into getting him back into the White House. Amid a flurry of posts on X after Thursday’s news conference, Musk took credit for the sweeping Republican victory in last November’s election, writing: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.” “Such ingratitude,” he added. Musk went on to post a poll, asking his followers: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?” Over the course of the day, Musk went on to repost a tweet calling for Trump to resign, argue that his global tariff plan will trigger a US recession, and to suggest without evidence that Trump appears in unreleased files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and died by suicide while awaiting trial. Trump was president at the time. He said he knew Epstein “like everybody in Palm Beach knew him”, but had a “falling out with him a long time ago”. The White House condemned Musk’s allegation, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying in a statement: “This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted.” On his Truth Social network, Trump claimed that Musk “just went CRAZY” and went on to post: “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink have direct contacts with the US government and, like many other businesses, also benefit from subsidies and tax breaks. In response, Musk said SpaceX “will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately”. The craft is used to shuttle people and supplies to the International Space Station. However, he later he appeared to back down from that threat, saying in response to a post on X urging him to cool off: “Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.” Tesla stock dropped by 14% within hours of the row bursting out into public. According to the most recent analysis from the nonpartisan congressional budget office, the spending bill working its way through Congress will increase the US national debt by US$2.4 trillion over 10 years and leave nearly 11 million people without government-backed health insurance. The White House disputes those figures, saying they don’t account for revenues brought in by increased tariffs. Put in charge of radically slashing government spending at Doge, Musk initiated mass sackings and wholesale elimination of departments such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Doge claims to have saved US$180 billion, although that number has been disputed, and is well short of Musk’s initial aim to cut spending by up to US$2 trillion.;-0,225
Walvis Bay police seize cannabis worth almost N$380 000 in Tutaleni drug raidBy Lillian Beresford 6 June 2025 The Walvis Bay police seized nearly 8kg of cannabis during a raid at the Otweya in Tutaleni on Wednesday morning. The drugs were valued at N$379 900. “Information was received about a young man suspected to keep drugs at his ghetto. An operation was held leading to the discovery of cannabis and the arrest of two suspects,” senior inspector Judith Shomongula said. Two suspects, aged 20 and 31 respectively, will be appearing in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Police investigations are ongoing.;0
"Bank of Namibia, Unam seal deal to 2029, pledge free lectures and shared brainpower The Bank of Namibia and the University of Namibia (Unam) have renewed their partnership to strengthen education, research and institutional collaboration until 2029. The agreement, which has been in place since 2014, signifies their continued intention to work together to better invest in Namibia’s education and development. “The cooperation agreement is underpinned by four central pillars: academic support, joint research, capacity building and institutional collaboration,” the two institutions say in a joint announcement. One notable facet is that the Bank of Namibia (BoN) will continue to make its staff available, especially those with doctoral titles, as guest-lecturers at no cost to the university. The institutions will continue to work together on research initiatives around the country’s developmental challenges. Further, the agreement sets up a framework for them to co-host events such as seminars and conferences. “The intention is to foster deeper understanding of the country’s socio-economic dynamics and enhance the capabilities of both students and professionals,” the statement reads. Reflecting on the importance of this agreement, the BoN deputy governor Leonie Dunn says: “This partnership is more than an educational initiative; it is an investment in the intellectual infrastructure of Namibia. We believe that through research, teaching and public dialogue, we can help shape a future of informed policymaking and economic resilience.”";0,2
Makari's voice for justice and hope falls silent Makari’s voice for justice and hope falls silent By Ellen Albertz 6 June 2025 Church and community leaders have paid tribute to the late deputy bishop Zach Makari, remembering his activism, mentorship and role in Namibia’s HIV response. Church of Africa secretary general Ileni Henguva remembers Makari as a mentor and motivational speaker whom government institutions and schools would invite to uplift and inspire at various events. Henguva says Makari was a man of the people who could not stand injustice and worked tirelessly and voluntarily for the good of the church and the community. The secretary general said this at a memorial service held at Church of Africa in Windhoek in Makari’s honour on Wednesday. The deputy bishop died at the age of 58 at home in Windhoek on Saturday. “The church lost a good servant of the word of God. He contributed a lot to the church’s growth. He played a significant role in bringing the church up from community level up to the national level. “We are left not knowing where to start. We lost our archbishop at the beginning of the year and he was acting. It is a big loss,” Henguva said. He said Makari played an instrumental role in student politics and in the formation of the National Youth Council. He was also involved in the formation of Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) and many other youth organisations in the country. “He worked for the Namibia Network of AIDS Service Organisation (Nanaso), which is the national umbrella body for non-governmental organisations working on HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and other emerging epidemics in Namibia,” Henguva said. Nanaso director Sandi Tjaronda says the role Makari played during the early days of HIV-AIDS in the 1980’s, when no antiretroviral therapy existed, will not be forgotten. “Makari was there from the beginning when HIV was a deadly disease and a death sentence for those who tested positive for the disease. Those people relied on the strength, encouragement and support of Makari and others. Helping with care in hospitals and at home,” he says. Tjaronda says Makari played a key role in the progress the country made in controlling the HIV epidemic, exceeding the joint United Nations programme on HIV-AIDS (Unaids) targets for viral suppression and achieving substantial reductions in HIV incidence, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. “He was there from those days when people were dying like flies from AIDS, until now that HIV-AIDS is no longer considered an epidemic. He played a big role in helping Namibia achieve that classification,” the director says. Makari served as an HIV-AIDS activist and advocacy officer at Nanaso from 1991 till his death. He will be buried at Okahumandu village in the Omaheke region’s Aminuis constituency on Sunday. Makari’s brother, Rukee Moelanjane, has confirmed the burial details. His body will be transported to Okahumandu village on Friday, where a memorial service will be held at 16h00. “Saturday is reserved for the last memorial service, while the burial is set for Sunday morning,” Moelanjane says. Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month . Invest in journalism, invest in democracy – Subscribe Now!;0,275
Teacher sues The Namibian for N$300 000 over medical privacy A teacher accusing a pharmacy of dispensing wrong prescribed medication to him is suing The Namibian for N$300 000, claiming the newspaper violated his privacy and defamed him by reporting about a letter of demand that his lawyer sent to the pharmacy. Testifying in the Windhoek High Court yesterday, Fillipus Kavera told judge Beatrix de Jager the newspaper’s publication of an article in November 2022 has affected him more deeply than the pharmacy’s dispensing of incorrect medication to him, and that he felt his privacy was violated. “This violation of privacy not only breached my trust in this widely distributed newspaper, but left me feeling exposed, vulnerable and powerless,” he said. “I have lost a sense of self-worth and suffer from humiliation daily,” Kavera also told the judge. He went on to say that the newspaper’s article contained private medical details which were not relevant or necessary for public disclosure. “By publishing this information, the defendants have recklessly disregarded my privacy, exposing me to unwarranted public scrutiny and distress,” Kavera stated. The article has caused him shame and embarrassment, he said as well. Kavera is suing The Namibian’s editor, Tangeni Amupadhi, The Free Press of Namibia, which is the company owning the newspaper, and the newspaper’s printer, Word Press Namibia, for N$300 000. He is claiming N$150 000 from the three defendants for allegedly violating his right to privacy, and is also claiming N$150 000 for alleged defamation. The three defendants are opposing his claim. In the article that left Kavera feeling aggrieved, it was reported that a lawyer representing Kavera, Bernhard Tjatjara, had sent a letter to a pharmacy at Rundu, Kavmed Pharmacy, in which he demanded a payment of N$1 million to Kavera. The demand for the payment was based on allegations that Kavera had been prescribed the medication Depo-Testosterone by a doctor, and that instead of giving that medication to his wife when she visited the pharmacy, she was given a contraceptive for women, Depo-Provera, instead. Kavera was thereafter injected with the wrong medication. Kavera is suing Kavmed Pharmacy for N$1 million in a case filed at the Windhoek High Court in November 2022. In a plea filed at the court on behalf of Amupadhi, The Free Press of Namibia and Word Press Namibia, lawyer Uno Katjipuka-Sibolile says Tjatjara provided the letter of demand on which the article was based to the writer of the article, reporter Petrus Muronga, “for the express purpose of publication” and while acting as Kavera’s agent. Kavera yesterday denied that he gave any mandate to Tjatjara to share the letter with the newspaper. Katjipuka-Sibolile also says in the plea that the three defendants deny the publication of the article constituted an intentional infringement of Kavera’s right to privacy or an unjustified aggression on his dignity. The article was published with the aim of drawing attention to what appeared to be reckless and negligent conduct on the part of a pharmacist, and to highlight Kavera’s claim against the pharmacy in the interest of accountability, Katjipuka-Sibolile says further in the plea. She records as well that Amupadhi and the newspaper have offered to have Kavera’s name removed from The Namibian’s website and social media platforms. However, Kavera has refused this offer. Katjipuka-Sibolile also noted in the plea that Kavera has not asked that his case against the three newspaper defendants and his case against the pharmacy be heard in camera (behind closed doors), with the result that both matters are public legal proceedings. Kavera, who is represented by legal counsel Eva Shifotoka and Saraphina Paulus, concluded his testimony yesterday. Katjipuka-Sibolile informed the judge that she is considering applying for the defendants to be absolved from Kavera’s claim today.;0
Uukwambi royal family calls for restoration of kingship, vacant since 1932 under colonial rule Herman Iipumbu By Eliaser Ndeyanale 5 June 2025 The Uukwambi royal family is calling for the restoration of kingship, saying the position has remained vacant since colonial rule. The Uukwambi last had a chief in 1932 after chief Iipumbu ya Tshilongo was abducted by South African authorities. They are now under the chieftanship of Herman Iipumbu, who yesterday told The Namibian he has been at the helm of the traditional authority for 40 years. Johaness Tshalonda, who claims to be a member of the royal family, yesterday said although the family wants the Uukwambi to have a chief, they are not pushing for Iipumbu’s removal. “He is our family member. He is our father. Silas Iipumbu was my grandfather and we are not saying he should be removed. We are saying the vacant position of a king that exists in Uukwambi should be filled. “We are a peaceful group. We are not terrorists. We want the king to be installed peacefully, and we are going to discuss it with chief Iipumbu,” he said. Tshalonda said the family had written a letter to Iipumbu. Uukwambi Royal Council chairperson Anna Festus in a statement says Uukwambi headmen are from Iipumbu ya Tshilongo’s bloodline. “We thus regard the restoration of the Uukwambi kingship to be long overdue after more than 35 years of independence from colonial rule.” Festus also addresses the controversy surrounding a planned event in August 2024 at Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo, which was intended to commemorate the 1932 bombing of Iipumbu’s palace. “It is important to emphasise that the commemoration was meant to be a family event and not an Aakwambi event,” the release states. According to Festus, they invited the Uukwambi Traditional Authority (UTA) to attend the commemorative event. However, the authority declined the invitation, citing a prior commitment to a Roman Catholic Church centennial event at Oshikuku. The UTA also took legal action to stop the event. “The Uukwambi royal family nevertheless proceeded with preparations, only to be issued a letter from Sisa Namandje lawyers, threatening to get a court interdict prohibiting further attempts to go ahead with the preparations.” The case ended up in court, where a ruling favoured the UTA. The royal family was ordered to pay legal costs, which they say have been “fully settled”. The UTA in court documents accuses the royal family of attempting to “illegally appoint and install the king for Uukwambi” and claims the event could incite violence. The family dismisses the allegations as “fabrications”. “Even though the invitation to the Okakango Ka Abed Ha Kandongo event to UTA came from the royal family, they opted to take individuals to court, arguing they unlawfully represent the Uukwambi traditional community.” Iipumbu declined to comment on the matter yesterday.;-0,125
Free education will focus on skills before books – Steenkamp Free tertiary education will focus on fields critical to Namibia’s economic growth, addressing a mismatch between graduate output and labour market demands. Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp says Namibia’s education system is vital for its economic development and needs to equip the workforce with the skills needed for a modern, knowledge-based industrial economy. She says free tertiary education will, therefore, be linked to the needs and demands of the country’s key sectors. Steenkamp said this during a courtesy visit to //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick at Keetmanshoop on Tuesday. The purpose of the visit was to engage with schools and visit youth centres and sport facilities, as well as higher education and vocational institutions in the region. “So it is not a given that free education will be open, where we just train without taking note of the key priority needs our country has and needs to focus on,” the minister said. Speaking at an International Workers’ Day event at Oshakati last month, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah identified sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, tourism and fisheries as key economic engines with the potential to unlock employment opportunities for many Namibians. The president said the country is blessed with abundant renewable and non-renewable energy resources, which must be seized through value-addition for the benefit of all people. “However, this potential remains far-fetched if we continue to export raw materials without processing them,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the export of finished products will present compelling opportunities for local entrepreneurs to invest in the manufacturing sector and emerging industries, such as sport and the creative sectors. “While calling for direct foreign investment in our economy, we must have deliberate programmes aimed at strengthening local businesses and entrepreneurs. We have to invest in home-grown initiatives that do not only enhance the value of our resources, but also transform and grow our economy, create wealth, empower our communities, create sustainable jobs and accelerate development,” she said. The education ministry in a media statement released on Tuesday urged tertiary institutions to curb their intake of teacher trainees in fields that are already saturated and rather prioritise those with shortages. Many graduates struggle to find jobs because the education system does not adequately prepare them for entrepreneurship or specialised industries, the statement noted. The ministry acknowledged the mismatch between graduates and job market needs. “We have reached out to our tertiary institutions to reduce their intake of teacher trainees as institutions of higher learning are producing more teachers than the system can accommodate,” the statement reads. The Namibian has reported that the number of unemployed teachers has almost doubled from 8 000 between 2017 and 2023 to 15 000 between 2023 and 2025. Hundreds of them took to the streets countrywide on Tuesday demanding the end of job interviews and for the education ministry to commence a mass recruitment process for teachers. The Namibia Labour Market Outlook Report for 2019 to 2023 by the National Planning Commission says the economy has the highest demand for technical occupations such as bricklayers, plasterers, builders and auto mechanics. The report further says there is remarkably high demand for electrical, electronic, civil and mechanical engineers in the country. “Job openings in the top 40 engineering and technical occupations are projected to be 142 694 between 2018 and 2023 – twice that of white-collar occupations of 54 691. “Labour mobility across sectors of the economy and low supply of the aforementioned professionals massively contributed to the high labour demand, as a result they have the highest job openings,” says the report.;0,325
"Deputy bishop Makari’s burial set for Aminuis Zach Makari By zebaldt ngaruka 5 June 2025 The Church of Africa’s late deputy bishop, Zach Makari, will be buried on Sunday at Okahumandu village in the Omaheke region’s Aminuis constituency. Rukee Moelanjane, brother to the late deputy bishop, has confirmed the burial details, adding that a memorial service was held at the Church of Africa in Windhoek yesterday. The body of the late Makari will be transported to Okahumandu village tomorrow, where a memorial service will be held at 16h00. Saturday is reserved for the last memorial service, while the burial is set for Sunday morning. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the late national health and community activist, who many describe as a selfless clergyman who devoted himself to preaching the word of God and the upliftment of communities. Community activist Sandi Tjaronda says Makari lived a full life with impeccable achievements and left an incredible legacy. “In Makari, our network has lost a towering giant who dedicated his life to the cause of social justice. He didn’t allow tribal lines to limit his reach to serving humanity,” adds Tjaronda. He says Makari was a simple man but a sophisticated, natural scholar who deserved a doctorate for his incredible work. On his part, Joseph Kauandenge, a former youth activist and politician, describes the late bishop as an impactful and selfless person. “He left opportunities for others and never sought to grab top positions in any organisation. Some people mentored by him are even lawyers and leaders in some organisations,” says Kauandenge. He recalls the contributions of Makari at the education summit held in the early 90s when the Cape education system was to be changed to the Cambridge system. “It is a big loss; he went too soon while society needed him. We were family and he was the person who didn’t want more, but cared for others unconditionally,” Kauandenge says. Church of Africa Youth League vice president Kapanda Marenga says Makari left a big void in the church as he had a vision for the youth and the church in general. “Our youth league is registered with the National Youth Council because of him, and he created an environment for our youth to feel their importance within the church and the community in general,” says Marenga. Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month . Invest in journalism, invest in democracy – Subscribe Now!";0,175
Iran Accuses Israel of ‘Mass Murder’ Following Pager ExplosionsIran on Wednesday accused Israel of committing “mass murder” following explosions of paging devices linked to the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of nine people and injured nearly 3,000 others. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani, issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it a “terrorist act by the Zionist regime” and labeling it an example of “mass murder.”;0,05
Russia Deems Gaza Situation Catastrophic, Calls on Hamas to Free Hostages Russia Deems Gaza Situation Catastrophic, Calls on Hamas to Free Hostages In a recent meeting in Moscow, Russian diplomat Mikhail Bogdanov urged Hamas to release all civilians captured during the attacks on October 7. During his discussion with Hamas politburo member Musa Abu Marzouk, Bogdanov highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which he described as “catastrophic.” The Russian foreign ministry emphasized the urgency of this matter, stressing the need for a swift resolution to alleviate the worsening conditions in Gaza and the plight of the captives.;0
Renowned Lebanese Novelist Elias Khoury Dies at 76Renowned Lebanese Novelist Elias Khoury Dies at 76 Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury, a passionate advocate for the Palestinian cause and a prominent figure in Arab literature, passed away at the age of 76. Known for his strong political views and commitment to freedom of expression, Khoury authored numerous novels and essays that voiced his criticisms of Middle Eastern dictatorships and Israeli policies in Palestine. Khoury had been battling illness for months, and despite frequent hospitalizations, he continued to write, often posting articles from his hospital bed. His work, which spanned five decades, made him a well-known intellectual across the Arab world. One of his most recent articles, published in July 2023, reflected on his experiences with pain and his admiration for the resilience of the Palestinian people. Throughout his life, Khoury stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause, criticizing Israel’s occupation and settlement policies. In an article published just days after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, he described Gaza as “the biggest open-air prison,” highlighting the hardships faced by its people. Born in Beirut in 1948, Khoury studied at the Lebanese University and later earned a PhD in social history from the University of Paris. He was actively involved in Lebanon’s civil war and sustained injuries during the conflict. In addition to his prolific writing career, Khoury edited the cultural sections of major Lebanese newspapers such as An-Nahar and As-Safir and served as the editor-in-chief of the Palestine Studies magazine. Khoury’s literary works, which include “Little Mountain” and the widely acclaimed “Bab al-Shams” (Gate of the Sun), explored the struggles of Palestinian refugees and the Lebanese Civil War. His novels have been translated into several languages, including Hebrew, and have earned him international recognition. Khoury also taught at prestigious institutions like New York University, Columbia, Princeton, and the University of London. Elias Khoury leaves behind a legacy of literature deeply intertwined with the region’s political and social history, offering profound insights into the human condition amid conflict and displacement.;0,425
Evidence Suggests World’s Oldest City Found in THIS Country, Not MesopotamiaEvidence Suggests World’s Oldest City Found in THIS Country, Not Mesopotamia New archaeological findings suggest that the first cities in the world may not have emerged in Mesopotamia or Central Asia as previously thought, but rather in Ukraine. According to a recent report by the Swiss publication *Neue Zürcher Zeitung*, researchers have uncovered evidence of what could be “the largest city in the world” at the time, with remnants such as scattered pottery shards pointing to ancient urban settlements. These Trypillia mega-sites, dating back to 4000 BCE, now hold the distinction of being the world’s oldest known urban settlements. As noted by *Euromaidan Press*, these findings not only push the timeline of early cities further back but also ignite debates around ancient social organization, sustainability, and the very definition of a city. Archaeologist Joseph Muller from the University of Kiel began researching these massive settlements in Ukraine in 2011, building on foundational research from the 1960s. A military topographer initially identified over 250 sites, distinguished by unique vegetation patterns forming concentric circles, which hinted at human construction. Using geomagnetic survey techniques, the researchers uncovered structures buried beneath the Earth’s surface. Among their discoveries were Trypillia mega-sites that spanned over 100 hectares. What are Trypillia Mega-sites? Unlike modern urban centers, these Trypillia mega-sites represent some of the earliest known planned cities. According to *U-krane*, the sites were circular or oval in shape, with houses arranged in concentric rings and wide corridors or boulevards separating them. *Neue Zürcher Zeitung* noted that one of these sites was larger than Monaco and could be compared in size to Central Park. The homes, made from wood and clay, appear to have been destroyed in an ancient conflict, likely by fire. Interestingly, despite the evidence of organized settlement, archaeologists have found no individual graves. As Joseph Muller explained, “Individual graves often reflect the social roles of those buried, but this is not evident here.” However, Muller also noted that the absence of archaeologist-friendly burial markers does not necessarily mean the culture lacked burial practices or reverence for the dead. These discoveries are reshaping our understanding of urbanization, challenging the belief that cities only emerged later in human history.;0,025
China paper warns Google may pay price for hacking claims China paper warns Google may pay price for hacking claims BEIJING  – Google has become a “political tool” vilifying the Chinese government, an official Beijing newspaper said on Monday, warning that the U.S. Internet giant’s statements about hacking attacks traced to China could hurt its business. The tough warning appeared in the overseas edition of the People’s Daily, the leading newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party, indicating that political tensions between the United States and China over Internet security could linger. Last week, Google said it had broken up an effort to steal the passwords of hundreds of Google email account holders, including U.S. government officials, Chinese human rights advocates and journalists. It said the attacks appeared to come from China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected those accusations, and the party newspaper warned Google against playing a risky political game . By saying that Chinese human rights activists were among the targets of the hacking, Google was “deliberately pandering to negative Western perceptions of China, and strongly hinting that the hacking attacks were the work of the Chinese government,” the People’s Daily overseas edition, a small offshoot of the main domestic paper, said in a front-page commentary. “Google’s accusations aimed at China are spurious, have ulterior motives, and bear malign intentions,” said the commentary, written by an editor at the paper. “Google should not become overly embroiled in international political struggle, playing the role of a tool for political contention,” the paper added. “For when the international winds shift direction, it may become sacrificed to politics and will be spurned by the marketplace,” it said, without specifying how Google’s business could be hurt. A Google spokeswoman said the U.S. firm had no comment on the remarks. The latest friction with Google could bring Internet policy back to the foreground of U.S.-China relations, reprising tensions last year when the Obama administration took up Google’s complaints about hacking and censorship from China. Google partly pulled out of China after that dispute. Since then, it has lost more share to rival Baidu Inc in China’s Internet market, the world’s largest by user numbers with more than 450 million users. Google said last week that the hacking attacks appeared to come from Jinan, the capital of China’s eastern Shandong province and home to an intelligence unit of the People’s Liberation Army. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates over the weekend warned that Washington was prepared to use force against cyber-attacks it considered acts of war. In February, overseas Chinese websites, inspired by anti-authoritarian uprisings across the Arab world, called for protests across China, raising Beijing’s alarm about dissent and prompting tightened censorship of the Internet. China already blocks major foreign social websites such as Facebook and Twitter.;0,475
Scary: Russia’s Doomsday Radio Transmits Again Without ExplanationOn June 4, 2025, the enigmatic shortwave radio signal known as UVB-76, or the “Buzzer,” once again drew global attention after transmitting two obscure codewords: “azotobak” and “osholin” via its usual 4625 kHz frequency. The broadcast coincided with a reported phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding potential retaliatory actions by Russia against Ukraine, prompting a surge in speculation surrounding the station’s intent. This was not an isolated event. The same frequency was active during another significant call involving the White House on May 19, suggesting a pattern that many shortwave enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists have quickly linked to heightened international developments. The cryptic nature of UVB-76 broadcasts continues to inspire a digital subculture that monitors and debates each signal in real time, often in online forums, livestreams, and decoding groups. A Legacy Rooted in Cold War Intelligence and Modern Anxieties UVB-76, first documented in the late 1970s, has maintained its place as one of the longest-running unsolved signals in modern history. Originally believed to be part of the Soviet Union’s shortwave communications system, the station’s buzzing tone, interrupted intermittently by coded messages or voice transmissions, has never been definitively explained. Its most recognized moniker, “the Buzzer,” refers to the low, repetitive buzz that characterizes its standard transmission. Experts continue to weigh in with contrasting theories. Dr. David Stupples, a specialist in radio systems at City University London, maintains that shortwave systems like UVB-76 are not obsolete relics. Rather, they represent strategic redundancies—networks immune to satellite disruption and hacking. According to him, shortwave broadcasts are difficult to trace and can function across continents without infrastructure dependency. Pavel Podvig, a disarmament researcher at the United Nations, has proposed that UVB-76 could serve as a strategic heartbeat—a constant signal that, if altered or stopped, might trigger automated military protocols. Such systems are designed to ensure communications persist even in extreme circumstances, possibly including nuclear retaliation scenarios. Tracking the Signal: From Global Communities to Official Silence Thousands of listeners worldwide actively monitor UVB-76, including members of shortwave monitoring collectives such as Priyam.org, which quickly flagged the June 4 message. These hobbyist networks operate with a surprising degree of coordination, documenting frequency anomalies and suspected codewords in real time. The transmission’s frequency, 4625 kHz, falls within the HF (high frequency) radio spectrum, capable of long-range global communication. Some research institutions, including observatories referenced by the Russian Journal of Earth Sciences, are known to monitor this frequency for ionospheric changes—another angle that further clouds the station’s true function. Despite public fascination, no official Russian agency has claimed responsibility for UVB-76. A BBC investigation previously suggested the broadcast originated near St. Petersburg at a facility referred to as MDZhB, potentially linking it to Russia’s Perimeter system, a Cold War-era automated nuclear response mechanism commonly dubbed the “dead man’s switch.” This system is designed to execute a retaliatory strike if command and control structures are incapacitated. Theories Range from Military Utility to Psychological Operations The continued activity of UVB-76 during periods of geopolitical tension has renewed suspicions that the broadcasts may be a form of psychological warfare or a signaling device. Some observers noted that Russian state media referred to the signal as “Doomsday Radio,” diverging from the usual “Buzzer” or “UVB-76” label. This has led to speculation about whether the terminology itself was deliberately chosen to shape public perception or escalate anxiety in international audiences. Critics of the secrecy surrounding UVB-76 argue that if the station were truly part of a classified operation, it would be shielded from public access altogether. Others point to coincidences between broadcast timings and high-level geopolitical developments, suggesting a possible correlation rather than randomness. Despite decades of observation and analysis, no verified explanation for the station’s true purpose has ever been disclosed. Enthusiasts continue to compile logs and theories, yet the mystery remains intact. With its cryptic codewords, erratic transmission schedule, and obscure location, UVB-76 persists as a digital-age artifact of Cold War secrecy, now embedded in the modern information landscape. The most recent uptick in transmissions has only fueled further intrigue, particularly as global conflicts and strategic communications return to the forefront of public concern in 2025. Whether UVB-76 is a relic, a decoy, or a vital piece of hidden military infrastructure, its broadcasts continue to echo across the airwaves—and across imaginations.;-0,1
Saudi Foreign Minister to Make Historic Visit to West Bank Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is set to make a landmark visit to the occupied West Bank on Sunday, marking the first official trip to the Palestinian territory by a Saudi foreign minister since its occupation by Israel in 1967. According to diplomatic sources, Prince Faisal will lead a delegation to Ramallah, reflecting an increased push from Riyadh to advance the cause of Palestinian statehood as the Gaza war continues to unfold. The planned visit comes at a time of heightened regional instability and growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. It also coincides with renewed efforts by Saudi Arabia to engage diplomatically on the Israeli-Palestinian issue while balancing its broader geopolitical interests. Growing Regional Pressures and International Recognition Efforts The Saudi delegation’s visit follows a similar lower-level mission to Ramallah in September 2023, which occurred shortly before the October 7 outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. That visit marked a shift in Saudi diplomatic posture, with Riyadh stepping up engagement with Palestinian authorities while reiterating support for a two-state solution. As the war in Gaza continues, with Israeli operations intensifying since March, global criticism has increased. Humanitarian conditions in the enclave have sharply deteriorated, with the United Nations warning of a potential famine and calling for immediate international action. Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia is preparing to co-host an international conference in July alongside France at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The objective of the gathering is to reignite momentum behind the two-state solution and encourage broader recognition of Palestinian statehood within the international community. Currently, nearly 150 countries recognize the State of Palestine, which holds observer status at the United Nations but lacks full membership due to the absence of a Security Council vote. In a significant move, Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognized Palestinian statehood in May 2024. Other European states, including France, have yet to follow, though French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that recognition could occur as early as June. Macron has expressed interest in using the upcoming conference to secure recognition of the Palestinian state and simultaneously encourage countries that have not yet recognized Israel to do so. The dual-track approach seeks to create broader diplomatic balance and support for peace negotiations. Israeli Settlement Expansion and Saudi Diplomatic Calculations Tensions in the West Bank have also escalated amid Israel’s continued settlement activity. On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed intentions to consolidate a Jewish Israeli presence in the territory, one day after the government announced the authorization of 22 new settlements. These developments have drawn further criticism from international observers who view settlement expansion as a violation of international law and an impediment to the peace process. The timing of the Saudi visit appears aimed at reinforcing support for Palestinian sovereignty while signaling opposition to unilateral moves on the ground. Before the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia was reportedly moving toward normalization with Israel, a development encouraged by the United States. During a recent visit to Riyadh, former U.S. President Donald Trump described Saudi-Israel normalization as a personal hope and vision, but acknowledged that any such step would depend on Saudi Arabia’s own timeline. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has publicly maintained that normalization with Israel is conditional upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This position was reiterated in November during a joint summit of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, where participants condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and accused the state of committing genocide.;0,3
Iranian Foreign Minister Set for Lebanon Visit on Monday Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Monday, according to a statement issued by Iran’s foreign ministry. The visit marks a high-level diplomatic engagement at a time when internal Lebanese debates and international negotiations involving Iran are drawing increased attention. The timing of Araghchi’s visit is notable as it aligns with intensifying political discourse within Lebanon regarding the future of Hezbollah’s armed presence. Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite political and military organization, maintains a substantial arsenal and operational capacity. While it is officially part of Lebanon’s political system, its military independence remains a contentious issue domestically and a source of concern internationally, particularly among Western states and regional rivals. Context of Broader Regional and Diplomatic Shifts This diplomatic trip also takes place as discussions between Tehran and Washington show signs of movement. The indirect talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program have reportedly made headway in recent weeks. These negotiations are centered on efforts to restore commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 agreement which placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Progress in these talks could reshape diplomatic dynamics in the region and may influence Iran’s engagement with its allies, including Hezbollah. Lebanon remains under significant economic and political strain, and foreign influence—particularly from Iran and Western countries—continues to shape internal power balances. In this context, Araghchi’s visit is likely to include discussions with senior Lebanese officials and potentially with Hezbollah representatives, focusing on regional cooperation, strategic alliances, and current geopolitical tensions.;0
Operation Sindoor: India Denies Six Jets Downed, Confirms Losses India has officially acknowledged the loss of multiple fighter jets during a recent military confrontation with Pakistan, marking a significant development in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. This admission, made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, underscores the intensity of the four-day conflict that unfolded in May 2025. The confrontation was triggered by a terrorist assault on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. During the operation, India faced aerial engagements with Pakistani forces, leading to the downing of several Indian aircraft. General Chauhan, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasized that while aircraft losses occurred, the focus should be on the tactical lessons learned and subsequent strategic adjustments. He highlighted that these refinements enabled India to conduct successful long-range precision strikes within days, effectively penetrating Pakistani air defenses and targeting key military installations. Pakistan claimed to have shot down six Indian jets, including advanced Rafale fighters. General Chauhan categorically dismissed these assertions as inaccurate. He stressed that the critical aspect was not the number of aircraft lost but the ability to identify and rectify tactical errors swiftly. This approach allowed the Indian Air Force to resume operations promptly, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Political Repercussions and Calls for Transparency The acknowledgment of aircraft losses has sparked political discourse within India. Opposition parties, referencing General Chauhan’s statements, have urged the central government to provide greater transparency regarding the conflict’s outcomes. Critics argue that acknowledging the losses is essential for public accountability and informed discourse on national security matters. Operational Successes and Strategic Implications Despite the losses, Indian defense officials have characterized Operation Sindoor as a strategic success. Air Marshal AK Bharti reported that the operation achieved its objectives, including the elimination of over 100 terrorists and the destruction of critical infrastructure supporting militant activities. Notably, all Indian pilots involved in the operation returned safely, underscoring the effectiveness of mission planning and execution. The conflict also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, with General Chauhan noting the increasing importance of networked operations and indigenous capabilities. He pointed out that India’s operations were conducted independently, contrasting with Pakistan’s reliance on external support, particularly from China. This emphasis on self-reliance aligns with India’s broader defense modernization efforts and strategic autonomy goals . A ceasefire was declared on May 10, bringing an end to the immediate hostilities. Subsequently, both nations have initiated troop reductions along the border, aiming to de-escalate tensions. However, Indian military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining vigilance against potential threats, emphasizing the need for readiness in the face of ongoing regional security challenges.;-0,15
Islamic State Claims First Attack on New Syrian Forces Since Assad’s Fall An Islamic State (IS) attack in southern Syria has marked the group’s first acknowledged assault on forces aligned with the country’s newly established government since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The incident, confirmed by multiple monitoring organizations, underscores the enduring threat posed by militant groups amid Syria’s ongoing political transition. According to reports, the attack targeted a Syrian military patrol from the 70th Division, resulting in one fatality and injuring three soldiers. The patrol was struck by a landmine that was reportedly detonated remotely on Wednesday. The blast occurred in the rural southern region of Syria, a zone that has seen increasing activity by militant remnants despite efforts by the Syrian army to assert control. IS Claim and Security Implications The SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist communications, reported that the Islamic State has formally claimed responsibility for the attack. This represents the first public acknowledgment by the group of an operation targeting the current Syrian administration since the political shift that followed Assad’s departure. The attack is seen as a significant development, signaling the group’s intent to reassert its presence in the region. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor with a network of sources on the ground, also confirmed the incident and casualties. The targeted patrol was part of routine operations by the 70th Division, which is one of the units responsible for securing areas previously under militant influence.;0
"US progressive lawmakers push for unprecedented Israel aid restrictions A group of more than 20 progressive US House representatives are pushing for unprecedented new restrictions on US aid to Israel, including calls for specific approval for each transfer to Israel. The Block the Bombs Act, HR 3565 , introduced on 21 May with 22 co-sponsors, is described as aiming ""to provide for a limitation on the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Israel"". As Israel's military campaign on Gaza continues, preventing crucial aid from reaching civilians, those behind the bill see the move as an urgent step. Led by Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, the bill is being co-sponsored by Sara Jacobs of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, and Veronica Escobar of Texas, among others. The bill was highlighted on Thursday with a press conference on Capitol Hill, hosted by Ramirez, who said that over the past two weeks her resolve to pass the bill has been deepened by the continued violence. ""What I know is the bombings must stop. The hostages must be returned. And we must address the hateful anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, antisemitic rhetoric that denies our shared humanity, and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people must end,"" said Ramirez, speaking near the Capitol on a sunny day, surrounded by politicians and activists holding signs reading 'Block the Bombs'. ""But instead of moving toward a just peace, in the last few months the [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government has imposed a humanitarian blockade that has cut off food and aid to more than two million Palestinians. Recently approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip have begun a ground invasion,"" she said, pointing to the bombings of displaced civilians while they were taking shelter. Jayapal then took the podium, where she highlighted the significance of the bill, given the close relationship between the US and Israel. ""We have to recognise that we are the ones who are culpable for that horrific situation, because we, the United States' government keeps providing Israel with the weapons to continue this destruction. This has to stop. How many more children will we watch burned in flames?"" she asked ""How much more carnage do we have to witness as the Netanyahu government uses US taxpayer-funded weapons to kill Palestinians with impunity?"" The next speaker was Jan Schakowsky, a longtime progressive House member whose Jewish identity has made her particularly concerned about Israel's human rights record. ""It's an important message that I make as a Jew from the United States, but also someone who has traveled regularly to Israel as well. I am appalled that we are contributing to the death of innocents in Gaza,"" she said. ""I'm proud to be part of the naysayers who say: Let’s save lives."" If this bill passes, it would be the first time the US Congress preemptively blocks weapons to Israel.";0,85
"Hamas 'willing to negotiate' on Gaza despite being 'bitten twice' by Israel 'snake' A leading figure in Hamas's political bureau has said that Israel is undermining the peace process, but the Palestinian movement remains open to negotiations. A member of Hamas's political bureau said on Friday that the movement has not rejected the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff , and remains open to further negotiations. Mohammed Nazzal, speaking to The New Arab's Arabic sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed , said it was Israel, not Hamas, that makes peace impossible, describing it as unreliable. ""The talk of us rejecting the proposal is inaccurate,"" Nazzal stated. ""We accepted it as a framework for negotiation, with some fundamental observations. We demand that the United States act as an honest broker, not a biased one as in the past."" Nazzal explained that Hamas's reservations stem from the structure of the deal itself, which proposes the release of Israeli captives in the first week of a temporary ceasefire - a move he warned could allow Israel to resume its military campaign after securing what it wants. ""We want a real end to the war,” he said. ""The proposal effectively suggests only a one-week ceasefire. The release of the [Israeli] captives - both alive and dead - during the first week gives Netanyahu a pretext to resume aggression after obtaining his goals."" ""We do not want to be bitten twice by the same snake,"" he added. ""Netanyahu is deceitful and evasive. Our experiences - and those of others - with him confirm that."" Nazzal recalled a previous ceasefire agreement reached in January , brokered under pressure from then-President-elect Donald Trump. ""Trump was the decisive factor at the time,"" he said. ""He had promised to end wars in the region, including Gaza, and sent his envoy Steve Witkoff, who exerted real pressure on Netanyahu and forced him to sign."" But Nazzal claimed the Israeli prime minister ""intended from the outset to sabotage the agreement"" and did so in March, refusing to enter the second phase of the deal before resuming what he described as ""a war of extermination"". Witkoff's current proposal, accepted by Israel and supported by the US, Egypt and Qatar, includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli captives in exchange for 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, 1,111 detainees from Gaza arrested after 7 October 2023, and the remains of 180 Palestinians held by Israel. It also stipulates that humanitarian aid would begin flowing into Gaza once Hamas signs the ceasefire, with the final 30 captives released upon the implementation of a permanent truce. Despite public criticism from Washington, which described Hamas’s response as ""unacceptable"", Nazzal insisted that negotiations are ongoing. ""We have not closed the doors on any party that seeks to end this insane war of extermination,"" he said. ""We are currently engaging with a new Qatari initiative aimed at bridging the gap in the latest proposal."" He affirmed that Hamas would continue ""armed resistance"" but also pursue political channels to halt what  Israel’s ""aggression by killing and starvation"". ""We have taken a position aligned with our people, who want the bloodshed to stop,"" he said. ""And we will always strive for that."" Israel has deepened its military assault across Gaza, with repeated air and ground operations causing mass casualties. Civilians seeking aid have been among those targeted , deepening the humanitarian crisis and casting doubt on Israel's intentions in the ceasefire process.";0,3
"US hits International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over investigation into Israel The U.S. State Department announced asset freezes for judges from Benin, Peru, Slovenia, and Uganda, calling the ICC's actions ""illegitimate"". The Trump administration is slapping sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court over the tribunal’s investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and in the West Bank. The State Department said Thursday that it would freeze any assets that the ICC judges, who come from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda, have in U.S. jurisdictions. The move is just the latest step that the administration has taken to punish the ICC and its officials for investigations undertaken against Israel and the United States. “As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies,” Rubio said. “This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel.” In February, The Hague-based court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was placed on Washington’s list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons,” barring him from doing business with Americans and placing restrictions on his entry into the U.S. Khan stepped aside last month pending an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. Within minutes of the administration's announcement, the court condemned its actions. “These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution,” ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement. New sanctions widen the targets The new sanctions target ICC Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, who is from the West African country of Benin and was part of the pre-trial chamber of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. She also served on the bench that originally greenlit the investigation into alleged Israeli crimes in the Palestinian territories in 2021. The 69-year-old was also part of the panel of judges who issued the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. Last year, a court in Moscow issued a warrant for her arrest. From Slovenia, Beti Hohler was elected as a judge in 2023. She previously worked in the prosecutor’s office at the court, leading Israel to object to her participation in the proceedings involving Israeli officials. Hohler said in a statement last year that she had never worked on the Palestinian territories investigation during her eight years as a prosecutor. Bouth Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, from Peru, and Solomy Balungi Bossa, from Uganda, are appeals judges at the ICC. Each woman has worked on cases involving Israel. Neither the U.S. nor Israel is a member of and neither recognizes the legitimacy of the court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes over his military response in Gaza. Israel strongly denies the allegations. Trump has targeted the ICC before During his first term in office, Trump targeted the ICC with sanctions, voicing displeasure with probes into Israel and complaints about alleged war crimes said to have been committed by U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were rescinded by President Joe Biden’s administration in early 2021. Rubio said the U.S. would continue to take action to protect its and Israel’s interests at the court. “The United States will take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other U.S. ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC,” he said. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said the Trump administration’s sanctions “aim to deter the ICC from seeking accountability amid grave crimes committed in Israel and Palestine, and as Israeli atrocities mount in Gaza, including with U.S. complicity.” “U.S. sanctions on ICC judges are a flagrant attack on the rule of law at the same time as President Trump is working to undercut it at home,” Evenson said in a statement. “Sanctions are meant to put a stop to human rights violations, not to punish those seeking justice for the worst crimes.”";-0,425
"Syrians celebrate Eid al-Adha for first time since Assad fall Syrians are celebrating Eid al-Adha all across the country for the first time since the end of overthrow of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Syrians have marked Eid al-Adha with large-scale public celebrations on Friday, the first since the fall of Bashar al-Assad , with thousands gathering in markets, mosques and public squares across Damascus and other cities amid a heavy but restrained security presence. In Damascus, the Al-Hamidiyah market was packed on the eve of Eid, with residents reporting a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. According to locals interviewed by Syria TV , the crowds reflected a real surge in shopping and social activity amid difficult economic times for the country as it rebuilds after almost 13 years of civil war. Clothes, toys, and sweets were in high demand, with shopkeepers noting a marked improvement in sales compared to previous years. Imad al-Zein, owner of a clothing shop in the market, attributed the change to both political and economic shifts. ""Today, people can buy clothes thanks to support from their relatives abroad,""  he told Syria TV . ""The fall in the dollar's value has lowered prices. If a million lira used to buy four items, today it buys five or six."" He also pointed to the end of regime-imposed extortion and reduced customs fees as reasons for the upturn. Many Syrians who had lived in exile also returned to spend the holiday with family. Reem al-Mohammad described how her brother, previously wanted by Assad's intelligence services, was finally able to come home from Kuwait. ""It’s the first time in eight years. This Eid, we're celebrating together,"" she said. Internal security forces maintained a visible but restrained presence, deploying at major market entrances to prevent any troubles. In an unprecedented gesture, officers at a checkpoint on Baghdad Street were seen handing out sweets to passers-by - a gesture that would have been unthinkable under the previous regime. President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the nation with a message of unity and hope, stating: ""Free Syrians, I congratulate you on the arrival of Eid al-Adha - the first Eid after the fall of the regime of oppression and tyranny. We promise to build, together, a homeland worthy of your sacrifices. Eid Mubarak."" The Damascus municipality supported the celebrations by restoring public lighting in key areas of the capital. Al-Hamidiyah market, the vicinity of the Umayyad Mosque, Umayyad Square and Governorate Square were all fully illuminated, ending years of darkness and neglect under the Assad regime. Water tankers and street-cleaning crews were deployed in preparation for the holiday, although rubbish overflow remained an issue in some areas due to a shortage of sanitation workers. Cafes and restaurants in high-end areas, such as Abu Rummaneh and Al-Shaalan, operated at full capacity, many staying open until dawn. Families filled parks, public squares and the area around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, continuing a tradition that began in quieter forms before Assad’s fall. During Assad’s rule, Eid al-Adha was often marked by tightly controlled state ceremonies, with Assad himself frequently attending public prayers in Damascus alongside top officials. While official images projected normalcy, the holiday regularly coincided with brutal military operations, particularly airstrikes on rebel-held areas. For several years, Eid prayers in regime-controlled zones were held as Assad's forces bombed opposition-held towns and cities - actions widely condemned for targeting civilian populations. Najlaa al-Mohammad, speaking to Syria TV , said: ""We never dreamed of more than this — we got rid of the tyrant and we haven’t lost the freedom we were hoping for. This Eid is different. At the very least, we are at peace.""";0,425
"Netanyahu admits Israel arming Gaza criminal gangs looting aid Israeli and Palestinian media have reported that the group Israel has been working with is part of a local Bedouin tribe led by Yasser Abu Shabab. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that Israel is supporting an armed gang in Gaza linked to raids on aid stores, following comments by a former minister that Israel had transferred weapons to it. Israeli and Palestinian media have reported that the group Israel has been working with is part of a local Bedouin tribe led by Yasser Abu Shabab. The European Council on Foreign Relations (EFCR) think tank describes Abu Shabab as the leader of a ""criminal gang operating in the Rafah area that is widely accused of looting aid trucks"". Knesset member and ex-defence minister Avigdor Liberman had told the Kan public broadcaster that the government, at Netanyahu's direction, was ""giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons"". ""What did Liberman leak? That security sources activated a clan in Gaza that opposes Hamas? What is bad about that?"" Netanyahu said in a video posted to social media on Thursday. ""It is only good, it is saving lives of Israeli soldiers."" Michael Milshtein, an expert on Palestinian affairs at the Moshe Dayan Center in Tel Aviv, told AFP that the Abu Shabab clan was part of a Bedouin tribe that spans across the border between Gaza and Egypt's Sinai peninsula. Some of the tribe's members, he said, were involved in ""all kinds of criminal activities, drug smuggling, and things like that"". 'Gangster' Milshtein said that Abu Shabab had spent time in prison in Gaza and that his clan chiefs had recently denounced him as an Israeli ""collaborator and a gangster"". ""It seems that actually the Shabak (Israeli security agency) or the (military) thought it was a wonderful idea to turn this militia, gang actually, into a proxy, to give them weapons and money and shelter"" from army operations, Milshtein said. He added that Hamas killed four members of the gang days ago. The ECFR said Abu Shabab was ""reported to have been previously jailed by Hamas for drug smuggling. His brother is said to have been killed by Hamas during a crackdown against the group's attacks on UN aid convoys."" Israel regularly accuses Hamas, with which it has been at war for nearly 20 months, of looting aid convoys in Gaza. Hamas said the group had ""chosen betrayal and theft as their path"" and called on civilians to oppose them. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, said it had evidence of ""clear coordination between these looting gangs, collaborators with the occupation (Israel), and the enemy army itself in the looting of aid and the fabrication of humanitarian crises that deepen the suffering of"" Palestinians. The Popular Forces, as Abu Shabab's group calls itself, said on Facebook it had ""never been, and will never be, a tool of the occupation"". ""Our weapons are simple, outdated, and came through the support of our own people,"" it added. Milshtein called Israel's decision to arm a group such as Abu Shabab ""a fantasy, not something that you can really describe as a strategy"". ""I really hope it will not end with catastrophe,"" he said.";-0,125
"The Trump family's lucrative Middle East business empire From golf courses to crypto, the Trump business empire is booming in the Middle East. But is there a conflict of interest with US foreign policy? In-depth 7 min read Read Mode Dario Sabaghi 05 June, 2025 Last Update 06 June, 2025 16:13 PM The first presidential trip of US President Donald J. Trump’s second term was welcomed with lavish celebrations by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, these Gulf states committed to investing around $2 trillion through technology and defence deals with American companies, strengthening their economic and political partnerships with the US. During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump developed strong political and business ties with Gulf countries through arms and diplomatic deals, including the Abraham Accords . After leaving office, those relationships continued, this time through private deals involving his businesses. The presidential visit, however, put a spotlight on the overlap between Trump’s embrace of dealmaking and US diplomacy, with concerns that foreign policy could be shaped around his family’s business interests. Just weeks before the trip, his sons Eric and Donald Jr had travelled extensively to the region to canvass support for the Trump Organization, which they now run. Michael Wahid Hanna, US Program Director at International Crisis Group, told The New Arab that Trump feels comfortable working with Gulf leaders because of his deal-making approach, long-standing personal relationships with Gulf rulers, and shared focus on wealth, investment, and mutual interests. ""There's a core transactionalism that has defined Trump's interactions with the region - one that the Gulf countries understand and know how to respond to,"" he said. ""I think it's about familiarity and a shared way of operating."" The Gulf stands out for its immense wealth and ambitious efforts to diversify beyond oil, attracting foreign investment while investing billions abroad. Gulf countries manage some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, holding an estimated $4-5 trillion, around 40% of the $12 trillion in global SWF assets, a figure projected to reach $18 trillion by 2030, according to the accounting firm Deloitte . Related Gulf tour: Trump sidelined Israel, but how deep is the rift? US-Israel Analysis Live Story Giorgio Cafiero Amid this massive flow of Gulf wealth and investments, the Trump Organization has formed profitable business ties in the region, prompting questions about where private financial interests might blur into US policy decisions. Unlike past presidents who fully separated from their businesses, Trump placed his assets in a trust managed by his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, who are also top executives at the Trump Organization. In January, the company pledged not to make deals directly with foreign governments, but it can still work with private companies, unlike during Trump's first term. Since 2024, the Trump Organization has launched major real estate projects across the Gulf, often involving licensing the Trump name for hotels and residences. In Oman, the company is developing a $500 million resort with Dar Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Dar Al Arkan, and Omran, a government-owned Omani group. Oman is playing a key diplomatic role in nuclear talks between the US and Iran. In Saudi Arabia, the company is partnering with Dar Global on a $531 million Trump Tower in Jeddah and planning a second tower in Riyadh. In May 2025, the Trump Organization and Dar Global announced the launch of the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai. Just before his trip to the Gulf, Dar Global and Qatari Diar, part of the state's sovereign wealth fund, announced a Trump-branded resort in Qatar valued at $5.5 billion. Previously, after the PGA Tour, a major US golf organisation, pulled its 2022 championship from Trump's New Jersey course to distance itself from the 6 January Capitol riots, Trump partnered with Saudi-backed LIV Golf, which now holds events at his properties. Trump's Gulf visits served both US political and economic goals and his family's private business interests, which coexist but don't necessarily conflict with each other, according to Paul Salem, vice president for international engagement at the Middle East Institute. The Trump family's business connections in the Middle East have more than tripled since his first term as president. [Getty] ""I don't think necessarily one is driving the other. I do think that Trump certainly enjoys the lavish receptions from Gulf states. He believes that those leaders respect him, something he doesn't feel he gets from Western European counterparts,"" he told TNA . However, the Trump family's business interests extend beyond the Trump Organization. Jared Kushner , Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor during his first term, played a key role in Middle East diplomacy during Trump's first term, including promoting a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia and advancing talks that led to the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states. After leaving the White House, Kushner formed the investment firm Affinity Partners in 2021. Related Flooding the zone: Inside Trump's tumultuous first 100 days 100 days of Trump In-depth Live Story Brooke Anderson Since then, the firm has raised substantial capital from Gulf sources. In 2022, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) committed $2 billion to Affinity. In 2024, the firm secured an additional $1.5 billion from the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based asset manager Lunate. Reuters reports that Affinity's assets under management surged by 60% to $4.8 billion by the end of 2024. Both Affinity Partners and the Trump Organization have also invested in Israeli tech companies and real estate ventures, respectively. US media outlet CNN counted that in terms of deals, the Trump family's business connections in the Middle East have more than tripled since his first term as president. Today, the Trump family's interests are also eyeing cryptocurrency, and they have moved far beyond meme coins like $TRUMP and $MELANIA. They're now involved in World Liberty Financial, a decentralised finance platform launched in September 2024. Donald Trump and his sons, Donald Jr., Eric, and Barron, reportedly control 60% of the company. The platform also lists US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his sons Zach and Alex as co-founders. MGX, an artificial intelligence (AI) investment firm out of Abu Dhabi, launched by Mubadala, a sovereign wealth fund of the government of Abu Dhabi, and G42, an Emirati AI company, used USD1, a stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial in March 2025 to invest $2 billion in Binance , the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. These operations involving cryptocurrency and AI firms align closely with US public policy in the Gulf under the Trump administration. Trump placed his assets in a trust managed by his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, who are top executives at the Trump Organization. [Getty] As Salem noted, the most significant strategic move during Trump's Gulf visit was the push to make the UAE and Gulf region a hub for US artificial intelligence data centres, a long-term goal of Washington to compete with China. Because AI needs a lot of energy and the US doesn't have enough, Trump has pushed to increase local oil and gas production, but the Gulf's cheaper and more plentiful energy is still key. OpenAI recently announced it will build a massive $20 billion data centre in the UAE, with part of it set to start running next year. ""There's enough political trust between the US and these countries for security issues and to keep China out of that AI space. And the need to ramp up AI is an interest shared by both Republicans and Democrats,"" Salem said. When it comes to Trump-related businesses intertwining with US government policy, the Democrats see serious legal and ethical concerns, which are hard to enforce, while Republicans largely ignore them. ""This has just become a way of operating. So, it's no longer the kind of shocking and brazen efforts that influence peddling used to be. It has now become the standard way that many countries, perhaps most prominently the Gulf, interact with Trump. It's just one of the ways in which their relationship is constructed,"" Hanna added. For Gulf countries, the US is their long-term security guarantor, something China cannot replace, and economically, Gulf investors favour the US because of the strict rule of law, good markets, and low regulations. ""Giving benefits to Trump and his family enables them to secure better deals with the US. They see it as a win-win situation. For them, the relationship with the US is beneficial in terms of security, technology, investment, and purchasing weaponry,"" according to Salem. Still, Trump's foreign policy in the Gulf and Middle East isn't just about business, economics, or family deals. Since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s war on Gaza, defined as a genocide, and Lebanon, which killed at least 3,000 people, the Middle East has been at the heart of US foreign policy. The early focus has been on Iran nuclear talks, a ceasefire deal with the Houthis, maintaining a ceasefire in Lebanon, changes in Syria policy by lifting sanctions, and the Gaza war. ""It would be hard to say that a commercial and economic agenda could simply take precedence and ignore all of the underlying issues and conflicts that continue to be a major feature of the region,"" Hanna said. Dario Sabaghi is a freelance journalist interested in human rights. Follow him on Twitter: @DarioSabaghi Dozens killed near Gaza aid point as UN to vote on ceasefire Read More ?Air India plane with 242 on board crashes at India airport Read More Saudi Crown Prince MBS will not attend G7 Summit in Canada Read More Rally in Cairo urges Egypt to let Gaza-bound activists through Read More Follow the Middle East's top stories in English at The New Arab on Google News Tags US politics Donald Trump Gulf States US affairs Middle East More In Analysis Robert Bociaga Post-Assad Syria Analysis Live Story From rebels to soldiers: Foreign fighters in Syria's new army Muhammad Shehada Gaza War In-depth Live Story The rise of Abu Shabab: Mapping the Gaza militia armed by Israel Saleh Salem Egypt-Iran Analysis Live Story Is a thaw in long-frozen Egypt-Iran ties on the horizon?";-0,275
"Gaza doctors give their own blood to patients after scores gunned down seeking aidDoctors in the Gaza Strip are donating their own blood to save their patients after scores of Palestinians were gunned down by Israeli forces while trying to get food aid, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Thursday. Around 100 MSF staff protested outside the UN headquarters in Geneva against an aid distribution system in Gaza run by an Israeli-backed private company, which has led to chaotic scenes of mass carnage. ""People need the basics of life...they also need it in dignity,"" MSF Switzerland's director general, Stephen Cornish, told Reuters at the protest. ""If you're fearing for your life, running with packages being mowed down, this is just something that is completely beyond everything we've ever seen,"" he said. ""These attacks have killed dozens...They were left to bleed out on the ground."" Cornish said staff at one of the hospitals where MSF operates had to give blood as most Palestinians are now too poorly nourished to donate. Israel allowed the private Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to begin food distribution in Gaza last week, after having completely shut the Gaza Strip to all supplies since the beginning of March. Gaza authorities say at least 102 Palestinians were killed and nearly 500 wounded trying to get aid from the food distribution sites in the first eight days. Eyewitnesses have said Israeli forces fired on crowds. The Israeli military acknowledged that on Tuesday, when at least 27 people died, that its troops had fired at ""suspects"" who approached their positions. The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution on Wednesday supported by all other Council members, which would have called for an ""immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire"" in Gaza and unhindered access for aid.";0,475
"How will Moroccans celebrate Eid Al-Adha amid a royal ban?This year, Morocco shut down livestock markets ahead of Eid al-Adha amid a royal directive to forgo the Islamic celebration and preserve the country's fragile livestock in the face of drought. In February, King Mohammed VI, who also holds the title of Commander of the Faithful in the Muslim-majority kingdom, called on Moroccans to suspend the annual sacrifice, citing environmental necessity. It was a rare royal intervention, though not without precedent. His father, the late King Hassan II, suspended Eid sacrifices three times during his reign: during times of war, drought, and under IMF-imposed austerity that forced Morocco to lift food subsidies. ""It was a difficult decision, made to protect the national herd, but it has severely impacted farmers"", Mourad Soussi, a herder in Azrou, a small town in central Morocco, remarked to The New Arab . According to the local NGO Nechfate, 35 percent of Moroccan families involved in subsistence farming rely on animal herding as their primary income. ""For them, livestock is like insurance"", said the group. ""They sell animals when they need cash."" But after six years of drought, agricultural incomes have plummeted, forcing many families to sell off livestock to make ends meet. The result: a national herd that has shrunk to levels not seen since the 1970s, when Morocco's population was roughly half what it is today. The kingdom is now home to some 37 million people. While the ban is anticipated to promote long-term sustainability, its short-term economic impact has been significant. With sheep sales now illegal in the weeks leading up to Eid, local authorities have shut down weekly livestock markets and pop-up stalls across the country. In Rabat, the Ministry of the Interior has suspended all seasonal livestock trading and banned the sale of related supplies, dealing a blow to artisans and informal workers who depend on the Eid economy. ""We were already struggling with the high cost of fodder, in which we had heavily invested,"" added the Azrou-based farmer. ""This has taken a toll on our capital. I estimate our losses at around 50 percent. That's not to mention the eight to twelve months of hard work spent raising and preparing cattle for Eid. We urge the Ministry of Agriculture to provide both financial and moral support."" Last month, the government unveiled a 6.2 billion dirham relief plan, including subsidies for animal feed and partial debt relief for herders. Mourad, a small herder, hoped for an equitable distribution of the aid, saying that big livestock owners were usually the primary beneficiaries. How Moroccans will celebrate amid Eid ban? This marks the first time in thirty years that Moroccans will not traditionally celebrate Eid al-Adha. Yet for many, the celebration must go on. Households are turning to supermarket meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare their Eid grill. A surge in demand for poultry—a more affordable alternative—has pushed prices up by five dirhams per kilo in the days before the celebration. To stabilise supply and prices, Morocco has increased meat imports. Still, imported meat remains expensive, and the traditional Eid grill now costs more than $700. A survey by the local newspaper L'Économiste found that most Moroccans avoid imported meat due to its unfamiliar taste and religious concerns over halal certification. ""There hasn't been a practical method for implementing this decision. There won't be an Eid [sacrifice], yet everyone has bought liver and stomach! It's as if they closed the door but came in through the window,"" said Mouhssine Hajji, a young man from Sefrou (near Fez) told TNA . In previous bans, while fewer families observed the ritual, some quietly defied the royal order for religious reasons. Local outlet Yabiladi reported that in 1981, some Moroccans slaughtered sheep in secret. In the town of Guelmima, in the country's southeast, protesters went so far as to hang slaughtered dogs on the gates of the city's palace in anger over the Eid cancellation. Still, others view the ban as an opportunity to revive older, cultural aspects of the holiday, such as family gatherings and the post-Eid folk festival of Boujloud. Also known as Bilmawen, Boujloud is a vibrant North African tradition rooted in Amazigh pre-Islamic rituals, tied to fertility and the changing seasons. While it began as a pagan agrarian celebration, the festival gradually merged with Islamic traditions. It typically features performers clad in dried sheep or goat skins—the remnants of Eid sacrifice—who parade through villages, dancing to drums and flutes, blessing or playfully chasing onlookers. In recent years, Boujloud has seen a revival, with performers opting for more extravagant and modern costumes while maintaining its Amazigh spirit–celebrating the land and community. ""They can cancel the sacrifice, but this can't be cancelled. For me, this is Eid. This is what I wait for every year,"" Siham Azeroual, a young Amazigh woman, said to TNA . So while Moroccans may have to skip 'boulfaf'—the grilled sheep liver dish that marks the start of the Eid meal—they will still gather to enjoy Ahidous music and the lively, subversive spirit of Boujloud festival.";0,125
"Israel is accelerating its annexation of the occupied West Bank Israel's announcement of 22 new settlements is part of a decades-long policy to thwart a Palestinian state and annex the West Bank Analysis 8 min read Read Mode Jonathan Fenton-Harvey 04 June, 2025 Last Update 04 June, 2025 14:44 PM On 29 May, Israel announced the establishment of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank - marking the largest expansion of its kind since the 1993 Oslo Accords. Several of these settlements already exist as outposts, built without government authorisation, but will now gain retroactive approval and be made legal under Israeli law. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made no attempt to sugarcoat the announcement’s intent, describing it as a “strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel”. The announcement was made as France had been advancing the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, based on pre-1967 borders. For many Palestinians in the West Bank, the move is an entrenchment of the reality they have lived under for decades. In the international community’s eyes, Israel has adopted increasingly extreme rhetoric regarding settlements and the two-state framework Muhannad Ayyash, a policy analyst at Al-Shabaka and Professor of Sociology at Mount Royal University, told The New Arab that the escalation is a continuation of a decades-long Israeli policy to make a Palestinian state impossible, and ultimately impose Israeli sovereignty from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. Related How Israel has always rejected a Palestinian state Gaza War Analysis Live Story Jessica Buxbaum From creeping to impending annexation Settlement expansion has long been a key facet of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank after it occupied the territory in 1967. Over 700,000 Jewish settlers currently live in the West Bank, although their presence is unequivocally illegal under international law, particularly per Article 49(6) of the Fourth Geneva Convention. What’s changed is that Israel is becoming more brazen about its goals. On the one hand, far-right ministers such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir - himself a settler - have become more influential, considered to be driving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza policy. While extremism has become policy rather than just rhetoric, Israel has also exhibited a degree of nonchalance about the international community’s reaction to the destruction in Gaza. Expecting no consequences, Israel has intensified its occupation in the West Bank, with analysts warning of impending annexation . “De facto annexation of the West Bank is already happening, and this has accelerated under the Trump administration. We’re well past the point of ambiguity,” Salman Shaikh, CEO at The Shaikh Group , said in an interview with The New Arab . “There was once a notion that settlements were a bargaining chip for future negotiations on Palestinian statehood. That’s no longer the case. Nationalists have formed alliances with settlement leaders with the full-term aim of annexing the West Bank. They’re no longer hiding it; they’re just saying the quiet part out loud,” he added. There are over 700,000 Israeli settlers currently living in the occupied West Bank in contravention of international law. [Getty] This overt shift in Israel’s strategy has unfolded alongside growing international legal scrutiny, not just over Gaza but also the West Bank. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded , in a case initiated in December 2022, that Israel’s occupation of both the West Bank and Gaza is illegal - a finding later endorsed by a UN General Assembly vote. Still, this legal pressure hasn’t deterred Israel from entrenching its occupation in the West Bank, which rights groups like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem, South African activists, and even a former member of Mossad, have labelled a system of apartheid . “Allowing 22 new settlements to be built, including the retroactive so-called legalisation of some outposts is just one more step that Israel is taking to implement its policy towards the Palestinians everywhere, which is ethnic cleansing, and that policy is declared; it’s not a secret,” Nour Odeh, a Palestinian political analyst, told The New Arab . “These measures poke even more holes in the occupied West Bank. Israel is telling the world: we are a rogue state, this is what we’re going to do, and we do not fear consequences because, well, none have been exacted.” For decades, the international community, including Israel’s Western partners, have championed the notion of a two-state solution per the pre-1967 borders. Yet critics have labelled these plans as disingenuous, partly given the lack of efforts to rein in Israeli officials who have encouraged settlement expansion, and officially recognise a Palestinian state. This impunity has also led to Israeli ministers becoming increasingly brazen about the government’s plans to force Palestinians not only out of Gaza but also the West Bank. Related Israel's no-state solution and the endurance of Palestine Gaza War Analysis Live Story Amal Ahmad Daniel Levy, former Israeli negotiator and President of the US/Middle East Project (USMEP) , told The New Arab that the announcement to expand 22 settlements follows the “open acknowledgement by the Israeli government regarding Gaza and the West Bank that the publicly stated policy is a second Nakba and ethnic cleansing,” evident in the establishment of the Directorate for the Voluntary Emigration of Gaza Residents and its creation in March 2025. “There is nothing voluntary about moving people when you have made their conditions of life unliveable.” Israel has upped its military force in the West Bank, employing tactics previously confined to Gaza. Notably, in January 2025, Israeli forces launched a campaign labelled Operation Iron Wall , seizing full military control over refugee camps in Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarem where armed groups have operated. This brutal campaign - involving airstrikes, attack helicopters, and tanks - marked the most intense military escalation in the West Bank since 1967, displacing more than 40,000 Palestinians. More broadly in the West Bank, thousands have been killed or injured since October 2023, and over 17,000 detained - with many subjected to home demolitions and forced evictions. “For those living in the immediate vicinity of the settlers, we can expect increased and more brazen settler violence, including physical attacks on Palestinians, the burning of their olive trees, fields, and taking over their homes. The limitation of movement for Palestinians will become even more restricted than it already is,” Al-Shabaka analyst Ayyash told TNA . He also warned that Israel will push for the long-term goal of making the lives of Palestinians even harder, until they are forced to leave. Israel's occupation of the West Bank has been described as a system of apartheid by rights groups like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B'Tselem. [Getty] Shifting public opinion On the surface, Israel’s announcement to expand West Bank settlements is another step in damaging its international image, exacerbated by its expanding occupation of the besieged Gaza Strip. The latest incident came on 1 June, when Israel blocked foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt from attending a scheduled meeting in Ramallah to meet the Palestinian Authority (PA) to discuss Palestinian statehood. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s move as “extremism and rejection of peace,” showing a growing rift that further buries normalisation talks between Riyadh and Tel Aviv. It also reflects how Israel, recently, has become somewhat of a political outsider in the Middle East in terms of US policy, with US President Donald Trump visiting Arab Gulf states, striking a deal with the Houthis , lifting sanctions on Syria, and re-engaging in nuclear enrichment talks with Iran - Tel Aviv’s regional nemesis - despite Israel’s protests. Crucially, pressure is growing in the West, largely driven by shifting public opinion. A YouGov poll published on 3 June showed net favourability toward Israel reaching historic lows - between -44 and -56 - across major European countries, including Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. In response, some European governments have further adjusted their tone. The UK condemned the settlement expansion announcement, and along with France and Canada has threatened sanctions. Israel’s staunch allies like Germany have increased their criticism of Israel’s actions, while Spain, Ireland, and Norway have reduced their trade ties. Moreover, on 2 June, the Financial Times editorial board called for EU sanctions on Israel, including targeting institutions such as the Bank of Israel, which invests around a quarter of its reserves in Europe. For now, Western arms continue to flow to Israel, and trade reductions remain minimal. Many observers warn that while criticism may increase, meaningful repercussions for Israel’s actions will remain limited. “The fact is, European public opinion is exactly where it should be - demanding accountability from Israel. The issue isn't a lack of public pressure; it's that these governments are deeply invested in supporting Israel through arms deals, defence contracts, and in protecting the settler-colonial project that has benefited from decades of exceptionalism,” said Nour Odeh. Related Erasing Palestine: Jerusalem as a frontline in Israel's war Gaza War In-depth Live Story Mariam Barghouti Sanctions or continued inaction? Ultimately, the ongoing discussions among European states over recognising Palestine may irk Israel. But without action, they won’t be enough to change the reality on the ground. “The degree of extremity of this policy is leading to a mood shift among many of Israel's Western and primarily European allies,” said Daniel Levy. However, he added that “Israel's leadership is betting on Europe remaining in the comfort zone of rhetoric, not action - unfortunately, that is a reasonable bet, recognition of a Palestinian state is symbolic, not consequential. And sadly, the co-opted Palestinian leadership in Ramallah [the PA] is part of this game of Potemkin pressure.” The PA, dependent on Western and Israeli funding, has faced waning credibility in the eyes of Palestinians, in part due to its perceived compliance with Israel’s occupation, as its security forces have jointly cracked down on armed Palestinian groups in the occupied West Bank. “All this really tells us is that public mobilisation must expand and intensify,” said Levy. Meanwhile, Salman Shaikh also called for holding those responsible for settlement expansion accountable, including members of the Israeli government. He also warned that Western powers ignoring the impending annexation are “criminally negligent,” adding arms embargoes and sanctions must be coupled with recognition of Palestine to uphold international law. If European states proceed with recognising Palestine at an upcoming UN conference on 17 June, it will increase pressure on Israel. But without concrete follow-up measures, such recognition risks being symbolic. In the absence of real consequences, Israel is likely to press ahead at full speed with its long-term annexation agenda. Jonathan Fenton-Harvey is a journalist and researcher who focuses on conflict, geopolitics, and humanitarian issues in the Middle East and North Africa. Follow him on Twitter: @jfentonharvey Dozens killed near Gaza aid point as UN to vote on ceasefire Read More ?Air India plane with 242 on board crashes at India airport Read More Saudi Crown Prince MBS will not attend G7 Summit in Canada Read More Rally in Cairo urges Egypt to let Gaza-bound activists through Read More Follow the Middle East's top stories in English at The New Arab on Google News Tags Israeli settlements Occupied West Bank Palestine Israel Benjamin Netanyahu More In Analysis Robert Bociaga Post-Assad Syria Analysis Live Story From rebels to soldiers: Foreign fighters in Syria's new army Muhammad Shehada Gaza War In-depth Live Story The rise of Abu Shabab: Mapping the Gaza militia armed by Israel Saleh Salem Egypt-Iran Analysis Live Story Is a thaw in long-frozen Egypt-Iran ties on the horizon?";0,2
Captagon survivors find recovery in Syria’s first rehab clinicOnce a cornerstone of the Assad regime, the Captagon drug has left devastation across Syria. Now, a new rehab clinic in the north offers a glimmer of hope Society 5 min read The sun rises softly over the olive groves of Afrin, in northern Syria near the Turkish border. Atop a quiet hill stands a pristine villa with Roman columns and tiled roofs. It resembles a countryside mansion more than a medical institution — yet it is Syria’s first rehabilitation clinic dedicated to treating drug addiction. The Hope Center for Rehabilitation opened in January 2025, funded by France and Qatar, and is operated by Syrian NGOs Shafaq and Mars. Since its opening, the centre has been operating at full capacity. “We haven’t had a single empty bed,” says director Mohanad Abu Elzeen. At 9:15 am, following morning exercise, a group therapy session is underway. Beneath a white canopy, Dr Mahmoud, dressed in a green coat, addresses ten young men. “Society tends to see drug users as deviants,” he says. “But they’re victims. Nobody chooses to fall. What matters is having the strength to stand back up. Sometimes, all it takes is a hand held out.” Among the patients is Abdulrahmane, a 22-year-old from Homs. Bearded and solemn, he fingers a prayer bead necklace as he listens. He began working in upholstery as a child and joined the Free Syrian Army at 16. To stay awake and focused during long guard shifts, he started using Captagon — like many others around him. “I used to take two or three pills a day,” he says. “They kept me alert. But when I stopped, I felt useless. I had no will to hold my rifle or go to my post.” After 21 days of detox at the clinic, Abdulrahmane is preparing to return home. A doctor helps beneficiaries perform flexibility exercises The chemical escape Captagon, originally developed in Germany in the 1960s to treat narcolepsy and depression, contains fenethylline, a powerful stimulant that floods the brain with dopamine and adrenaline. It suppresses hunger, thirst, and fatigue, producing a euphoric sense of invincibility. Though banned globally in the 1980s due to its harmful side effects — anxiety, aggression, depression, and extreme dependency — illicit versions have proliferated, particularly in the Middle East. During the Syrian war , Captagon production exploded under regime control. Maher al-Assad , the president’s brother and head of an elite military unit, oversaw a vast drug empire worth billions. Captagon exports helped fund the Syrian government’s war machine, turning the country into what some now call a 'narco-state.' At one point, Syria was responsible for 80% of the world’s Captagon supply. That changed with the fall of the regime in late 2024, when the Islamist coalition HTS seized power and began dismantling production sites. Millions of pills were uncovered, hidden in leather spools, electric meters, and even tahini cans. Since the fall of the regime, the new Syrian authorities have seized millions of Captagon pills and closed all of the former production sites After 14 years of war, addiction has seeped into every layer of society. “Before the war, drug use was extremely rare in Syria,” says Mohanad. “Now, it’s everywhere — across all social classes, ages, and regions. The needs assessment study that we lead in the region showed that 20% of people aged 18 to 45 are dependent on at least one substance.” Combatants on both sides, along with over a million displaced people, are particularly affected. Captagon remains the most commonly used drug, but its scarcity has led many to switch to alternatives like methamphetamine and Tramadol. That was the case for Mustafa, a 30-year-old former shoe manufacturer in Istanbul. Fleeing the war, he had built a stable business with 15 employees. But when marital tensions arose, he turned to Captagon. “At first it was half a pill a day, then one, then two, then ten,” he recalls. “I lost 25 kilos in six months. I couldn’t feel hunger or fatigue.” When Captagon supplies dried up after the fall of the Assad regime, Mustafa began using crystal meth, a far more potent — and expensive — drug. He lost control, closed his business, and began dealing to fund his addiction. After being physically affected by his downfall, he turned up at his brother’s, who brought him to the centre. He says, “I lost everything to Captagon: my company, my wife, my health.” Many patients began using drugs while working in Turkey, under exploitative conditions. Abdu, 25, is back for a follow-up visit after completing treatment. He spent seven years in a textile factory across the border, working night shifts seven days a week. “When I started slowing down, my boss gave me Captagon to stay awake. I’d go three days without sleep,” he says. “Then at the end of the week, he deducted the cost of the pills from my wages.” Eventually, Abdu returned to Syria and entered the rehab programme. “We were many Syrians caught in that trap,” he shares. Abdulrahmane, 22, began using Captagon while serving as a soldier in the Free Syrian Army. After three weeks of detox at the clinic, he is preparing to return home Pain and addiction: A deadly combination The drug doesn’t just suppress fatigue — it also alleviates pain. Ahmed, a 31-year-old from Eastern Ghouta, suffered a near-fatal injury during a 2017 tank bombing. A former furniture maker turned fighter, he lost three friends that day and was in a coma for three months. To manage the pain from his leg injury, he was prescribed Tramadol — and became addicted. Since January, the Hope Center has treated 1,492 patients, including 93 in full residential care. Up to 12 at a time stay for three-week detox programmes, supported by doctors, psychologists, and nurses. Days are structured around therapy, exercise, nutrition classes, and group activities. “The next step is to open a second centre in the south, and to develop reintegration programmes,” says Mohanad. He also wants to offer treatment in lieu of prison sentences for minor drug offences, pending approval from Damascus authorities. “We’re still new, but the need is enormous, and people are responding,” Mohanad shares. At 9 pm, the day’s programme is over, but staff and residents linger in the courtyard. Someone plays music — a dabke tune — and within seconds, the men form a circle, clasp hands, and dance to the traditional Levantine rhythm. That night, under the stars above Afrin, they inch a little closer to joy — without chemical shortcuts. Beneficiaries performing Dabke, a traditional dance from the levantine region Sami Zaïbi is a Swiss journalist based in Cairo;0,175
"France to probe French-Israelis over ‘complicity in genocide’France’s anti-terror prosecutors are set to investigate “complicity in genocide” and “incitement to genocide” over French-Israelis suspected of having blocked air intended for war-torn Gaza, a source close to the case said Friday. The investigation comes after the Jewish French Union for Peace (UFJP) and a French-Palestinian victim filed a legal complaint in November, levelling accusations of ""organizing, participating in and calling for the participation in concrete activities to block humanitarian aid"" for Gaza, ""including physically preventing the passage of trucks at border checkpoints controlled by the Israeli army"". Their complaint targeted alleged French members of pro-Israel groups ""Israel is forever"" and ""Tzav-9"". It was not immediately clear how many people had been accused. Two lawyers for the plaintiffs, Damia Taharraoui and Marion Lafouge, told AFP they were happy a probe had been launched into the events in January 2024, when they said ""no one wanted to hear anything about genocide"". The source close to the case said prosecutors last month urged a probe into events alleged to have happened at the Nitzana crossing point between Egypt and Israel, and the Kerem Shalom one from Israel into Gaza. Rights groups, lawyers and in recent months some Israeli historians have described the Gaza war as ""genocide"". But Israel, created in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust of Jews during World War II, vehemently rejects the term. No court has so far ruled the ongoing conflict is a genocide. But in rulings in January, March and May 2024, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest judicial organ, told Israel to do everything possible to ""prevent"" acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza, including through allowing in urgently needed aid. shortlink copied KEYWORDS france gaza war gaza genocide israeli war crimes israel-palestine conflict Small towns in Turkey to experience Ottoman Empire PHOTOGALLERY";0,05
Russia turns up heat with fierce drone, missile barrage on UkraineAt least three people died and dozens were injured after Russia unleashed one of its fiercest aerial assaults on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began more than three years ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday. Zelenskyy called for stronger international pressure on Moscow following the overnight assault that struck “almost all” of Ukraine, affecting nine regions. “Russia must be held accountable,” he wrote on X, urging Europe, the United States and other nations to “act decisively” to end the war. He warned that those who fail to apply enough pressure are complicit in Moscow’s aggression. Ukraine’s air force said Russia deployed 407 drones in a single night – the highest number since the invasion began in February 2022. Zelenskyy also reported that more than 40 missiles and cruise missiles were fired. The Ukrainian military said it intercepted 30 of 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers – the same Russian aircraft targeted by Ukrainian drones in a major June 1 strike. Four of six Iskander-M ballistic missiles and two Iskander-K cruise missiles were also downed. In total, Ukrainian forces said they shot down 199 combat drones and electronically disabled or forced down another 169 unarmed drones used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The previous record was 355 drones, detected May 26. While the figures could not be independently verified, analysts say they reflect the scale of the attacks. Military experts believe nightly assaults involving 500 or more drones may soon become routine as Russia ramps up production. The Russian Defense Ministry described the drone and missile assault as retaliation. “The armed forces of the Russian Federation have delivered a massive blow in response to terrorist acts by the Kiev regime,” the ministry said. It remained unclear whether the operation was Moscow’s anticipated response to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian airfields that took out military aircraft. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also recently accused Ukraine of “terrorism,” citing train crashes in Russia believed to have been caused by sabotage. In Ukraine, air raid sirens sounded across all regions overnight. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said early Friday that at least four people were killed in the capital alone, with 20 injured. It was not immediately clear why his death toll differed from Zelenskyy’s, who said three people were killed in the country. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported that drones struck multiple residential buildings and caused significant damage to a gas station in the city’s Dniprovskyi district. In northwestern Ukraine, at least five people were injured in attacks on Lutsk. Mayor Ihor Polishchuk said 15 drones and six missiles hit the city, damaging an apartment building, vehicles, businesses and a government institution. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Efforts to end the war through negotiations have so far made little progress, with both sides maintaining sharply divergent demands.;0,125
Eurozone economy grows 0.6% in 1st quarter, above market expectationsThe eurozone economy growth rate outpaced market expectations, hitting 0.6% in the first three months of 2025, official data showed Friday. The EU's data agency said the 20-country single currency area recorded growth of 0.6% over the January-March period from the previous quarter, up from the 0.3% figure published last month. That figure was itself a downward revision from a first estimate of 0.4% issued in April. The increase in exports positively affected the gross domestic product (GDP) growth, with a rise of 1.9% in the eurozone. Investments also increased by 1.8% in both the euro area and the EU (after +0.7% and +0.6%, respectively). Among the member states, Ireland saw the highest quarterly increase with 9.7%, followed by Malta with 2.1% and the Greek Cypriot with 1.3%. Luxembourg's economy shrank the most in the first quarter, with 1%, followed by Slovenia with 0.8% and Denmark and Portugal, both down 0.5%. On a yearly basis, the euro area posted a GDP growth rate of 1.5%, with 1.6% for the EU, according to Eurostat. Meanwhile, employment in the euro area rose by 0.2% on a quarterly basis in the first quarter of 2025, while it posted no change in the EU. On an annual basis, the eurozone's employment climbed 0.7%, while the EU's was up 0.4% in the first quarter. The eurozone/euro area, or EA20, represents member states that use the single currency-the euro-while the EU27 includes all member countries of the bloc. shortlink copied Last Update: Jun 08, 2025 11:15 am KEYWORDS eurozone eurozone economy gdp growth q1 european union 100 bird species living in eastern Türkiye photographed in study PHOTOGALLERY;0
Erdo?an rallies spirit of unity on Eid, throws weight behind GazaTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an extended Eid al-Adha greetings Friday, calling for unity, compassion, and global solidarity, while spotlighting the plight of Palestinians and reaffirming Türkiye’s support for Gaza amid ongoing turmoil. Shared via a message on X, Erdo?an wished blessings upon the Turkish nation and Muslims worldwide, describing the sacred holiday as a time to renew faith and strengthen human bonds. “May Eid bring prosperity to our country, our nation, and all of humanity,” he wrote, with a particular nod to “our brothers and sisters in Gaza and Palestine,” hailing their resilience in the face of hardship. Eid al-Adha – or Kurban Bayram? in Turkish – is one of Islam’s two most significant religious holidays. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God, who, according to Islamic tradition, was prepared to sacrifice his son before a ram was divinely provided as a substitute. The festival, deeply embedded in Islamic and Turkish tradition, emphasizes sacrifice, charity, and solidarity. This year, the holiday runs from June 5 to 9, with June 6 officially marking the first day of celebrations in Türkiye. It coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, underscoring its spiritual magnitude. The government has declared an extended public holiday, with families expected to gather for prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity. In Türkiye, the rituals of Eid blend religious devotion with cultural heritage. Families sacrifice sheep, goats, or cattle, distributing the meat in thirds – one for themselves, one for relatives and neighbors, and one for the less fortunate. Mosques hold communal prayers, and homes open their doors for visitors, meals, and intergenerational connection. Erdo?an’s message arrives at a time when Türkiye faces mounting economic pressure, with inflation and currency depreciation straining household budgets. In this context, the president’s emphasis on generosity and unity during Eid seeks to bolster national morale and promote social cohesion. Support for Gaza Internationally, Erdo?an used the holiday as an opportunity to reiterate Türkiye’s diplomatic stance. Long a vocal critic of Israeli actions in Gaza, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance as a champion of Palestinian rights. The inclusion of Gaza in his Eid greeting wasn’t just symbolic – it underscored Ankara’s ongoing humanitarian aid missions to conflict zones like Gaza and Syria, particularly during religious holidays. Under Erdo?an’s leadership – first as prime minister from 2003 and then as president since 2014 – Türkiye has consistently aligned national holidays with broader messages of faith-driven diplomacy and global outreach. His Eid message, tying local tradition to international empathy, reinforces Ankara’s image as a bridge between Muslim communities and the global stage. The universal values of Eid – sacrifice, faith, and charity – echo far beyond Türkiye’s borders. Erdo?an’s outreach to “all our friends across the world” speaks to the enduring relevance of the holiday in today’s fractured world.;0,275
"Merz prioritizes Türkiye as key foreign partner: German ex-envoy Germany’s new chancellor recognizes Türkiye’s strategic importance, especially regarding regional crises like Ukraine and Gaza, an ex-ambassador to Ankara says, arguing Merz will work for stronger ties German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will pursue policies to further deepen bilateral ties with Türkiye, which he considers a strategic partner for Germany, according to a former German ambassador to Ankara. The security of Western-allied nations in the region ""really needs a strong NATO, and it needs also strong bilateral ties between Germany and Türkiye,"" Eckart Cuntz, who served as Germany's ambassador to Ankara from 2006 to 2011, said in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA). ""I think Chancellor Friedrich Merz has recognized that ... and I'm convinced he will try to make this a reality,"" he said. Cuntz pointed out that Merz even pledged to expand strategic cooperation with Türkiye after meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Brussels during his first week as chancellor. Merz, who took office on May 6, has vowed to pursue a more active foreign policy and take a leadership role in Europe to address regional and global challenges. He has indicated a more realistic foreign policy approach, stressing the importance of strengthening ties with non-EU member allies like the U.K., Norway and Türkiye. According to Cuntz, relations with Türkiye during previous coalition governments fell short of their potential due to various factors, including political differences and domestic issues. ""I think, for a long time, Türkiye's role in foreign and security policy relations had been underestimated. I think it was a big mistake,"" said the former ambassador and foreign policy commentator, who closely follows the region. Today, Türkiye plays a crucial role in diplomatic efforts to address challenges from Ukraine to the Middle East, he emphasized. ""We have a big crisis with Gaza, and Türkiye is one of the big players, and that's the same now for the Ukrainian conflict,"" Cuntz said, noting Ankara's diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and facilitate diplomatic solutions. Türkiye, he added, has already helped secure some deals between Russia and Ukraine, citing the July 2022 Black Sea grain deal as an important example. ""Also, the exchange of prisoners, and even some deals between Germany and Russia for the exchange of certain people of interest, including the Tiergarten murderer here in Berlin. I think all that should not be forgotten,"" Cuntz stressed. While Europeans and the Turkish government may have their political differences, maintaining closer dialogue and focusing on issues of mutual interest remains essential, he added. Cuntz emphasized that joint efforts to curb irregular migration, along with efforts for stability and a smooth political transition in Syria, remain key areas for collaboration. New chapter in relations According to the veteran diplomat, Germany's new government aims to play a stronger role in Europe and pursue an active foreign policy on the international stage, while opening a fresh chapter in bilateral relations with Türkiye. Cuntz highlighted the pragmatism and realism in Merz's approach to foreign policy, forecasting positive developments in German-Turkish relations in the months ahead, provided they are not hindered by domestic political issues. He pointed to the German leader's comments during and after the election campaign, where he showed a more open approach than the previous coalition on strengthening political dialogue, as well as economic and security cooperation with Ankara. ""In the coalition agreement, there are also some paragraphs on relations with Türkiye, which underlines the role of Türkiye in foreign and security policy relations. That was repeated by Chancellor Merz when he visited the NATO headquarters,"" Cuntz elaborated. After meeting Rutte in Brussels on May 9, Merz called Türkiye ""an extremely valuable and important NATO partner,"" emphasizing that Ankara safeguards a strategically vital area of NATO territory. ""I will do everything I can to maintain and further expand this partnership,"" said the German chancellor. High-level visits expected Cuntz said he expects high-level visits between Germany and Türkiye soon to enhance political dialogue and strengthen bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that these visits could prove crucial. ""I think that our new government is well advised to get in touch with the Turkish leadership as soon as possible. Probably they have done so, and I also would advise that either the Turkish president visits Germany very soon, or the other way around – that Merz ... and also his foreign minister, they visit Türkiye as soon as possible,"" he said. The former German ambassador also suggested enhancing political dialogue between European governments and Türkiye at the highest levels, including Ankara's participation in major European political gatherings. ""It is necessary. Even if there might be a long way for Türkiye's membership in the EU, we should include Türkiye much more in a kind of political union. I had also suggested that if there are meetings in Paris or London of some powers who play an important role, Türkiye should be invited,"" he said.";-0,1
New judicial package to strengthen criminal justice: Minister Türkiye's 10th Judicial Reform Package aims to eliminate the perception of impunity with tougher penalties, expanded house arrest options and stricter parole rules The newly passed 10th Judicial Reform Package aims to strengthen criminal justice, prevent crime and “eliminate the perception of impunity,” Justice Minister Y?lmaz Tunç said Wednesday as Parliament approved the far-reaching legal changes a day before. Tunç hailed the new reform as a crucial step toward a more effective and credible justice system. “With this package, we aim to make criminal justice more effective, eliminate the perception of impunity, expand the scope of special execution procedures, prevent the commission of crimes and ensure deterrence, as well as increase traffic safety,” Tunç said on social media after the vote. He added: “I thank all our deputies who supported the legislative process. We will continue to implement the goals in our Judicial Reform Strategy Document prepared with the vision of a rule-of-law-based, swift, and predictable justice system, and we will make the ‘Century of Türkiye’ the century of justice.” The newly enacted law introduces a wide array of amendments to multiple legal codes, including the Penal Code, Execution of Penalties Law, and laws governing notaries and administrative courts. Many of the provisions aim to address longstanding concerns over sentencing inconsistencies, outdated penal procedures, and lenient treatment of serious offenses. One of the most important updates is the increase in prison sentences for attempted crimes, especially where the offender previously faced aggravated or life imprisonment. The new law raises the lower and upper limits of determinate prison terms. For instance, the sentence for crimes previously punished with aggravated life imprisonment will now range between 14 and 21 years, instead of the previous 13 to 20. For regular life sentences, the range is now 10 to 18 years, up from nine to 15. Similarly, penalties for intentional injury have been toughened, with minimum prison terms rising from one year to one year and six months. In cases where injuries result in permanent harm – such as loss of organ function, facial disfigurement or premature birth in attacks against pregnant women –minimum penalties have been increased across the board, in some cases from five to six years or from eight to nine years. If an injury leads to death, the lower limit of the sentence will now be 10 years instead of 8. If bone fractures caused by assault lead to death, the lower limit is now 14 years. These stricter penalties also apply to crimes committed against women, where the minimum sentence has risen from six months to nine months. The law also targets threats and intimidation more forcefully, with the aim of deterrence. For example, threatening someone with major financial harm or other serious consequences will now carry a minimum sentence of two months. If the threat involves a weapon, disguise, unsigned letters or symbols, is perpetrated by a group, or relies on the intimidation power of a crime syndicate, the maximum prison sentence has increased from five to seven years. Traffic safety violations are another key area. Under the new law, anyone who operates a vehicle in a dangerous manner – whether by land, sea, air or rail – faces a minimum of four months in prison, up from three months. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those otherwise unfit to drive safely, will now face a minimum sentence of six months. The law introduces expanded options for sentence execution at home, particularly for vulnerable populations. Inmates who are elderly, ill or disabled and deemed unable to survive independently in prison conditions, and who do not pose a danger to public safety, will now be eligible to serve their sentences under house arrest. This includes those with aggravated illnesses, disabled individuals and convicts over 80. Their eligibility will be reassessed annually. Additionally, women who have given birth more than six months prior and received sentences of up to five years may also benefit from home confinement, provided certain conditions are met. For other groups, such as children, individuals over 65 and the elderly in general, new regulations expand the scope of weekend or night-time incarceration, allowing them to serve short sentences without fully entering the prison system. For example, a convict may enter prison on Friday evening and leave Sunday night, or serve time overnight during the week. These decisions will take into account family and work obligations as well as the needs of the prison system. The reform also introduces changes to parole eligibility. Inmates serving second-time repeat sentences – those who have reoffended after a previous conditional release – will now be eligible for parole after completing three-quarters of their sentence. Previously, these individuals had virtually no pathway to early release. For those with multiple determinate prison sentences, the total sentence that must be served for eligibility is capped at 32 years. Another amendment relates to open prison inmates and juveniles nearing parole. Those with one year or less remaining in their sentence must now spend at least one-tenth of that period physically in prison to qualify for supervised release, setting a clearer structure for early reintegration. Important revisions were also made in response to rulings by the Constitutional Court. In the Notary Law, the reform establishes a detailed framework for disciplinary procedures. Notaries can now face penalties ranging from warnings and fines to suspension and disbarment, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Repeat offenses committed within five years of a previous disciplinary decision will now result in a harsher penalty. The statute of limitations for initiating a disciplinary investigation is now set at three years from the time the offense becomes known, and no disciplinary punishment can be imposed if more than five years have passed since the act was committed. In sum, the 10th Judicial Reform Package represents one of the most comprehensive overhauls to Türkiye's penal and procedural codes in recent years. The law touches nearly every stage of the justice process – from how crimes are punished, to how sentences are served, to how state professionals like notaries are held accountable. Tunç emphasized that the reform aligns with the country’s broader judicial vision under the “Century of Türkiye” framework. “We will continue implementing the goals outlined in our Judicial Reform Strategy Document, and we will make this century one of justice.”;-0,1
President Erdo?an highlights stronger ties, peace in Eid callsPresident Recep Tayyip Erdo?an reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional stability, as he held separate phone conversations with the leaders of Malaysia, Armenia, and Indonesia on the occasion of Qurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha). In a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the two leaders discussed Türkiye-Malaysia ties as well as regional and global developments, the Presidency said. President Erdo?an emphasized that cooperation between the two nations will continue to deepen across all fields and extended Eid greetings to the Malaysian leader. Erdo?an also spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who initiated the call to convey Eid wishes. The two leaders reviewed the ongoing contacts between Türkiye and Armenia and exchanged views on regional issues. Erdo?an underlined the significance of comprehensive normalization in the region and peaceful negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing satisfaction with the dialogue between Ankara and Yerevan. In another call, President Erdo?an and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed bilateral relations and broader regional matters. Erdo?an hailed the historically strong cooperation between Türkiye and Indonesia, particularly in sectors such as energy, health, education, and the defense industry. He also conveyed his Eid wishes to the Indonesian leader. shortlink copied KEYWORDS türkiye-malaysia relations türkiye-indonesia relations türkiye-armenia relations recep tayy?p erdo?an nikol pashinyan anwar ibrahim prabawo subianto Anti-frost candles burn in France's vineyards to save buds, flowers PHOTOGALLERY;0
"OpenAI uncovers more Chinese groups abusing ChatGPT for malicious useOpenAI reported Thursday that a growing number of Chinese groups are using its AI technology for covert operations. While the scope and tactics employed by these groups have expanded, the operations detected were generally small in scale and targeted limited audiences, the San Francisco-based startup said. Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, there have been concerns about the potential consequences of generative AI technology, which can quickly and easily produce human-like text, imagery and audio. OpenAI regularly releases reports on malicious activity it detects on its platform, such as creating and debugging malware, or generating fake content for websites and social media platforms. In one example, OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts that generated social media posts on political and geopolitical topics relevant to China, including criticism of a Taiwan-centric video game, false accusations against a Pakistani activist, and content related to the closure of USAID. Some content also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, generating X posts, such as ""Tariffs make imported goods outrageously expensive, yet the government splurges on overseas aid. Who's supposed to keep eating?"". In another example, China-linked threat actors used AI to support various phases of their cyber operations, including open-source research, script modification, troubleshooting system configurations, and development of tools for password brute forcing and social media automation. A third example OpenAI found was a China-origin influence operation that generated polarized social media content supporting both sides of divisive topics within U.S. political discourse, including text and AI-generated profile images. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on OpenAI's findings. OpenAI has cemented its position as one of the world's most valuable private companies after announcing a $40 billion funding round, valuing the company at $300 billion.";0,025
"Italy's Central Asia policy in the context of the Astana summit by Zeynep Gizem Özp?nar Jun 06, 2025 Italy’s 2025 Central Asia summit marks a strategic pivot toward Eurasian energy and trade hubs The official visits of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on May 30, 2025, and the first Central Asia-Italy Summit held in Astana in this context are important milestones that embody Rome's strategic orientation toward Eurasian geopolitics. Central Asia, where global power competition intensified after the Ukraine war, has become an attractive region for Italy, both for energy and transport lines and for alternative expansions to the China-Russia axis. The summit, which was held in this new format, reveals that Italy has developed a more original, multifaceted and pragmatic geopolitical vision, departing from its classical EU-centered foreign policy. Rome's liabilities, opportunities Italy's Central Asia policy is based on Rome's strategic response to global geopolitical fluctuations. In this context, three main imperatives stand out: Diversifying energy supply security, strengthening Europe-centered alternative corridors to the Belt and Road Initiative, and becoming an economic and logistical hub on the Mediterranean-Central Asia axis. Energy supply security is critical for a large energy-importing country like Italy. The shocks experienced in the supply of natural gas after the Russian-Ukrainian war have led Rome to look for alternative energy sources. Central Asian countries are strategic partners in this context, with both their traditional energy resources and renewable energy potential. The calls for cooperation in the fields of hydro, solar and wind energy and technology transfers for energy efficiency, which came to the fore at the summit, support Italy's goals in this field. Secondly, in line with the Global Gateway strategy developed by the European Union to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, Italy aims to play a role in developing Eurasian land bridges. In this framework, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is considered an important corridor for both Italy and the EU to balance Chinese influence . Rome's financial and technical support for this project opens a new market for its logistics and infrastructure companies, while offering Central Asian countries alternative transit partnerships outside Russia and China. Thirdly, Italy is adopting a strategy of becoming a logistics bridge on the Mediterranean-Central Asia route. Italian ports, especially centers such as Trieste, Genoa and Naples, can be positioned as important logistics gateways for the distribution of goods from Central Asia to Europe and Africa. In this context, Rome seeks to transform its geographical location into the status of a logistics centre. Considering the landlocked nature of Central Asia, railway and road lines connected to the Mediterranean create a great attraction for the countries of the region. Italy's expanding interest is not only economic, but also diplomatic and cultural. In Central Asia, Rome presents an image of being free of historical baggage, ideologically neutral and non-interventionist. This distinguishes it from other European countries with a more active interventionist past and allows it to build relations of mutual trust with the countries of the region. Moreover, cultural diplomacy, another important tool of Italian foreign policy, and opportunities for academic and technical cooperation in Central Asia, pave the way for ""soft power"" building. Joint programs between Italian universities and higher education institutions in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan promise long-term gains in areas such as technology transfer, establishment of research centers and student exchange programs. Such academic networks not only enhance educational capacity but also contribute to the adoption of European values among local elites. Structural limits, strategic fragilities Although the Astana summit of 2025 resulted in a comprehensive political declaration reaffirming the vision of multilateral cooperation between Italy and Central Asian countries, serious structural constraints and geopolitical vulnerabilities remain in the implementation of this vision. The goals of energy transformation, infrastructure connectivity, water security and economic integration outlined in the text of the declaration are at risk of conflict with the realistic balance of power and security conditions in the region. The landlocked nature of Central Asia is one of the main obstacles to integration into international markets. The lack of direct access to the seas makes the region's trade routes dependent on actors with high political and security risks. The southern corridor to the Indian Ocean via Afghanistan is unstable due to the ISKP threat and security gaps. The use of Iran's strategic ports is severely constrained by Western sanctions, a diplomatic handicap for EU member states such as Italy. Pakistan's port infrastructure offers a theoretical alternative, but the country's internal political turbulence and separatist movements in Balochistan make this route fragile. The security dimension is also important in Rome's efforts to increase its influence in the region. Although the declaration calls for cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, border security and the fight against organized crime, Italy's limited capacity in these areas is noteworthy. Although NATO membership provides Rome with a diplomatic platform, it is impossible to talk about a security architecture in which it can be active in the field and intervene on its own. It can only be effective in the security sector through technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes within the EU framework. Nevertheless, the areas highlighted in the declaration, such as energy, water and environment, are the main sectors where Italy can make a constructive contribution. On environmental agendas such as the Aral Lake crisis and the protection of mountainous ecosystems, Italian environmental technologies and sustainability-oriented development models can offer viable solutions for the region. Italian investments and technical expertise in renewable energy can support green transformation objectives. In addition, knowledge sharing, education and research networking are among the levers to consolidate Rome's soft power. In the favorable scenario envisaged, Italy could become a reliable connection between Central Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. This would strengthen Rome's role as a logistics hub and position it as an important partner in the region's quest to balance its dependence on Russia and China. On the contrary, Italy's investment and connectivity initiatives could be hampered if China's economic influence grows, Russia consolidates its influence in the region or border disputes re-escalate. Moreover, individual moves within the EU against the common foreign policy line could undermine Rome's prestige in the region and create strategic dissonance in relations with Brussels. About the author Board member and foreign policy specialist at the Turkish Foreign Policy Research Center (TUDPAM)";-0,125
"US, China to resume trade discussions, Trump says after Xi call President Donald Trump said Thursday that his call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping ended on a “very positive note,” adding that the two countries will soon resume trade talks aimed at resolving their standoff over tariffs and rare earth mineral supply chains. It was the first call between the two men since Trump took office for his second term more than four months ago. ""Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,"" Trump wrote on his social media platform. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. side in negotiations. The Republican president also said Xi ""graciously” invited him and first lady Melania Trump to China, and Trump reciprocated with his own invitation for Xi to visit the United States. The Chinese foreign ministry said Trump initiated the call between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies. Xinhua, the Chinese state media outlet, said Xi asked Trump to ""reverse the negative measures” that the U.S. has taken against China. It also reported that Trump said Chinese students were welcome to study in the U.S., although his administration has vowed to revoke some of their visas. Comparing the bilateral relationship to a big ship, Xi told Trump that the two sides need to steer carefully in a good direction and for them to ""eliminate all kinds of interference and even sabotage,” according to Xinhua. Trump had declared one day earlier that it was difficult to reach a deal with Xi. ""I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!"" Trump posted Wednesday on his social media site. Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge. The U.S. accuses China of not exporting critical minerals, and the Chinese government objects to America restricting its sale of advanced chips and its access to student visas for college and graduate students. Trump has lowered his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks. China also reduced its taxes on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. The back and forth has caused sharp swings in global markets and threatens to hamper trade between the two countries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had suggested that only a conversation between Trump and Xi could resolve these differences so that talks could restart in earnest. The underlying tension between the two countries may still persist, though. Even if negotiations resume, Trump wants to lessen America’s reliance on Chinese factories and reindustrialize the U.S., whereas China wants the ability to continue its push into technologies such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence that could be crucial to securing its economic future. The United States ran a trade imbalance of $295 billion with China in 2024, according to the Census Bureau. While the Chinese government’s focus on manufacturing has turned it into a major economic and geopolitical power, China has been muddling through a slowing economy after a real estate crisis and coronavirus pandemic lockdowns weakened consumer spending. Trump and Xi had last spoken in January, three days before Inauguration Day. The pair discussed trade then, as well as Trump’s demands that China do more to prevent the synthetic opioid fentanyl from entering the United States. Trump had long expressed optimism about the prospects for a major deal, before his post suggesting Xi was making that difficult. Last week, Trump went further, posting, ""The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted. ""So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”";-0,125
Bulgarian Economy Grows 3.1% in Q1 2025, Driven by Construction and Consumer SpendingBulgaria’s economy posted a 3.1% year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2025, and a 0.6% increase compared to the final quarter of 2024, according to seasonally adjusted preliminary data released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI). GDP at Current Prices In absolute terms, the GDP for the January–March period stood at 45.6 billion leva, with the gross value added (GVA) for the economy’s sectors reaching 39.6 billion leva. On a per capita basis, GDP was 7,093 leva. Using the quarterly average exchange rate of 1.8592 leva per U.S. dollar, GDP translated to $24.5 billion, or $3,815 per person. In euros, this equals €23.3 billion total, or €3,626 per capita. The structure of GVA by sector showed that agriculture maintained a 1.3% share - unchanged from the same period a year ago. Industry’s share dropped to 26.3%, down by one percentage point year-on-year. Meanwhile, the services sector increased its contribution by one point, reaching 72.4% of the total added value. Final consumption remained the largest driver of GDP, accounting for 74.7% of total output. Investments—measured as gross fixed capital formation—comprised 14.9%. The balance of foreign trade in goods and services was negative for the quarter. Quarter-on-Quarter Developments Compared to the last quarter of 2024, GDP rose by 0.6%, while GVA grew 0.5%. Consumption saw a quarterly boost of 2.3%. However, exports declined by 2.4%, and imports edged up by 0.3%, according to seasonally adjusted figures. Year-on-Year Performance On an annual basis, GVA increased by 2.6%, backed by growth across a range of sectors. Construction registered the strongest performance with a 7.6% rise. The ICT and creative industries expanded by 4.7%, financial and insurance services grew 4.6%, and trade, transport, tourism, and related services rose by 3.9%. Public services—including administration, education, and healthcare—advanced by 3.7%, while professional and administrative services were up by 2.2%. Other sectors like culture, entertainment, and household services increased by 1.3%, followed by real estate at 0.8%, and agriculture with a modest 0.2%. The only sector to post a contraction was the group encompassing extractive industries, manufacturing, utilities, and waste management, which shrank by 3.1%. From the perspective of GDP components, final consumption increased 7.2% and capital formation jumped 9.0% compared to Q1 2024. At the same time, exports of goods and services declined 3.2%, while imports rose 4.6%.;0
Bulgarians Convicted of Spying for Russia in the UK Now Investigated for Espionage in BulgariaPolitics | June 6, 2025, Friday // 10:30The Bulgarians recently convicted in the United Kingdom for spying on behalf of Russia are now also being investigated in Bulgaria. This was confirmed after a June 5 session of the parliamentary Committee for Oversight of the Security Services, where officials disclosed that separate pre-trial proceedings have been launched in connection with suspected espionage committed on Bulgarian soil by the same individuals. The heads of Bulgaria’s key intelligence services—the State Agency for National Security (SANS), the State Intelligence Agency, and the Defence Intelligence Service - appeared before the committee. The session focused in part on the findings of investigative journalists Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov, whose work has raised serious allegations that Russia ’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, is running special operations and disinformation campaigns in Bulgaria. Despite the gravity of those claims, the question of whether Bulgarian intelligence services have independently verified any of the presented evidence remains unanswered. When asked directly whether SANS possesses information confirming GRU activity in Bulgaria, Acting Chairman Denyo Denev refused to comment, citing the closed nature of the meeting. He gave no indication whether the agency had any corroborating intelligence or had taken any operational action based on the journalists’ investigation. Atanas Atanasov, who heads the parliamentary oversight committee and previously led Bulgaria’s counterintelligence, stated plainly that the pre-trial investigation currently underway was initiated not because of Bulgarian findings, but because of intelligence obtained and shared by foreign services. “ We have to be honest: if it weren’t for the work of those foreign agencies, we wouldn’t even know about this. Either our services don’t know what’s happening, or they’re not telling us, ” Atanasov said. He pointed to a pattern - where espionage cases involving Bulgarian citizens are exposed not by domestic counterintelligence, but by allies abroad. This isn’t the first time such allegations have surfaced. Grozev and Dobrokhotov’s investigation also links Russian military intelligence to a number of explosions at weapons depots in Bulgaria and to the attempted poisoning of arms manufacturer Emiliian Gebrev. The Bulgarian Prosecutor’s Office has reportedly collected evidence supporting those claims and has launched separate pre-trial proceedings into both the depot blasts and the Gebrev poisoning. Yet Atanasov emphasized that SANS's mandate is not merely to investigate after the fact, but to prevent such operations from happening in the first place. “ We’re talking about serious incidents - explosions, poisonings - and the role of our national security agency is to detect and stop these threats in advance. So where is that capability? ” he asked. At the heart of the criticism is the uncertainty surrounding the current reach and effectiveness of Bulgaria’s counterintelligence efforts. Even if Russian operatives are actively working in the country today, it’s not clear whether the national security services are even aware of it.;0
"Antispekula' Campaign Launched to Monitor Food Prices in BulgariaA group of civil organizations in Bulgaria, known for organizing supermarket boycotts, has announced a new initiative aimed at tackling unfair price hikes. The campaign, titled ""Antispekula"" (Anti-speculation), is being launched as a form of civic oversight over food prices across the country. The initiative will operate through a dedicated Facebook page, where weekly updates will be posted tracking the price movements of nearly 50 essential food items in the largest retail chains. The public will be encouraged to take part by submitting reports on sudden or unexplained increases in prices, as well as on suspected unethical practices by retailers. These reports will be made public and highlighted as part of the campaign’s efforts to create pressure from below and draw attention to possible manipulative pricing. The broader goal, organizers say, is not only to deter abuse in real time, but to prompt the introduction of legislative changes to regulate and curb speculative behavior in the retail sector. Alongside the campaign, the civil groups behind ""Antispekula"" plan to present a formal legislative proposal - a draft Law against Speculation, which they hope will lay the groundwork for long-term protections against price abuse.";0,5
"He's Very Welcome': EU Opens Door to Musk After Trump Fallout The high-profile fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk took center stage on Thursday, after the U.S. president voiced his strong displeasure with recent remarks by the billionaire entrepreneur, who was once both a close ally and major donor. The political clash quickly escalated into a personal war of words, with both men trading barbs across social media. In the aftermath of the rift, questions emerged over Musk’s next move - particularly whether he might seek to expand or shift parts of his business to Europe. When asked about such a possibility during the European Commission’s regular press briefing, spokesperson Paula Pinho offered a light-hearted but clear response: “He’s very welcome,” she said, smiling. Thomas Regnier, who handles tech-related issues for the Commission, added a more formal note. “Everyone is very welcome indeed to start and to scale in the EU,” he said, pointing to the bloc’s ongoing ""Choose Europe"" campaign, which is designed to attract startups and growing companies to the continent. Despite Musk’s historically rocky relationship with Brussels - where he has railed against EU digital regulations and thrown his support behind far-right movements in Germany and elsewhere - his potential move across the Atlantic appears not to be discouraged. The Commission's message was notably open. The Trump-Musk split appears to have been triggered by a provision in the new U.S. spending bill that would eliminate subsidies for electric vehicles - something Musk has strongly opposed. Trump, for his part, accused the Tesla boss of having gone ""crazy"" over the issue, and threatened to revoke federal contracts worth an estimated $18 billion. In retaliation, Musk reportedly pledged to pull the plug on a key U.S. space program. The public feud had an immediate market impact as well, with Tesla shares taking a hit amid the turmoil.";0
1999 All Over Again: Why Bulgaria Is Ready for the EuroEconomist Lachezar Bogdanov drew a parallel between Bulgaria's upcoming adoption of the euro and the 1999 denomination of the national currency, calling it “the same type of monetary reform.” Speaking to the Bulgarian National Radio, he recalled that in July 1999, the country removed three zeros from the lev. For businesses, banks, and ordinary citizens, the process required similar adjustments to what the euro transition will demand today - software updates, recalculations in accounting systems, changes in store pricing, and adaptation at cash registers. And, as Bogdanov emphasized, all of it happened smoothly and without major complications. In his view, it would have been premature to promote the euro before the country had received a formal assessment confirming readiness. Now that the European institutions have delivered a positive report, he said, the public campaign can begin in earnest. It’s time, he added, for institutions to clearly answer the questions outlined in the Law on the Introduction of the Euro. Bogdanov believes politicians have neglected their responsibility to communicate the benefits and workings of the euro and the EU economic system. After Bulgaria joined the European Union, little was done to explain how the single market functions, how the European Central Bank operates, or what the adoption of the euro truly means for individuals and businesses. He noted that this lack of information left many Bulgarians uncertain about the lev-euro exchange rate and the security of their savings - despite the fact that the fixed exchange rate will remain, and their deposits will effectively be in the world’s second most widely used currency. “The real burden of euro adoption will fall on businesses and the banking system,” Bogdanov pointed out. For most citizens, the process will be relatively hands-off. According to the official timeline, if the EU Council confirms Bulgaria’s accession on July 8, then one month later - from August 8 - dual pricing will begin, with shops displaying prices in both leva and euros. Bogdanov also addressed concerns about rising prices, noting that Bulgaria has already experienced inflation without being part of the eurozone. Factors beyond the euro - such as global markets and supply shocks - are responsible, he said. While future price increases can't be ruled out entirely, they should not be attributed to the euro itself. He pushed back strongly against claims that Bulgaria would lose control of its budget after adopting the euro. “We’re not doing this for Brussels,” Bogdanov said. “We’re doing it because it’s in our own interest.” Good fiscal policy, he argued, isn’t something imposed from outside - it’s a national responsibility. The kind of financial crisis seen in Greece, for example, came not from euro membership alone but from massive borrowing, unsustainable spending, and poor governance - mistakes Bulgaria must and can avoid. Looking ahead, Bogdanov said the country should move past emotional and speculative fears about the euro and start focusing on what really matters: attracting investments, improving education, raising wages, reducing inequality and poverty. These, he said, are the goals Bulgaria should be discussing - and working toward. Source: BNR interview;0,3
Bulgaria's Borissov Talks Sanctions, Ukraine, and Eurozone Entry with U.S. DiplomatsGERB leader Boyko Borissov met with James O’Brien, former coordinator for U.S. sanctions policy, and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Rubin. Speaking to reporters in parliament, Borissov shared that the conversation covered a range of topics - from past missteps and future prospects to current global issues and even the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Photos released by GERB’s press office confirmed the meeting, showing Borissov alongside both American diplomats. According to Borissov , key points of discussion included the war in Ukraine, growing global geopolitical instability, as well as energy and information security. He emphasized that GERB continues to stand firmly behind Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic orientation and highlighted the importance of furthering military and economic cooperation with the United States as a strategic priority. Borissov also referenced recent developments in transatlantic politics. He described the meeting between Friedrich Merz - leader of Germany’s CDU - and former U.S. President Donald Trump as “ friendly, promising and good, ” noting its significance for Europe’s efforts to normalize political relations. Germany, he said, has long been a stabilizing force on the continent. Before departing Sofia earlier today, Borissov also met with European Commissioner for the Economy Valdis Dombrovskis. Reflecting on that conversation, he pointed out that both he and Dombrovskis have long experience working together in the context of the European Council. He noted the urgent need for Bulgaria’s government and parliament to act swiftly on the Recovery Plan and other related economic priorities. Borissov once again questioned the logic of the current political timeline in Bulgaria, particularly the push for a no-confidence vote against the government. “ It is incomprehensible to Brussels, ” he said, “ how the government could be brought down on July 9, just one day after Bulgaria is expected to receive its official date for joining the eurozone. ”;-0,05
European Commissioner Dombrovskis: The Euro is Bulgaria’s Best Investment for the FutureEuropean Commissioner for the Economy Valdis Dombrovskis stated during his visit to Sofia that Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone marks one of the most important and forward-looking investments the country can make. He emphasized that the European Commission’s Convergence Report confirms Bulgaria meets all four key Maastricht criteria - price stability, sound public finances, exchange rate stability, and long-term interest rates. The final decision on Bulgaria's entry is expected from EU member states in the first half of July. According to Dombrovskis, Bulgaria has been on the path to euro adoption for years and has maintained a commendable level of fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability. The country’s public debt stands at just 24% of GDP - well below the eurozone average of 89%—while its budget deficit of 2.8% also falls within acceptable thresholds. Inflation is now in line with the eurozone average. Economic growth is expected to reach 2.5% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, outpacing the average within the euro area. Since joining the EU, Bulgaria’s economy has doubled in size, a sign, according to Dombrovskis, that the country has laid down solid foundations for further integration. He underlined that the euro will bring tangible benefits: safer savings, lower transaction costs for businesses, improved investment climate, and reduced interest rates thanks to stronger credit ratings. The single currency also acts as a buffer against external shocks - a lesson seen in the Baltic states amid current geopolitical pressures stemming from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In this context, Dombrovskis described the euro as an economic and geopolitical stabilizer. Zhelyazkov: From 2026, Bulgaria Joins, Not Abandons Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov confirmed that Bulgaria will introduce the euro on January 1, 2026. He clarified that this does not mean abandoning the national currency, but rather becoming part of a broader European financial framework. The move, he said, reflects sustainable fiscal management and alignment with EU economic standards. It also ensures improved competitiveness, higher income, and stronger purchasing power for Bulgarian citizens. Zhelyazkov noted that in the face of current geopolitical challenges, eurozone membership offers more stability and predictability for Bulgaria’s economy. The Prime Minister thanked Dombrovskis for his consistent support and said that Bulgaria aims to learn from EU experience in ensuring a smooth transition, particularly in managing prices and protecting vulnerable groups. A comprehensive information campaign will roll out until the end of the year to address public concerns and prevent rushed or uninformed decisions about personal savings. Zhelyazkov reassured that from January 1, 2026, the Bulgarian National Bank will exchange leva for euros indefinitely and without charge. For six months after that, the currency can also be exchanged at banks and post offices, still without fees. Confidence in the Process and Institutional Readiness The Prime Minister reiterated that there is no reason for panic spending or mass currency conversion. He stressed that the exchange rate will be fixed, and purchasing power will be preserved. Bulgaria’s systems - financial, administrative, and technological - are fully prepared. No budget update will be needed, Zhelyazkov added, underscoring that the preparation process began back with EU accession and has weathered numerous economic and political trials over nearly two decades. Zhelyazkov said the Council of Ministers has already adopted a coordination mechanism to ensure proper oversight of pricing and service provision across sectors. Weekly monitoring will be implemented to prevent speculation or manipulation during the transition. The Prime Minister emphasized that regulatory authorities will have stronger political backing to enforce these controls. He also reported commitments from major retailers, utility providers, and telecoms to avoid rounding prices upward at the expense of consumers. Zaharieva: Bulgaria Will Strengthen the Eurozone European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva expressed confidence that Bulgaria’s entry will not only benefit the country but also reinforce the eurozone. “This is a choice that Bulgarian citizens made long ago,” she stated, adding that the information campaign now underway shows the government is following a clear, structured plan. She believes Bulgaria will contribute to the strength and cohesion of the monetary union, starting from January 1, 2026. Stability, Growth, and Continued Reforms Ahead Reflecting on Latvia’s experience, Dombrovskis explained that fears of inflation and speculative pressure on the national currency proved unfounded. When Latvia joined the eurozone in 2014, inflation was below 1%, and the transition did not cause any destabilization. “Now, the euro plays the role of a stabilizer,” he said. He added that Bulgaria’s macroeconomic policies are already closely aligned with the European Central Bank due to the fixed exchange rate, and the focus should now be on practical preparations. After 2026, he urged Bulgaria to maintain its fiscal stability and accelerate reforms that improve governance, enhance the business climate, and address issues such as corruption. Europe, he said, stands ready to support Bulgaria during this critical phase. At the end of his remarks, Dombrovskis called Bulgaria’s progress impressive and urged the country to sustain the momentum. “Joining the euro is not the end - it’s a new beginning. The benefits are real, and so are the responsibilities.”;0,275
"This Is Not Democracy, It’s Occupation': 'Revival' Leader Condemns Bulgaria’s Eurozone PathBulgaria is not prepared to adopt the euro , and the majority of its citizens firmly oppose joining the eurozone, said "" Revival "" leader Kostadin Kostadinov , speaking to reporters in parliament. According to him, what is unfolding in the country is "" no longer democracy but an occupation "". Kostadinov criticized the latest convergence reports, stating that aside from the formal assessment, everything else in them was deeply problematic. "" We have identified 20 major issues, "" he said, pointing to flaws in Bulgaria ’s financial system, the capital and labor markets, widespread corruption, and dysfunction in the judiciary. He went on to announce that on Friday, "" Revival "" will send letters to the heads of state and government across the European Union. These letters, he explained, will include the party’s own analysis of the convergence reports along with a detailed account of the actual conditions in Bulgaria. Kostadinov said the goal of this outreach is to persuade European leaders to block Bulgaria ’s path to the eurozone under the current circumstances, arguing that allowing entry in this state would be a mistake.";-0,55
Bulgaria’s Deputy Finance Minister: Euro Adoption Won’t Cause Price Hikes - Speculation WillIf there’s any increase in prices after Bulgaria joins the eurozone on January 1, 2026, it will not be because of the euro itself, but rather due to speculative behavior. This was the firm position expressed by Deputy Finance Minister Metodi Metodiev during an appearance on Nova TV. He pointed out that the favorable reports from both the European Central Bank and the European Commission regarding Bulgaria’s readiness should in fact help stabilize prices, not drive them up. Metodiev stressed that any attempts to exploit the transition would be unscrupulous and should not be attributed to the adoption of the single currency. Referring to data from Eurostat, he noted that inflationary effects observed in countries that have already joined the eurozone have typically ranged between 0.1 and 0.3 percent. For instance, Croatia experienced an estimated price rise of just 0.2 percent after adopting the euro, according to the European Commission’s own statistical service. Metodiev also gave clarity on how the transition will unfold in practical terms. From January 1, 2026, citizens will be able to withdraw euro banknotes from ATMs and make payments in euros. However, if cash is withdrawn on December 31, 2025, the amount will still be in leva. He assured that loans and interest rates would remain unchanged, with only the currency being converted. This conversion process is regulated under the Law on the Adoption of the Euro. Importantly, salaries will be rounded in favor of the employee during the conversion. This requirement applies across the board—to both public and private sector wages, pensions, and all types of social benefits.;0,075
"Former PM: Borissov Uses Bulgaria's Eurozone Accession to Distract from Deep-Rooted CorruptionPolitics | June 5, 2025, Thursday // 10:22Nikolai Denkov, former prime minister and current MP from ""We Continue Change-Democratic Bulgaria"", criticized Boyko Borissov on bTV, accusing the GERB leader of attempting to deflect public attention from long-standing issues in the country. According to Denkov, Bulgaria’s expected admission to the eurozone is being used by Borissov to overshadow unresolved problems such as the compromised judicial system, a lack of justice, and widespread protection of criminal circles. He said this tactic - taking credit while concealing deeper issues - is characteristic of Borissov’s approach. Denkov stressed that instead of engaging in political one-upmanship, political leaders should acknowledge the contributions of everyone involved in the eurozone accession process. He called for mutual recognition of efforts and emphasized that while Bulgaria is nearing its goal of joining the eurozone, some final steps remain. Denkov also reminded that the European Commission's latest assessment highlights continued areas for improvement. He suggested Borissov is frustrated by the fact that he cannot erase or downplay the role played by WCC-DB in Bulgaria’s progress toward full European integration. Denkov reiterated that their coalition has consistently prioritized alignment with European values and institutions, and that joining the eurozone is the culmination of that process. The other central priority, he added, remains the fight against corruption. Denkov pointed to recurring reports that expose flaws in Bulgaria’s judiciary, saying that such issues appear with regularity. He cited the recent case surrounding the holding company linked to Hristo Kovachki as further evidence that serious problems persist. While acknowledging that the opposition has grounds to seek a vote of no confidence, he said they will not take any step that could jeopardize Bulgaria’s European trajectory. According to him, such a motion would only be considered once the eurozone accession is locked in and irreversible. Denkov thinks the real concern lies in the influence of the Borissov-Peevski alliance over key institutions that should be combating corruption and crime. That, Denkov said, remains the fundamental issue facing the country.";0,5
Merz Survives (and Even Thrives) in the Oval Office with TrumpThere had been tense anticipation in Berlin about Merz’s first visit to Washington.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz avoided a feared public spat during his first meeting with American President Donald Trump, dodging the fate of some of his fellow leaders. There had been tense anticipation in Berlin about Merz’s first visit to Washington, after Trump had used bilateral press conferences in the Oval Office to publicly confront the presidents of Ukraine and South Africa. But the public portion of Merz’s meeting with Trump passed without major disruption, as the US president dominated the conversation, paying little attention to the chancellor. When he did, the president repeatedly complimented the chancellor, praising Merz’s recent electoral success as well as his English, while throwing in a few digs at former Chancellor Angela Merkel, including criticism of her liberal migration policy. Trump did not, however, venture into the more confrontational topic of Germany’s handling of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), as some in Berlin had feared. A White House Official had said before the meeting that Trump would “likely” raise the matter, according to The New York Times. Officials from Trump’s administration, including Vice-President J.D. Vance, have repeatedly criticized the AfD’s outsider status in German politics as a sign of deteriorating freedom of speech. “Surprisingly enough, we didn’t talk about that in any respect,” Merz said later in an interview with Fox News “I think this is now behind us. This party is a special party. They are in parliament. They are the biggest opposition party. We deal with them, we do our work as a government, and we have our discussions in parliament, and that’s it.” On policy, Merz had come with a mission to nudge the president in the direction of taking tougher action against Russia for its war against Ukraine and to reduce tariffs imposed on EU countries. Trump remained largely non-committal in the Oval Office, though he said that Europe and the US would “end up hopefully with a trade deal.” He suggested energy could be part of it, claiming credit for “stopping” the now-defunct Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Merz, who brought along the original birth certificate of Trump’s German-born grandfather as a present, appeared largely deferential. He later called for stronger American engagement in ending Russia’s war, invoking historical analogies with tomorrow’s anniversary of D-Day. Trump appeared to signal, however, that he was unwilling to impose tougher sanctions on Russia at the moment, as European leaders had hoped. “I gave the analogy yesterday when I spoke to President Putin... sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy... and you try and pull them apart – they don’t want to be pulled,” Trump said. “Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart.” At the right moment, he could be “very, very, very tough” on both countries as it “takes two to tango”, Trump added. Merz later told Fox News that he had asked Trump to put more pressure on Putin to end the war. “It’s extremely complicated to bring the Russians to the table,” Merz said. “That’s the reason why I asked the president to do more on Russia and to put pressure on Russia.”;-0,225
"Massive Russian Airstrikes Hit Ukraine as Putin Vows Retaliation, 4 Killed in KyivThe strike came days after Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump in a phone call that Russia “would retaliate” for Ukrainian attacks on the airbases deep inside Russia. by Alisa Orlova | June 6, 2025, 8:25 am | Updated: June 6, 2025Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine early Friday, June 6, killing at least four people and injuring 20 in the capital, Kyiv, as strikes hit cities and regions with a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Kalibr missiles, and dozens of drones. JOIN US ON TELEGRAM Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The strike came less than two days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump in a phone call that Russia would retaliate for Ukrainian attacks on the airbases deep inside Russia , which damaged aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and angered Moscow. Explosions were first reported shortly after midnight in Kyiv, where Kyiv Post correspondents said air defense systems were active. Residents heard a mix of sounds – from drones being intercepted to direct hits by ballistic missiles. Advertisement By around 2 a.m., reports confirmed that missiles had been launched from four strategic bombers: two TU-95MC and two TU-160MC. Analysts noted the unusually low number of aircraft involved, possibly due to Ukraine’s recent June 1 strikes on Russian airfields that reportedly damaged multiple warplanes. Around 3 a.m., missile tracking monitors reported the launch of Kalibr missiles from Russian warships stationed in the Black Sea. In Kyiv, the capital’s military administration reported widespread destruction across multiple districts. Other Topics of Interest ‘Slowly Pushing the Occupiers Back’: Zelensky Says Ukraine Repelling Russian Advance Near Sumy Ukrainian forces have begun pushing back the Russian advance in Sumy region, though fighting continues near the border, Zelensky says. In Solomianskyi, a fire broke out in a metal hangar and an apartment on the 11th floor of a 16-story residential building was destroyed. Three people were rescued from the rubble. In Darnytskyi, debris fell in three separate locations, damaging vehicles. In Holosiivskyi, fires and destruction were caused by falling wreckage from intercepted drones and missiles – damaging civilian infrastructure, an educational institution, and a gas station. Advertisement Debris also fell in the Desnianskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts, where a fire broke out in non-residential buildings. The Dnipro district reported damage to gas stations. As of 6:27 a.m., four people had been confirmed dead and 20 injured, 16 of whom were hospitalized. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, three victims were firefighters from the State Emergency Service who died in the line of duty while responding to the attack. Search and rescue operations are continuing. Ternopil, in western Ukraine, was also struck by Kalibr cruise missiles and Shahed drones. The regional military administration reported fires at industrial facilities. According to regional head Vyacheslav Nehoda , 26 emergency vehicles and 111 firefighters were deployed. Five people were injured. Authorities also issued a warning about high pollution levels due to the fires and asked residents, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors. Featured Orban - A Man Full of Contradictions D-Day and MAGA: Two Different Americas The Surreal Reality of Ukraine’s Current Political Environment In Volyn, regional officials confirmed that an apartment building had been hit. Air defense systems were active, but missile and drone fragments damaged numerous homes. Five people were reported injured. Advertisement Lutsk Mayor Ihor Polishchuk posted images of the damage and said that assistance was being provided to affected residents. In Poltava region, one of the heaviest attacks targeted the city of Kremenchuk . Regional head Volodymyr Kohut reported that an administrative building, warehouse, several businesses, a coffee shop, and a private home were damaged by falling debris. A fire broke out but was contained by emergency services. Three people were injured, including one in moderate condition who was hospitalized. This marks another major escalation in Russia’s ongoing air campaign, which has intensified following recent attacks on its military infrastructure. This news story will be updated as more information becomes available. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Alisa Orlova Alisa is the Head of News and a correspondent at Kyiv Post, where she leads the newsroom’s coverage of breaking events and global developments. With over seven years of experience in TV journalism, Alisa has reported on international and Ukrainian politics, making complex stories easier to understand. Back in September 2022, Alisa joined the Kyiv Post team. POPULAR Drones Hit Russian Airbases, Oil Depot, and Missile Plant as Moscow Strikes Ukraine By Kateryna Zakharchenko June 6, 2025 Ukraine Launches Deep Strikes Inside Russia: Kremlin Faces Growing Chaos By Jason Jay Smart 1d ago ‘What F***ing Russia Day?’: Ukrainian Intel Wipes Out Russian Telecom in Massive Cyberattack By Kateryna Zakharchenko 23h ago Trump Team Reportedly Asked Ukraine to Keep China Out Amid Growing Rivalry By Alex Raufoglu June 10, 2025 More on Kyiv Kyiv Kyiv Post Owner Ruslan Kivan Visits Newsroom, Affirms Future Expansion By Kyiv Post 22h ago Germany German Defense Minister Visits Kyiv as Russia Escalates Attacks By Julia Struck 1d ago War in Ukraine Odesa’s Maternity Hospital Hit, Kyiv Blanketed in Smoke After Russian Strikes; Dead and Injured By John Moretti June 10, 2025 Kyiv ‘They Struck at the Heart of Our Identity’: Russian Attack Damages Kyiv’s St. Sophia Cathedral By Alisa Orlova June 10, 2025 Read Next Iran Israel’s Air Force Lunges With 200 Warplanes – 60% of Its Air Fleet – in Biggest Attack on Iran Ever By Alisa Orlova 22m ago US ANALYSIS: ‘Bombs in a Box’ – Was US Containerized HIMARS Launcher Inspired by Ukraine’s Spiderweb? By Steve Brown 2h ago Zelensky ‘Slowly Pushing the Occupiers Back’: Zelensky Says Ukraine Repelling Russian Advance Near Sumy By Kateryna Zakharchenko 2h ago Drones Russia Builds Drone Warbase at Former Civil Airport in Occupied Crimea By Alisa Orlova 3h ago Sponsored content « Previous ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 5, 2025 Next » EU Pulls Back: What the End of Duty-Free Trade Means for Ukraine POPULAR Drones Hit Russian Airbases, Oil Depot, and Missile Plant as Moscow Strikes Ukraine As Russia targeted civilian sites in Ukraine, drones struck its own military facilities – airbases, an oil depot, and a defense plant – causing explosions and fires. By Kateryna Zakharchenko June 6, 2025 Ukraine Launches Deep Strikes Inside Russia: Kremlin Faces Growing Chaos By Jason Jay Smart 1d ago ‘What F***ing Russia Day?’: Ukrainian Intel Wipes Out Russian Telecom in Massive Cyberattack By Kateryna Zakharchenko 23h ago back to top";0,25
"‘Russia Is Not Winning’ – Key US Senator Urges ‘Maximum Pressure’ on PutinSenator Jeanne Shaheen says sanctions on Russia “are not the only way to maintain Ukrainian independence. NATO membership is one, continued US assistance to Kyiv is another.”WASHINGTON DC – US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday urged for what she described as “maximum pressure” against Russia over Ukraine, saying that she hopes President Donald Trump “realizes that giving into [Vladimir] Putin is not the right path forward.” “The Ukrainian people are not giving in,” Shaheen said, addressing a Brookings Institution webinar, citing the recent Ukrainian strike deep inside Russia, which took out a third of the Russian strategic nuclear bomber fleet. “It wasn’t just a military blow; it was a blow to [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin’s propaganda that Russia has been winning,” the Senator emphasized. She then added:  “Let’s be clear: Russia is not winning. This is an important point not only to our allies but also to our adversaries. China, Iran, North Korea – they’re all watching what’s happening in Ukraine.” Shaheen, a longtime supporter of Ukraine, has consistently pushed for increased military aid for Ukraine and supported sanctions against Russia. “We need to maximize pressure on Putin, now,” she said Thursday. “That means new sanctions, like those in the Graham-Blumenthal legislation. It’s one of the best tools we have to finally bring Putin to the negotiating table,” she added. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have recently introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which calls for “bone-crushing” sanctions to cripple the Russian war machine. Supporters of the bill, which now has 83 cosponsors – with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) being the latest supporter – believe that Putin lies to Trump to dodge new sanctions and keep his brutal war going. For Shaheen, pressure shouldn’t just come from new measures, “it also means enforcing the sanctions already in place.” “Which is why clear, consistent messaging from the State and Treasury Departments and the White House is absolutely critical. Of course, sanctions are not the only way to maintain Ukrainian independence – NATO membership is one, continued US assistance to Kyiv is another,” she explained. She concluded: “People ask, ‘How long should the US support Ukraine?’ My answer is simple: as long as Russia is abducting Ukrainian children, as long as they’re bombing civilians, Congress should continue passing supplemental aid.”";0,475
‘Very Disappointed’ – Trump Has Stunning Live Break-up With MuskTrump’s public fight with disgruntled Musk overshadows his meeting with the new German chancellor. by AFP | June 5, 2025, 9:23 pmTensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk exploded into public view Thursday, as the US president said he was “very disappointed” by his billionaire former aide’s criticisms and Musk hit back in real time on social media. “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after Musk slammed his tax and spending mega-bill as an “abomination”.JOIN US ON TELEGRAM Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The world’s richest man responded by live-tweeting on his X social media platform as Trump spoke on television, saying that the Republican would not have won the 2024 election without him and slamming him for “ingratitude.” In an extraordinary rant as visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sat mutely beside him, 78-year-old Trump unloaded on SpaceX and Tesla boss Musk in his first comments on the issue. “I’m very disappointed, because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here... All of a sudden, he had a problem,” Trump said when asked about Musk. The clash comes less than a week since Trump held a grand Oval Office farewell for Musk as he wrapped up his time leading the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). South African-born Musk, 53, hit back minutes later, saying Trump’s claims he had advance sight of the bill were “false.” “Whatever,” he added above a video of Trump saying Musk was upset about the loss of subsidies for electric vehicles.Other Topics of Interest ‘Slowly Pushing the Occupiers Back’: Zelensky Says Ukraine Repelling Russian Advance Near Sumy Ukrainian forces have begun pushing back the Russian advance in Sumy region, though fighting continues near the border, Zelensky says. Musk then ratcheted up the public spat even further, saying the Republican would have lost the election without his support. He was the biggest donor to Trump’s campaign, to the tune of nearly $300 million.“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk said on X. “Such ingratitude.“Tesla shares fell sharply on Wall Street, down eight percent, after his comments, in a sign of the huge stakes for a falling out between the world’s richest man and its most powerful. ‘A little make-up?’ A wistful-sounding Trump took reporters through the break-up with Musk on live television, in what at times sounded more like a therapy session than a meeting with a foreign leader. Trump talked about Musk’s farewell appearance in the Oval Office on Friday, when he turned up with a black eye that he said was caused by a punch from his son. Musk at the time was also facing reports of drug use on the Trump campaign trail. “You saw a man who was very happy when he stood behind the Oval desk, and even with the black eye. I said, you want a little makeup? We’ll get you a little makeup,” Trump said. “But he said, ‘No, I don’t think so,’ which is interesting and very nice. He wants to be who he is.” Trump said he could understand why Musk was upset with some steps he had taken, including withdrawing a nominee to lead the NASA space agency whom the tech tycoon had backed. Through it all, the visiting German chancellor sat silently. Merz had prepared to avoid a repeat of the ambushes that Trump unleashed on the Ukrainian and South African presidents in the Oval Office -- but in the end it was Musk that the US president ambushed. At the center of the bitter row is Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on tax and spending. The centerpiece of his domestic agenda, it aims to continue tax cuts from his first term -- and could define his second term and make or break Republican prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. Musk however called it a “disgusting abomination” on Tuesday, on the grounds that it will increase the US deficit. A day later, the magnate called for Republicans to “kill the bill,” and for an alternative plan that “doesn’t massively grow the deficit.”To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send AFP;-0,175
Von Der Leyen: Europe Seeks to Coordinate New Sanctions on Russia With USPresident of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the EU is working on its 18th package of sanctions against Russia and will work with the US to target sources of Russian financing.European Union President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union is prepared to coordinate its next round of sanctions on Russia with proposed American Congressional efforts to sanction Moscow. The comments come from the EU’s policy Chief after a meeting on Monday with US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Monday. Senator Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D – D-Conn.) were in Kyiv last week to meet with Zelensky and announce ongoing support for Ukraine and an effort in the US Congress to push through new sanctions on Russia.“We have discussed how we can implement European sanctions and American sanctions at the same time if Putin does not sit down at the negotiating table,” Von der Leyen said in an interview with Politico on Wednesday.Europe’s 18th round of sanctions against Russia proposes to target Russia’s energy revenues by banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines, implementing a $45 price ceiling on Russian crude oil, and disconnecting more than 20 banks from the SWIFT international payment system, according to European Pravda. Europe passed its 17th round of sanctions on Russia on May 20, but recent reporting shows that Europe has spent more money on Russian energy since the start of the full-scale invasion than it has provided to Ukraine as aid. Meanwhile, efforts to increase sanctions on Russia have been moving slowly in the US Congress amid uncertain support from President Trump.Lindsey Graham’s bill in the Senate has 81 cosponsors and would implement 500% tariffs on imports from any country purchasing sanctioned Russian oil, coal, gas, or uranium. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April, and on Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he would like to see Russia sanctioned ‘as strongly as we can.’ Von der Leyen, speaking to reporters, said, “So if the Americans decide to impose sanctions, then the 500 percent will be included in this package.”The current EU package does not envision sanctions in its current form, but Von der Leyen’s chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, added, “The idea is to coordinate as much as possible. It cannot be identical.”Last week in Kyiv, Senator Graham said to expect movement on the bill in the coming week, but as of Thursday, there has been no motion in either the US House of Representatives or the US Senate. The bill was last referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, both on April 1. The congressional sanction efforts face at least two challenges: uncertain support from President Trump and the logistical difficulties of implementing 500% tariffs on countries in violation of the legislation.When pressed about whether he would favor more sanctions, Trump refused to commit to concrete action against Russia, likening the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine to ‘children fighting’ in a school yard, in a press conference today at the Oval Office. Even if the US Congress were to pass the legislation, including overriding a potential veto from Trump, 500% tariffs on countries that purchase sanctioned Russian energy and resources could have devastating effects on the global economy.India, China, and Turkey are among the top importers of Russian oil, and recent efforts by Trump to implement trade tariffs against China resulted in a brief trade war that saw 145% tariffs on Chinese and US imports, effectively decoupling trade and roiling markets. While Trump has pursued an aggressive tariff policy in his second term, Wall Street has recently coined a term to explain Trump’s capricious approach to tariff negotiations: ‘TACO’ (Trump Always Chickens Out).;0,325
Trump Nominates New Supreme Allied Commander in EuropeAir Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich was named NATO’s top Europe commander, easing fears the US might abandon the role amid shifting focus to China. by Nick Pehlman | June 5, 2025, 7:02 pm US Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich was appointed today by US President Donald Trump to serve as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe (SACEUR). Lt. Gen. Grynkewich will now face Senate confirmation hearings. All 32 NATO allies have agreed to his appointment, and he will simultaneously serve as the Commander of the US European Command (EUCOM). US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement today from Brussels, via a press release from the Pentagon. Hegseth is in Brussels for a NATO meeting, but skipped a Ukraine-focused NATO defense chiefs’ meeting on Wednesday. Hegseth has been critical of European countries for not spending enough on defense and decreasing dependence on the US for security and stability. “The United States is proud to be here, to stand with our allies, but our message is gonna continue to be clear: It’s deterrence and peace through strength, but it cannot be reliance,” said the US defense secretary today, according to Politico . Hegseth had mistakenly and temporarily halted aid to Ukraine in January , after misunderstanding a conversation with Trump in the first weeks of the administration. The Trump administration, in line with previous presidential administrations, has been attempting to rebalance US defense assets away from Europe and towards the Pacific theater. In March, NBC reported that the US was considering giving up the Supreme Allied Commander (SACEUR) position, a post they have held since the 1950s. “For the United States to give up the role of supreme allied commander of NATO would be seen in Europe as a significant signal of walking away from the alliance,” retired Adm. James Stavridis told NBC. The appointment of Lt. Gen. Grynkewich may assuage some fears in Europe that the US is withdrawing from its leadership role in defense. Lt. Gen. Grynkewich commissioned into the US Air Force in 1993 and currently serves as the director for Operations of the Joint Staff (J-3) at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He will replace Christopher Cavoli, who has been in the role since 2022 and was critical in supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia.;-0,2
Kyiv Air Defenses US Embassy in Kyiv Warns of ‘Significant’ Attacks Ahead The US embassy in Kyiv warned on Nov. 20, 2024, of a “potential significant air attack” and shuttered its doors following Russia’s vow to respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory for the first time. The US Embassy in Ukraine issued a warning on Wednesday about the growing risk of large-scale Russian attacks. The embassy’s statement on its website came shortly after US President Donald Trump and Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin shared a phone call in which the Russian dictator said he would have to respond. “Russia has increased the intensity of its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, and there is currently a continued risk of significant air attacks,” the embassy statement reads. “The US Embassy in Kyiv urges US citizens to exercise appropriate caution. As always, we recommend you be prepared to shelter immediately in the event an air-raid warning is issued.” The last similar warning issued by the US Embassy was on the evening of May 9, citing the risk of a large-scale air attack “over the next several days.” Two weeks later, Russia conducted its largest series of air strikes on Ukraine, on May 25, targeting Kyiv and other regions in the country and killing over 15 people and wounding dozens. The attacks, which occurred during stalled negotiations, were an order of magnitude higher than any previous barrages: Moscow launched a record number of Shahed drones, with 355 deployed on May 25 alone. After his conversation with Putin on Wednesday, Trump wrote on his own social media platform, to which people must subscribe, that “We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.” Trump was referring in part to the Operation Spiderweb drone attack on Russia’s airfields on Sunday, which took out an estimated $5-7 billion worth of aircraft and equipment. Ukraine apparently did not give the White House advanced notice before the attack, likely for operational security reasons.“President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” wrote Trump in the same post.;-0,175
‘Russia Is Giving the Finger to the Entire World’ – Zelensky Responds to Putin’s Threats After Ukraine’s devastating drone attacks on 41 Russian warplanes, Putin promises a swift response. Zelensky says that the “highest cost should be paid by the aggressor.”President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on social media on Wednesday about Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin’s promise to respond to Kyiv’s recent attack on Russian airfields. “Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” US President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post after speaking with Putin on the phone Wednesday.Trump was referring in part to the Operation Spiderweb surprise drone attack on Russian military airbases housing strategic bombers on Sunday, which took out an estimated $5-7 billion worth of aircraft and equipment. Ukraine apparently did not give the White House advanced notice before the attack, likely for operational security reasons.“Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. But none of these talks have brought a reliable peace, or even stopped the war,” Zelensky responded in his post.“Unfortunately, Putin feels impunity. Even after all of Russia’s horrific attacks, he is reportedly preparing yet more so-called ‘responses,’” the post says.“It means, that with every new strike, with every delay of diplomacy, Russia is giving the finger to the entire world – to all those who still hesitate to increase pressure on it, the president noted. Yet, it is Russia that should be seeking peace. It is in Moscow that they must begin to feel that war carries a cost, a high cost, and the highest one should be paid by the aggressor.”Zelensky noted that since the beginning of 2025, the Russian military forces have carried out strikes on Ukraine using almost 27,700 air bombs, 11,200 Shaheds, and 9,000 strike drones of other types, as well as over 700 missiles, including ballistic ones.“This is the pace of Russian strikes, and they deliberately set this tempo from the very first days of the full-scale war. Russia has restructured its entire state, society, and economy to be able to kill people in other countries on a massive scale and with impunity,” Zelensky wrote.The Ukrainian president stressed that if the world reacts weakly to Putin’s threats, Putin would interpret it as a readiness to turn a blind eye to his actions. When he does not feel strength and pressure, but instead senses weakness, he always commits new crimes. He sees such an attitude as silent permission: permission for new atrocities, new strikes, new killings.“That is why we in Ukraine are so grateful to everyone in the world who is trying to stop this war and stop Russia’s attacks. To everyone who tells the killer that he will be held accountable. To everyone who says Russian missiles and bombs must stop taking innocent lives,” said Zelensky.“And today, on the Day of Remembrance of Ukrainian Children Killed by Russian Aggression, we remind the powerful of this world of the facts. If the powerful do not stop Putin, it [would mean] they share responsibility with him. And if they want to stop him but cannot, then Putin will no longer see them as powerful,” Zelensky wrote.;0,5
"DR Congo, Colombia, Latvia Among New UN Security Council Members The UN General Assembly elected the five countries to its rotating non-permanent member seats for the upcoming term. Ukraine’s ally Latvia could be a strong voice for Kyiv on the Security Council. by AFP | June 3, 2025, 10:07 pm The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected five countries – Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia – to serve as non-permanent Security Council members for the 2026-2027 term. The Security Council, the international peace and security body of the United Nations, is comprised of 15 countries: permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, which each hold veto power; and 10 nations elected for staggered two-year terms. JOIN US ON TELEGRAM Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Countries are elected by secret ballot, with seats allocated by regional groupings. The five nations elected Tuesday ran unopposed. They will replace outgoing members Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea on January 1, 2026, and join the other five non-permanent members on the council: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.";0,025
Russia Says No Quick Breakthrough in ‘Complex’ Ukraine Talks“It would be wrong to expect immediate solutions and breakthroughs,” said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman.Russia on Tuesday said it was wrong to expect a quick breakthrough in Ukraine talks, a day after Moscow rejected Kyiv’s call for an unconditional ceasefire at negotiations in Istanbul.The sides agreed on a large-scale swap of captured soldiers and exchanged their roadmaps to peace, or so-called “memorandums”, at the discussions, which lasted less than two hours.More than three years into Russia’s offensive, which has killed tens of thousands on both sides and forced millions from their homes in eastern Ukraine, the two sides appear as irreconcilable as ever.“The settlement issue is extremely complex and involves a large number of nuances,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.“It would be wrong to expect immediate solutions and breakthroughs,” he added.Moscow demanded Ukraine pull its troops out of four eastern and southern regions that Moscow claims to have annexed as a precondition to pausing its offensive, according to the document handed to the Ukrainians that was published by Russian state media.Kyiv had pressed for a full and unconditional ceasefire.Russia instead offered a partial truce of two to three days in some areas of the frontline, its top negotiator said after the talks.Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on Tuesday denounced Russia for presenting “old ultimatums that do not move the situation any closer to true peace” and for having “so far rejected any meaningful formats for a ceasefire”.Peskov earlier also dismissed the idea of a summit between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine and the United States.“In the near future, it is unlikely,” Peskov told reporters when asked about the chances of the leaders meeting, adding that such a summit could only happen after Russian and Ukrainian negotiators reach an “agreement”.The White House had said on Monday that US President Donald Trump was “open” to the idea, which is also backed by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of “deliberately” targeting civilians in a rocket attack on the city of Sumy, some 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Russian border, that killed four people.Russian troops have accelerated their advance, seeking to establish what Putin called a “buffer zone” inside Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region.Zelensky posted a video from the emergency services showing destroyed cars and the body of one victim lying on the road.The attack “says everything one needs to know about Russia’s so-called ‘desire’ to end this war”, he added, calling for “decisive actions” from the United States and Europe to push Russia into a ceasefire.“Every day, Russia gives new reasons for tougher sanctions and stronger support for our defense,” he said.A seven-year-old girl was among 20 wounded, with doctors “fighting for her life”, Sumy’s Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said.Three people were also killed in a rocket attack in the northeastern Kharkiv region.Moscow’s army said it had captured the village of Andriivka in the Sumy region, located around five kilometers from the Russian border.Zelensky said last week that Russia was massing some 50,000 soldiers for an offensive on the region.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed it had hit a pillar of the Crimean bridge linking the annexed peninsula to Russia with an underwater explosive device.The extent of the damage was unclear following a temporary closure to the bridge after the attack.A delegation of top Ukrainian officials also landed in Washington for talks with US officials on defense and economic issues, including the possibility of new sanctions, Zelensky’s office said.Trump, who said he could end the conflict swiftly when he returned to the White House in January, has repeatedly expressed anger at both Putin and Zelensky as the fighting drags through its fourth year with no end in sight.But he has held off from imposing new economic penalties on Moscow.;-0,05
Sri Lanka trade deficit widens due to motor vehicle importsSri Lanka’s trade deficit has widened to USD 717.5 million in April this year, driven primarily by a sharp increase in motor vehicle imports, according to the latest report released by the Central Bank. In comparison, the trade deficit in April 2024 stood at USD 557.7 million. The report states that the increase in the trade deficit was caused by a faster rise in merchandise import expenditure compared to the growth in export earnings. While export earnings grew by 10.4%, import expenditure surged by 17.5% in April 2025.A significant contributor to this increase was motor vehicle imports, which rose to USD 134 million during the month, the report added.;0
Duminda Dissanayake further remanded over gold plated T-56 – The IslandAnuradhapura District SLFP Organiser and former Minister, Duminda Dissanayake was further remanded until June 19 when he was produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court yestrday over the recent detection of a ‘gold-plated’ T-56 assault rifle from an apartment complex in Havelock Town, Colombo. On 24 May the former Minister was remanded following his arrest on 23 May following an investigation conducted by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).;0
ITAK MP moves private member’s bill seeking to expedite PC?polls ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday presented a private member’s Bill titled “Bill to amend the Provincial Councils Elections Act, No 2 of 1988”, seeking to have the much-delayed Provincial Council elections held soon. MP M. Nizam Kariapper seconded the Bill. The bill contains four sections with three formalities . It reads: The Provisions of the Provincial Councils Elections Act, No. 2 of 1988 in force on September 21, 2017 shall, notwithstanding the amendments made thereto by Act, No. 17 of 2017, become operative, with effect from the date of coming into force of this Act, without prejudice to any act done during the period commencing from September 22, 2017 to the date of coming into force of this Act, insofar as such act is not inconsistent with the provisions of Act, No. 2 of 1988.;0
Ports trade union alliance sees crisis situation at ECT due to mismanagement and political interference – The IslandThe development of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port had been thrown into crisis due to mismanagement and a political interference, port trade unions alleged yesterday.Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Sharmal Sumanaratne, Co-Convener of the Ports Joint Trade Union Alliance, blamed the disruption on a political appointee affiliated with the NPP who now holds the post of Director General of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). “The Director General, a government appointee, refuses to engage with stakeholders or even meet with the Ports Minister, Deputy Minister, SLPA Chairman, or Vice Chairman,” Sumanaratne said. “His actions are obstructing the progress of the ECT, and we are extremely concerned about the long-term consequences.” The ECT, a key infrastructure project aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s maritime and shipping capabilities, is currently under development by the SLPA. However, trade union leaders allege that internal tensions and poor leadership have derailed progress. “We have written twice to the Minister of Ports outlining our concerns, but we have received no response,” Sumanaratne said, calling the silence from the ministry “alarming.” The trade union alliance further claimed that key government figures — including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ports Minister, and the Deputy Minister — have been misled by SLPA’s top administration regarding the true status of the project. Sumanaratne also accused the Director General of cancelling tenders and placing undue pressure on the construction company overseeing the project, warning that these actions would delay the terminal’s completion by at least 16 months. By Chaminda Silva;0,275
Long-distance buses to be equipped with AI technology – The IslandThe government was planning to install Artificial Intelligence (AI)-controlled equipment in long-distance buses across the country within 60 days, parliament was told yesterday.Leader of the House and Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake said that 40 buses from both the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the private sector would be equipped with AI technology within the next two months. Minister Rathnayake explained that the new technology aimed to ensure that drivers remain alert during long journeys, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by driver fatigue. The AI initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road safety standards across the nation. “AI-controlled equipment to keep drivers alert will be installed in 40 buses from both the SLTB and the private sector within the next two months. After this, we will look at expanding it to other sectors,” said Minister Rathnayake, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing safety measures. One of the key advantages of AI over traditional safety monitoring methods, such as CCTV cameras, is its ability to autonomously track driver behaviour without requiring human intervention. Minister Rathnayake pointed out that CCTV cameras, though helpful, often required constant human supervision, and those monitoring the footage could become fatigued or inattentive. “The challenge with CCTV is that it requires human operators, who can themselves fall asleep or lose focus. AI, on the other hand, will provide constant, real-time monitoring and alert the driver if any signs of fatigue are detected,” he explained. Minister Rathnayake said that Sri Lanka’s transport system is in need of significant reforms. He emphasised that the Ministry of Transport is focused on a comprehensive road safety programme aimed at improving both infrastructure and safety protocols for drivers and passengers alike. As part of this programme, an 85-point proposal focusing on road safety measures will be rolled out starting 1 July, marking a crucial step in the government’s broader efforts to overhaul the country’s transport sector, he said. by Saman Indrajith;0,1
CCC hosts Polish FM during official visit – The Island Connect with us The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted Rados?aw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, who was in the country last week on behalf of the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Minister Sikorski was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the European Union. The Ceylon Chamber convened a meeting led by Vice-Chairman Krishan Balendra, with key stakeholders from the private and public sectors. Participants included the Presidents of the Ceylon Chamber’s bilateral Business Councils, representatives of leading Sri Lankan companies, the Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), the Chief Delegate of AHK, and a representative of the European Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka. Discussions centered on strengthening EU-Sri Lanka trade and investment ties, with a particular focus on high-potential sectors such as apparel, tourism, IT, energy, ports, and logistics. The EU single market is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, with exports reaching EUR 2.7 billion in 2024. The dialogue also explored the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy as a mechanism for narrowing the global investment gap, emphasising the critical role of the private sector in this endeavour. The Ceylon Chamber’s facilitation of this dialogue underscored its position as the foremost representative of the private sector and emphasised the critical role of business in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable trade and investment landscape between Sri Lanka and the EU, said a release.;0
Lanka has four synagogues – The Island Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Prof Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told parliament that Sri Lanka had four synagogues.In response to a query by Colombo District SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman, the Minister said that there were four Israeli religious centres at Pottuvil, Weligama, Ella, and Thimbirigasyaya. He said that of them two were unregistered, and the other two had obtained the necessary approval. “Those established in Pottuvil and Thimbirigasyaya are unregistered. Those in Weligama and Ella are legally registered. These centres were registered in 2022 under the Companies Act,” he said. Rahuman demanded information about two more synagogues at Colombo 07 and Alwis Place in Dehiwala. Pointing out that the Prime Minister had previously acknowledged that they were illegal establishments, MP Rahman questioned why the STF had been deployed to provide those places with security. Prof Sunil Senevi said that an inquiry had been made from the Public Security Minister in this regard, who had informed that the STF had now been withdrawn from the Colombo 07 location. Those centres had been established as restaurants and other commercial properties, and that inquiries could be conducted only if complaints against them were received, the Minister said. by Saman Indrajith;0
"Canada holds its own as Americans sour on TrumpOn Monday, April 28, Canadians gave the Liberal Party its fourth successive mandate, albeit as another Minority Government but much stronger than in the last two elections, and, more importantly, with a different Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau who had been Prime Minister from 2015 was forced to resign in January 2025 on account of his perceived electoral unpopularity. Trudeau was succeeded by Marc Carney, 60 year old former Governor of the Bank of Canada and later the Bank of England, who dramatically revived the falling fortunes of the Liberal Party and secured its fourth mandate in 10 years. The Liberal Party and Prime Minister Mark Carney owe their good fortunes to the presidential madness that is going on south of the border, in the United States of America. With his mercurial obsession over tariff’s and recurrent musings about making Canada America’s 51st State, President Trump painted the backdrop to the Canadian election. Trump’s antics did not go down well with the Canadian public and in a rare burst of patriotism the people of Canada overarched their diversities of geography, language, culture, religion and ethnicity, and rallied round the Maple Leaf national flag with utmost determination to stick it to Trump and other Ugly Americans of his ilk. People and businesses in Canada shunned American products, stopped travelling to US holiday destinations and even took to booing the US national anthem at sporting events involving US and Canadian teams. The threat of economic pain due to a tariff war is real, but Canadians are daring to suffer pain rather than become a part of the US. And Justin Trudeau showed his best leadership in his last days as Prime Minister. Combining diplomatic skill and splendid teamwork with eloquent defiance, Trudeau succeeded in forcing Trump into what has since become Trump’s modus operandi in implementing his idiosyncratic tariff policy: tariff, one day; pause, the next day; and uncertainty, extended indefinitely. 100 Days of Disaster What he began with Canada and Mexico, Trump has since writ large upon the whole world. His second term is already a term of chaos not only for America but also for the whole world economy. The US economy is officially in first quarter contraction. Another four months, it could be a man made recession of what was in January an economy that was humming sound and was easily the best performing one in the world. It’s only 100 days of the second term, and what is left of it is looming as eternity. “Only 1,361 Days to Go,” is the cover page heading of the latest issue of the Economist. That sums up America’s current state of affairs and their global spillover effects. Americans are beginning to sour on Trump but there is no way for them to channel their frustrations and anger to force an immediate executive retreat. Trump has reduced the Republican Party to be his personal poodle and with Republics holding slender majorities in both the Congress and the Senate, the Legislative Branch of the US is now wholly beholden its Executive. The traditional wait is for the midterm Congress elections in two years. But Trump has no respect for traditions and conventions, and it would be two years too much before a Democratic majority in the two houses could bestir the Congress to check and balance the runway president. The Judicial Branch is now playing catch up after the Supreme Court had given Trump near absolute immunity and enabled his second coming. The lower courts are applying the law as they should and stymieing Trump’s palpably illegal orders on everything from deporting immigrants, to downsizing government, and gutting the country’s university system. The tariff cases are slowly making their way to courts and they will add more confusion to the running of the economy before some kind of sanity is restored. Overall, by upending a system of government that has been constitutionally evolving over 200 years, Trump is providing a negatively sobering demonstration that no system is foolproof if a capable fool is elected to take over the reins of government. Fortunately for the world, other governments and polities have been quick in drawing the right lessons from the demonstration effects of Trump on their American cousins. Trump’s excesses have had a dampening effect on right wing populism in other countries. The Canadian elections are one such demonstration. Another is expected in Australia where national elections are scheduled for Saturday, May 3. In Europe, right wing populist parties are scaling down their rhetoric to avoid facing local backlashes to Trump’s American excesses. No populist leader anywhere wants to go where Trump is blindly heading, and no one is mad enough like him to think that imposing tariffs is the way to grow a national economy. In Hungary, its strongman Viktor Orbán after securing super majorities in four elections since 2010, is facing the real possibility of defeat in the national elections next year. Orban is regressively anti-Eu while 86% of Hungarians want to strengthen their EU ties, and they are naturally getting tired of Orban’s smearing of the EU just like all Europeans are getting tired of Trump’s and his VP Vance’s anti-European rhetoric. Canada Holds its Own Canada, despite its proximity to the US, has never been a haven for Trump’s right wing populism. Yet there have always been and continue to be pockets of support for Trumpism in Canada, and they have found their sanctuary within the Conservative Party of Canada and behind its leader Pierre Poilievre, a 45-year old career politician who entered parliament in 2005 at the age of 25 and became Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition 18 years later, in 2023. Clever and articulate with an ability to spin rhyming simplistic slogans, Poilievre cultivated his political base by feeding it on a diet of vitriolic and vulgar personal attacks and advertisements denigrating then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Poilievre identified himself with the 2022 truck convoy protest that stormed Ottawa, cheered on by MAGA America, and he came to be seen as Canada’s Trump-lite (not unlike Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition in Australia). Nonetheless, Poilievre’s attacks on Trudeau worked in the post-Covid climate of economic hardships and Trudeau’s popularity sank to the point that his own MP’s started calling for his resignation. Alas for Poilievre, Trudeau’s resignation in January took away the one political foil or bogeyman on whom he had built his whole campaign. In addition, while his attacks on Trudeau diminished Trudeau’s popularity, it did not help enhance Mr. Poilievre’s image among Canadians in general. In fact, he was quite unpopular outside his base of devotees. More people viewed him unfavourably than those who viewed him favourably. Outside his base, he became a drag on his party. He would even go down to defeat in his own electorate and lose his seat in parliament that he had held for 20 years. Mr. Poilievre’s troubles began with the emergence of Mark Carney as the new Liberal Leader and Prime Minister – looking calm, competent and carrying the ideal resume of experience in dealing with the 2008 financial crisis as Governor of the Bank of Canada, and calming market nerves after the 2016 Brexit referendum as Governor of the Bank of England. Carnie, who had never been in formal politics before, seemed the perfect man to be Prime Minister to weather the economic uncertainties that President Trump was spewing from Washington. Almost overnight Liberal fortunes shot up and after resigning themselves to face a crushing defeat with Trudeau at the helm, Liberals were suddenly facing real prospects of forming a majority after two terms of minority government. In the end, thanks to the quirky genius of the electorate, Liberals ended with 168 seats with 43.7% of the vote, and four seats short of a majority in the 343 seat national parliament, while the Conservative Party garnered 144 seats with 41.3% vote share. Both parties gained seats from their last election tallies, 15 new seats for Liberals and 16 for Tories, and, unusual in recent elections, the two parties garnered 85% of the total vote. The increases came at the expense of the two smaller but significant parties, the left leaning New Democratic Party (reduced from 24 to seven seats); and the Bloc Québécois (reduced from 45 to 23 seats) that contests only in the French majority Province of Quebec. The Green Party that had two MPs lost one of them in the election. In the last parliament, the New Democrats gave parliamentary support to the minority Trudeau government in return for launching three significant social welfare initiatives – a national childcare program, an income-based universal dental care program, and a pharmacare program to subsidize the cost of prescription drugs. These are in addition to the system of universal public health insurance for hospitals and physician services that has been in place from 1966, thanks again to the programmatic insistence of the New Democratic Party (NDP). But the NDP could not reap any electoral reward for its progressive conscience and even its leader Jagmeet Singh, a Sikh Canadian, lost his seat in the election. The misfortune of the NDP and the Bloc Québécois came about because even their supporters like many other Canadians wanted to entrust Mark Carney, and not Pierre Poilievre, with the responsibility to protect the Canadian economy from the reckless onslaughts of Donald Trump. Yet, despite initial indications of a majority government, the Liberals fell agonizingly short of the target by a mere four seats. The Tories, while totally deprived of what seemed in January to be the chance of a landslide victory, managed to stave off a Liberal sweep under Mark Carney. The answers to these paradoxes are manifold and are part of the of reasonably positive functioning of Canadian federalism. The system enables political energies and conflicts to be dispersed at multiple levels of government and spatial jurisdictions, and to be addressed with minimal antagonism between contending forces. The proximity to the US helps inasmuch as it provides a demonstration of the American pitfalls that others should avoid. by Rajan Philips";0,35
"India Tightens Grip Over Sri Lanka with Defense Pact – The Island Sri Lanka’s JVP-led NPP government has made a dramatic pivot towards India, even utilizing legislative changes it once vehemently opposed. On August 19, 2023, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, then an opposition leader, criticized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe had signed with India. “We must have the freedom to freely move our hands and legs! But with this agreement, we will be in a situation where we are unable… to take any political or economic decision” independently, he said in a speech to National People’s Power (NPP) affiliated ex-military personnel. However, a little over 18 months later, Dissanayake oversaw the signing of a series of agreements with India – including a landmark MoU on defense cooperation – during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6. Overall Seven MoUs were signed during the visit, covering defence, energy, digitalization, healthcare, power grid connectivity, and development assistance. Once these MoUs come into effect, they will push Sri Lanka deeper into India’s orbit, restrict its foreign policy choices and expand India’s footprint in Sri Lanka drastically. Of these, the MoU on defense cooperation has generated the most debate in Sri Lanka. This is Sri Lanka first such agreement with a foreign power, since the one signed with Great Britain in 1947, which came into effect after independence. The then United National Party (UNP) leadership signed this defense agreement with Britain, fearing that if it was not under the security umbrella of a major power, India would annex Sri Lanka. Marx once wrote history “repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Ironically, now it’s the NPP, whose main constituent is the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) that has always viewed India as an expansionist power, who has signed the defence pact with a country, whose involvement in Sri Lankan affairs once led it to take up arms in the 1980s. In the late 1980s, the JVP took up arms against the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 and the deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). The ensuing violence led to the death of over 60,000 JVP cadres, including the JVP founder Rohana Wijeweera. The NPP signing a defence agreement with India, especially when Modi has shown no interest in resolving Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters and the Katchatheevu controversy, marks a profound ideological U-turn. The ideological shift is made even more starker by the NPP using laws on power and energy that it once opposed to sign an agreement to connect the grids of two countries. When the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration made changes in Sri Lanka’s power and energy laws, the NPP, then in opposition, not only opposed the changes but also challenged them in court and promised to repeal the laws if the NPP came to power. Now in power, the NPP used these very laws to sign the agreement to connect its power grid with India. Critics argue that the DCA undermines the country’s autonomy. Sri Lanka has entered an agreement with a country that is part of the Quad, a grouping of four nations that came together to counter the rise of China. This grouping has the U.S. as a key partner. A few days before Modi’s arrival in Colombo, the U.S. stationed six B-2 bombers in Diego Garcia in preparation for a military attack on Iran, another all-weather friend of Sri Lanka. The DCA with India draws the country close to the US aligned security axis, undermining NPP’s promise to return to a nonaligned foreign policy. While the details of the DCA have not been made public, raising concerns of transparency. Before coming into power, the NPP promised transparency in any agreement with a foreign nation. As veteran diplomat and political commentator Dayan Jayatilleka observed in a recent interview in Sundy Observer: “When there are contradictions between one’s closest neighbour [India] and one’s closest friend [China], why should we tie-up militarily with either one, instead of striving for balance and equilibrium in our relationships with them, and try to contribute to an equation of equilibrium between them?” Sri Lanka faces several security challenges that require it to work closely with regional and extra-regional powers. However, rather than enter into defense pacts with individual countries, it must meet these challenges by pushing for a regional security arrangement. This would enable it to protect its sovereignty. It would have been wiser for Sri Lanka to push for a regional security agreement, centered around the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) instead of signing a security pact that makes the country seem like a satrapy of India. Among other main agreements, a trilateral MoU was signed India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. This involves developing a British-built oil tank farm that is already partially run by state-owned Lanka Indian Oil Corporation. The British Raj considered a foothold in Trincomalee harbor vital for Indian defence, a doctrine that the Indian republic has inherited. The two sides also signed an MoU on Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province. One of the three projects launched by Modi during the visit was the Sampur Solar Power Plant, which is a pillar of the Eastern Renewable Energy Zone being established under Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP). It is being developed by Trincomalee Power Company, a joint venture between India’s NTPC Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). This will give India a strong foothold in the Eastern Province, in addition to the island’s Northern Province, where India’s power is entrenched. Now India has influence over two of Sri Lanka’s most geopolitically sensitive regions. However, long-standing bilateral issues remain unsolved. Sri Lankan waters, Sri Lanka failed to obtain a commitment from India on the long-festering dispute over Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters. Modi also did not address Sri Lanka’s unease about claims by Indian politicians about Katchatheevu island. Beyond these MoUs, India offered to convert 100 million dollars worth of loans into grants. The recent agreements have significantly deepened Sri Lanka’s strategic and economic entanglement with India. By entering into a defense pact, Sri Lanka has tilted decisively towards a regional power that is itself aligned with broader anti-China coalitions. This alignment has now gone beyond being merely symbolic. The agreements span critical sectors such as energy, defense, and infrastructure, with a strong focus on the Eastern Province, raising serious concerns about sovereignty and strategic autonomy. On the other hand, the JVP-led NPP government now faces a serious blow to its credibility. The NPP came to power on a platform of transparency, sovereignty, and resistance to foreign domination. Yet, a few months after coming into power, it is now presiding over a dramatic pivot towards India, even utilizing legislative changes it once vehemently opposed. Whether this is pragmatic foreign policy realism or ideological betrayal, it raises uncomfortable questions about the NPP’s future trajectory. The growing Indian footprint marks a historic turning point in Sri Lanka’s regional posture. And for a party like the JVP — once defined by resistance to Indian intervention — it risks becoming the very thing it once rose up against; a facilitator of foreign entrenchment on Sri Lankan soil. by Rathindra Kuruwita (The Diplomat)";-0,075
Tkatchenko says “get rid of them” - Post CourierTHE officers implicated in this disgusting crime must be terminated immediately, says Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko.“How can the law enforcement be trusted if the officers are acting like criminals?” The trio must be used as an example to other law enforcement agencies to get rid of the bad apples,” the MP said. This is only a few bad apples who have committed this crime, and for the others, this has created unwanted attention to a profession they are in,” he added. Police Commissioner David Manning expressed his outrage at the actions of those sworn to protect the community. “Those involved in criminal offences are a minority of personnel that tarnish the reputation of the force and the majority of hardworking Police throughout the country. “A Police Station is a safe place and anyone being brought in must be protected and treated with respect and dignity,” he added. “A completely disgusting and dangerous criminal act is how I describe it.” “The arrest of the Officer in Charge of these members reflects the Constabulary’s commitment to holding supervisors responsible for personnel under their command,” he added. ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Bougainville Ready to Set Up Its Own Government by postcourieronline June 13, 2025 June 13, 2025 GST Zero-rated items across the city by postcourieronline June 13, 2025 June 13, 2025 Reinhold Company delivers important infrastructure for school by Miriam Zarriga June 13, 2025 June 13, 2025 A father’s strength to let go by Miriam Zarriga June 13, 2025 June 13, 2025 ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: ‘ Help us or else’ by postcourieronline June 13, 2025 June 13, 2025 JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF CLIENTS ON POST COURIER ONLINE .;0,05
Police Commissioner confirms investigation into Saraga Police Post incidentPolice Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that “Specialist investigative units are currently processing the crime scene at Saraga Police Post, while briefs of evidence are prepared for the Courts.” “Investigators are supported by policing advisors from the Australian Federal Police to ensure that all investigative avenues are pursued.” Commissioner Manning expressed his outrage at the actions of those sworn to protect the community. “Those involved in criminal offences are a minority of personnel that tarnish the reputation of the force and the majority of hardworking Police throughout the country. “A Police Station is a safe place and anyone being brought in must be protected and treated with respect and dignity,” he added. “A completely disgusting and dangerous criminal act is how I describe it.” “The arrest of the Officer-in-Charge of these members reflects the Constabulary’s commitment to holding supervisors responsible for personnel under their command,” he added. “I am disgusted and outraged at this incident. I share in our community’s pain that any police officer would abuse the trust of public. This conduct has no place in our police force or our nation.” Further information will be released as investigations proceed, Commissioner Manning said.;0,05
Station boss did nothing as his men raped the young woman - Post CourierSaraga Police Post supervising officer, Sergeant Karl Yori, did nothing as three officers under his watch raped a helpless 22-year-old woman. It is alleged, her boyfriend was allowed to leave but she was not. According to information received, the woman refused the unwanted advances of the men, who then attacked her. Sgt Yori turned a blind eye . The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, said the facts are beyond doubt and committed all police resources to the investigation, prosecution and conviction of the four responsible for this offence. “Within hours of the report of this horrific incident, two Constables and their supervising officer were arrested and are now detained at the Boroko Police Station.” “It is alleged that, on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, three members from the Saraga Police Post detained a man and a woman under false pretenses. The man and woman were subsequently convoyed to Saraga Police Post,  where it is alleged the officers attempted to extort money,” he added. “Following the release of the man, it is alleged that two constables and an auxiliary member raped the woman. It is further alleged that the Officer-in-Charge knew what occurred and did nothing to stop the men who were under his command. Commissioner Manning said, “Last night, Thursday June 5, the victim of this crime reported the matter to OIC Vision City Police Post and Police moved swiftly to arrest the four police officers involved.” “Constable Jerry Aura and Constable Danny Karaio were immediately arrested on suspicion of rape. The supervising officer, Sgt Yori, was also arrested and is being charged with related offences. “A further accused, an auxiliary member is presently being pursued by Investigators.”;0,175
Man arrested, police operation underway after horrific attack on schoolgirls Police have made a swift arrest and launched a major operation to apprehend further suspects following a brutal attack on seven schoolgirls at Nawaeb High School in Morobe Province last night. Commissioner of Police David Manning confirmed the initial arrest and stated that more arrests are imminent. Assistant Commissioner of Police Peter Guiness, the Northern Division Commander, is leading the operation, with police actively pursuing co-offenders believed to be hiding in illegal settlements within the region. “The attack on these young girls is extremely disturbing and those who carried out the attacks will be caught,” Commissioner Manning said. “This was an act of violence by cowardly individuals who were hid behind masks and fled into illegal settlements.” Commissioner Manning emphasized the resolve of the police force. “The full force of the law is being brought upon these criminals, with the first already in police custody.” He added, “I have given clear directions to ACP Guiness to make the arrest of these attackers a top priority.” A stern warning was also issued to those who might attempt to shield the culprits. “I also warn anyone from these settlements who tries to help hide the attackers. You will also be arrested for aiding and abetting.” The Commissioner acknowledged the public’s frustration with such incidents. “The community is fed up with violence emanating from uncontrolled settlements and expect police to lock up anyone involved in such crimes. We will deliver.” He called for a united front against criminal behavior, stating, “We must all fight the breakdown in respect and community order that drives this criminal behaviour.” Commissioner Manning commended the strong community engagement and urged continued support for the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “Police are working together with community leaders, school administrations and local authorities to apprehend the offenders. Anyone with information that is relevant to this investigation is asked to come forward with their information.” In a final warning to the fugitives, Commissioner Manning declared, “Finally, I warn the fugitives to turn themselves in. The police force and our community will not tolerate violence against women. Police officers in Northern command are under clear directions to bring to justice those responsible, and will not tolerate any effort to evade or escape arrest.”;-0,15
Parliament Attendance Summary for June 03-05, 2025This graph illustrates fluctuating parliamentary attendance summary from Tuesday, June 3rd, to Thursday, June 5th, 2025. On Tuesday, June 3rd, 19 Members of Parliament were absent, with 4 MP’s arriving late. Due to a power issue, parliament was adjourned on Wednesday, June 4th, indicated by null attendance. However, on Thursday, June 5th, the number of absent MPs surged dramatically to 28, while 5 MPs were again late. This suggests a significant drop in attendance following the mid-week adjournment. See the roll-calls for this week as illustrated below:;0
School girls slashed with bush knives - Post CourierSEVEN female students from Nawaeb Lutheran Secondary School in Morobe province are recovering at the Angau Hospital after armed men attacked the girls. Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Jacob Singura confirmed that at around 7-8pm last night, the youths from the surrounding community came into the female dormitory to steal phones and other items and caused harm to the female students at their dormitory. PPC Singura has already tasked his police officers this morning to go to the school and give assurance to the school management, parents and the citizens that police are investigating the matter. PPC Singura has also tasked the police officers to talk to the surrounding communities to identify the youths and assist police to surrender those youths involved. “We want to make sure there is a rule of law, and it must be respected by everyone. Those students should also be respected and allow them to live and study in a peaceful and safe environment to get an education.;0
PNG to host MSG football tourney Papua New Guinea will play host to the 4th Edition and 1st Edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Prime Minister’s Cup this year. Minister assisting Prime Minister James Marape in Sports, Vice mining minister, United Labor Party leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr signed the host agreement in Suva, Fiji. Minister Basil making a comment during the MSG meet in Fiji According to Mr Basil, the tournament will be from the 10th to the 22nd of November this year. He said the tournament will see the fourth edition for men’s soccer and first edition for women’s soccer. “Dates sanctioned are endorsed under the FIFA Window of Opportunities through OFC as a tier one ranking competition,” Mr Basil said. He added he is confident that with all necessary support accorded by the MSG member nations, hosting plans will start immediately. “We stand proud, and I look forward to ensuring that the Local Organizing Committee is given the mandate to formalize plans with key stakeholder service providers to prepare for the tournament.” Mr Basil said. Minister Basil thanked and acknowledged his MSG counterparts and officials for supporting the signing of the Host Agreement. The tournament will be hosted in Port Moresby.;0
Hutjena School reaches accord after unrest, classes set for full resumption Monday A peace and mediation dialogue held Friday at Hutjena Secondary High School has resulted in an agreement for full classes to commence next Monday, following a week of severely disrupted attendance. The meeting, convened in the school hall, brought together parents, students, teachers, the school’s Board of Management, and a representative from the Education Department. It aimed to address tensions stemming from a recent student rampage. Teachers presented a four-point petition to parents and the Board, signed by 30 of the school’s 33 staff members. Their demands included: Boarding students must pay K45,517 for damages caused during the incident before classes resume. The expulsion of student Exelsaviour Matsin, identified as the alleged instigator, and the termination of all boarding boys identified as ringleaders in the rampage. Formal apologies from the boarding boys to teachers Mr. Tapen and Mr. Hirara, as well as to all other staff members. The petition further demanded general respect for all teachers and adherence to school rules and policies, specifically highlighting the need to fully implement and enforce the school’s mobile phone policy. Packed Hutjena Secondary Hall with parents and students for the peace meeting As part of compensation for teachers, Mr. Tapen is to receive a pig and K500 cash, Deputy Head Master Mr. Hirara is to receive a pig, and all other teachers are to receive a pig. Following discussions, the meeting participants resolved that demands related to disciplinary action (points 1 – 3) and rule enforcement fall under the school’s normal administrative and disciplinary processes. Parents, however, agreed to provide the requested compensation for the teachers, committing to supply three pigs as a gesture of reconciliation. This agreement paves the way for the full resumption of academic activities at Hutjena Secondary High School on Monday.;-0,075
Trump expands US travel ban - Post CourierTrump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning the nationals of 12 countries from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats. The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has also included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans suspected of being gang members and efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others. The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The entry of people from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, will be partially restricted. “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said on X. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added. The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 0401 GMT. Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said. During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.” Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbour a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” fail to cooperate on visa security and have an inability to verify travellers’ identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the US. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said. He cited Sunday’s incident in Boulder, Colorado in which a man tossed a gasoline bomb into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators as an example of why the new restrictions are needed. An Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged in the attack. Federal officials said Soliman had overstayed his tourist visa and had an expired work permit – although Egypt is not on the list of countries facing travel limits. Somalia immediately pledged to work with the US to address security issues. – Reuters;-0,55
"Poor countries set to pay $22b for China debtNew research from the Lowy Institute shows the world’s poorest countries will make record high debt repayments to China this year. The research, released last month, showed China is set to call in US$22 billion for debts from 75 countries assessed by the World Bank as the world’s poorest and most vulnerable in 2025. Ten Pacific nations were on the list. China’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, denies Beijing is responsible for developing debt. Lowy research author Riley Duke said China had shifted from lead bilateral banker to chief debt collector for the developing world. “Because of the large amount of lending that China did in the mid-2010s, and the way it structured its loans through its Belt-and-Road initiative, this year, it is seeing a huge spike in repayments,” he said. For Pacific countries that had borrowed from China, Duke said repayment strain was already an issue. He identified Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu as being at higher risk due to respective loans. In Tonga, the impact of Chinese loans had been a “big political issue” this year. Duke anticipated that about 15 percent of the government’s revenue over the next few years would be devoted to debt repayments. “Last year, Tonga spent more on its debt repayments than it did on health for its citizens,” he said. “And so when we look at the….forward outlook, there are more challenges on the horizon. There are key development issues across the Pacific that countries and their governments and their people want to be dealing with. “But instead, these debt burdens are there and they’re persistent. “Again, just to focus on Tonga…. [it] ran five successful budget surpluses in the lead-up to having a big wave of Chinese debt repayments coming in. “But then it faced huge economic costs from the pandemic, from the earthquake, from cyclones, and so that wiped out all the money that [the government] had put aside.” Duke believed the amount of China’s lending into the region was less than a quarter of the level it was in the mid-2010s. “I’d be surprised to see any new large loans from China in the region, and I think related to that is the broader topic of whether Pacific countries should take on lots of debt. “Pacific countries have large financing gaps. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be built, and sometimes loans are the best way to do that, and ultimately that just comes back to the quality of the project. “People are a bit afraid of debt, and I think it’s a bit…of a dirty word, but if a loan is taken out to finance a project that is good for economic growth, good for a Pacific country [because] it drives connectivity [and] it drives the economy, then it’s a good loan, and it’s good debt to take on, and it will pay itself back.” He said there had also been a shift in how China engaged with the region. “China’s main form of engagement with the Pacific 15 years ago was lending. I think 80 percent of all of China’s development financing to the region was in the form of loans, and that’s fallen off dramatically since around 2018.” That shift was due to a range of factors, including increased financing options for Pacific governments, Duke said. “In 2010, China might have been the only partner offering large-scale infrastructure financing. “Australia is now offering more financing in that space. The World Bank is offering more financing in that space; there’s climate funds that are also offering adaptation projects and adaptation infrastructure. So there are more options on the table for Pacific countries than there was previously. And I think that is part of the reason that China’s lending has declined.” – Radio New Zealand";0,15
UN: Southwest Pacific hit by marine heat waves in 2024SINGAPORE:  Unprecedented heat waves in the Southwest Pacific affected more than 10 per cent of the global ocean surface in 2024, damaging coral reefs and putting the region’s last remaining tropical glacier at risk of extinction, the UN’s weather body said yesterday. Average 2024 temperatures in the region – which covers Australia and New Zealand as well as southeast Asian island states like Indonesia and the Philippines – were nearly half a degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 mean, the World Meteorological Organisation said in an annual report. “Much of the region saw at least severe marine heat wave conditions at some point during the course of 2024, particularly in areas near and south of the equator,” said the WMO’s Blair Trewin, one of the report’s authors. Extreme heat over the year affected 40 million square kilometres of ocean, and new temperature highs were set in the Philippines and Australia, the report said. Ocean surface temperatures also broke records, while total ocean heat content was the second-highest annual average, behind 2022. An unprecedented number of cyclones, which experts have attributed to climate change, also caused havoc in the Philippines in October and November. Sea levels continue to rise more quickly than the global average, an urgent problem in a region where more than half the population live within 500 metres of the coast, the report added. The report also cited satellite data showing that the region’s sole tropical glacier, located in Indonesia on the western part of the island of New Guinea, shrank by up to 50 per cent last year. “Unfortunately, if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter,” said the WMO’s Thea Turkington, another of the report’s authors. – Reuters;0,1
Gov’t invests VT1.8B to develop Santo as economic hubThe Government of Vanuatu has allocated VT1.8 billion for infrastructure development in the country’s northern region, with a major portion directed toward upgrading Pekoa International Airport in Luganville, Santo. Prime Minister Jotham Napat confirmed the funding as part of a broader plan to position Santo as Vanuatu’s leading economic centre.;0,125
Education Minister issues warning as more teachers join strikeTeachers joining the strike after last week's Supreme Court ruling are likely to face disciplinary action, the Minister of Education has warned. Minister Simil Johnson reaffirmed the government's stance during a press conference yesterday, amid a growing number of teachers joining the strike this week.;-0,075
Digital copies not accepted: Drivers fined for missing hard copy papersThe Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) has clarified that only hard copies of essential vehicle documents will be accepted during road checks, warning that drivers who rely on digital versions stored on mobile phones risk being fined. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PLTA, Reginald Tabi, said recent enforcement operations have revealed widespread confusion among transport operators about what form of documentation is legally acceptable.;0
More teachers may strike in Vanuatu The Vanuatu government's decision to appeal the Supreme Court's ruling on the legality of the nationwide teachers' strike is being welcomed by the country's teachers union. The Supreme Court quashed a Teaching Service Commission decision to suspend and terminate over 600 teachers] for participating in a strike in a judgement handed down on May 30.;0,05
First CRPD training to improve disability rights implementationA one-week training is currently taking place at the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD) in Port Vila, aiming to improve how Vanuatu implements the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the United Nations (UN) Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). The training is led by the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) and marks the first time for such a workshop to be held in Vanuatu. It is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Justice , Youth and Community Services (MoJ Y CS) and supported by several disability-focused organisations, including Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Australia, UNICEF Pacific, and the Vanuatu Disability Promotion Advocacy Association.;0,225
Groundbreaking for VT6 billion Cruise Tourism Project on Lelepa set for end of 2025The groundbreaking ceremony for a VT6 billion cruise tourism project on Lelepa Island is scheduled for the end of 2025.  This significant investment aims to boost Vanuatu's tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.  The project is expected to bring substantial benefits to the local community and contribute to the overall development of the country.;-0,05
Groundbreaking for VT6 billion Cruise Tourism Project on Lelepa set for end of 2025Groundbreaking for a VT6 billion cruise tourism project on Lelepa Island is set for the end of 2025.  The project, which will include the construction of a cruise ship terminal and other tourism infrastructure, is expected to create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.  The government has secured funding for the project from a consortium of international investors.  The project is expected to be completed within three years.;0,025
To save rhinos, conservationists are removing their hornsConservationists are increasingly turning to a method of protecting the world’s diminished population of rhinoceroses: removing their horns before poachers can get their hands on them. A study published on Thursday in the journal Science found that dehorning - a conservation practice that involves sedating the often multi-ton animals, covering their eyes and ears and trimming their horns, which do not have nerves and grow back in a few years - reduced poaching by 78% over a seven-year period in eight reserves across 11 studied in South Africa, home to most of Africa’s rhinos. Whereas costly surveillance and law enforcement often prove futile in the vast, tangled landscape of criminal syndicates, corruption and wealth inequality around South African reserves, conservationists and researchers say dehorning appears more impactful - but should remain a measure of last resort rather than a long-term solution. Removing the horn The researchers are far from blind to the implications of removing the most iconic body part of a charismatic species that has captured global interest for generations. “Is a rhino still a rhino without its horns?” asked Timothy Kuiper, the study’s lead author and a senior lecturer in conservation and statistics at South Africa’s Nelson Mandela University. “The horns are such a distinctive part of its anatomy. It’s a beautiful part of its body,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see a rhino with its horn.” Kuiper called dehorning “a necessary evil.” Vanessa Duthé, an ecologist who has studied the biological effects of dehorning, called it a “pragmatic and, at times, essential tool” that removes the asset criminals seek in high-risk poaching areas. There are fewer than 28,000 rhinos in the world - a steep drop from 500,000 at the start of the 20th century, according to the International Rhino Foundation, a conservation group. The majority are from two species in Africa: Black rhinos are critically endangered, with about 6,500 remaining, and white rhinos are considered near threatened, with about 16,800, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Three other species live in Asia, with two - Javan and Sumatran rhinos - each numbering fewer than 50 individuals. African rhinos are targeted by poachers who kill them to cut off their horns, which are displayed as status trophies or consumed as ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. At its peak, a kilogram of rhino horn sold for $65,000. 586 rhinos poached in 2023 An estimated 12,713 rhinos have been poached in Africa since 2006, the majority in South Africa, according to conservation charity Save the Rhino. Five hundred eighty-six African rhinos were poached in 2023, the International Rhino Foundation found. More than 300 of those were killed in just one state-run park. “You can catch a poacher, and there’s three standing in line to take his place,” said another researcher behind the study, Rhino Recovery Fund Director Markus Hofmeyr. Dehorning was the only practical anti-poaching intervention for which researchers found strong evidence of effectiveness. It is also more cost-effective than other methods, such as 24/7 patrols. Over the seven-year study period, the reserves dehorned 2,284 rhinos. Reducing poacher incentives through dehorning achieved “large and abrupt” reductions in kills, while using just over 1% of the reserves’ $74 million anti-poaching budget, the study found. The researchers estimated a “13% risk of an individual horned rhino being poached in a particular year compared with a 0.6% poaching risk for a dehorned rhino.” Between 70 and 134 rhinos were saved from poaching in the 12 months after dehorning, the study said. The median cost to save a rhino was $7,133 per animal. Dehorning itself “is quite an operation, logistically,” Kuiper said. But it doesn’t cause pain for the rhino, researchers say - their horns are made mostly of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. Removed with a chainsaw Usually, a helicopter is involved to locate the rhino. A team is deployed, often driving off-road, to reach the animal. A qualified veterinarian and crew immobilize the rhino with drugs. The horn is removed with a chainsaw, Kuiper said. Once removed, the horns are stored in secure, secret stockpiles, according to researchers. There is ongoing debate about legalizing the international rhino horn trade. Some argue that harvesting horns at regular intervals might satisfy demand while contributing to rhino protection funds. Others say it could increase poaching and demand - a grave risk with so few rhinos left. Dehorning “is not a silver bullet,” Kuiper said. Some poachers have even killed dehorned rhinos for their regrowing stumps. Veterinarians can cut only up to the growth plate, which has nerves and blood vessels, leaving 5 to 15 centimeters of horn. Over two years, researchers recorded the poaching of more than 100 previously dehorned rhinos - some just weeks after the procedure, Kuiper said. Horn demand, including for trophies and traditional medicine, along with poverty and the presence of criminal gangs, drives poaching. But researchers say entrenched corruption - including among police, reserve staff and courts - has skewed the cost-benefit analysis for criminal poachers. There are cases of repeat offenders, too. “It’s a kind of perfect storm of criminal syndicates to come in and recruit people who are vulnerable socioeconomically,” Kuiper said. The efforts of law enforcement In remarks last month, South Africa’s forestry minister, Dion George, praised the efforts of law enforcement. “Our rangers are the true heroes in this fight, risking their lives daily to protect our rhinos,” he said. George has also praised the potential of dehorning programs in combination with other methods of protection. The practice of dehorning, initially tried decades ago, is growing. Across southern and eastern Africa, more and more rhinos can be seen “in a dehorned state,” Kuiper said. Rhinos can survive and breed without their horns, but at least some researchers have raised questions about behavioral effects. A 2023 study found that dehorned black rhinos decreased their home ranges. The theory is that dehorned rhinos might be less bold without their horns. Duthé, that study’s lead researcher, said by email that while there are measurable changes in movement and social patterns, current evidence shows no impact on population growth rates. The known effects are “generally considered acceptable when weighed against the significant reduction in poaching,” she said. “A live rhino without a horn, because you’ve cut it off, is a lot better than a dead rhino without a horn,” said Nina Fascione, IRF’s executive director. The IRF supports dehorning, but not as a stand-alone, end-all technique. “You can’t just dehorn a rhino and then think they’re safe, because the poachers will go after it even for a little nub of a horn,” Fascione said. Rhinos have probably changed little for at least the past million years, Hofmeyr said. By sheer size and strength, they have been able to survive and breed successfully. That they are an evolutionary marvel is also a liability. They have not shown an ability to rapidly adapt to human threats - such as how elephants avoid returning to a watering hole where one of the group has been shot, he said. “You can kill every last rhino in the landscape if you know … where they drink, the way they walk” - and how to evade law enforcement, Hofmeyr said. “You can shoot the rhinos at the same waterhole until the very last one is gone.” It’s a “symbol of us as a human species,” he said, that we cannot take responsibility for “keeping something alive that has actually been much more successful than we’ve ever been” at surviving on our own.;0,1
Donald Trump and the art of the Oval Office confrontation | World | postguam.comUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the first to see his Oval Office meeting take a turbulent turn, with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance castigating him as ungrateful and threatening to cut off U.S. aid to his besieged country. Next came South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had hoped to discuss tariffs and instead was accused by Trump of facilitating white genocide in a choreographed spectacle broadcast around the globe. Trump himself asked aides to tee up the now-infamous video clip central to the confrontation 15 minutes before the meeting, according to a White House aide. Now, elected leaders across the nation and world are wondering who will be next, officials and experts said, weighing the benefits of a high-profile meeting with the most powerful man on Earth against the chance that they will be politically bruised by an Oval Office ambush. High-stakes display On Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will become the latest world leader to face a phalanx of cameras beside Trump in an increasingly high-stakes display. A senior White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations, downplayed the likelihood of tension, saying the meeting “shouldn’t be any different than any other state visits.” But roughly four months into his second term, Trump has transformed what was historically a routine performance that countries choreographed well in advance into a political and diplomatic minefield. Trump routinely places world leaders before cameras for as long as an hour, often veering off topic and raising sensitive issues that leaders once discussed behind closed doors. The Oval Office grillings reflect Trump’s love of showmanship and his instinct to reject custom in search of political advantage - a tendency praised by supporters as a projection of strength and criticized by others who question the long-term cost. He sometimes targets opponents, foreign and domestic, or amplifies falsehoods on a very public stage. “It makes going to the Oval Office dangerous, potentially,” said John Bolton, a national security adviser during Trump’s first term who clashed with him repeatedly. “The last thing any foreign leader wants to do is go and be embarrassed in front of his own public back home.” Trump’s style Trump’s style has both foreign embassies and some congressional staffers fretting over public engagements, often gaming out meetings in advance or steering the conversation in a favorable direction. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer brought a letter from King Charles III, which he used to flatter Trump. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store brought his finance minister, Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO secretary general who earned a reputation as a Trump whisperer. Merz has been preparing extensively for his first in-person meeting with Trump, speaking with leaders familiar with dealing with him, Germany’s Bild newspaper reported. Publicly, he has insisted he will defend German interests, and aides say he is treating the meeting like any other foreign visit. But some opposition leaders worry that Merz, who stands 6-foot-6 - three inches taller than Trump - will appear too deferential to avoid confrontation. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who has worked on bipartisan bills signed by Trump, said he would not rule out a White House visit for serious matters, but the possibility gives him pause. “I would not go to anything where I was a prop for Trump,” he said. Staffers for several Democratic lawmakers told The Washington Post they would also discourage their bosses from going to the White House. Captive before cameras with Trump, anything - from a critical comment to an executive order unrelated to the event - is possible, said the staffers, who spoke anonymously to avoid stoking tensions with the White House. For most foreign leaders, a meeting with a U.S. president remains a valuable chance to lobby the world’s most powerful military and economy. Their domestic audiences are unlikely to penalize them unless the encounter is grossly mismanaged. Pushing false claims But the stakes rise if Trump utters a falsehood they feel they cannot leave unchallenged. As president, Trump can summon reporters to the Oval Office on short notice and focus attention on his message, often without rigorous fact-checking. During the South African president’s visit, for example, Trump pushed unfounded claims about the large-scale murder of white farmers and did not mention the actual epidemic of violence facing a nation still grappling with apartheid’s legacy. In February, during a mostly cordial meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump criticized Europe for issuing loans to Ukraine instead of no-strings-attached aid. Macron leaned in, gently touched Trump’s forearm and said, “No. In fact, to be frank, we paid. We paid 60% of the total effort.” Trump gave a tight smile, then pursed his lips. “If you believe that, it’s OK with me,” he responded. Presidents have long used the Oval Office to project strategic images, “but embedded always with those images is the idea that the Oval Office is somewhere to be revered, and it’s not a place where any president can sandbag an opponent or spread falsehoods,” said Matthew Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University. Trump, Dallek added, “views these spaces as belonging to him rather than to the country. And so what does he do? He attempts to dominate these spaces. He attempts to remake them in his image.” Demanding more gratitude The earliest and perhaps most consequential Oval Office confrontation happened when Ukraine’s Zelenskyy appeared a few weeks after Trump’s inauguration. Trump and Vance demanded more gratitude and respect, with U.S. aid hanging in the balance. “You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position,” Trump told Zelenskyy, pinning Ukraine’s troubles on its leader, despite the war being launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ramaphosa stared straight ahead last month as aides dimmed the lights and played the video, occasionally shifting in his seat and glancing at Trump, who refused to make eye contact as footage played of crowds chanting “Kill the Boers,” referring to white farmers descended from colonists who imposed apartheid. Trump and his advisers have reveled in the amount of news coverage his state visits generate, with the dynamics of appearances often previewed in his social media posts in the days leading up to meetings. If the heightened and often lengthy media coverage makes some visitors nervous, so be it, according to Trump’s team. “This is the Trump show,” the senior White House official said. “We’re giving access on an unprecedented level, and nobody should be scared of that. And if you’re scared of that, it says a lot about you.” Dallek said the made-for-TV meetings mirror Trump’s past life on television. “It’s reminiscent of ‘The Apprentice’ and the way he would sit in this large conference room or boardroom and go around the table and tell people they’re fired,” Dallek said, referring to the reality TV show that starred Trump. “It’s basically what he did with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. (Telling him:) ‘You haven’t shown us enough respect or deference. And we’re going to fire you. You’re no longer a friend of the United States.’” Unless sensitive intelligence is aired publicly, Trump’s tactic may ultimately be beneficial, said Dave Carney, a Republican strategist who worked in President George H.W. Bush’s administration. “There’s a lot of good things for transparency and democracy, for people to see what the hell goes on,” Carney said. “It’s unseemly, like the Ukrainian visit, but you know what? They’re all big boys. They all got over it,” Carney continued, noting that Trump later had a positive meeting with Zelenskyy. “It may not all work out, but it’s not because of the visit to the Oval Office.”;-0,025
Trump says Putin to retaliate over Ukraine attacks as peace remains distant | World | postguam.com KYIV - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to retaliate against Ukraine for drone strikes on Moscow’s strategic bomber fleet, as progress in U.S.-backed peace talks remains elusive. Following a roughly 75-minute call with Putin, Trump said on social media that they had a good conversation, “but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.” The call came as Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanged barbs just days after heavy strikes from both sides and a second round of peace talks on Monday. Zelenskyy rejected Russian proposals to end the war, calling them an “ultimatum” that Moscow sought to impose on Kyiv, which he said showed Putin was not interested in peace. Unconditional ceasefire Zelenskyy said the proposals were simply “theater” from Russia, aimed at delaying additional Western sanctions. Instead, the Ukrainian leader proposed an unconditional ceasefire ahead of a meeting among the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the United States. Speaking to his cabinet ministers an hour later, Putin said Ukraine is run by a “terrorist” regime that targets civilians and is still losing the war. He dismissed the idea of a summit. “How to hold such meetings in these conditions? What to talk about? Who even negotiates with those who bet on terror, with terrorists?” he said. “Today, they suffer one defeat after another on the battlefield. Apparently, we are dealing with people who not only lack any meaningful competence in anything, but also elementary political culture.” In a Russian briefing on the call, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov made no mention of retaliation for the drone strikes but said Putin and Trump discussed the attacks. He said Trump indicated he was not informed about them ahead of time. “The leaders agreed to continue further contacts on the Ukrainian issue, including at the highest level and through other channels,” Ushakov said. Asked about the drone attacks that damaged Russian aircraft, Ushakov said: “Our president spoke at some length about them, and I think it was very useful for Trump to listen to our assessments of what happened.” Ukrainian and Russian delegations met on Monday to exchange terms for peace talks. Russia’s conditions, released after the meeting, echoed long-standing Kremlin demands: Ukraine surrender more territory, avoid military alliances and accept strict limits on its armed forces. Western organizations Ukraine’s memo called for an unconditional ceasefire, the return of children taken to Russia, no recognition of conquered lands and freedom for Ukraine to join Western organizations. Zelenskyy said Russia’s terms were unacceptable. “The Russians understood that this was an ultimatum and that the Ukrainian side, or no one, would take it seriously,” Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday. He added that if the terms had been made public before the meeting in Istanbul, Ukrainian officials “would have been in their full rights” not to attend. One of the few outcomes of the talks was a prisoner exchange, which Zelenskyy said will take place this weekend, allowing some 500 Ukrainian troops to return home. Later, the two sides will exchange the remains of fallen troops, though that process will take longer to allow for proper identification. On Sunday, Ukraine claimed responsibility for a series of drone attacks on distant Russian airfields that disabled several strategic bombers - an assault on assets once thought beyond the reach of Ukrainian forces. Two bridges also collapsed in the Bryansk and Kursk regions in what Russian officials called terrorist attacks. On Tuesday, explosions were reported on the Crimean Bridge, which links the annexed peninsula to mainland Russia. Conflict escalation Despite the Ukrainian attacks, Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center warned that, rather than push Putin to negotiate, they might provoke him to escalate. “Based on years - now decades - of observing Putin’s decision-making, I believe such attacks will only reinforce his determination to dismantle the Ukrainian state in its current form,” she wrote on X. “He will respond by becoming more hardline and less compliant.” In addition to nightly Russian drone and missile strikes, Moscow’s forces have gained ground in the northeastern Sumy region, capturing several villages. Zelenskyy dismissed the advances in Sumy as “nothing new,” saying Russian forces “were not achieving any success.” He said Ukrainian troops were aware of and prepared for the attacks. However, the military analysis website DeepState painted a more dire picture, writing in a post on Wednesday that “the situation remains critical due to the enemy’s rapid advance,” now within 12 to 15 miles of the regional capital, also called Sumy. On Tuesday, Russian forces shelled the city center using multiple rocket launchers, killing five people, according to local officials. A senior NATO official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said there had been no major front-line shifts over the past month, though Russian forces had made small but steady advances. Ukraine’s Western backers met at NATO headquarters to rally fresh pledges of weapons and funding to strengthen Kyiv’s hand in any talks. But the Pentagon chief did not attend the meeting of the pro-Ukraine coalition that the United States once led. Mounting questions Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was not expected in Brussels until after the Ukraine meeting. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte downplayed Hegseth’s absence, it added to growing questions about the future of U.S. military support. Britain, which co-chaired Wednesday’s meeting with Germany, pledged to provide 100,000 drones to Ukraine by April. European allies are trying to secure billions in funding to keep weapons flowing into 2025. Still, without firm commitments from the Trump administration, the winding down of Biden-era deliveries has fueled concerns about long-term support for Ukraine’s war effort.;-0,075
South Korea elects liberal president after chaotic 6 months | World | postguam.comSEOUL - South Koreans elected Lee Jae-myung as president on Tuesday, choosing a liberal whose vision to reshape the country’s foreign policy could put him at odds with the Trump administration, particularly over China. Lee became the official winner after his main rival, conservative Kim Moon-soo, conceded early Wednesday. “I will not forget for one moment the mission you expect from me and have entrusted me, and will definitely, absolutely carry it out without ever straying from it,” Lee said in a celebratory speech near the National Assembly. With 99.8% of the votes counted early Wednesday, Lee had 49.4% of the vote. Kim had 41.2%. Lee, 61, had been the clear front-runner in a race that analysts said was largely a referendum on the previous government led by Yoon Suk Yeol. Impeached for declaring martial law Yoon was impeached for declaring martial law in December, setting off six months of political turmoil at a time when the United States was also undergoing upheaval. He was formally removed from office in April, prompting an early election. Lee takes office on Wednesday with a sweeping mandate and his party in control of the National Assembly, giving him broad legislative power. He faces major challenges, including political polarization, a slowing economy and urgent foreign policy priorities that had been stalled since Yoon’s impeachment. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on Tuesday forecast South Korea’s growth rate would fall to 1% this year. As Seoul weathered its worst political and constitutional crisis in decades, the Trump administration pushed forward with policies affecting South Korea’s economy and national security. Lee will need to appeal to President Donald Trump on issues such as steep tariffs on key South Korean industries, including steel and autos, and Trump’s desire to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula. “This is really a story of going from the frying pan into the fire. Yes, we will close the book on the martial law chapter, but what comes next is daunting,” said Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “There has been a quiet crisis brewing in the alliance, which has been masked by the political crisis in Korea and the Trump focus on everything but Korea,” Cha added. Lee has pledged to establish an emergency task force on the economic and trade crisis as his first presidential act. Trump tariffs Trump is set to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50% starting on Wednesday, the day of Lee’s inauguration. That’s in addition to a 25% tariff on cars and a 10% blanket duty on other goods while trade talks continue. South Korea’s overall exports to its two largest markets - the United States and China - each fell by about 8% last month from a year earlier due to the trade war and global supply chain shifts. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has adopted an increasingly hawkish approach toward China and has urged allies to follow suit - a challenge for Lee, who is trying to balance relationships with both superpowers. Lee has consistently said he supports the U.S.-South Korea security alliance, calling it the foundation of South Korean diplomacy and regional cooperation with Japan. He has not laid out a detailed strategy for dealing with Trump but emphasized his willingness to negotiate. “I would even crawl under (Trump’s) legs if necessary,” to strike the best deal for South Koreans, Lee said in a radio interview on Monday. Still, he warned, “I’m not an easy person to deal with, either.” Lee said Seoul does not need to rush tariff negotiations and first wants to assess its leverage. “Before we talk about our cards, we need to see what President Trump’s real cards are,” he said in a YouTube interview last month. Compared with previous leaders from his Democratic Party, Lee is seen as less ideological on foreign policy. Past party presidents prioritized Korean reunification and leaned into pro-North Korea policies, often at the expense of U.S. ties. Lee has charted a different course, calling himself a foreign policy “pragmatist” guided by national interest - which, analysts say, may make him more willing to engage with Washington but less predictable. Balancing act Lee also wants to repair relations with China, South Korea’s largest trading partner by far, and re-engage Beijing in diplomatic talks. He has said ties suffered under Yoon, who aligned more closely with Washington. “The Yoon Suk Yeol government failed to properly resolve diplomatic issues,” Lee wrote in an autobiography this spring. At a televised debate last month, he called Seoul’s approach to Beijing “neglected” and “unnecessarily antagonizing.” Lee has deflected questions about whether South Korea would aid Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, telling Time magazine last month: “I will think about that answer when aliens are about to invade the earth.” Despite his campaign rhetoric, public opinion in South Korea has turned increasingly wary of China. Striking a balance amid intensifying U.S.-China competition is becoming harder, said Sungmin Cho, a Korea-China expert at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul. “South Korea’s position is becoming more difficult, to stand on this tightrope,” Cho said. “So, he will be more serious about hedging.” The regional landscape has shifted significantly since Lee’s last presidential run in 2022, said Miyeon Oh, Korea chair at the Rand Corp. North Korea has expanded its nuclear and missile programs and formed a military alliance with Russia, even sending troops to fight in Ukraine. China and Russia China and Russia have grown closer - a trend Lee mentioned during the campaign, suggesting that Seoul should pay greater attention to its neighbors. All of this, Oh said, has made the Korean Peninsula’s strategic environment far more volatile. “North Korea has become a global threat, not a regional threat,” she said. Lee has said he supports restarting talks with North Korea. In a February interview with The Washington Post, he expressed interest in a breakthrough to limit Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development. But whether Pyongyang is open to talks remains unclear. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has strengthened ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and dropped his country’s long-standing goal of unification. “When it comes to North Korea, South Korea is a bit stuck,” said Mason Richey, international politics professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. “I mean, how do you talk to North Korea when North Korea doesn’t want to talk to you? What policy do you support?” Promise to restore stability Lee has had time to consider those questions. This was his second run for the presidency. A former mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, both near Seoul, Lee built his career on left-leaning policies such as a universal basic income. He was selected as the Democratic Party’s nominee in 2022 but narrowly lost to Yoon by less than one percentage point. As opposition leader, Lee became a vocal critic of Yoon, initiating an unprecedented number of impeachment motions against his appointees. In this campaign, however, Lee pitched centrist policies aimed at swing voters. He branded his platform “centrist-conservative” to distinguish himself from what he described as far-right voices in the conservative People Power Party. Lee grew up in poverty, working in sweatshops as a teenager instead of attending middle school to help support his family. A workplace accident at a glove factory left one arm permanently deformed. He has joked that while some are born with silver spoons, “there wasn’t even a spoon” in his home. Last year, Lee survived an assassination attempt when he was stabbed in the neck at a public event. During the campaign, he wore a protective vest and spoke behind bulletproof glass - a rarity in South Korea’s typically high-contact political culture. He has vowed to restore democratic stability and described Yoon’s martial law declaration as an aberration in the country’s nearly four-decade democratic history. But healing the country’s deep divides, experts say, won’t be easy. “The election will help with a collective sense of turning the page … (but) that does not mean the next president can automatically solve deep political divides,” said Darcie Draudt-Véjares, a South Korean politics expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.;0,45
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China calls Trump’s trade deal accusations ‘groundless’China on Monday said Trump administration accusations that it had broken the terms of a trade war truce by holding back key materials were “groundless,” arguing that it was the United States that had “seriously damaged” the agreement with its restrictions on Chinese microchips and students. After President Donald Trump on Friday twice accused China of violating an agreement reached last month, administration officials said Beijing was taking its time to approve export licenses for rare earths needed to make products including consumer electronics and jet engines. It was only three weeks ago that the two countries called a 90-day timeout on a tariff war that had dramatically slashed trade between the world’s two largest economies. They agreed to reduce triple-digit tariffs - effectively an embargo - to levels that would at least allow trade to continue while the two sides worked on a formal deal. But that temporary truce is already under strain amid the accusations and disagreements about what exactly was agreed in Geneva. ‘New economic and trade tensions’ By announcing export controls on artificial intelligence chips and revoking Chinese student visas, “the United States had unilaterally provoked new economic and trade tensions,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Monday. “Instead of reflecting on itself, it has made bogus accusations and unreasonably denounced China for violating the agreement.” The most recent exchanges reflect how far apart the two sides remain on a host of issues, and near the top of the list is a dispute over whether Beijing is moving fast enough to ease its export restrictions on rare earths and critical minerals. While claiming that the goal of tariffs was not to “decouple” from China but to reduce reliance on its products, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday accused Beijing of holding back rare earths and critical minerals that it agreed to “release” in Geneva. “Maybe it’s a glitch in the Chinese system, maybe it’s intentional,” Bessent told CBS. China, for its part, was angered by Commerce Department guidance released days after the Geneva talks, warning that the use or sale of Ascend AI chips made by Chinese technology giant Huawei anywhere in the world could violate U.S. export controls - a ruling Beijing said went against the spirit of the trade agreement. “The big picture is that the two sides resumed negotiations after Geneva, but if you look at the details, it’s more complicated, and each side is still doing things that could undermine that big picture,” said Da Wei, an international relations scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Chinese state-affiliated commentators have increasingly linked rare earths to U.S. technology controls. Rare earth controls Only if the U.S. relaxes its restrictions on the export of advanced semiconductors to China should Beijing consider easing rare earth controls, said Hu Xijin, a prominent nationalist commentator and former editor in chief of the state-run Global Times. “No matter what pressure the U.S. exerts or what tricks it plays, China should not let go of its rare earth trump card,” Hu wrote on the social media app WeChat on Saturday. Despite being found in many locations globally, these widely used metals are difficult to extract and refine. After decades of investment, China now accounts for nearly the entirety of global supply, producing 92% of the world’s processed rare earths last year. Because these metals are crucial for the production of military drones, electric vehicles and even medicines, China’s decision to respond to tariffs by cutting off U.S. access to some rare earths left senior administration officials scrambling to contain the economic fallout. Although China pledged after the Geneva talks to “suspend or remove” nontariff countermeasures taken since Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were announced on April 2, its officials and state media have consistently said that it cannot remove controls entirely. That is partly because the export-control regime to limit the sale of “strategic minerals” with military applications was formally announced in December, before Trump took office, and Beijing justified it as being necessary for China’s national security. Another complication is that the Geneva agreement did not extend to five critical minerals originally made subject to export restrictions in February. They were part of China’s response to Trump’s initial 10% tariffs, imposed to urge Beijing to do more to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the U.S. Approval process It is unlikely Beijing will be willing to let American companies skip an approval process that can take six weeks even for non-American companies, said Cory Combs, an analyst at Trivium China, a consultancy that advises international businesses on Chinese policy. The Chinese bureaucrats in charge of approvals have plenty of incentives to take their time: rare earths are ubiquitous in weaponry made by American defense contractors, many of which have been penalized by China over arms sales to Taiwan - the island democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. “No official wants to be the one responsible for accidentally letting something go to an unapproved end user,” Combs said. The two sides clashed over Taiwan again during the weekend after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a regional security forum that China posed a potentially “imminent” military threat to Taiwan. China’s Defense Ministry responded on Sunday that his remarks were “irresponsible” and reflected a “bullying style and Cold War mentality.” With rising tensions threatening to undermine the trade war truce, administration officials appear to be hoping that a conversation between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping can put talks back on track. Bessent said the two leaders planned to speak “very soon,” while National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said a call could happen as soon as this week. The administration is “focused 100% like a laser beam on the China matter, to make sure that there are no supply disruptions because these licenses are coming a little slower than we would like,” he told ABC. Beijing has not commented on the possibility of a call or confirmed it is under discussion. Experts on Chinese foreign policy consider it unlikely that Xi would agree to a conversation during such a delicate moment in talks. While the U.S. has grown impatient and pushed for a Xi-Trump call, “the Chinese tradition is that you work out 95% of the agreement at the working level and then the leaders will come in to seal the deal,” said Wang Dong, an international relations professor at Peking University in Beijing. Trump’s New York real estate-style dealmaking - where the two big bosses sit down and hammer out an agreement - doesn’t work well with China, Wang said.;-0,05
"Brazen drone strike showcases Ukrainian innovation as war grinds on | World | postguam.comKYIV - For 18 months, Ukraine’s internal security service planned an audacious assault on far-flung Russian airfields - first sneaking drones into Russia, then planting them near key military runways. On Sunday, just ahead of a new round of peace talks, it was go time: Near four unsuspecting Russian military bases, remotely activated roofs lifted off mobile homes and sheds parked on flatbed trucks. Armed Ukrainian drones tucked inside soared upward, then pounced on military aircraft lined up on the runways, engulfing many in flames. The brazen attack - which Ukrainian officials claimed destroyed at least 13 Russian aircraft and damaged dozens of others - shocked Russia and instantly reduced its capabilities to threaten a nuclear attack or launch missile strikes on Ukraine and other countries. It also served as a crucial reminder to Moscow and Ukraine’s Western partners that Kyiv remains capable of exploiting Russia’s weaknesses and disrupting its war plans, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. Planes used to bomb Ukraine Ukraine said the damaged or destroyed aircraft, some of which were nuclear-capable, included A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 models - planes Kyiv said Russia had used nearly every night to bomb Ukraine. Many details of how the attack was planned are not public, and it was not immediately clear how many of the Russian planes were operational at the time they were targeted. But the swift, angry reactions in Russia confirmed that Ukraine had exploited - to devastating effect - an obvious vulnerability: essential and expensive aircraft left out in the open but believed safe because they were deep inside the country. The operation also marked the latest example of drone technology redefining modern warfare. Western analysts said the strikes will hinder Russia’s ability to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine and could force Russian commanders to shift significant resources to better protect aviation assets. But they cautioned that the strikes are unlikely to significantly alter the course of the war, as Moscow still has enough aircraft to continue bombing Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Video footage and reactions published on social media showed that in Russia, the drone strikes stirred panic, confusion and then, from pro-war commentators, rage. Governors from several regions, including as far as Siberia, reported drone attacks. Russian onlookers filmed smoke billowing over the airfields and narrated their shock. Soon, pro-war military bloggers dubbed the attack “Russia’s Pearl Harbor.” Drones possibly deployed In videos that could not be independently verified by The Washington Post, people who appear to be locals living near the air bases recorded drones zooming past them and plumes of black smoke on the horizon. In one video, a woman watches a drone move toward a smoldering air base as her neighbors suggest it might be the 11th to fly by. In another, a man films as several drones fly out of the back of a truck stationed on the side of a highway. A volley of gunfire can be heard in the background as security forces try to shoot them down. In another video, a young soldier, apparently stationed at an air base, records several aircraft burning. Facing the camera, he uses an expletive to describe the scene. Enraged chief Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov later demanded that the soldier be shot for making the video and called him a “scumbag.” Meanwhile, in Kyiv, the SBU, the Ukrainian security agency that had planned the strikes, publicly took credit and revealed the operation’s code name as Spiderweb. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly posted photos of himself hugging the agency head, Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, in celebration. “The enemy thought that it could bomb Ukraine and kill Ukrainians with impunity and endlessly,” Maliuk said in a statement on Monday. “But this is not so. We will respond to Russian terror and destroy the enemy everywhere.” Ukraine said all SBU operatives involved in the attack were evacuated safely from Russia before it began. In Ukraine, the successful attack injected much-needed optimism into a society beleaguered by more than three years of full-scale war and worn down by what many see as undue U.S. pressure to concede to Russian demands even without security guarantees. “This operation completely changes the perception of reality - both within Russia and around the world. Our enemies are now forced to recognize that Ukrainian intelligence services are capable of penetrating even the most secure facilities,” said Ukrainian lawmaker Roman Kostenko, secretary of parliament’s national security committee. “When the enemy loses dozens of strategic bombers, it’s not just a technical loss; it’s a blow to its ability to blackmail the world with missile strikes.” Security guarantees Former Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Reznikov said Ukraine had transferred its Tu bombers to Moscow as part of a 1996 agreement to give up its nuclear capabilities in exchange for security guarantees from several countries, including Russia. “On June 1, 2025, Ukraine began removing those very aircraft from one of the memorandum’s main guarantors. That guarantor had shamelessly used them against peaceful Ukrainians,” he said, describing Sunday’s attack as “a peculiar form of military-legal sanctions.” One former Ukrainian official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive political moment, described the attack as providing an “immense inspirational push for Ukrainian society and soldiers” that he fears may inspire more resistance to a compromise that could lead to a real cease-fire. “We’re less likely to compromise in the nearest future. And some form of a compromise seems to be the only way to stop (or) pause the war,” he said. Still, he added, the attack dramatically improved the SBU’s reputation and “deserves to be described in history books.” The vulnerability of aircraft has long been a point of criticism among Russian military bloggers, who have called for better defenses, such as hardened cover and hangars, said Samuel Bendett, a drone expert and adviser to the Russia studies program at the Center for Naval Analyses, a nonprofit research group in Washington. Air defenses on the bases were probably honed to detect bigger Ukrainian drones that operate at long ranges and were “probably not looking for FPV drones that literally snuck under the radar,” Bendett said. FPV drones are small aircraft guided by a pilot using a camera with a first-person view. A big question is how Russia rebuilds the bruised component of its nuclear arsenal, Bendett said. Damaged planes Among the destroyed or damaged planes are aircraft that have been modernized but are no longer in production. It would not make sense to rebuild propeller-driven Tu-95s, Bendett said, though Russia has yet to acquire the next-generation bombers expected to replace them. Another question is how Ukraine ultimately steered the drones. The sophistication of launching them one after another points to capabilities such as drones preprogrammed to fly toward their targets, analysts said. Pilots may have been involved in the last stretch of the attack runs, Bendett said. In one video, a drone slows down and hovers above the wings of a bomber, then targets a vulnerable portion of the wing between the fuselage and the engine, he said. Such a precise attack is a hallmark of FPV drones, which carry relatively small payloads but pack a big punch by targeting vehicle weak points. Russian officials and state media, meanwhile, remained noticeably silent on Sunday’s attacks. According to Russian outlet Agentsvo, state broadcasters Channel One and Rossiya-1 each devoted 40 seconds of airtime to the attack on the distant air bases. By Monday morning, the news had disappeared from bulletins. “The smartest thing Putin could do right now would be to not respond immediately,” wrote Vladimir Pastukhov, a Russian political scientist based in London. “Putin’s best response is to delay his response - which he is good at.” “Putin does not have many spectacular ‘good’ moves in the current situation,” he continued. “Ukraine has no comparable facilities that can be destroyed without infernal civilian casualties and enormous damage to the environment … which would traumatize the already troubled Trump.” Pro-Kremlin military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, who runs the Rybar Telegram channel, said the attack would cause substantial “moral and psychological damage” and that Ukraine’s operation was aimed not only at exploiting gaps in defense but also at “creating colossal tension” in society and discrediting the security services. If Ukraine can attack air bases, he speculated, it could also target highways and transport routes, stirring panic. “Of course, from the point of view of undermining Russia’s military potential, this is an extremely unpleasant story, especially in the context of the loss of the Tu-95MS,” Zvinchuk said, referring to the mainstay of Russia’s fleet of nuclear bombers. Russian opposition figures, meanwhile, marveled online at Ukraine’s “amazing” and “crazy” operation. “Everyone says that the only way to negotiate with Putin is to negotiate from a position of strength. Well, here it is,” wrote Russian opposition politician and former political prisoner Ilya Yashin on social media. Yan Matveyev, a military analyst at the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by opposition figure Alexei Navalny, described the attack as “a direct and highly sensitive blow to the nuclear triad” that destroyed “rare and expensive bombers.” “Most importantly, it reduced the Russian Air Force’s ability to strike Ukrainian cities,” Matveyev wrote on Telegram. Destroying or damaging an A-50 is a significant achievement for Ukraine. The aircraft, topped with a radar, is a flying command center that helps coordinate Russian air attacks and detect incoming threats. Moscow has few in its inventory. One such plane was shot down with a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system last year.";0,3
Ukraine attacks Russian air bases in far-reaching drone strikesOn the eve of bilateral peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine’s security services launched a massive drone attack against five air bases inside Russia, officials in both countries said on Sunday, in one of the most penetrating assaults on Russian territory by Ukrainian forces since the war began. The Security Service of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved Ukrainian drones smuggled into Russia before striking strategic airfields in remote areas, including Siberia, for the first time. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the assault as “brilliant” and “perfectly prepared.” He said Ukraine used 117 drones to hit more than a third of Russia’s cruise missile carriers and had safely transported those who helped with the attacks out of Russia before the strikes began. “These are Ukrainian actions that will definitely be in history textbooks,” he wrote on Telegram on Sunday. Russia’s Defense Ministry called the operation a “terrorist attack” and confirmed in a statement published by Russian state newswires that airfields were attacked by drones in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur regions. “Several units of aircraft caught fire,” the statement read. Daily attacks Russian warplanes carry out daily attacks on Ukrainian cities, and Kyiv has long lamented that it has been unable to thwart such bombardments, in part because its partners have imposed restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons for deep strikes inside Russia. The operation on Sunday demonstrated that Ukraine has, in the meantime, found a way to deploy its own weapons to reach previously unattainable targets. According to a Ukrainian intelligence official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, Kyiv conducted the operation, code-named “Spiderweb,” using “first person view” (FPV) drones armed with explosives that were smuggled into Russia and concealed inside trucks and beneath the roofs of houses. Those sites were then remotely opened, the official said, allowing the drones to fly up and attack their targets. The operation was prepared for more than 18 months “under the personal supervision” of Zelenskyy, the official said. Video filmed by a Ukrainian reconnaissance aircraft and shared by Ukraine’s Security Service appeared to show one Russian airfield in flames and drones attacking several planes. Missile strike capability The attacks may have dealt a significant blow to Russia’s aerial cruise missile strike capability, revealing the vulnerability of major military assets thousands of miles from the front lines. They have also exposed weaknesses in Russia’s powerful security apparatus to prevent sabotage operations deep within its territory. Russian Tu-95 and A-50 aircraft were among those that the official in Ukraine’s security services listed as destroyed on Sunday. Tu-95 bombers have been used extensively since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Each can carry eight guided cruise missiles. The weapons have a range of thousands of miles, which allows the aircraft to remain well inside Russian airspace. The A-50 detects enemy aircraft and missiles and works in conjunction with Russian fighter jets, feeding intelligence on targets and directions. Local Russian officials confirmed that drone attacks had hit remote Russian regions. The governor of Russia’s far-north Irkutsk region, Igor Ivanovich Kobzev, said drones launched from a truck attacked a military unit in the village of Sredny. In a Telegram post on Sunday, he said it was the first such attack to target Siberian territory. In Russia’s northwest Murmansk, which borders Finland, regional Gov. Andrey Chibis said enemy drones had attacked unspecified targets. He urged residents to remain calm. Telegram channels linked to Russia’s security services reported that FPV drones had attacked Russian long-range aviation bases at Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula near Murmansk and Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region - 3,400 miles (5,500 kilometers) east of Ukraine. Videos shared on social media by residents in Usolye-Sibirskoye appear to show drones buzzing overhead, massive explosions and plumes of billowing smoke. “Is this the eleventh (drone we’ve seen)? I have no idea what is happening over there,” a person can be heard saying in one video. ‘Z community’ Before Russian officials and state media commented on the attack, the country’s influential “Z community” - pro-war bloggers, military journalists and propagandists - described Sunday’s assault as “Russia’s Pearl Harbor,” with some calling for retaliation. “We hope that the response will be the same as the US response to the attack on their Pearl Harbor or even harsher,” military blogger Roman Alekhin wrote on his Telegram channel, which has 174,000 subscribers. “This is not just a pretext. This is a reason to launch nuclear strikes on Ukraine,” wrote the author of the Telegram channel “Two Majors.” Rybar, a pro-Kremlin channel with links to the Defense Ministry, described the attack as a “very sensitive” blow to Russia’s nuclear shield. “It is impossible to restore these losses,” Rybar added. The attack followed the sudden collapse of two bridges in western Russia that derailed a freight train and a passenger train, killing seven people and injuring at least 76 others. Local Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said the train had 388 passengers aboard when three of its carriages derailed. The bridge collapses occurred within hours of each other overnight on Sunday in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, both of which border Ukraine. Photographs from the scene showed a large rescue operation underway on Sunday morning at the site of the explosion, with debris strewn widely under a collapsed highway bridge. It was not immediately clear whether the collapses were linked. Criminal acts Russia’s top investigative body said it was treating both bridge collapses as criminal acts. In an earlier statement, later amended without explanation, it said explosions had caused the bridges to collapse. Russian officials have blamed Kyiv for the collapses. Asked by the Post if Kyiv was involved in the explosions, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s intelligence service said “no comment.” On Sunday, Alexei Kuznetsov, assistant to the Russian Minister of Health, said 55 people injured in the Bryansk collapse are being treated in the hospital. Four of them, including one child, are in serious condition, he said. Sunday’s drone attacks come a day before Ukrainian and Russian officials are due to meet in Istanbul for U.S.-backed direct peace talks. On Sunday, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s attendance, which had been in doubt after the Ukrainian leader blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days for failing to provide a memorandum outlining Russia’s conditions for peace. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s delegation would again be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and that Russia had received his peace terms already. “The first is a complete and unconditional ceasefire. The second is the release of prisoners. The third is the return of the stolen children. And, in order to establish a reliable and lasting peace, to prepare a meeting at the highest level,” he said. Russia, meanwhile, has said a draft of its memorandum will not be made public, according to state newswires. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, at Russia’s request, according to the State Department. Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s call for continued direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. “Key issues can only be solved by leaders,” Zelenskyy added.;0,1
"Mexico judicial elections: Government calls it essential reform, critics say it’s a farce MEXICO CITY — Hyper-democracy or ruling-party power play? That is the question as Mexicans go to the polls Sunday to elect the country’s judges in a radical reshaping of the nation’s power structure. At a time when many observers fear that President Trump is targeting judicial independence in the U.S., lawmakers here have opted to revamp the judiciary in a landmark - and extremely divisive - reform. Mexico, which has never before voted for judges, will become the first country to have an all-elected judiciary. The unprecedented vote has generated both widespread controversy and profound confusion as thousands of candidates vie for close to 900 federal judicial slots, including all nine on the Supreme Court. Polls have shown that many Mexicans are both skeptical and apathetic - and have no idea whom to favor among the vast array of mostly unknown contenders, some with links to organized crime. At least one candidate served time in a U.S. prison for methamphetamine smuggling, and several others have represented drug traffickers, including one would-be judge who was on the legal team of cartel kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. “I’ve participated in elections all my life, but this will be the first time that I won’t vote,” said Marcelo Díaz, 68, a retiree in the capital. “I don’t have any idea who the candidates are or what they stand for.” Supporters of the election, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, hail the transition as a blow against impunity. Critics denounce the move as Mexico’s latest step toward authoritarian rule in a country where Sheinbaum’s Morena bloc dominates at the federal and state levels. More than half of the country’s more than 1,500 federal judge and magistrate posts will be up for grabs on Sunday, and the rest in 2027. Voters in 19 states will be choosing almost 2,000 regional judges. Sheinbaum and her allies call the shake-up a necessary makeover of an ossified system riven with corruption and nepotism. Under the current system, the president says, judges routinely spring organized crime figures, tax cheats and other well-to-do criminals, while impunity for murder and other crimes is the norm. Detention of poor suspects may drag on for years without trials. “Now they accuse us of being authoritarian,” Sheinbaum said recently, rejecting criticism of the elections. “How can this be authoritarian if the people decide?” A one-party state While conceding shortcomings in the current judiciary, opponents label the elections a move toward a one-party state. Even though the balloting is officially nonpartisan, many anticipate that candidates close to the ruling party will dominate. Critics predict the weakening of checks and balances. “That the judicial system doesn’t work as it should work, and hasn’t worked, is a given,” wrote columnist Denise Maerker in Mexico’s Milenio news outlet. “Corruption reigns and the rich and most powerful triumph. But this is not a remedy - it’s a demolition.” Previously, expert panels appointed judges after a screening process that involved judicial administrators, exams and evaluations. The president appointed Supreme Court justices, with Senate consent. In the new system, qualifications are rudimentary. Among other requirements, aspiring jurists must possess law degrees, have at least five years of legal work experience, and certify their “good reputation” and lack of criminal convictions. Even ruling-party stalwarts have conceded serious deficiencies in the new system. Last month, Sen. Gerardo Fernández Noroña called for the scrapping of at least 20 candidates identified as having possible links to organized crime. The electoral commission said it was too late to remove them from the ballot. Among the candidates in Chihuahua state is Silvia Rocío Delgado, a one-time lawyer for the notorious “El Chapo” Guzmán, now serving a life sentence in the United States for narcotics trafficking, murder and other crimes. “There shouldn’t be a stigma” for having represented El Chapo, Delgado told Univisión Noticias. “If people vote for me, I will seek impartiality of justice for both sides.” Seeking office in the northwestern state of Durango is Leopoldo Javier Chávez Vargas. He has acknowledged having served almost six years in U.S. custody for methamphetamine trafficking. “I have never presented myself as the perfect candidate,” Chávez said in a Facebook video. But, he added, “I will be a judge who will listen attentively to your stories.” Organized crime The tentacles of organized crime reach deep into Mexico’s political and judicial order. Judges are often targets. Since 2012, at least 17 Mexican judges and six clerks have been killed in connection with their work, according to the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based research organization. “There is little doubt that a fully independent, competent justice system is essential if Mexico’s wave of violence is to end,” the group concluded in a report on Mexico’s judicial elections. Sheinbaum has defended the revamped process, saying that only “a very small percentage” of candidates appear unqualified. Many candidates have previously served as judges or clerks. The 64 contenders for nine seats on the Supreme Court include three sitting justices, Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasmin Esquivel and Loretta Ortiz. Among the candidates for lower judicial posts is Delia Quiroa, 42, who has spent years providing legal advice to families seeking to trace the fates of “disappeared” relatives. Quiroa founded a search group for the missing after her brother was kidnapped in 2014. He was never seen again. “A lot of people say we can’t do anything because of threats from organized crime or we don’t have qualified people,” said Quiroa, who is running in northwest Sinaloa state, an epicenter of cartel violence. “I’ve seen the problems in the courts. It’s time to demand a change.” While generating political polemics, Sunday’s vote has not triggered the raucous street rallies that generally accompany Mexican balloting. Much of the campaigning has unfolded on social media, where would-be judges with limited public profiles hype their bona fides. Ballots do not denote political affiliations; political parties are banned from bankrolling candidates. Instead, candidates must rely on self-funding, which tends to favor the wealthy. One recent poll showed that almost half of Mexicans weren’t even aware that that vote was happening. And those who do come out to vote will have to grapple with a convoluted, color-coded assemblage of ballots listing hundreds of names, all with corresponding numbers. Atop each ballot are circles into which voters must fill in the numbers associated with their preferred candidates. A running joke here is that learning the mechanics of voting may be more challenging than deciding whom to vote for. “The truth is I don’t understand one bit how we are to vote,” said Rosa María Castro, 54, a housewife in Mexico City. “It all looks very complicated.” Like Trump The elections are the brainchild of ex-President Andrès Manuel López Obrador - who, like Trump, often clashed with the judiciary, complaining that unelected judges were thwarting his aspirations for a “transformation” of Mexican society. In 2024, near the end of his six-year-term, López Obrador proposed amending the constitution to mandate judicial elections. Outraged judicial employees staged disruptive street protests, but to no avail. The Morena-dominated Congress fast-tracked the constitutional changes. Sunday’s vote will be the culmination of the ex-president’s vision for a people’s court. It’s a leap into the unknown for a country where so many long ago lost faith in the concept of justice. “The success of President Sheinbaum’s plans to dismantle criminal organizations and prosecute violent crime more effectively will rest on an able, impartial judiciary,” the International Crisis group wrote. “For now, however, opinions remain divided as to whether the country’s grand experiment in direct election of judges will remedy longstanding failings - or just recast and possibly exacerbate them.”";0,225
"Judge delays Miami trial of 5 men accused of plotting assassination of Haiti’s presidentMIAMI - The Miami trial of five men accused of plotting the assassination of Haiti’s president has been delayed again - this time to March 2026, nearly five years after the fatal shooting of Jovenel Moïse at his home outside Port-au-Prince. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra said at a recent hearing that she was not pleased with the delay of the federal trial, which was initially scheduled for March and then postponed to September of this year. Becerra said she had no choice but to push the trial back again because of the massive volume of evidence - more than 2.5 million text messages, emails and other records - that federal prosecutors are still turning over to defense lawyers. The discovery delays have become a major concern for the court. “I do not take it lightly in any way that this case has been delayed,” Becerra told the five defendants, who were arrested and taken into federal custody in the months after the July 7, 2021, assassination of Moïse. “This is not a delay that I am at all happy with.” Country in free fall Compounding the lead-up to the Miami trial: armed gangs have terrorized Haiti, a country in political free fall, making it unsafe for defense attorneys in Miami to travel there to question ex-Colombian soldiers jailed on Haitian charges of assisting in the killing. As a result, Judge Becerra granted the defense team’s request to take video depositions of five of the Colombians - representing about one-third of the former commandos held in Port-au-Prince. “Although the difficulties of traveling to Haiti to conduct these depositions should not be understated, there appears to be no reason why the depositions could not take place over video conference,” Becerra ruled after the May 19 hearing. Despite the judge’s approval of those key depositions, there is one potential Haitian witness defense lawyers won’t be able to question: former Haitian Superior Court Judge Windelle Coq Thélot, who died in January. Haitian authorities had considered Thélot a key suspect in the investigation of Moïse’s killing. But she took to the grave unanswered questions about her alleged role in the plot and whether she had promised immunity to the defendants now on trial in Miami. According to prosecutors, Thélot gained the support of the suspected plotters in South Florida as a replacement for Moïse in June 2021, when they determined Haitian priest and physician Christian Sanon “was not a viable option” to assume the presidency. Thélot’s “apparent signature” appeared on a written request for assistance to arrest Haiti’s president, which “purported to provide Haitian immunity” to the conspirators in South Florida, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court. One of the suspects, Haitian American maintenance worker James Solages, traveled from Haiti to Miami on June 28, 2021, to deliver the document to another suspect, Antonio “Tony” Intriago, owner of a security firm. On July 1, Solages returned to Haiti and five days later met with several conspirators at a house near Moïse’s residence. Solages “falsely told those gathered that it was a ‘CIA operation,’ and, in substance, said that the mission was to kill President Moïse,” the FBI affidavit stated. Solages and other suspects then drove in a convoy to the president’s home on the night of July 7. Once inside the residence, Solages declared they were conducting a “DEA operation” to ensure cooperation from Moïse’s security team, the affidavit said. Some of the ex-Colombian soldiers recruited for the mission were tasked with locating and killing the president. Suspect admits to knowing assassination plan On July 22, federal agents interviewed Solages while he was in Haitian custody. After he was read his Miranda rights, Solages admitted that by mid-June 2021, “he knew that the plan was to ultimately assassinate President Moïse,” according to the affidavit. So far, five of the 11 defendants in the U.S. case have pleaded guilty to conspiring to kill Haiti’s president, receiving life sentences that they hope to reduce through cooperation. Among them: two ex-Colombian commandos, a former Haitian senator, a Haitian American who worked as a DEA informant and a convicted Haitian drug trafficker. A sixth defendant, a Tampa businessman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for smuggling bulletproof vests that were illegally exported to Haiti for the Colombian commandos involved in the attack. Facing life in prison The five remaining defendants are charged with conspiring in South Florida to kidnap or kill Haiti’s leader, along with related charges that include recruiting the Colombian commandos. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendants still awaiting trial are: Intriago, head of the Miami-area security firm CTU; Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, a former FBI informant who joined CTU; Walter Veintemilla, a Broward County financier; Solages; and Sanon, who was originally seen as a presidential successor by the group. All five are being held in federal custody. Of the five, Sanon was the only defendant who objected to the latest delay, telling the judge he opposed pushing the trial to March 2026. While Judge Becerra expressed sympathy for Sanon’s nearly four years of pretrial detention in both Haiti and Miami, she said holding a separate trial for him wasn’t feasible. “Given the complexity of the case, the government wants all the defendants tried together,” Becerra said. “I am not inclined to try your case in September and all the other defendants in March (2026).” In February 2024, Sanon was charged alongside the other defendants with conspiring to kill the president, following initial charges related to organizing a military expedition against a foreign country. It marked the fifth superseding indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Justice Department. Since then, much of the prosecution team has been replaced. The other four defendants did not oppose the delay when questioned by the judge, though Intriago expressed frustration with the prosecution’s handling of discovery. “I don’t understand why we don’t have everything in our hands,” Intriago told the judge. “I just wanted to express my frustration that the government give us all the information and not hide anything from us.” Haiti descends into chaos Since Moïse was assassinated at his home outside the capital, Haiti has spiraled into chaos. Armed gangs now dominate much of the country, and no presidential election is on the horizon. While the FBI-led U.S. investigation moved swiftly to arrests and indictments in Miami, Haiti’s own inquiry into the killing resulted in an indictment only in February 2024. A total of 51 people were charged by a Haitian investigative judge working with a prosecutor. Sanon is the only person charged in both the Haiti and U.S. cases. Among those named in the Haitian case: Moïse’s widow, Martine Moïse, who survived the attack but suffered gunshot wounds during the assault on the presidential residence.";0
Judge blocks administration from enforcing anti-diversity and anti-transgender executive orders President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Hagerstown Regional Airport, in Hagerstown, Md., on his was to Camp David, Md., Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) By JANIE HAR SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge in California has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing anti-diversity and anti-transgender executive orders in grant funding requirements that LGBTQ+ organizations say are unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar said Monday that the federal government cannot force recipients to halt programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion or acknowledge the existence of transgender people in order to receive grant funding. The order will remain in effect while the legal case continues, although government lawyers will likely appeal. The funding provisions “reflect an effort to censor constitutionally protected speech and services promoting DEI and recognizing the existence of transgender individuals,” Tigar wrote. He went on to say that the executive branch must still be bound by the Constitution in shaping its agenda and that even in the context of federal subsidies, “it cannot weaponize Congressionally appropriated funds to single out protected communities for disfavored treatment or suppress ideas that it does not like or has deemed dangerous.” The plaintiffs include health centers, LGBTQ+ services groups and the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Historical Society. All receive federal funding and say they cannot complete their missions by following the president’s executive orders. Related Stories Live updates: Israel attacks Iran An immigrant in Wisconsin has been released on bond after false accusation he threatened Trump Israel attacks Iran’s capital with explosions booming across Tehran The San Francisco AIDS Foundation, one of the plaintiffs, said in 2023 it received a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand and enhance sexual health services, including the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. The $1.3 million project specifically targets communities disproportionately affected by sexual health disparities. But in April, the CDC informed the nonprofit that it must “immediately terminate all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts” that promote DEI or gender ideology. President Donald Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders since taking office in January, including ones to roll back transgender protections and stop DEI programs. Lawyers for the government say that the president is permitted to “align government funding and enforcement strategies” with his policies. Plaintiffs say that Congress — and not the president — has the power to condition how federal funds are used, and that the executive orders restrict free speech rights. JANIE HAR Har covers general news out of San Francisco. That includes homelessness and housing, courts, urban affairs and San Francisco politics. twitter mailto Most read What we know about the Air India flight crash At least 240 dead after Air India plane crash What to know about ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump’s policies What US adults think about Trump’s military parade, according to a new AP-NORC poll Hegseth says the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland if necessary;0,4
Israeli forces detain Greta Thunberg after halting Freedom Flotilla aid boatJERUSALEM (AP) — A Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists arrived at an Israeli port Monday after Israeli forces stopped and detained them — enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war . The boat, accompanied by Israel’s navy, arrived in Ashdod in the evening, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. It published a photo on social media of Thunberg after disembarking. The 12 activists were undergoing medical checks to ensure they are in good health, the ministry said. They were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing them. The activists had set out to protest Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Both have put the territory of around 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine . The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, said the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while trying to deliver desperately needed aid. “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated,” it said in a statement. Related stories More than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza health officials say UN votes overwhelmingly to demand Gaza ceasefire, hostage release and aid access Convoy arrives in Libya en route to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid Climate activist Greta Thunberg with other activists from a human rights organization meets with journalists in Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025, ahead of their departure for the Mideast. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli) It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Gaza, and Adalah asserted that Israel had “no legal authority” to take it over. Israel’s Foreign Ministry portrayed the voyage as a public relations stunt, saying on social media that “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.” It said the activists would return to their home countries and the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. It circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing life vests. Israel says boat was carrying minimal aid Israeli officials said the flotilla carried what amounted to less than a truckload of aid. Israeli Navy vessel enter the port of Ashdod, Israel, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) “This wasn’t humanitarian aid. It’s Instagram activism,” Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said. “Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who’s really feeding Gaza and who’s really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.” After its 2½-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian workers and experts have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive. About 600 trucks of aid entered daily during the ceasefire that Israel ended in March. Activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, board the Madleen boat, ahead of setting sail for Gaza, departing from the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli) An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after two drones attacked the vessel in international waters off Malta, organizers said. The group blamed Israel for the attack , which damaged the ship’s front section. Rights group questions Israel’s seizure The Madleen set sail from Sicily a week ago. Along the way, it stopped on Thursday to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid being detained by Libya’a coast guard. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” Thunberg said in a prerecorded message released after the ship was halted. Adalah, the rights group, said in a statement that “the arrest of the unarmed activists, who operated in a civilian manner to provide humanitarian aid, amounts to a serious breach of international law.” Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, was among those on board. She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. She was among six French citizens on board. French President Emmanuel Macron called for consular protection and the repatriation of the French citizens. “Most of all, France calls for a ceasefire as quickly as possible and the lifting of the humanitarian blockade. This is a scandal, unacceptable, that is playing out in Gaza. What’s been happening since early March is a disgrace, a disgrace,” Macron said Next week, Macron co-hosts a conference at the U.N. on a two-state solution and recently said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the crew and passengers were aware of the risks, Swedish news agency TT reported. Stenergard said the ministry’s assessment is that no one was in danger and there was no need for consular support. Trump says activist Greta Thunberg should take anger management classes Asked about Thunberg at the White House, President Donald Trump said, “I think she has to go to anger management class. That’s my primary recommendation for her.” Trump described the climate activist as a “young, angry person,” but added, “I don’t know if it’s real anger.” An 18-year blockade on Gaza Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s Palestinian population. Israel sealed off Gaza from all aid in the early days of the war ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, but later relented under U.S. pressure. In early March, shortly before Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas , the country again blocked all imports, including food, fuel and medicine. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Hamas still holds 55 hostages, more than half believed to be dead. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said that women and children make up most of the dead. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of the population, leaving people almost completely dependent on international aid. Efforts to broker another truce have been deadlocked for months. Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Israel has vowed to continue the war until all the captives are returned and Hamas is defeated, or disarmed and exiled. ___ Associated Press journalists Angela Charlton in Paris, Leo Correa in Ashdod, Israel, Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. ____ Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war TIA GOLDENBERG Goldenberg is an Associated Press reporter and producer covering Israel and the Palestinian territories. She previously reported on East and West Africa from Nairobi. twitter mailto;0,25
Southern Baptists to meet in Dallas for annual evangelical gathering Southern Baptists meeting this week in Dallas will be asked to approve resolutions calling for a legal ban on pornography and a reversal of the U.S. Supreme Court’s approval of same-sex marriage. The proposed resolutions call for laws on gender, marriage and family based on what they say is the biblically stated order of divine creation. They also call for legislators to curtail sports betting and to support policies that promote childbearing. The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, is also expected to debate controversies within its own house during its annual meeting Tuesday and Wednesday — such as a proposed ban on churches with women pastors. There are also calls to defund the organization’s public policy arm, whose anti-abortion stance hasn’t extended to supporting criminal charges for women having abortions. In a denomination where support for President Donald Trump is strong, there is little on the advance agenda referencing specific actions by Trump since taking office in January in areas such as tariffs, immigration or the pending budget bill containing cuts in taxes, food aid and Medicaid. Remnants of the epic showdown in Dallas 40 years ago Southern Baptists will be meeting on the 40th anniversary of another Dallas annual meeting. An epic showdown took place when a record-shattering 45,000 church representatives clashed in what became a decisive blow in the takeover of the convention — and its seminaries and other agencies — by a more conservative faction that was also aligned with the growing Christian conservative movement in presidential politics. The 1985 showdown was “the hinge convention in terms of the old and the new in the SBC,” said Albert Mohler, who became a key agent in the denomination’s rightward shift as longtime president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendance this week will likely be a fraction of 1985’s, but that meeting’s influence will be evident. Any debates will be among solidly conservative members. Many of the proposed resolutions — on gambling, pornography, sex, gender and marriage — reflect long-standing positions of the convention, though they are especially pointed in their demands on the wider political world. They are proposed by the official Committee on Resolutions, whose recommendations typically get strong support. A proposed resolution says legislators have a duty to “pass laws that reflect the truth of creation and natural law — about marriage, sex, human life, and family” and to oppose laws contradicting “what God has made plain through nature and Scripture.” To some outside observers, such language is theocratic. “When you talk about God’s design for anything, there’s not a lot of room for compromise,” said Nancy Ammerman, professor emerita of sociology of religion at Boston University. She was an eyewitness to the Dallas meeting and author of “Baptist Battles,” a history of the 1980s controversy between theological conservatives and moderates. “There’s not a lot of room for people who don’t have the same understanding of who God is and how God operates in the world,” she said. Mohler said the resolutions reflect a divinely created order that predates the writing of the Scriptures and is affirmed by them. He said the Christian church has always asserted that the created order “is binding on all persons, in all times, everywhere.” Southern Baptist views more politically viable today Separate resolutions decry pornography and sports betting as destructive, calling for the former to be banned and the latter curtailed. At least some of these political stances are in the realm of plausibility at a time when their conservative allies control all levers of power in Washington and many have embraced aspects of a Christian nationalist agenda. A Southern Baptist, Mike Johnson , is speaker of the House of Representatives and third in line to the presidency. At least one Supreme Court justice, Clarence Thomas , has called for revisiting the 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Other religious conservatives — including some in the Catholic postliberal movement, which has influenced Vice President JD Vance — have promoted the view that a robust government should legislate morality, such as banning pornography while easing church-state separation. And conservatives of various stripes have echoed one of the resolution’s call for pro-natalist policies and its decrying of “willful childlessness which contributes to a declining fertility rate.” Some call for eliminating Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Some preconvention talk has focused on defunding the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy arm, which has been accused of being ineffective. Ten former Southern Baptist presidents endorsed its continued funding, though one other called for the opposite. A staunchly conservative group, the Center for Baptist Leadership, has posted online articles critical of the commission, which is adamantly anti-abortion but has opposed state laws criminalizing women seeking abortions. The commission has appealed to Southern Baptists for support, citing its advocacy for religious liberty and against abortion and transgender identity. “Without the ERLC, you will send the message to our nation’s lawmakers and the public at large that the SBC has chosen to abandon the public square at a time when the Southern Baptist voice is most needed,” said a video statement from the commission president, Brent Leatherwood. A group of Southern Baptist ethnic groups and leaders signed a statement in April citing concern over Trump’s immigration crackdown, saying it has hurt church attendance and raised fears. “Law and order are necessary, but enforcement must be accompanied with compassion that doesn’t demonize those fleeing oppression, violence, and persecution,” the statement said. The Center for Baptist Leadership, however, denounced the denominational Baptist Press for working to “weaponize empathy” in its reporting on the statement and Leatherwood for supporting it. Texas pastor Dwight McKissic, a Black pastor who shares many of the Southern Baptist Convention’s conservative stances, criticized what he sees as a backlash against the commission, “the most racially progressive entity in the SBC.” “The SBC is transitioning from an evangelical organization to a fundamentalist organization,” he posted on the social media site X. “Fewer and fewer Black churches will make the transition with them.” Amendment to ban churches with women pastors An amendment to ban churches with women pastors failed in 2024 after narrowly failing to gain a two-thirds supermajority for two consecutive years. It is expected to be reintroduced. The denomination’s belief statement says the office of pastor is limited to men, but there remain disagreements over whether this applies only to the lead pastor or to assistants as well. In recent years, the convention began purging churches that either had women as lead pastors or asserted that they could serve that role. But when an SBC committee this year retained a South Carolina megachurch with a woman on its pastoral staff, some argued this proved the need for a constitutional amendment. (The church later quit the denomination of its own accord.) The meeting comes as the Southern Baptist Convention continues its long membership slide, down 2% in 2024 from the previous year in its 18th consecutive annual decline. The organization now reports a membership of 12.7 million members, still the largest among Protestant denominations, many of whom are shrinking faster. More promising are Southern Baptists’ baptism numbers — a key spiritual vital sign. They stand at 250,643, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and, at least for now, reversing a long slide. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.;-0,425
US Open ’25: Decades ago under dark of night, Oakmont began removing trees and started a golf trendUS Open ’25: Decades ago under dark of night, Oakmont began removing trees and started a golf trendLast month, Scottie Scheffler made mention of a trend in golf design that rubs him wrong — removing trees from courses. This week, the world’s best player and favorite to win the U.S. Open will play a course that did just that, but didn’t become one bit easier the way some layouts do when the trees go away. Under the dark of night three decades ago, the people in charge of Oakmont Country Club started cutting down trees. They didn’t stop until some 15,000 had been removed. The project reimagined one of America’s foremost golf cathedrals and started a trend of tree cutting that continues to this day. While playing a round on YouTube with influencer Grant Horvat, Scheffler argued that modern pro golf — at least at most stops on the PGA Tour — has devolved into a monotonous cycle of “bomb and gouge”: Hit drive as far as possible, then gouge the ball out of the rough from a shorter distance if the tee shot is off line. “They take out all the trees and they make the greens bigger and they typically make the fairways a little bigger, as well,” Scheffler said. “And so, the only barrier to guys just trying to hit it as far as they want to or need to, it’s trees.” With or without trees, Oakmont has stood the test of time Scheffler and the rest in the 156-man field that tees off Thursday should be so lucky. While the latest Oakmont renovation, in 2023, did make greens bigger, fairways are never wide at the U.S. Open and they won’t be this week. Tree-lined or not, Oakmont has a reputation as possibly the toughest of all the U.S. Open (or any American) courses , which helps explain why it is embarking on its record 10th time hosting it. In the two Opens held there since the tree-removal project was completed, the deep bunkers, serpentine drainage ditches and lightning-fast greens have produced winning scores of 5-over par (Angel Cabrera in 2007) and 4 under (Dustin Johnson in 2016). In an ironic twist that eventually led to where we (and Oakmont) are today, the layout was completely lined with trees in 1973 when Johnny Miller shot 63 on Sunday to win the U.S. Open. That record stood for 50 years, and the USGA followed up with a course setup so tough in 1974 that it became known as “The Massacre at Winged Foot” -- won by Hale Irwin with a score of 7-over par. “Everybody was telling me it was my fault,” Miller said in a look back at the ’74 Open with Golf Digest. “It was like a backhanded compliment. The USGA denied it, but years later, it started leaking out that it was in response to what I did at Oakmont. Oakmont was supposed to be the hardest course in America.” It might still be. In a precursor to what could come this week, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott played practice rounds last Monday in which McIlroy said he made a 7 on the par-4 second and Scott said he hit every fairway on the front nine and still shot 3 over. Nicklaus: Trees should only come down ‘for a reason’ While Oakmont leaned into tree removal, there are others who aren’t as enthused. Jack Nicklaus, who added trees to the 13th hole at Muirfield Village after seeing players fly a fairway bunker on the left for a clear look at the green, said he’s OK with tree removal “if they take them down for a reason.” “Why take a beautiful, gorgeous tree down?” he said. “Like Oakmont, for example. What’s the name of it? Oak. Mont. What’s that mean? Oaks on a mountain, sort of. And then they take them all down. I don’t like it.” A lot of Oakmont’s members weren’t fans, either, which is why this project began under dark of night. The golf course in the 1990s was barely recognizable when set against pictures taken shortly after it opened in 1903. Architect Henry Fownes had set out to build a links-style course. Dampening the noise and view of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which bisects the layout, was one reason thousands of trees were planted in the 1960s and ’70s. “We were finding that those little trees had all grown up and they were now hanging over some bunkers,” R. Banks-Smith, the chairman of Oakmont’s grounds committee when the project began, said in a 2007 interview. “And once you put a tree on either side of a bunker, you lose your bunker. So, you have to make a decision. Do you want bunkers or do you want trees?” Oakmont went with bunkers – its renowned Church Pew Bunker between the third and fourth fairways might be the most famous in the world – and thus began a tree project that divides people as much today as it did when it started. “I’m not always the biggest fan of mass tree removal,” Scott said. “I feel a lot of courses that aren’t links courses get framed nicely with trees, not like you’re opening it up to go play way over there.” Too many trees, though, can pose risks. Overgrown tree roots and too much shade provide competition for the tender grasses beneath. They hog up oxygen and sunlight and make the turf hard to maintain. They overhang fairways and bunkers and turn some shots envisioned by course architects into something completely different. They also can be downright dangerous. In 2023 during the second round of the Masters, strong winds toppled three towering pine trees on the 17th hole, luckily missing fans who were there watching the action. “There are lots of benefits that trees provide, but only in the right place,” said John Fech, the certified arborist at University of Nebraska who consults with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. When Oakmont decided they didn’t want them at all, many great courses followed. Winged Foot, Medinah, Baltusrol and Merion are among those that have undergone removal programs. Five years ago, Bryson DeChambeau overpowered Winged Foot , which had removed about 300 trees, simply by hitting the ball as far as he could, then taking his chances from the rough. It’s the sort of golf Scheffler seems to be growing tired of: “When you host a championship tournament, if there’s no trees, you just hit it wherever you want, because if I miss a fairway by 10 yards, I’m in the thick rough (but) if I miss by 20, I’m in the crowd,” Scheffler told Horvat. How well that critique applies to Oakmont will be seen this week. ___ AP Golf Writer Doug Ferguson contributed. ___ AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf;0
"Unsubstantiated ‘chemtrail’ conspiracy theories lead to legislation proposed in US statehouses Unsubstantiated ‘chemtrail’ conspiracy theories lead to legislation proposed in US statehousesBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — As Louisiana Rep. Kimberly Landry Coates stood before her colleagues in the state’s Legislature she warned that the bill she was presenting might “seem strange” or even crazy. Some lawmakers laughed with disbelief and others listened intently, as Coates described situations that are often noted in discussions of “chemtrails” — a decades-old conspiracy theory that posits the white lines left behind by aircraft in the sky are releasing chemicals for any number of reasons, some of them nefarious. As she urged lawmakers to ban the unsubstantiated practice, she told skeptics to “start looking up” at the sky. “I’m really worried about what is going on above us and what is happening, and we as Louisiana citizens did not give anyone the right to do this above us,” the Republican said. Louisiana is the latest state taking inspiration from a wide-ranging conspiratorial narrative, mixing it with facts, to create legislation. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a similar measure into law last year and one in Florida has passed both the House and the Senate. More than a dozen other states, from New York to Arizona, have introduced their own legislation. Such bills being crafted is indicative of how misinformation is moving beyond the online world and into public policy. Elevating unsubstantiated theories or outright falsehoods into the legislative arena not only erodes democratic processes, according to experts, it provides credibility where there is none and takes away resources from actual issues that need to be addressed. “Every bill like this is kind of symbolic, or is introduced to appease a very vocal group, but it can still cause real harm by signaling that these conspiracies deserve this level of legal attention,” said Donnell Probst, interim executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education. Louisiana’s bill , which is awaiting Republican Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature, prohibits anyone from “intentionally” injecting, releasing, applying or dispersing chemicals into the atmosphere with the purpose of affecting the “temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.” It also requires the Department of Environmental Quality to collect reports from anyone who believes they have observed such activities. While some lawmakers have targeted real weather modification techniques that are not widespread or still in their infancy, others have pointed to dubious evidence to support legislation. Discussion about weather control and banning “chemtrails” has been hoisted into the spotlight by high-profile political officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Recently, Marla Maples, the ex-wife of President Donald Trump, spoke in support of Florida’s legislation. She said she was motivated to “start digging” after seeing a rise in Alzheimer’s. Asked jokingly by a Democratic state senator if she knew anyone in the federal government who could help on the issue, Maples smiled and said, “I sure do.” Chemtrails vs. contrails Chemtrail conspiracy theories, which have been widely debunked and include a myriad of claims, are not new. The publication of a 1996 Air Force report on the possible future benefits of weather modification is often cited as an early driver of the narrative. Some say that evidence of the claims is happening right before the publics’ eyes, alleging that the white streaks stretching behind aircrafts reveal chemicals being spread in the air, for everything from climate manipulation to mind control. Ken Leppert, an associate professor of atmospheric science at the University of Louisiana Monroe, said the streaks are actually primarily composed of water and that there is “no malicious intent behind” the thin clouds. He says the streaks are formed as exhaust is emitted from aircrafts, when the humidity is high and air temperature is low, and that ship engines produce the same phenomenon. A fact sheet about contrails , published by multiple government agencies including NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency, explains that the streaks left behind by planes do not pose health risks to humans. However, the trails, which have been produced since the earliest days of jet aviation, do impact the cloudiness of Earth’s atmosphere and can therefore affect atmospheric temperature and climate. Scientists have overwhelmingly agreed that data or evidence cited as proof of chemtrails “could be explained through other factors, including well-understood physics and chemistry associated with aircraft contrails and atmospheric aerosols,” according to a 2016 survey published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. In the survey of 77 chemists and geochemists, 76 said they were not aware of evidence proving the existence of a secret large-scale atmospheric program. “It’s pure myth and conspiracy,” Leppert said. Cloud seeding While many of the arguments lawmakers have used to support the chemtrails narrative are not based in fact, others misrepresent actual scientific endeavors, such as cloud seeding; a process by which an artificial material — usually silver iodide — is used to induce precipitation or to clear fog. “It’s maybe really weak control of the weather, but it’s not like we’re going to move this cloud here, move this hurricane here, or anything like that,” Leppert said. Parker Cardwell, an employee of a California-based cloud seeding company called Rainmaker, testified before lawmakers in Louisiana and asked that an amendment be made to the legislation to avoid impacts to the industry. The practice is an imprecise undertaking with mixed results that isn’t widely used, especially in Louisiana, which has significant natural rainfall. According to Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a cloud seeding permit or license has never been issued in the state. Geoengineering While presenting Louisiana’s bill last week, Coates said her research found charts and graphics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on spraying the air with heavy metals to reflect sunlight back into space to cool the Earth. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed the Office of Science and Technology Policy, with support from NOAA, to develop an initial governance framework and research plan related to solar radiation modification, or SRM. A resulting report , which Coates holds up in the House session, focuses on possible future actions and does not reflect decisions that had already been made. SRM “refers to deliberate, large-scale actions intended to decrease global average surface temperatures by increasing the reflection of sunlight away from the Earth,” according to NOAA . It is a type of geoengineering. Research into the viability of many methods and potential unintended consequences is ongoing, but none have actually been deployed. Taking focus In recent years, misinformation and conspiratorial narratives have become more common during the debates and committee testimonies that are a part of Louisiana’s lawmaking process. And while legislators say Louisiana’s new bill doesn’t really have teeth, opponents say it still takes away time and focus from important work and more pressing topics. State Rep. Denise Marcelle, a Democrat who opposed Louisiana’s bill, pointed to other issues ailing the state, which has some of the highest incarceration, poverty, crime, and maternal mortality rates. “I just feel like we owe the people of Louisiana much more than to be talking about things that I don’t see and that aren’t real,” she said. ___ Associated Press writers Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida, and Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this story. MELISSA GOLDIN Goldin debunks, analyzes and tracks misinformation for The Associated Press. She is based in New York.";0,05
Six killed in small plane crash off the San Diego coast Six killed in small plane crash off the San Diego coast A small plane crashed off the San Diego coast shortly after takeoff, killing all six people on board, the Federal Aviation Administration said Monday . The twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed at around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, the FAA said. The plane was returning to Phoenix one day after flying out from Arizona, according to the flight tracking website Flightaware.com. The Coast Guard said searchers found a debris field later Sunday about 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) off the coast of Point Loma, a San Diego neighborhood that juts into the Pacific, U.S. Coast Guard officials. The water in the search area is about 200 feet (61 meters) deep. Although the FAA said all six people on board the plane were killed, authorities haven’t identified them. The FAA said the plane is owned by vitamin and nutritional supplement maker Optimal Health Systems . But the company based in Pima, Arizona, said in a statement that it sold the plane to a group of private individuals in 2023, meaning the FAA database could be out of date. However, the company’s founder, Doug Grant, said in the statement that, “We personally know several of the passengers onboard and our sincerest condolences are offered to those affected by the tragedy, all of whom are incredible members of our small community.” The FAA referred questions about the plane’s ownership to the National Transportation Safety Board, which didn’t immediately provide any further details about the crash. The pilot told air traffic controllers that he was struggling to maintain his heading and climb as the plane twice turned towards shore before going back out to sea, according to audio posted by www.LiveATC.net and radar data posted by FlightAware. The controller urged the pilot to climb to 4,000 feet after he reported the plane was only about 1,000 feet in the air. The controller directed the pilot to land at a nearby U.S. naval airport on Coronado Island, but the pilot said he was unable to see the airport. A short time later, the pilot repeatedly signaled the “Mayday” distress call before controllers lost radar contact. A man who was out surfing when the plane crashed told NBC 7 in San Diego that he saw the plane come down at an angle, then climb back into the clouds before diving again and crashing into the water. “The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water. But after I saw this splash, about six seconds later, it was dead silent. I knew that they went in the water, nose first, at a high speed,” Tyson Wislofsky said. The crash comes weeks after a small Cessna crashed into a San Diego neighborhood in foggy weather and killed six people .;0
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ex says he was violent and forced a sex encounter after public apology in 2024 Sean “Diddy” Combs appears at the premiere of “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story” on June 21, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs forced his ex-girlfriend to have a “freak-off”-style sexual encounter with a male sex worker last year after chasing her around her California home, putting her in a chokehold, punching her in the face and kicking down doors, the woman testified Monday. Testifying for a third day under the pseudonym “Jane,” the woman said Combs erupted after she accused him of cheating on her. After beating her, Jane said, Combs invited a sex worker over, gave her an ecstasy pill and told her: “You’re not going to ruin my night like this.” Jane, whose injuries included a black eye and welts on her forehead, said she’d planned June 18, 2024, as a romantic night with Combs, but now remembers it as a very terrible day.” It’s also one of the more recent examples of Combs acting violently toward a woman while seeking to fulfill his sexual desires — happening amid the federal investigation that led to his arrest last September. Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could put him in prison for life. As Jane left the witness stand Monday, she told jurors: “I just pray for his continued healing.” The couple broke up after Combs’ arrest, but she said he still pays her rent. Related Stories Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer complains about trial secrecy as a famous rapper’s name goes unmentioned Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer makes his ex-girlfriend read loving texts until she cries Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ex testifies she resents the way he introduced her to ‘cuckold’ sex marathons Just a few weeks after Jane alleges Combs beat her, he publicly stated that he was “committed to being a better man every day” after video leaked of him attacking his former longtime girlfriend Cassie, the R&B singer whose real name is Casandra Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The Associated Press doesn’t name alleged victims of sexual abuse without their consent unless they have shared their identities publicly, as Cassie has. Jane’s testimony is expected to fill the bulk of the trial’s fifth week, as prosecutors move closer to the end of their presentation before the defense gets its turn. Jane, who faces questioning Tuesday from Combs’ lawyers, said the rapper and entrepreneur followed her to a bathroom and kicked the door “literally off the hinges” after she shoved his head into a countertop, hurled glasses and candles at him and screamed, “I hate you.” After moving to a locked closet, Jane said she tried to run away, but Combs kicked her in the thigh and knocked her to the ground. He then lifted her up by the neck and put her in a chokehold, she said, telling jurors: “I couldn’t breathe.” Jane said she then ran about six blocks and hid behind a wall for what she estimated was about two hours. When she figured things had calmed down, she said, she walked back to the home — but Combs was still around, walking toward her in the street. Jane said she retreated to a guest bedroom and then ran into the backyard, curling into a ball on the ground as she implored Combs to leave. He refused, she said, and “started punching my head, he started kicking me.” Eventually, she said, “he grabs me by my arm or my hair and starts dragging me back to the house.” Combs then followed her to the shower, she said, and smacked her in the face so hard she lost her balance and fell to the floor. Jane said she was exhausted, but Combs insisted on inviting over a male sex worker and told her to put some makeup on and adjust her hair to hide her injuries. “I don’t want to, I don’t want to,” Jane recalled saying, to which she said Combs forcefully replied: “then is this coercion?” Also Monday, Jane said she told Combs that she cried for three days and felt nauseated after reading Cassie’s November 2023 lawsuit against him, which described the effects of hundreds of drug-fueled “freak-off” sex marathons with Combs and male sex workers. Jane, who referred to similar encounters with Combs as “debauchery” and “hotel nights,” said she felt like she was “reading my own sexual trauma” as she read the lawsuit, which Combs settled within a day for $20 million. She said it followed her experience with the Bad Boy Records founder “word for word, exactly my experience.” Cassie dated Combs for more than a decade and testified that she engaged in weekly “freak-offs,” many lasting several for days. She said Combs often watched or filmed the sessions. Jane read aloud for the jury hundreds of text messages, including some in which she complained that Combs seemed to be forcing her into sex marathons by threatening to take away her home. She pleaded with him to recognize the damage the encounters were doing, writing: “I am not an animal.” ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 1-800-656-4673 in the U.S. MICHAEL R. SISAK Sisak is an Associated Press reporter covering law enforcement, courts and prisons. He is based in New York.;0
US imposes sanctions on El Chapo’s fugitive sons, offers $10 million reward for their captureUS imposes sanctions on El Chapo’s fugitive sons, offers $10 million reward for their captureBy FATIMA HUSSEIN & MEGAN JANETSKYWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on the two fugitive sons of incarcerated Mexican Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and announced a reward offer of up to $10 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the men. The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar who are believed to be currently located in Mexico. Guzman’s other sons — Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez — are currently incarcerated in the United States. In May, federal prosecutors announced they would not seek the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez if he’s convicted of multiple charges in Chicago. Sanctions were also imposed on a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known as the “Chapitos,” or little Chapos, which has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. as well as a regional network of Chapitos associates and businesses based in Mazatlan, Mexico, that allegedly engage in drug trafficking, extortion and money laundering. According to federal prosecutors, El Chapo smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years. He was convicted in 2019 on multiple conspiracy counts and sentenced to life in a U.S. prison. “At the Department of the Treasury, we are executing on President Trump’s mandate to completely eliminate drug cartels and take on violent leaders like ‘El Chapo’s’ children,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. Mexico’s foreign relations office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst, said that offering financial rewards and to protect witnesses has been an important tool employed by the U.S. government in recent years. In some key cases against cartel leaders, up to 20% of the U.S. law enforcement have obtained has been through such payouts, Saucedo said. “People inside the criminal organization betray their leaders and turn into informants,” Saucedo said. “It’s this money, this ambition that authorities in the United States are using to break apart narcotrafficking organizations in Mexico.” It’s a strategy that was employed by the Biden administration and now is being used under Trump as authorities attempt to crack down on Mexican cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel, through various incarnations, is Mexico’s oldest criminal group, dating to the 1970s. One of their most lucrative businesses in recent years has been the production of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year in the U.S. The Trump administration in February labeled the Sinaloa cartel a foreign terrorist organizations . — Associated Press writer Megan Janetsky reported from Mexico City.;-0,275
Movie Review: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ might have just redeemed the live-action adaptationBy LINDSEY BAHREver wanted to soar through the skies on the back of a friendly dragon? The new “How to Train Your Dragon” may be the ticket, from a decidedly safer, though possibly still vertigo-inducing, distance. This live-action adaption of the underdog adventure story sends the audience cascading through the clouds with the teenage Viking boy Hiccup and his dragon friend Toothless. It’s the kind of immersive sensation and giddy wish fulfillment that might just have you forgetting momentarily to breathe and, maybe more importantly, that you’re still in a movie theater. Credit to veteran cinematographer Bill Pope, no stranger to fantasy worlds, whether it’s “The Matrix” or “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.” “How to Train Your Dragon” doesn’t stray far from the original , from shots to story beats. Gerard Butler once again plays Berk’s Chief Stoick the Vast. The new Hiccup, actor Mason Thames, even sounds a bit like Jay Baruchel. But unlike so many live-action remakes of animated films, it also doesn’t feel superfluous, or, worse, like a poor imitation of its predecessor that trades the magic of animation for photorealism. Perhaps that’s because filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who made the three animated films, stayed in the director’s chair. Who better to kill their darlings than the one who brought them to the screen in the first place? And, crucially, to know where live-action might actually enhance the fabric of the world created by author Cressida Cowell. It helps that dragon technology has come a long way since, say, “DragonHeart.” These fire-breathing CG creatures feel disarmingly real. And though it might look like “Lord of the Rings” or “Game of Thrones,” the tone stays light enough for younger filmgoers. There are a few intense sequences, but none that takes it any further than the animated film did 15 years ago. “How to Train Your Dragon” does start a little slow, however, which is odd because it also begins with a fiery battle between the Vikings and the dragons on the Isle of Berk. There’s a lot of exposition and introduction that needs to happen before you can just give yourself over to the story. In this more multicultural version, the warriors on Berk have been recruited from tribes around the globe to try to defeat the dragons. Hiccup is a Viking nepo baby. As the chief’s son, he sits in a place of privilege, but he’s also a general outcast in this world of ruthless warriors — skinny and weak, he just longs to be part of the action, not sharpening the weapons. Killing dragons is currency in this society, and his crush Astrid (Nico Parker) happens to be one of the most promising up-and-comers. His sole champion is Gobber (a delightful Nick Frost), the blacksmith and dragon slayer teacher, who convinces the chief to give the clever Hiccup a shot. The film finds its internal engine when Hiccup finds Toothless, the wide-eyed “Night Fury” dragon whom he can’t bring himself to kill. Instead, he decides to study this discovery, who he finds is not as nearly fearsome as everyone assumes. “How to Train Your Dragon” teaches empathy and ingenuity without a sermon. Thames, a teenager himself, is the perfect embodiment of adolescent awkwardness and boldness. You can have all the cute dragons you want, but the audience would be lost if the human conduit to the relationship isn’t up to the task. Butler seems to be having a good time, resplendent in fur and chest-thumping ideas about ancient duties. And Parker gives Astrid a relatable depth — the best in the bunch who is outshone in an unequal fight. Kids deserve movies that are made on the biggest possible canvas. “How to Train Your Dragon” is one that’s worth the trip to the theater. It might just spark some young imaginations, whether it’s to go back and read the books or dream up their own worlds. And, chances are, no one is going to be yelling “chicken jockey.” “How to Train Your Dragon,” a Universal Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for “sequences of intense action and peril.” Running time: 125 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four.LINDSEY BAHRBahr has been a film writer and critic for The Associated Press since 2014.;0,05
VOA Kurdish: Syria’s interim constitution raises fears of sectarian divisionDespite widespread protests, Syria’s newly signed interim constitution is raising deeper concerns about the country’s future. Experts warn that its provisions could form the basis of Syria’s permanent constitution in five years. And many fear the constitution will lead to sectarian rule and threaten Syria’s stability.;0,1
VOA Kurdish: Senior ISIS leader killed in Iraqi intelligence operationIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani announced that Abu Khadija was killed in an operation by Iraqi intelligence with support from coalition forces. Abu Khadija was one of ISIS’s most active leaders, responsible for operations along the Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahaddin borders. He was seen as the driving force behind ISIS attacks on Iraqi forces. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.;0
"VOA Russian: Putin tries to punt decision on Ukraine back to TrumpAfter U.S. President Donald Trump urged Moscow to accept the ceasefire deal agreed to by the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that ""the ball is in Russia's court,"" experts polled by VOA Russian said Vladimir Putin's first reaction was to try to swing matters back to Trump. Click here for the full story in Russian.";-0,075
VOA Kurdish: Release of man’s confession sparks legal concernsThe case of a man whose confession was made public by Irbil security forces last month has raised questions about how the security forces in the Kurdistan Region treat people they arrest. Human rights groups and lawyers say this is not the first time something like this has happened. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.;0,05
"Can the US pry Russia away from China? March 13, 2025 2:26 PM By Danila Galperovich Western politicians have repeatedly called on China to limit or cease tacit support for Russia’s bloody war against Ukraine. In response, China’s leadership insists it is committed to peace and respect for the territorial integrity of other nations. But unlike most United Nations member states, China has never condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and their military-diplomatic partnership — from joint bomber flights near the U.S. state of Alaska to votes in the U.N. Security Council — has only helped the Kremlin overcome its international isolation. While President Donald Trump has said he has good personal relations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, there is a consensus among experts in Washington that the China-Russia partnership poses a threat to U.S. interests, and that while Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, tried to establish a strategic dialogue with China, the Trump team appears to be prioritizing normalized ties with Russia while punishing China over trade. As the White House talks about the possibility of restoring economic cooperation with Russia, some of its officials are hinting at lifting or reducing the sanctions Washington has imposed on Moscow in recent years. Charles Hecker, an expert on Western-Russian economic ties and risks, and author of the book Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russia , says some Western companies will quickly return to Russia if sanctions are lifted, particularly those involved in energy, metals and minerals. “There’s only so much oil in Norway, and there’s only so much oil in Canada; the rest of it is in some countries that have a very high-risk environment,” Hecker told VOA’s Russian Service. “And so, these kinds of companies are accustomed to business in these sorts of places, and they have the internal structures to help protect them. You know, there are energy companies doing business in Iraq right now. And I don’t want to compare Russia and Iraq, but they are high-risk environments.” Still, Hecker cautions, their return to doing business in Russia wouldn’t signal an overall U.S.-Russian rapprochement — let alone a fracturing of Sino-Russian relations. “I think it will be very difficult for the West to pull Russia away from China,” he said. “Allowing Western companies back into Russia doesn’t necessarily change President Putin’s hostility towards the West. President Putin remains antagonistic towards a Western-dominated political and economic system, and he has said over and over again that he wants to create an alternative political and economic environment – an alternative to the West. “Part of that alternative includes China,” he added. “You have never heard President Putin say anything ideologically against China. And the two are now important energy partners.” Limited popular domestic appeal U.S.-based FilterLabs analyzes public sentiment in regions where polling is problematic. According to a recently published assessment of popular attitudes expressed on Russian and Chinese social media networks, Sino-Russian relations are “full of underlying tensions, mistrust, and diverging interests.” One of the report’s authors, Vasily Gatov, told VOA its research found that “the Chinese and Russian populations are far from happy with this alliance of their authorities.” ""China does not perceive Russia as a reliable, safe and equal partner,” he said. “Russia annexed the Amur Region from China; Russia adopted a completely colonial policy towards China during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore, in my opinion, it is entirely possible to consider historical frictions as a vulnerability.” A media analyst at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Gatov also noted that, despite the Kremlin’s expectations, China’s economic presence inside Russia today remains “several times smaller” than that of either Europe or the U.S. before Russia invaded Ukraine. Thus, while Russian and China have overlapping interests, they are not “marching in lockstep.” ""They are very different, they have very different geopolitical focuses, very different political philosophies,” he said. Other experts, however, question the Filterlabs findings, warning that random Russian and Chinese opinions online are of limited value, especially as those casting the insights aren’t likely to influence policy. ""People who have the time and desire to comment on things on social media do not have much influence on how state policy is conducted,” Alexander Gabuev, director of the Berlin-based Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told VOA. “And these people certainly do not have much influence on whether China transfers components for Russia's weapons or takes certain military technologies from it, since the people who comment on this simply do not have real knowledge of what is actually happening.” Gabuev added that “the Chinese leadership has reasons to think that they have something to take from Russia in terms of military technology,” suggesting that China is extremely interested in gaining Russian experience in countering Western weapons during Russia's war in Ukraine. Does Trump see China as a threat? One critical question about whether Washington’s improved ties with Russia will loosen the Sino-Russian pact, say some analysts, is how Trump perceives China. Ali Wyne, senior research and advocacy advisor on the U.S. and China at the International Crisis Group, describes Trump as an anomaly for U.S. policy. “Widespread bipartisan agreement in Congress and from one administration to the next [is] that China is American’s foremost strategic competitor,” he said. But “President Trump, in many ways, is the most prominent dissenter from this alleged China consensus.” “He doesn’t view President Xi [Jinping] in adversarial terms,” Wyne said. “He actually calls President Xi a ‘dear friend’ of his. And he believes that his personal rapport with President Xi will be the decisive dynamic in setting — or resetting — the U.S.-China relationship over the next four years.”";-0,125
"Native American news roundup, March 9-14, 2025WASHINGTON — Tribes and students sue feds over staff cuts at BIE schools Three Tribal Nations, along with five Native students, are suing the U.S. Interior Department and the Office of Indian Affairs over mass firings at the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and its federally operated schools — Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in New Mexico. The layoffs stem from President Donald Trump’s February 11 executive order calling for broad cuts to federal staffing. Haskell lost more than a quarter of its staff, leaving courses without instructors, delaying financial aid and forcing students to clean dorms and restrooms. At SIPI, staff cuts led to 13-hour power outages, undrinkable tap water, and canceled midterm exams due to a shortage of faculty. The lawsuit by the Native American Rights Fund representing the Pueblo of Isleta, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes argues that the layoffs violate federal law, which requires the government to consult with tribes on educational decisions impacting Native students. “Despite having a treaty obligation to provide educational opportunities to tribal students, the federal government has long failed to offer adequate services,” said Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes Lieutenant Governor Hershel Gorham. “Just when the [BIE] was taking steps to fix the situation, these cuts undermined all those efforts.” Read more : Ojibwe children using new Ojibway language app to learn their ancestral language. Arizona tribes fear Trump’s English-only order could undermine tribal language revitalization The Arizona Republic newspaper this week reports that Native Americans in that state worry that President Donald Trump's executive order declaring English as the U.S. official language could undermine efforts to revive and preserve Indigenous languages. The March 5 order emphasizes that English has been the nation's language since its founding and that having one official language will “reinforce shared national values” and “create a more cohesive and efficient society.” The order revokes a previous executive order that aimed to provide services for people with limited English proficiency, but it does not require any changes to services currently offered in other languages. It clarifies that agencies do not need to stop providing documents or services in languages other than English. ""It is taking a stance without really any teeth behind it,"" said Pima County recorder Gabriella Ca?zares-Kelly, a citizen of the Tohono O’odham Nation. ""So, it's essentially saying this is optional for people, which is not how our government operates or should operate."" Federal laws, including the Native American Languages Act , support language instruction and protection, ensuring that Native peoples can continue to practice their languages without fear of punishment. Read more : The Puvunga site on the campus of California State University - Long Beach. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tribal groups accuse CSULB of stalling on Puvungna protection Native American tribes are calling out California State University, Long Beach for failing to honor a 2021 settlement agreement to protect Puvungna, a sacred 22-acre site on campus. Despite promising to establish a conservation easement, the university has withdrawn its Request for Proposals without explanation and has provided no updates on its plans. Tribal leaders, including Joyce Stanfield Perry of the Juaneño Band, say this delay echoes a long history of broken promises to Indigenous communities. Adding to their frustration, debris and soil dumped on the site in 2019 remain unremoved. Puvungna, once part of 500 acres of Indigenous territory, is sacred to the Tongva, Acjachemen and other Indigenous tribes of Southern California. Tribes successfully stopped the university from building a mini mall on the land in 1993. The legal battle began in 2019 when the university dumped 4,900 cubic meters of construction debris on the site. Tribal groups sued, and in a 2021 settlement, the university agreed to “make a good faith effort” within two years to clean up the site and permanently maintain it. The university issued a Request for Proposal to find stewards for Puvungna. The Friends of Puvungna, an Indigenous-led nonprofit, submitted the sole proposal in collaboration with the Trust for Public Land. The university rejected that proposal, citing concerns over conflict of interest and a lack of demonstrated experience in land stewardship. Read more : Bison in Yellowstone, the world's first national park, established in 1872 Conservation groups, feds, tribes and ranchers clash over latest Yellowstone bison trapping Wildlife advocates are sounding the alarm over Yellowstone National Park’s latest roundup of wild bison, which has seen more than 300 animals captured and sent to slaughter this month. Groups like Roam Free Nation argue that the practice is cruel and unnecessary, calling for greater protections and expanded roaming territory for America’s first national mammal. Montana ranchers oppose expanding bison populations, arguing that the animals could spread brucellosis, a disease that can cause cattle to abort. Although no documented cases of transmission from bison to cattle exist, ranchers fear that even the chance of an outbreak could trigger costly quarantines and financial losses. But many Native American tribes have treaty rights to hunt bison on their traditional lands, even outside reservations and advocate for expanding bison habitat, reducing government-led culling, and increasing tribal management of herds. Some tribes also push for co-management agreements with federal and state agencies to ensure bison populations are sustainably restored while respecting Indigenous cultural and spiritual connections to the animal. Craig L. Falcon, a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, has been hunting buffalo in Yellowstone for three decades. “Our people really depend on it,” he told VOA. “Like myself, my freezer is pretty bare right now, and there are older people, older relatives of mine, including disabled Army vets, that need that meat, and I hunt for them.” Read more : Read more See all News Updates of the Day March 08, 2025 By Cecily Hilleary Native American news roundup, March 2-8, 2025 The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington, on March 22, 2013. WASHINGTON — IRS staff cuts leave tribes struggling for answers Tribal advocacy groups are expressing outrage over job cuts at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Indian Tribal Governments (ITG), the agency that guides federally recognized tribes on tax matters. As Tribal Business News reports, tribal governments are tax exempt, but there are some exceptions. With fewer specialists on hand, tribes now face potential delays, less access to tax guidance and a steep learning curve as they grapple with ever-evolving tax codes. Legal experts warn that this staffing cut weakens tribal representation within the IRS, just as recent tax code updates introduce new exemptions and credit opportunities for tribal businesses. “Tribes will have less access,” says Telly Meier, a former ITG director, echoing widespread concern that the office is now “overwhelmed.” Democratic Senator Michael Bennet called the decision “absurd” and warned that it benefits wealthy tax cheats at the expense of tribal nations. Meanwhile, 14 tribal advocacy groups have demanded ITG staff reinstatement, emphasizing the federal government’s legal obligation to uphold tribal treaties and trust responsibilities. Read more : This undated file photo shows the historical marker commemorating the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 on the road near the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wounded Knee, S.D Full Senate to consider 25 bills on tribal issues The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Republican Lisa Murkowski and co-chaired by Democrat Brian Schatz, this week approved 25 bills aimed at addressing key issues facing Native American communities. The bills focus on tribal land restoration, water rights, public health, economic development and justice for Indigenous people who are missing or have been killed. Murkowski highlighted her support for legislation enhancing tribal forest management, expanding veterinary services to combat diseases in Native villages, and creating a commission to address the lasting trauma of Indian boarding schools. Schatz emphasized the importance of boosting Native-led tourism through the NATIVE Act to promote cultural preservation and economic growth. Among the bills up for full Senate approval are: S. 105, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act , directs the secretary of the interior to complete all actions necessary to place 40 acres of tribally purchased land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site into restricted-fee status to be held by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. S. 390, the Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act , would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers, boost federal missing persons resources and give tribes and states tools to combat violence. S. 761 , a bill which would establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Polices to further investigate the history of Indian boarding schools and their long-term effects on Native American survivors and descendants. See the full list of bills here : In this April 25, 2012, file photo, a herd of bison move through land controlled by the American Prairie Reserve south of Malta, Mont. (AP Photo/Matt Brown) Opinion: Returning federal lands to Native tribes a solution for better stewardship Writing for Time magazine this week, Joe Whittle, a citizen of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, argues that giving federal public lands back to Native American tribes could help solve ongoing challenges in land management. He holds that the Trump administration’s firing of thousands of federal land workers will have a severe impact on the environment and the way millions of Americans enjoy public lands and devastate local economies. As a former backcountry wilderness ranger, Whittle believes Indigenous stewardship offers a stronger, more sustainable alternative, preventing corporate privatization while ensuring the public can still enjoy these lands. His proposal aligns with the Land Back movement , which seeks to return land to Indigenous nations and apply traditional ecological knowledge — an approach based on taking only what is needed, preserving resources for future generations and maintaining ecological balance. Whittle also suggests that long-standing treaty violations could be addressed by returning federal lands to Native tribes, offering a path toward justice while improving land management for all. Read more : The UCLA campus on April 25, 2019. The University of California has launched an investigation into academics falsely claiming Native American identity. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) UC tackles scholars’ false Indigenous claims The University of California has launched an investigation into academics falsely claiming Native American heritage after several controversial cases emerged across multiple campuses. UCLA professor Maylei Blackwell admitted her claimed Cherokee ancestry was false after allegations prompted research revealing her mother was white. Similar cases have surfaced at UC Riverside, Irvine, Berkeley and others of the UC system’s 10 campuses. Critics say that so-called “pretendians’” false claims divert opportunities from authentic Native Americans and violate tribal sovereignty. As VOA reported previously, scholars who fake Native American identity often gain power to tell the public who Indigenous people are. Their publications can shape public understanding of Native communities and influence government policies affecting tribal members. Read more : Read more March 01, 2025 By Cecily Hilleary Native American news roundup, Feb. 23-March 1, 2025 Messages, some dating back a century, written by children on the walls of a barn on the site of the former St. Joseph’s Mission Indian residential school. (Sugarcane Film LLC) WASHINGTON — Julian Brave NoiseCat up for an Oscar at Sunday’s Academy Awards Secwepemc citizens of the Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia will gather at Academy Award watch parties Sunday as Julian Brave NoiseCat vies for an Oscar for the documentary “Sugarcane.” NoiseCat, a citizen of the Secwepemc Nation's Canim Lake Band, co-directed the film alongside American journalist and filmmaker Emily Kassie. The documentary investigates unmarked graves at St. Joseph's Mission School, exposing harrowing evidence of systematic rape, torture and infanticide. Through conversations with survivors, “Sugarcane” highlights the lasting impact of the residential school system. ""We stood alongside our participants as they dug graves for their friends, searched for painful truths in the recesses of their memories, and mustered the courage to confront representatives of the Church,"" the directors said in a statement . ""You can feel their hesitation … as they struggle to confront their deepest secrets and give voice to their shame."" For NoiseCat, the story is deeply personal. His father, Ed Archie NoiseCat, was born at St. Joseph's and abandoned as an infant atop the school's incinerator. In one of the film's most haunting moments, a former student recounts watching from a hiding place as a crying baby was tossed into the flames. Ed Archie NoiseCat is believed to be the only child fathered by a Catholic priest at the school who survived. This nomination marks the first time an Indigenous North American filmmaker has been recognized in this category by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Read about the full investigation here : Exhibit cases of the Department of Physical Anthropology in the National Museum of Natural History in 1911 contain skulls and bones. Busts of Native Americans sit on top of the cases. ProPublica update on NAGPRA compliance shows progress, but much work remains Museums, universities and other agencies across the United States returned to tribes the remains of more than 10,300 Native American ancestors in 2024, the investigative nonprofit ProPublica reported this week as part of its ongoing investigation into compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA. Passed in 1990, the law requires all federal and federally funded institutions to inventory, report and repatriate all Native American human remains and culturally or spiritually significant artifacts. NAGPRA previously allowed institutions to retain artifacts whose tribal affiliation they could not determine. Rules updated in 2024 removed that provision and gave tribal historians and religious leaders a greater voice in determining where those items should go. ProPublica reports that 60% of indigenous ancestral remains subject to NAGPRA have so far been repatriated, but at least 90,000 remain in nationwide collections. Read more : Pedestrians walk to the Harvard Medical School on Aug. 18, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. Native Americans Severely Underrepresented in Medical School Admissions STAT News highlights a 22% drop in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) medical school enrollment last year: Out of 21,000 acceptances nationwide, 201 were indigenous. Medical education leaders Dr. Donald Warne and Dr. Mary Owen express concern that indigenous physicians have remained less than 1% of all U.S. doctors for decades. At this rate, it would take more than a century for the number of Native American physicians to reach parity with their percentage of the overall population. STAT reporting partly blames inflation, which has driven up medical school costs. The COVID pandemic had a disproportionate impact on Native communities, where limited broadband access meant many students were unable to study remotely. Compounding matters is the 2023 Supreme Court ruling ending affirmative action in college enrollment. Leaders in Native American medical education emphasize that AI/AN is primarily a political classification for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes protected by treaty rights, so that they should not have been affected by the ruling against race-based admissions policies. Read more : The Shawnee Methodist Mission North Building in Fairway, Kansas, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Oklahoma tribe fights for control of former boarding school site in Kansas The Shawnee Tribe wants ownership of the site of a former Native American boarding school, with Shawnee Chief Ben Barnes telling Kansas lawmakers that it was “built on Shawnee lands by Shawnee hands and using Shawnee funds.” The Kansas Historical Society, the city of Fairway, and the local nonprofit that now runs the Shawnee Indian Manual Labor School all oppose the transfer, citing concerns over historical preservation. The school opened in 1839 and included children from 22 tribes, mostly Shawnee and Delaware. Records show that at least five children died there in the 1850s. The school closed in 1862 and was later used as barracks for Union soldiers and as a stop on the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails. Read more : Read more February 22, 2025 By Cecily Hilleary Native American news roundup, Feb. 16-22, 2025 FILE - A statue stands on campus at Haskell Indian Nations University on Oct. 23, 2009, in Lawrence, Kansas. WASHINGTON — Native American tribes report federal funding delays Some Native American tribes are having difficulties accessing funds for essential services following delays surrounding a temporary White House freeze on thousands of federal programs pending the new administration’s review. Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act , is the vehicle through which tribes contract with the federal government to manage most health and education programs that were operated by the government before 1975. While funds for 638 contracts are now unfrozen, some tribes reported having problems accessing the funding online. ""Tribal nations have candidly shared with me that at first, [online] funding portals were frozen. Even after they opened, funding requests went unanswered for days and weeks,” Sault Ste. Marie tribal council member Aaron Payment told VOA. The former first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians said tribes remain uncertain about the stability of funding for community health, education and nutrition. ""As it is, we are far underfunded despite our having prepaid for every penny with the nearly 2 billion acres of land that made this country great,"" Payment said. Read more : U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press after after signing an executive order alongside U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn Burgum, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 31, 2025. Federal cuts force layoffs at Native American colleges The Board of Regents of Haskell Indian Nations University is asking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to waive staff reductions that would cut nearly 40 employees across teaching, IT and administrative departments. “Haskell is an important part of the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Indian people,” the board’s letter reads in part. Haskell in Kansas and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in New Mexico are both facing challenges in the new administration’s budget cuts, with Southwestern Indian Polytechnic losing 20 employees. Those reductions leave 80 staff for 200 students at the New Mexico school and 125 staff for nearly 900 students at Haskell. ""It's affecting Native American students because at the end of the day, it's our generation of students who are going to be contributing to tomorrow's society,"" SIPI staff member Luke Gibson (Navajo) told Alburquerque's KOB TV. ""If we don't invest in Native American education today, how will be useful to our own communities when we want to?"" While the Indian Health Service saw some layoffs temporarily reversed, there has been no similar relief for those universities. Haskell administrators told students that efforts are underway to maintain operations despite lower staffing. Read more : Supporters celebrate Leonard Peltier’s homecoming Native American activist Leonard Peltier returned to the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, Tuesday after 49 years in federal prison. U.S. President Joe Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence last month in one of the last acts of his presidency. “He is now 80 years old, suffers from severe health ailments, and has spent the majority of his life (nearly half a century) in prison,” Biden said in a January 20 statement . “This commutation will enable Mr. Peltier to spend his remaining days in home confinement but will not pardon him for his underlying crimes.” Leonard Peltier, center, is surrounded by Turtle Mountain tribal council representatives during a welcome event on Feb. 19, 2025, at the Sky Dancer Casino Resort near Belcourt, North Dakota, on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Peltier, who is Anishinaabe and Dakota, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two federal agents during a 1975 standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was given two consecutive life sentences. Peltier supporters say he was framed. Federal law enforcement remains convinced of his guilt, with then-FBI Director Christopher Wray urging Biden “ in the strongest terms possible ” against granting Peltier clemency. Read more : This 2010 photo shows the Senate chamber inside the state capitol in Pierre, South Dakota. South Dakota Senate says no to mandatory Native studies in public schools South Dakota lawmakers have rejected a bill that would have required the state’s public schools to teach Native American content known as “Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings.” “Oceti Sakowin” translates as “People of Seven Council Fires,” an alliance of seven nations that were once known as the Great Sioux Nation. The curriculum was developed over 10 years as a framework for cultural exchange in South Dakota, where Dakota, Lakota and Nakota tribes are spread out among nine reservations. Currently, teaching Native American history is optional in South Dakota, with educators reporting that more than half of the state’s teachers already include it in their lesson plans. Governor Larry Rhoden this week signed a bill requiring all certified teachers to take a course in South Dakota Native American studies. Read more : Read more February 15, 2025 By Cecily Hilleary Trump backs Lumbee Tribe's long-standing quest for federal recognition President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order relating to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump wants Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to come up with a plan to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina what he calls “long overdue” federal recognition, fulfilling a campaign promise he made last September. Federal recognition acknowledges a tribe’s historic existence and its modern status as a “nation within a nation” entitled to govern itself and receive federal benefits, including health care, housing and education. Historically, tribes were recognized through treaties or laws or presidential orders or court decisions. In 1978, the Department of the Interior standardized those procedures, allowing recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Congress or a federal court ruling. Those standards require tribes to demonstrate continuous political autonomy since the 19th century, and members must document descendance from historical tribe members. The process is time-consuming and expensive, often requiring assistance from historians, genealogists and attorneys. Historic records, if they ever existed, may be lost or destroyed. The 1978 rules, updated in 1994, also state that tribes previously denied cannot reapply. Detail from ""The first voyage to Roanoke, 1584 : the first voyage made to the coasts of America, with two barks, wherein were Captains M. Philip Amadas and M. Arthur Barlowe, who discovered part of the countrey now called Virginia, anno 1584."" ‘Gray eyes’ Over time, the Lumbee have been linked to several historic tribes, including the Cheraw, Tuscarora and even Siouan tribes. “One tribal name or a single cultural origin is insufficient to explain Lumbee history, because Lumbee ancestors belonged to many of the dozens of nations that lived in a 44,000-square-mile territory,” writes Lumbee historian Malinda Maynor Lowery . “The names of these diverse communities varied depending on where the people lived and on what Europeans wrote down about them.” In 1584, English explorer Arthur Barlowe noted that some Indian children on Roanoke Island had “ very fine auburn and chestnut coloured hair .” Three years later, England established a small colony on the island. The governor left for England to gather supplies. When he returned, no one was there. There were two clues: the word ""CROATOAN"" carved into a fence post and ""CRO"" on a tree. This gave rise to the theory that they had been taken in by Croatan Indians. “A chief lord of Roanoac [Roanoke]"" from Theodor de Bry’s Engravings for Thomas Harriot’s Briefe and True Report (1590). In the early 1700s, Hatteras Indians at Roanoke, as the Croatans were now called, told English explorer John Lawson that they descended from those vanished settlers. They also had “gray eyes,” which Lawson believed confirmed their mixed heritage. “They tell us, that several of their ancestors were white people, and could talk in a book [read], as we do, the truth of which is confirmed by gray eyes being found frequently amongst these Indians, and no others,” Lawson wrote . Enduring names The 1790 federal Census recorded family names found among the Lumbee today and classified them as “all other free persons.” In 1835, North Carolina banned voting in state elections for anyone who had a Black, mixed-race or biracial ancestor within the past four generations, and the state amended its constitution to segregate Black and white children into separate public schools. “As the lines between ‘white’ and ‘colored’ hardened in North Carolina … Indians resolved that non-Indians must recognize their distinct identity,” Lowery wrote . This 1938 Farm Security Administration photograph taken in Robeson County, N.C., is labeled ""Indian children (mixed breed) near Maxton, North Carolina."" In 1885, North Carolina recognized the Lumbee as “Croatan” Indians and created separate schools for them. Shortly after, 54 members identifying themselves as Croatan Indians and “remnants” of the lost colony petitioned Congress for aid to educate more than 1,100 of the tribe’s children. The Indian Affairs commissioner turned them down, saying he could barely afford to support the tribes already recognized, let alone the Croatans. The tribe renamed itself “Lumbee,” after the nearby Lumber River, in 1952. In 1956, Congress passed Public Law 570 , acknowledging the tribe as a mix of colonial and coastal-Indian blood but denying them federal benefits. Lumbee Indian children at Maxton court house, Jan. 25, 1958. (AP Photo) In the 1990s, the Interior Department again rejected the Lumbee’s petition, citing insufficient proof of cultural, political or genealogical ties to a specific historic tribe. Despite failed bills, the House passed the Lumbee Fairness Act in December 2024, which, if approved by the Senate, would grant federal recognition and benefits. The Interior Department released an update to the acknowledgment process, allowing certain tribes that were previously denied the opportunity to reapply for recognition. That was set to take effect this week but has been postponed to March 21. Congress 'not equipped' North Carolina’s federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has long opposed Lumbee recognition. “The Lumbee cannot even specify which historical tribe they descend from, and recent research has underscored the dangers of legislative recognition without proper verification,” EBCI principal chief Michell Hicks said in a December 2024 statement . “Allowing this bill [the Lumbee Fairness Act] to pass would harm tribal nations across the country by creating a shortcut to recognition that diminishes the sacrifices of tribes who have fought for years to protect their identity.” bigail Blue, a member of the Lumbee Tribe, walks by the stage during a campaign event in support of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, Oct. 18, 2024, in Red Springs, N.C. (AP Photo/David Yeazell) Former EBCI chief Richard Sneed told VOA in 2022, “Congress is not equipped to do the necessary research to determine whether or not a group is a historic tribe or not. The process was created for that purpose.” In an emailed statement, Lumbee tribal chairman John L. Lowery expressed cautious optimism that the Lumbee Fairness Act would pass. “Our critics are sad individuals who use racist propaganda to discredit us while ignoring the struggles of other minorities in America,” he told VOA. “As Indigenous people, we are the minority of the minority here in the United States, and our critics are trying to erase the memories of our ancestors, and we will not let that happen!” Fifty-six thousand people identified as Lumbee in the 2020 U.S. Census. If recognized, they would be the largest acknowledged tribe east of the Mississippi River. Read more February 08, 2025 By Cecily Hilleary Native American news roundup, Feb. 2-8, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025. WASHINGTON — Native American groups this week expressed concern that some of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders could challenge tribal sovereignty and Native citizenship. Executive orders signed on Jan. 20 crack down on illegal immigration to the U.S. and mobilize federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military to stop, question and detain undocumented immigrants to achieve “complete control” of the southern border. Navajo spokesperson Crystaline Curley told CNN that tribal citizens were being caught up in immigration sweeps, although she did not give a number. A Navajo citizen reported she had been questioned during an office raid in Scottsdale, Arizona, but was released after presenting her Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood. Border czar Tom Homan told reporters Thursday that immigration enforcement operations are now focusing on criminal migrants, but “as the aperture opens up beyond criminals, you are going to see more arrests. I’ve made it clear: If you are in the country illegally, you are not off the table.” In a statement to Newsweek , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said its agents may encounter U.S. citizens during raids and will request identification to confirm their identities. Tribes nationwide are encouraging members to carry tribal identification cards and Certificates of Degree of Indian Blood, which are issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and document a person's degree of Indian ancestry within a specific federally recognized tribe. Some Natives worry US citizenship under federal scrutiny A federal judge in Seattle , Washington, in January blocked Trump’s executive order denying automatic U.S. citizenship to babies born after Feb. 19, 2025, unless they have at least one parent who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order was paused indefinitely this week by a federal judge in Maryland. That case was closely watched by Native Americans because U.S. Justice Department lawyers cited the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which excluded ""Indians not taxed"" from citizenship, and an 1880 Supreme Court decision that Native Americans were not birthright citizens. That 1880 decision centered on a Native American man in Nebraska who the court ruled owed allegiance to his tribe and was not a birthright citizen with the right to vote. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Native groups, fearing funding freeze, remind White House of its federal obligations Native American tribal groups wrote the new president about actions that could freeze or mislabel tribal funding. “Our unique political and legal relationsh";0,3
"Under what circumstances can a US green card be revoked? March 13, 2025 1:44 PM By Aline Barros A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), following the arrest in New York by U.S. immigration agents of Palestinian student protester Mahmoud Khalil, in Los Angeles, California, March 11, 2025. Share Print Washington — The recent arrest of Palestinian activist and U.S. legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil, who played a prominent role in last year's Columbia University protests over the war in Gaza, has prompted questions about the limits of a green card. A green card holder since 2024, Khalil was granted lawful permanent residency status in the U.S. But green card holders can lose their status and face deportation if they violate immigration law. A federal judge on Wednesday extended efforts to halt Khalil’s deportation, and the New York resident remains in detention in Louisiana although he has not been charged with any crime. It is not a criminal offense to disagree, even openly, with the U.S. government's policy or actions, and the Bill of Rights protects free speech and the right to assemble. SEE ALSO: White House defends Trump's push to deport pro-Palestinian activist The why Green cards can be revoked, New York-based immigration lawyer Linda Dakin-Grimm told VOA. “It’s not that common, but it also isn’t rare. People lose their green cards most often when they’re convicted of crimes. … A green card is not citizenship. It’s seen as a privilege that you earn, but you can also lose it if you engage in conduct that is contrary to the conditions that green card holders live under,” she said. Examples of crimes that can cause a green card holder can lose their status include aggravated felonies, drug offenses, fraud, or national security concerns such as ties to a terrorist group. Green card holders can also lose their status and lawful permanent residency status for being deemed a threat to national security. If a green card holder is accused of a crime, their criminal case will go through the justice system. But the process to revoke their permanent status takes place in immigration court, where officials must present evidence to justify revoking a green card. The how Revoking a green card is a legal process that starts when the U.S. government determines that an individual has violated immigration laws. The case can come to the government’s attention in different ways, either through a routine immigration check, law enforcement investigation, or whistleblower. “It could theoretically be a whistleblower. Someone who has some information. … Could they call the State Department? Maybe. Could they call the ICE hotline? Maybe,” Dakin-Grimm said. The Department of Homeland Security usually initiates the process. The green card holder will receive a document known as a Notice to Appear in immigration court or, in serious cases, they may be arrested and detained. White House officials said Wednesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has the authority to revoke a green card or any visa if an individual’s activities in the United States “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences” to the country. Rubio has said that Khalil’s case is not about free speech. “No one has a right to a green card, by the way. … If you told us that’s what you intended to do when you came to America, we would have never let you in,” Rubio said on Wednesday. “If you do it once you get in, we’re going to revoke it and kick you out.” The authority for the secretary of state to intervene in a case like Khalil’s stems from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. A provision in the law allows the secretary of state to deem a non-citizen deportable if their presence or activities are believed to significantly harm U.S. foreign policy interests. According to Khalil’s NTA, Rubio has made that determination. Khalil has been ordered to appear in front of an immigration judge on March 27 at the Lasalle Detention Facility in Louisiana. The court In immigration court, the burden of proof is on the government; it must show the person violated immigration laws. In a case like Khalil’s, ICE attorneys will ask for deportation, but they will have to prove he is a threat to national security. The green card holder can also present a defense. In the criminal justice system, if a person cannot afford an attorney, the government must provide a public defender. In immigration court, however, immigrants have the right to their own attorney, but the government does not have to provide one. If immigrants cannot afford an attorney or cannot find one to represent them pro bono, they do will not have access to legal representation. Dakin-Grimm says the process can sometimes go fast, but it is also complex. In the immigration court system, the decision to revoke a green card is an administrative procedure conducted by the Department of Justice, under an office known as the Executive Office for Immigration Review. SEE ALSO: Bill Aims to Remove US Immigration Courts from Executive Branch “It’s kind of like the government is prosecuting a case, and the judge is also the government,” Dakin-Grimm said. The outcome If the immigration judge rules against the green card holder, they can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). And if the BIA agrees with the government, the green card holder can appeal to a Federal Court of Appeals. Although the case can end up at the U.S. Supreme Court, Dakin-Grimm says that rarely happens, mostly because the Supreme Court has complete discretion over the cases it chooses. “Most people can’t afford to do this kind of legal work themselves. It’s just very, very expensive — you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars to take a case from the trial court level all the way to the Supreme Court,” she said. “But in the immigration space, you tend to see nonprofit agencies, law school clinics, working pro bono, working for free in significant cases like this.” A final decision If the green card is revoked and all appeals fail, the person is usually deported from the U.S. If the appeal is successful, the person keeps their green card and is allowed to stay in the country. Dakin-Grimm said many green card holders think because it is called “permanent residency,” the status is actually permanent. “But it’s only permanent as long as you follow the rules,” she said. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this report. Related Columbia University reacts to detention of Palestinian activist Jewish protesters flood Trump Tower lobby to demand Columbia University activist's release Activist's arrest raises questions on US protections for foreign students, green card holders More news Homeland Security, rights group to meet in court over migrants at Guantanamo Bay Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in bid to curb birthright citizenship Under what circumstances can a US green card be revoked? Judge extends ban on Columbia student's deportation from US US drops lawsuit against shelter provider alleging sex abuse of migrant children The Day in Photos March 13, 2025";0,025
"Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of deathThe Vatican issued an update Saturday on the health of Pope Francis, who remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital under the care of doctors, saying that while his prognosis remains ""complex,"" the pope is no longer in ""imminent danger"" of death. On Friday, the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office announced that since Francis’ condition is now considered stable, barring any major developments, updates on his health will be less frequent. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent four weeks in the hospital and is receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Medical bulletins from the pope’s doctors, which had been almost a daily occurrence since his admission to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, will be issued only when there is new information, the press office said Friday. The office emphasized that Francis’ recovery is progressing, but that it will require time to make sure the improvements continue. This also means the Holy See's daily morning update about how the pope spent the night will no longer be issued, which leaves only the evening news briefing for journalists. The Vatican said that this is a ""a positive sign"" for the Catholic faithful, meaning that no news is essentially good news. Francis is continuing his prescribed medical treatments, which included motor physiotherapy Friday. He alternates between noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day, according to the Vatican. Francis had part of a lung removed as a young man after a pulmonary infection and has in recent years battled recurring bouts of bronchitis. On Thursday, the press office said Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his papal election surrounded by health care staff. Part of the pope’s hospital stay comes during the Christian season of Lent. It is the annual 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Lent began on March 5.";0
Starmer: ‘Sooner or later’ Russia must yield to peaceBritain’s leader encouraged his global counterparts to continue pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine at the start of a virtual meeting Saturday intended to end the fighting between the two countries. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a virtual meeting of mostly European leaders that “sooner or later” Russia would have to engage in talks on reaching a ceasefire in the three-year conflict. He addressed the group, described as a “coalition of the willing,” of mostly European leaders as well as those from Australia, New Zealand and Canada but not the United States. “Sooner or later, he’s going to have to come to the table,” Starmer said of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Moscow to accept a ceasefire deal agreed to by U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said “the ball is in Russia's court.” Putin has said he agrees with a ceasefire in theory, but Russia still has certain conditions and questions that must be addressed before accepting any agreement. In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Putin is stalling and has demanded so many preconditions “that nothing will work out at all.” Meanwhile, the U.S. has expanded sanctions on Russian oil and gas as well as its financial sectors. Saturday’s discussion among world leaders could address future military and financial support for Ukraine and Zelenskyy’s security concerns if a peace deal is reached. Zelenskyy attended Saturday’s online video session.;0,2
"Russian foreign minister exaggerates Russia-China relations, ignores nuancesSergey Lavrov Russian foreign minister ""We never had the relations with China which were that good, that confidential, that long-term build and that would be enjoying support of the peoples of both countries."" Source: Russian Foreign Ministry, March 12, 2025 Misleading On March 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with American bloggers Mario Nawfal, Larry C. Johnson and Andrew Napolitano in Moscow. When asked whether the U.S. administration’s efforts to normalize relations with Moscow are just to use Russia ""cynically against the Chinese,"" Lavrov rejected such possibility. He described Russia-China relations as long-term, stronger and more confidential, based in deep trust and mutual understanding, and he emphasized widespread public support in both countries. That is misleading. The claim overlooks the underlying complexities and skepticism in the Russia-China relationship. Underlying tensions: Despite the appearance of a strong partnership, ongoing tensions underlie the relationship. This includes skepticism on both sides, especially about economic stability, military strength and the extent of mutual trust. Economic imbalance: China has become a dominant economic partner for Russia, but many Russians are concerned about China's increasing influence and the lack of substantial Chinese investment in Russia. Military relations: Unlike the strong military alignment seen in the Sino-Soviet alliance of 1950, today's cooperation is not as deeply integrated, particularly in military terms. China has not provided direct military aid to Russia in the Ukraine conflict, which would have been expected in a deeply allied relationship. Public sentiment: There is skepticism about the partnership in both Russia and China. Russian citizens are not entirely supportive of Chinese products or investments, and many Chinese question the long-term economic and military viability of Russia. Historical context Sino-Soviet Alliance (1950s): This period marked a high point of cooperation, with the Soviet Union providing substantial economic, technological and military support to China. Yet, the alliance ended with the Sino-Soviet split by the late 1950s . This contradicts Lavrov's characterization that current relations are unprecedented in their depth. Strategic Partnership (1996-2014): The strategic partnership strengthened after the Cold War, especially under Vladimir Putin and Jiang Zemin. However, China still balanced its relations with the West, highlighting that the partnership was pragmatic , not based purely on mutual trust. Anti-Western Alignment (2014-2025): The relations have become closer since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the Ukraine invasion. China has been providing crucial economic support. Beijing, however, avoids direct military aid to evade Western sanctions and maintains neutrality. This signals that the cooperation is based on shared opposition to the West , not genuine trust or an alliance akin to that of the 1950s. Current economic dependence Moscow is now heavily dependent on Beijing: China has become Russia’s largest trading partner, and Russia plays a key role in supplying China with oil and gas. The economic relationship has its imbalances, however. China's total investments in Russia remain relatively low compared with its global investments. China still prioritizes its global economic ties , while Russia has become increasingly dependent on Beijing. Vedomosti , Russia’s leading business daily, reported that China rarely invests directly in Russia, noting that while Russia seeks high-tech investments, China prioritizes mining, real estate, and banking. Since 2023, China has been Russia’s largest trading partner , whereas Russia ranks only sixth among China’s top trade partners. Skepticism in both countries Russians question Chinese investment and the long-term benefits, while many Chinese doubt Russia’s economic resilience and military strength. In February 2025, FilterLabs released the results of research that used its Talisman data tool to analyze Chinese and Russian news and social media. Talisman’s analysis reveals deep skepticism about Russia among Chinese social media users, many of whom question whether Russia’s economy is truly as resilient as Moscow claims, whether its military strength matches its rhetoric, and what its long-term intentions are. These doubts suggest that despite official narratives of strong ties, public confidence in Russia within China is far from unanimous. The research also shows that online sentiments in Russia toward economic cooperation with China are more negative than official narratives suggest . International sanctions have pushed many Western products out of Russia, allowing Chinese goods to fill the gap in sectors such as automobiles and technology. While their market share grows due to affordability and geopolitical shifts, many Russians remain skeptical and dissatisfied with Chinese products , FilterLabs reported. In both countries, social media discussions are consistently less positive than mainstream press coverage, which itself was not uniformly supportive, revealing underlying skepticism about the partnership. "" Their partnership is vulnerable ,"" FilterLabs founder Jonathan Teubner told VOA. Conclusion While Lavrov’s statement reflects an official narrative of a strong and enduring partnership, the truth is more nuanced. Relations are indeed closer than at any point since the 1950s, but they are shaped more by pragmatism, economic necessity and shared opposition to Western influence than by deep trust or historical affinity. In both countries, public opinion reveals skepticism, and the economic and military cooperation, while growing, is not without concerns.";0,075
Canada to hit NATO defence spending target this year: CarneyPrime Minister Mark Carney tore up Canada’s timelines for boosted military spending on Monday and replaced them with an aggressive pledge of more than $9 billion to finally hit Canada’s long-standing commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization within a year — half a decade faster than previously promised. The new funding is on top of $53.4 billion in already-expected defence spending in the current 2025-26 fiscal year, and will — among other things — boost military salaries, replace and repair aging equipment, and increase the ranks of the short-staffed Canadian Armed Forces, Carney said. It will also lift Canadian defence spending past the equivalent of two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), the prime minister said, a threshold the country has failed to achieve since all NATO members agreed to meet it in 2014.;-0,15
She’s not an honest or a reliable witness': Defence challenges complainant's credibility as closing arguments begin at Hockey Canada trialThe complainant in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault trial was a “fully consenting participant” who fabricated her allegations because she didn’t want to admit she chose to be “sexually adventurous” in a hotel room full of men she had just met, the defence argued Monday at the start of closing arguments.“We submit she’s simply not an honest or a reliable witness,” player Michael McLeod’s lawyer, David Humphrey, said in front of a packed courtroom.;-0,1
Survivors push Ontario to end restorative justice banJust as the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault trial comes to an end this week, survivors of sexual violence are pushing the Ontario government to drop its “paternalistic” ban on another form of justice they say can actually lead to healing for them and accountability for offenders. In its most basic form, restorative justice brings the two parties together in a mediated setting where the survivor can seek healing by talking about being harmed, and the person who harmed them takes responsibility for their actions. As the Star reported in a 2023 series , it’s an option that some complainants in sexual assault cases have pushed for as an alternative to the potentially re-traumatizing nature of a criminal trial, where their lives are dissected in public while being cross-examined on the stand. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Jacques Gallant is a Toronto-based reporter covering courts, justice and legal affairs for the Star. Reach him by email at jgallant@thestar.ca or f ollow him on Twitter: @JacquesGallant;0,4
Who installed a camera to watch the Parkside speed camera?Is the search for the person who cut down the Parkside Drive speed camera a game of cat and mouse or is it more like whack-a-mole? As the Parkside Drive speed camera was cut down for the fifth time in seven months, one of the questions that’s often been asked is why hasn’t someone put up a camera to watch the camera? Well, in a “Who watches the Watchmen” move, someone has, but it’s unknown who.;0
Is Petro-Can obligated to refund her revoked car wash pass?Leah Meechem of Etobicoke had $400 worth of car washes left when Petro-Canada revoked her pass. She has been fighting the company ever since for a refund on the balance. Leah Meechem has prided herself on driving a sparkling clean car. For several years, the Etobicoke woman has happily paid hundreds of dollars annually to Petro-Canada for a “season pass” that grants once-a-day access to its car wash and vacuum stations. The deal works out to less than $3 a visit. The Advocate is a regular feature by Diana Zlomislic that helps Canadians hold companies and policymakers to account for the goods and services they provide. If you need help or want to share your story, email Diana at dzlo@thestar.ca;0,05
Canada needs to open up its electric vehicle marketA 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 EV is shown at a charging station at a Canadian Tire store in Scarborough in 2023. Doug Ives The Canadian Press By Rachel Doran and Joanna Kyriazias Contributors Rachel Doran is the executive director and Joanna Kyriazis is the director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, a think tank at Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. You may have heard this one before: governments are “forcing” people to buy electric vehicles. It’s how U.S. President Donald Trump described the efforts of his predecessor and some in Canada have similarly accused the feds and certain provinces of pushing their green agenda on uninterested drivers. For the record, drivers are not uninterested. A new survey from Abacus Data commissioned by Clean Energy Canada finds that 45 per cent of Canadians are inclined to get an EV as their next vehicle and that share is considerably higher in urban areas (55 per cent in the GTHA and a whopping 69 per cent in Metro Vancouver) and among younger Canadians (57 per cent of those under 30). Rachel Doran is the executive director and Joanna Kyriazis is the director of public affairs at Clean Energy Canada, a think tank at Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events.;0,475
The accidental entrepreneur who drove car-sharing to Canada“People want to do the right thing, but they don’t want to be lectured,” says Communauto founder and CEO Benoît Robert. “With car-sharing, they are doing it naturally.” Communauto By Jared Lindzon Special to the Star Benoît Robert dreamed of car-sharing long before there was a sharing economy, an app economy — or even smartphones. In the early ‘90s the Montreal-native envisioned a future where cars were available for short-term use at an affordable price, offering a practical, sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to ownership. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Jared Lindzon is a Toronto-based freelance journalist, public speaker and contributor for the Star's Business section. Reach him on X: @JLindzon Related Stories Fubo sports streaming service is scoring big with Canadian viewers. Here’s what Torontonians are binging How a Toronto tech company is fusing AI with drones to change how we view the world Why Square Canada’s head is betting big on small business — and why cash is no longer king Journalistic Standards About The Star;0,275
GST relief on new homes could save 1st-time buyers up to $240 on mortgages: reportA new analysis says first-time Canadian homebuyers could save up to $240 on their mortgage payments through Ottawa’s plan to waive the sales tax on new builds. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)By Craig Lord The Canadian Press OTTAWA - The Liberal plan to give first-time homebuyers a tax break on a newly built home could have substantial impacts on housing affordability — with a few caveats — a new analysis finds. The Liberal government introduced legislation on June 5 to eliminate the GST portion from new home sales of up to $1 million for first-time buyers, which works out to as much as $50,000 off the cost of a new build or a substantially renovated unit.;0,4
Scotiabank hikes return-to-office mandate to 4 days a week Scotiabank is changing its return-to-office policy to require some employees to work in-person four days a week. In an internal memo shared last week, Scotiabank told staff the new mandate will apply starting in September.;0
"Winter fuel payment: Scottish pensioners could be worse off than those in England and Wales after U-turnThe SNP has been urged to match winter fuel payments made in England and Wales after the UK government confirmed its U-turn over the policy. The Chancellor announced on Monday the payment, worth up to £300, will be restored to the vast majority of pensioners who previously received it as anyone with an income of under £35,000 a year will now get the payment automatically. However, Scotland has already created a devolved benefit of £100 for all pensioner households, which is less generous than the UK government version, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of Scots worse off than their English and Welsh counterparts. The decision will result in more money being sent to the devolved administration at Holyrood.  The Treasury has said the extra amount for the Scottish government will total £250m, delivered in the usual autumn budget. Scottish Labour has now urged the Government to increase its payments. Scottish Labour MSP Paul O’Kane said: “The winter fuel payment is a devolved payment in Scotland and Scottish Labour has long been clear that we want to see it reinstated for the majority of pensioners up here. But despite their loud spin, the SNP voted against our attempts to do so. “The SNP must not go ahead with plans that would rob poorer pensioners in order to fund payments for millionaires. “The SNP must re-examine their own proposals in light of this game-changing announcement, ensure payments reach those most in need, and give a cast-iron guarantee that no struggling Scottish pensioners will be left out of pocket under their plans.” Rachel Reeves had announced the cut in the first first weeks of the Labour government last summer, prompting an immediate backlash and forcing the Scottish Government to delay the implementation of its own devolved benefit. John Swinney’s administration later announced a similar payment for pensioners which would be tapered and see those on the highest incomes receiving £100, compared to £305.10 for those on the least. Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the U-turn decision was “a betrayal” of pensioners. She said: “I welcome any extension of eligibility by the UK government, but this is a U-turn the Chancellor should have made a long time ago. But there is still no detail about how the Chancellor intends to go about that. Unfortunately, it still sounds as if many pensioners will miss out.” Ms Somerville said the Scottish Government had not been consulted on the decision and urged UK ministers to “ensure the Scottish Government is fully appraised of the proposed changes as soon as possible”. “The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury last week to urge the UK government to share its plans with us as quickly as possible, so that we can understand any implications for our own programmes and, crucially, our budget,” she said. The Scottish Government’s plans were initially to provide a universal payment to pensioners, but the proposals were scuppered by the Chancellor’s announcement of the cut last summer, forcing ministers to create a different system for this winter. Ms Reeves said the UK government had “listened to people’s concerns” about the decision to limit the payment to the poorest pensioners last winter, and was now able to widen eligibility because Labour had restored “stability” to the economy. Ministers have insisted no additional government borrowing will be needed to cover the costs of the reversal, prompting warnings of tax rises on the horizon. Those with an income above the £35,000 threshold will also receive the payment, but it will then be reclaimed from them in tax. To be eligible for the winter fuel allowance, a person will need to have reached state pension age by the week starting September 15 this year. Pensioners who do not want to receive the payment will be able to opt out, according to the Treasury. Writing on social media site X, Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies said: “The corollary of ‘this will not lead to permanent additional borrowing’ is that it will lead to permanent additional taxes (or just possibly permanent cuts to other bits of welfare).” No.10 insisted the UK government’s manifesto commitment to not raise VAT, income tax or National Insurance remained in place. “It will be for the Chancellor to set out how this is funded at the Budget”, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman added. Scottish Greens social security spokesperson Maggie Chapman said: “There is no doubt that the damage has already been done. Families will have lost loved ones and illnesses will have been caused over the winter months because of the brutal decision by Rachel Reeves and the Labour government. ""The reinstatement of the winter fuel payment for some is a welcome move, but we must go further. The Labour government must end the two-child benefit cap. which hits working-class families the hardest, and they must reverse their cruel austerity policies. “Poverty isn't inevitable; it’s a political policy, a policy which Rachel Reeves has forced upon hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. If Keir Starmer has any shame, he would finally call an end to her disastrous time as Chancellor.” Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Opposition, claimed the Prime Minister had “scrambled to clear up a mess of his own making”. The Conservative leader said: “I repeatedly challenged him to reverse his callous decision to withdraw winter fuel payments, and every time Starmer arrogantly dismissed my criticisms. This humiliating U-turn will come as scant comfort to the pensioners forced to choose between heating and eating last winter. “The Prime Minister should now apologise for his terrible judgment.” Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Finally the Chancellor has listened to the Liberal Democrats and the tireless campaigners in realising how disastrous this policy was, but the misery it has caused cannot be overstated. “Countless pensioners were forced to choose between heating and eating all whilst the Government buried its head in the sand for months on end, ignoring those who were really suffering. “We will now study the detail of this proposal closely to make sure those who need support actually get that support. The pain they went through this winter cannot be for nothing.”";0,325
"SNP ministers issue long-awaited decision on controversial powerline on Scotland's most visited island Community groups have said they fear the upgrade will attract more windfarm applications. Controversial plans to upgrade a powerline stretching across Scotland’s most visited island have been given the go ahead. SSEN Transmission, the developers behind the grid infrastructure upgrade, lodged plans to improve the overhead line between Skye and Fort Augustus. These were objected to by Highland Council in 2023 and the decision has been sitting on ministers’ desks ever since. The Scottish Government confirmed on Monday that SSEN Transmission’s plans to replace the “outdated infrastructure” have now been approved. Community groups on Skye, who have called for a pause on further windfarm developments on Skye, said they were disappointed by the move. Residents have argued it could be seen as “a presumption from the Scottish Government that all the windfarms proposed for Skye will be built.” There are currently some nine new windfarm developments for the island that have either been approved, are in planning or to waiting to be extended or repowered, including one which is due to go under inquiry later this month. SSEN insisted the existing, single circuit overhead line is fast reaching the end of its operational life, with its replacement “critical” to maintaining network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye and along the line’s route, and in the Western Isles, which is currently supplied by two subsea electricity distribution cables. The company said the power line is currently “operating at its capacity limit, preventing the connection of new renewable electricity in the area” and that its replacement will have a greater capacity for new renewable electricity generation. Dr Andrew Robinson,  a spokesperson for the Skye Wind Farm Information Group (SWIG), which has over one thousand members, said: “We are deeply disappointed to learn that the Scottish Government have today granted planning permission for the Skye Reinforcement Overhead Line. “The Highland Council objected to the plans in November 2023. As the local planning authority, such an objection would normally trigger a public inquiry, but, instead planning consent has been given and the council’s objection ignored. “This is a failure of democracy. “The power line brings with it pylons, quarries, trenches and giant substations at Edinbane and Broadford. The two workers camps proposed either side of Broadford village, housing up to 800 workers are only needed to build the power line and the substations. “These should have been included in the original planning paperwork for the OHL but instead have been salami sliced into separate applications.” The group has argued SSEN’s upgrade to the current infrastructure “will be much larger, at a size only necessary to take the electricity from all the wind farms proposed for Skye.” Dr Robinson added: “Other options to build a smaller scale line, replacing the existing infrastructure and allowing some extra capacity for smaller scale community owned wind farms were never properly considered.” Industry bosses have long spoken about their frustrations with the Scottish Government’s delays when consenting on projects, including the powerline upgrade. Earlier this year, Scottish ministers committed to a new 52-week decision making period on priority applications for transmission infrastructure. Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision for Skye after what has been about a two hour wait for the company. He said: “We trust that the Scottish Government’s new guidance, setting out a 52-week determination period, will see future projects progress in line with the acceleration needed to achieve the country’s clean power mission. ""As we now move to the delivery phase of the project, we are committed to working constructively with local communities?and businesses to minimise and mitigate construction impacts, alongside maximising the economic, infrastructure and job opportunities this investment will bring."" Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said the move showed a decision made by the council, who local communities elected,  was “overruled by Scottish Government officials in Edinburgh.” The Conservative politicians said: “This is a story repeated across the Highlands and Islands where, time and time again, local democracy is ridden roughshod over and all just to meet SNP renewables targets. “It is part of a concerning pattern of centralised decision-making that suits the government in Edinburgh and large energy companies, but which sidelines local communities. “Highland Council’s rejection of the project last year reflected the very real concerns of those living in the affected areas.” A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This project will replace outdated infrastructure to ensure security of energy supply to the residents of Skye and the Western Isles, and increase provision of renewable energy to the system. “Ministers have decided the benefits of protecting the security of electricity supply for around 32,000 homes and businesses, as well as providing additional capacity to connect renewable generation projects means that consent should be granted to this application.”";0,15
Hundreds of bus drivers strike for six weeks from today as Stagecoach cancels servicesMore than 400 bus drivers are taking strike action across six weeks.Stagecoach services in the west of Scotland will be hit by cancellations and disruption as drivers start six weeks of industrial action from today.More than 400 drivers at depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock are taking industrial action.They will not work again until July 21, forcing Stagecoach to run a limited service in the affected areas.More than 40 bus services have been cancelled across Ayrshire during a previous round of strikes last month.READ MORE: Staggering bill revealed for public cash 'propping up' private bus companies in ScotlandStagecoach had previously said the industrial action by more than 400 Unite members “will disrupt our services and inconvenience our customers”.The firm said in a statement last month: “We’re working hard to minimise the impact of this disruption, but unfortunately, the limited services we’re running will affect customers travelling in and around Ayrshire. “We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.”Unite said previously around 430 Stagecoach drivers will take action after last minute pay talks did not lead to an improvement in an “unacceptable” 4% pay offer previously rejected by members.The union said buses operating out of several depots in Ayr, Arran, Ardrossan and Kilmarnock servicing bus routes in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow, would be affected.Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, said last month: “Stagecoach West Scotland have not improved their pay offer in six months. The drivers are being asked to fund a pay rise by working longer hours, taking longer unpaid breaks and losing a week of annual leave. “This is simply unacceptable and it will not be tolerated by Unite.”She added: “Widespread and prolonged industrial action is set to hit bus services across the west of Scotland because this company doesn’t seem capable of listening to its workers. “It’s not right that the drivers are the lowest paid across the whole of the Stagecoach group. “Our members deserve a fair rate and that’s what we are determined to get for them.”Unite said members voted by 98 per cent to take industrial action after rejecting the 4 per cent pay offer that was tabled in November.A Stagecoach spokesperson previously said Ayrshire staff have rejected a two-year pay deal involving an increase to their hourly pay rate of 11.8 per cent.The spokesperson added: “We urge Unite to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table. Our commitment remains to reach a fair and sustainable agreement – one that supports our employees while ensuring the long-term viability of our services across west Scotland.”;0,325
Pulp, Glasgow review: 'indie pop anthems galore' Pulp squeezed all their best bits into a juicy show for their Glasgow fans, writes Fiona Shepherd By Fiona Shepherd Comment Published 9th Jun 2025, 07:47 BST Pulp , Hydro, Glasgow ???? On paper, Pulp sound like the band least likely to – ragtag outfit fronted by geography teacher type singing about Sheffield suburbia. In practise, they are more likely to pull the curtain back than twitch behind it, producing relatable indie pop anthems galore. And in person, they have Jarvis Cocker , a crumpled but charismatic frontman with a witty ability to put everyone at ease, even 13,000 people standing in an arena. Cocker is strong on universal minutiae, whether capturing teenage forays in 1985 (Grown Ups) or love at first sight in the supermarket car park (Farmers Market). But the great joy of Pulp’s You Deserve More tour on its opening night in Glasgow was how naturally they scaled up their production, with old and new members and string section arranged like a big band and their signature kitschy aesthetic translated as a kaleidoscopic backdrop, like the world’s biggest Seventies living room curtain. Somehow, all the nostalgia felt fresh, even liberating. Lasers and klaxons accompanied Sorted For Es & Wizz, their pin-sharp evocation of Nineties rave culture, and who else could prompt a mass singalong about woodchip walls on Disco 2000. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E was a brilliant pounding odyssey, with Cocker looking like a demented professor. Unable to hit a high note in Help the Aged, he pressed the audience into service instead, turning the wistful original into a raucous prayer, then retired to an armchair for brooding epic This Is Hardcore. During the intermission, the audience voted – by scientific cheer-o-meter – to hear early non-album track Seconds and there was also room in the second half for another deep cut, O.U. (Gone, Gone) before the closing salvo of Britpop bangers, from Babies to Common People. These latter tunes were easy wins but a gospel-infused The Fear, thrumming Sunrise, retro pop symphony Tina and the intimate encore of A Sunset, with all the musicians poking out from the curtains, provided less obvious highlights. READ MORE: I spoke to my favourite member of Pulp and discovered they're Scottish;0,025
Hugely-delayed Glen Rosa ferry suffers flooding in latest Ferguson Marine setback The long-delayed Glen Rosa ferry has been hit by a fresh setback, with the vessel flooding while in dock during heavy rain last month. Rain entered the vessel a fortnight ago after the under-construction vessel’s funnels were removed to complete internal work while at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow, The Times first reported . The Scotsman understands covers installed over where the ferry’s funnels had been had come loose, ultimately leading to the flooding a fortnight ago. The characteristic red funnels were installed on the Glen Rosa last year. However, the vents needed to be removed again to allow for works, including the fitting of engine parts. Details of the setback have emerged after Ferguson Marine last month announced the Glen Rosa would be delayed by up to another nine months and cost an extra £35 million. Newly appointed chief executive Graeme Thomson had revealed the ferry would not be completed until between April and June next year compared to the previous deadline of September this year. The ferry is six years’ behind its original schedule. It is not believed the flooding has added to the revised delivery deadline for Glen Rosa. Claire Baker, the Scottish Labour transport spokeswoman, told The Times: “This is yet another embarrassing mishap in the SNP’s seemingly endless ferry fiasco. The workers at this yard have been let down time and time again by the chaos created by those at the top, including the SNP Government.” Sue Webber, the Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for transport, said: “There seems to be no end to the mishaps afflicting the Glen Rosa. This latest fiasco with its funnels should have been easily avoided.” The completion cost of the ferry has increased from £150 million to £185m - up 23 per cent since the previous estimate last year. Hugh McKenzie, the general manager of operations at Ferguson Marine, said: “During a period of heavy rainfall at the end of last month, a tarpaulin cover came loose and the MV Glen Rosa experienced some internal water ingress. “The issue was identified quickly and immediate action was taken to resolve it. The affected area has been dried out and thoroughly inspected. No damage or lasting impact was identified, and the incident has not resulted in any further issues or project delays. Construction work continues to progress.” Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had last month described the new delay on the Glen Rosa’s delivery date as “unacceptable and deeply disappointing”. She said at the time: “I cannot overstate my frustration that we are once again facing a revised timeline and rising cost.”;0,125
Paul Hollywood on his Scottish links and being a secret savoury fan Paul Hollywood used to be a bit scary. He was usually the bad cop on The Great British Bake Off, with Mary Berry or Prue Leith as the goodie. These days, he’s softened, like butter at room temperature. To match the bonhomie that we’ve seen on that ever popular Channel 4 programme, which was recently recommissioned for a sixteenth series, he’s also released an equally cheery new read. Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round is his fifteenth book. It features colourful, seasonal, fun and indulgent baking, and, in the introduction, describes this art as a ‘hug’. The book’s recipes include sprinkletti cake, pear bakewell tart and a lush chocolate fudge cake . The cover features Hollywood, 59, wearing a pink shirt, with a big grin on his face as he sprinkles a final magic ingredient onto a two storey and very showstopping ‘drip cake’ that’s groaning with a cornucopia of fruit. “I think keeping it bright and light, entertaining, and happy, that's what the book's all about,” he says. “When you're baking at home anyway, it's a special thing for you to do, and then for the other people to receive it as well and enjoy it”. He’s definitely entering his positive era. Perhaps that’s because he’s hitting 60 next year. It’s a number that definitely doesn’t bother him. “I don't really care about my age. I've been going gray since I was 16. I'm now more salt than I am pepper,” says. Hollywood, who is often described as a ‘silver fox’. It is strange to think he’s been on The Great British Bake Off for such a large chunk of his life. When they started filming, he was in his mid-fourties. However, all these years later, he still loves it, despite the very long working days. “It's not like work, because it's such a lovely atmosphere. The crew goes back 16 years, so we're very much a tight unit, and there's such a great atmosphere in there,” he says. “You've got the bubbly, effervescent Alison Hammond, and then you've got Noel, who's like a brother to me, and I love Prue. So there's this lovely blend of people. And of course, the bakers change every year, and they're just fascinating. I love getting to know them over the period of time we’re together”. I’ve also noticed that, these days, he seems to dole out more of his signature approving handshakes than he used to, while he’s judging. However, he insists that that’s down to the contestants. He hasn’t become easier to please. “That's probably because of the quality. It's got better because if you look at the baking last year, and then the baking from series one, it's a totally different game,” says Hollywood. “That's why more handshakes are happening because they are better bakers. They just create things that are much more professional”. Hollywood’s own baking, and the recipes in the book, are very much influenced by his travels. When he’s away from home, he loves ‘sticking his nose’ into a good bakery and having a look around. “I've traveled a lot in my career and I’ve been to cities around the world, from St Petersburg to Miami to San Francisco down to Cape Town and everywhere in between,” he says. “And that's where a lot of the ideas come from, for the Bake Off challenges as well, but also for the book and how to develop flavours”. The book mentions international bakes including the Japanese milk bread, shokupan. “I was there for about three or four weeks, actually,” Hollywood says. “I use the yudane method, which is all about infusing the flour with the boiling water, and it creates a very soft, light bread. And for toast, it's just delicious”. Although Hollywood loves to travel abroad, he also feels a deep connection to home, and especially Scotland . He found out more about his Celtic background after appearing on an episode of BBC genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are? back in 2015. They covered the fact that his great-great-grandfather was in the City of Glasgow police force in the late Nineteenth century, and they unearthed other links to that MacKenzie side of his family. “Before we started filming the program, they said to me, where do you feel more at home? And I said, remote mountain streams, and feeling small in amazing scenery, and I ended up being taken to Gairloch and Poolewe, where my family were from, where we had the croft,” he says. “I was sitting on this little rock, looking out and they said, do you remember what you said and played it back. And I went, oh my God, this is it? This is the place. You end up going back to a place where your ancestors are from where you feel more comfortable. And I was shocked, absolutely shocked”. Apparently, the Edinburgh-based fashion designer, Siobhan Mackenzie, saw him on the programme, and gifted him a kilt in his family tartan. Hollywood also likes a Scottish bake or two, though there aren’t any in the new book. “I do like Dundee cake and it’s something I've added to books in the past. Anything with cranachan I've used as well. We've used that in Eton messes, with whisky, which works beautifully,” says Hollywood. “There is also a meat pie in my new book, which is related to football matches. Now that is quite a Scottish thing”. He loves pie. That, and quiche, pizza or sausage rolls. He’s actually more of a savoury fan, than a sweet one. “Weirdly, because of my job,” he says. Still, baking isn’t about scoffing it all yourself. As the new book says, it’s about ‘making something for someone else to show them you care’. So, is Hollywood happy to bake on demand, if a pal should ask? “I've been dropped in it a couple of times, with a couple of hours to go,” he says. “If I can't make a cake, I end up doing something like a meringue, with fruits, then spinning white chocolate over it. And I think, that'll do”. We’d happily take that, as Paul Hollywood’s edible version of a hug. Celebrate by Paul Hollywood is out on June 5, Bloomsbury;0
"Almost a third of this year's Fringe shows are from Scotland, as full programme line-up announcedAlmost a third of shows  at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe are Scottish, organisers have revealed as the full line up for this year’s event was unveiled. This year’s programme features work from 3,352 shows across 265 venues from 58 countries - slightly up on last year’s figure of 3,317. New venues for this year include Hibernian FC’s Easter Road stadium, where former Chelsea FC trainee Alfie Cain will recall dashed aspirations and “the darkness and pressures” of football, while popular topics for shows overall include the apocalypse, rave culture, disability and sexuality, as well as “rebellious women”. Portobello Town Hall will also host acts for the first time, with a mini-festival to celebrate Palestinian art and culture, Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine. At Traverse Theatre, Gary McNair's award-winning show, A Gambler's Guide to Dying, returns for a special run to mark its 10th anniversary. Some 923 shows are from Scotland, predominantly from Edinburgh with 657 acts represented, compared to 1,392 from the rest of the UK nations, while a total of 54 non-British nationalities are on the line-up. Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Programme launch is such an exciting moment for everyone involved making the Fringe happen. “Thank you to all the Fringe-makers – the artists, venues, workers, producers, technicians, promoters, support staff and audiences that bring their unmatched, exceptional energy to Edinburgh in August. “This year’s Fringe programme is filled with every kind of performance, so whether you’re excited for theatre or circus, or the best of comedy, music, dance, children’s shows, magic or cabaret; get ready to dare to discover this August.” This year’s Fringe will see a return of many famous faces and popular shows. Comedian and three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long’s show, Now Is the Time of Monsters, looks at the topic of “extinct, gigantic, charismatic megafauna” at Pleasance. Meanwhile, Gilded Balloon marks its fortieth anniversary with ‘a series of special in-conversations featuring comedy greats’ including Jenny Eclair and Michelle McManus. “Direct from a sell-out West End season”, Bill Bailey is at Edinburgh Playhouse with Thoughtifier while Miriam Margolyes brings “more characters, more Dickens and more fascinating stories about the man behind the classics” to Pleasance with Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits. At Assembly, veteran Fringe performer David O'Doherty will perform his show,  Highway to the David Zone and  comedy veteran Karen Dunbar will return to the Fringe for a limited run of her stand-up tour’at Just the Tonic, while the popular Massaoke show Party like it’s 1999’ will be performed at Underbelly with “an epic 90s sing-along”. Comedy is the most popular genre for performers, making up over a third of this year’s show at 1,214, followed by theatre, which boasts 930  shows. Musicals and opera account for a further 165  shows. There are 321 free shows and 529 Pay What You Can/Want shows. Some 923 of the 3,352 shows to be performed at this year’s Fringe are from Scotland";0
Rival 'Oasis' gig to be held metres from where Liam and Noel Gallagher will take to stage in EdinburghOasis will play in Edinburgh in AugustBy Jane Bradley Arts and culture correspondentComment Published 2nd Jun 2025, 10:26 BSTIt is one of the most sought-after concerts to come to Scotland this year, with tickets being snapped up within hours of them going on sale in September.Now, a rival gig to this summer’s iconic Oasis tour is to be held in Edinburgh metres away from where Noel and Liam Gallagher will be taking to the stage in Murrayfield Stadium.Murrayfield Ice Arena, which is located next door to the stadium where the Oasis concert will take place, is to hold an Oasis tribute band gig in its bar on 8, 9 and 12 August: the same days the brothers play their set in Scotland.Definitely Oasis is to play at the rink’s bar, at a cost of £10 a ticket for adults and £5 for children - a far cry from the hundreds of pounds a ticket being charged on second hand ticket sale sites for the real Oasis concert.Brian McGhee, singer for Definitely Oasis, said the ice rink had contacted them last year, shortly after the Oasis dates were announced.He said: “We’ve never played this close to them before, it’s weird to think they’ll be two minutes away, maybe they’ll be able to hear us from their dressing rooms. It’s quite surreal.”He added: “We’re trying to work out at the moment what to play in our set, we want to try to do something different to them, so we’ll wait until closer to the gig when we know what they’re doing: we’ll leave all the big ones to them. We’re just really looking forward to it.”While the Oasis tour sold out shortly after it went on sale in September, some tickets are available on resale.The highest price tickets were due to be sold for when they were first released were £270 each for a VIP package.Pitched as an alternative for people who have “missed out” on tickets for the main concert, the ice rink, which has been turned into a roller rink for the summer, urged people to “beat the crowds and potentially the weather”, by attending its gig, which also includes performances by a Stone Roses tribute band and a DJ.The rink said: “Murrayfield Ice Arena presents the Murrayfield Music Fan Zone on Friday 8th/9th and 12th August from 2pm. Top class tribute bands, Definitely Oasis and the Complete Stone Roses along with DJ Fools Gold will keep you entertained before the main event in the Murrayfield Stadium.‘Feel part of the event’“Even if you have missed out on tickets for the main concert, join us for Live music, DJs, bars and food and feel part of the event. Beat the crowds and potentially the weather at the Music Zone at Murrayfield Ice Arena.”According to the tribute band’s website, it has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, filling “iconic” venues to capacity, including Glasgow’s O2 Academy and Barrowland Ballroom, Edinburgh’s Liquid Rooms and London’s O2 Academy Islington.They have also paid tribute to Oasis’s roots by performing at historic venues where the band played in their early years, including The Joiners in Southampton, Tivoli in Buckley, La Belle Angele in Edinburgh, and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow - where Oasis is said to have been first discovered.Pressure on accommodation due to the timing of the Oasis concerts during the Edinburgh festivals has seen the price of a room rocket over the dates.A Scotsman investigation recently found  some hotels have increased prices for the tour dates by hundreds of pounds a night, pushing the cost of a stay at one city centre hotel as high as £2,702 on the first day of the concert run - almost £1,000 more than the price charged a week earlier.;0
No new sponsor to replace Johnnie Walker as Fringe bosses draw up plans to demand tourist levy from councilNo new sponsor has been found for the Fringe to replace Johnnie Walker, Fringe chiefs have admitted, as they draw up plans to demand tourist levy funds from Edinburgh Council. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said it could administer a funding pot made up predominantly from the city’s visitor levy to help festival operators, under proposals being drawn up by the organisation. The society said it was compiling a comprehensive document which it will present to the City of Edinburgh Council by the end of the year, laying out the issues, problems and funding gaps identified by venue operators and other Fringe stakeholders. Among the recommendations will be the creation of a fund potentially administered by the Fringe, akin to the Scottish Government's £1.58m Platforms for Creative Excellence (PLACE) Resilience Fund, set up in 2022 to support the return of the festival in the wake of the pandemic.  It would include at least £1.1m from the visitor levy, as well as additional money from sources including public funding. This comes as the Fringe admitted it had not yet found a replacement corporate sponsor for whisky brand Johnnie Walker, which ended its partnership last month, but insisted it would plug the gap with a string of smaller corporate tie ups yet to be announced. Chief executive Tony Lankester and deputy chief executive Lindsey Jackson spoke to The Scotsman as the Fringe launched its official programme for this August. This year’s programme features work from 3,352 shows across 265 venues from 58 countries , slightly up on last year’s figure of 3,317 shows. The pair said the funding pot could be made up of “at least” £1.1 million from the Visitor Levy tax, which is due to be introduced next year, as well as public funding and money from other sources. Ms Jackson said a “collective Fringe proposition” document is being drawn up following consultation with festival stakeholders, ahead of the council forming its Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) forum, with an expectation that it could begin to create funds toward the end of the year. The Society  is running a series of workshops with venues to understand “where the pinch points are” and what challenges they are facing. “From a Fringe Society's point of view, investment from the visitor levy needs to go to the festival, not to the Fringe Society: it’s about what’s happening out there, not what’s happening in here,” said Ms Jackson. “Also [we’re looking at] where the council needs to take responsibility and use its investment, or reduce costs or improve services, parks, access to clean drinking water, benches, toilets. Those things will all both reduce cost and reduce pressure on the whole environment generally, but will also make it a better experience in August. “Our intention is, by the end of the year, with the venues, to have a collective fringe proposition and business case that is inarguable in its return on investment, its value for money. For a long time, the council and the city has said, ‘We understand the Fringe’s collective problems, but there's no money to support, we love to help, but we can’t.’ “Now, this is our opportunity, so we will be right there on day one, knocking on the door with a well-evidenced and documented business case that says: ‘This is why this is a long term and sustained return on investment. We all know that the Fringe contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to this city and many businesses, including accommodation providers. It feels like this is the right point at which the city finally has the money to put into supporting and underwriting the infrastructure. We’re not expecting there to be miracles overnight, but we are expecting an early endorsement of the Fringe’s need of value for money in that space.” Mr Lankester has pointed to a figure of £1.1m, which would be generated from the levy by Fringe performers alone, which he sees as a “minimum” which should be handed back by the council. He said he had met “informally” with venues to discuss synergies and ways the Fringe Society could support helping them to cut costs. The pot could potentially give venues the chance to borrow funds which would allow them to pay out for infrastructure and other outgoings further in advance, ultimately making cost savings. Mr Lankester believes the business landscape has changed dramatically since the pandemic. “The world we're in now is vastly different from a lot of us, five years ago or 10 years ago or two years ago,” he said. “No one can operate now post-Covid in the same way they were operating pre-Covid. It's completely upended every single business model of every single industry on earth. Add to that, the broader economic environment, the introduction of artificial intelligence. All of that, we’re operating in different place now. “And I think it's incumbent upon every business operating in the landscape to use it as an opportunity to re interrogate all their business and just ask some fundamental questions: In this context, should we be scaling up? Should we be scaling down? Should we be doing more? Should we be doing less? Should we be offering different deals to artists? “It's not just a simplistic argument about what does the Fringe Society charge for X, or what is the council chance for Y? Those are part of it, but they're broader questions as well. We want to create the space where areas of collaboration can be surfaced. I think it's also worth partnering with the venues - and this is something the Fringe Society can do more of - to help them interrogate their own business models.” Mr Lankester, who started in the role less then two months ago, has previously spoken about the importance of increased corporate ties in the arts, not least by the Fringe Society. However, The Scotsman revealed in April that a six year deal with whisky brand Johnny Walker had come to an end. He admits there “probably would have been” conversations with Johnnie Walker owner Diageo with an aim to renewing the sponsorship contract. The Society is targeting financial services, retail and beverage companies for potential deals. However, he believes the year-on-year income from sponsorships will not be “vastly different” to last year, due to a string of smaller deals. He said: “There are ongoing conversations, because medium term strategy for me is just to broaden that sponsorship pool so that we go from having five or six sponsors, to 10 or 15 sponsors with dovetail timing, so that they don't all start on the same day in the same year, so that we can even out some of the revenues. “These things are elongated: there's not going to be a like-for-like replacement for the Johnnie Walker investment for 2025, but there will be other sponsors in the mix that maybe weren't there before.” He added: “This predates me, but if there were conversations, and if Johnnie Walker decided, for strategic or financial reasons, their money was better spent elsewhere, as the sponsee, as the rights holder, I think we just have to say, ‘that's cool. We get that. Let’s part friends, because maybe we'll walk in the same direction at some point in the future’.”;0,2
The lively new Edinburgh restaurant that served my best lunch of 2025 It took me a while to get here, but I’m glad I did Barry Bryson is the capital’s Jack-in-the-box chef. Over the years, he’s done restaurant pop-ups everywhere, from the Fruitmarket Gallery to Jupiter Artland . I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed any of his events before, because they’re here, then they’re gone, like a shubunkin’s memory. Now, he’s taken the big step to commit to a forever home , with Barry Fish, down at The Shore . It’s occupied half of cafe Mimi’s Bakehouse’s downsized premises, which is still there, if you want a slice of lamington cake afterwards. Anyway, four months since the opening, and I don’t know why it took me so long to visit. To be honest, I was getting quite bored of people telling me about how good it is, from fellow foodies to a guy in my fitness class. Everyone made me feel left out. But here I am, in a gorgeous room - designed by Barry’s clever partner, Robin - that’s painted buttery yellow and sage green, with a bar surrounded by sciatica-friendly padded seats. There are also piscine wire sculptures on the wall, by local artist Sheila Jardine, with one above my head, looking down on me with a beady two-pound-coin-sized golden eye as I scope out the menu. The Sunday lunch offering features a selection of Bryson’s greatest hits, which have been well refined over the years. You don’t have to love fish, since there are plenty of other options to choose from. However, for starters, we share the smaller plates of Barry Fish pastrami (£13) and the octopus (£14). Both are beautiful, so there’s a nibble of one, then the other, then reverse. We can’t settle on a winner. The cool and gummy trout pastrami has a crust of black pepper and coriander oil, and has been marinated in treacle, with a handful of wrinkly dehydrated mauve grapes on top and some aioli on the side. Our octopus features an elegantly coiled tentacle, which is crispy on its outer edges, and is served on a fluffy whipped feta with a large dollop of olive oil-y persillade, though there are more interesting herbs in there along with the usual parsley. Next we try the house-smoked haddock kedgeree (£16), partially because it’s one of my husband's signature dishes, and he wants to see how it measures up against his own effort. The server tells us it comes with a peekaboo egg. Indeed, this soft yolked oeuf is popping its  wee pate above the pile of turmeric-coloured, fragrant, creamy and velvety masala rice. Hiya. This dish is luxurious and beautiful, and there are pickled pops of flavour at the bottom of the bowl, to keep you spooning. This is not weeknight tea fare. I can tell my other half wants to go home, scrunch up his own recipe and burn it. Bryson has also pimped-up another humble classic with the fishcakes (£16). The pair of Panko crumbed and sea-salted bollards are low on mashed potato filler, but made with lots of trout and hake, with dill fronds and interesting herbs threaded through the mix. It comes, simply and classily, with an endive salad that’s topped by a lemony and vinegary dressing, plus pickled fennel and tiny nonpareille capers. There are just three puddings. I’d seen another table taking delivery of the Port of Leith trifle (£10), which is made with sherry from the eponymous distillery. That’s right up my street, but it’s not Christmas yet and it did look slightly too hefty, so we shared the marmalade ice-cream (£8) and chocolate caramel (£10). The chocolate one was such a rich treat - a glossy dome, with a darker mousse layer, then a milkier salted cremeaux, and a large dollop of sticky caramel blobbed onto the top. In the heart of the hemisphere, was a single caramel button. My husband bagged it. Lucky devil. We enjoyed the vanilla-speckled ice-cream too, which was served in a pot with a caramelised bitter orange lid, like creme brulee. I also need to be uncouth and mention the prices. I mean, we ate like queens and the costs were very reasonable, in a city where it seems almost impossible to get a main course for under twenty quid. I also had an excellent cocktail , the Leith Sunshine Punch , with Lind & Lime Gin, pineapple, strawberry, lemon and fizz, which comes in at £12. No wonder everyone’s raving about this place. Anyway, I’m very relieved I finally made it to Bryson’s permanent home . It’s not just barry, it’s pure dead barry, with a large blob of caramel on top. 62 Shore, Edinburgh (0131-625 0000, www.barryfish.co.uk);0,025
Inside the LA protests: ‘We took to the streets because our parents have lived in the shadows their entire lives’ Metallic noises emanate from a huge bunker in the heart of Los Angeles. Inside are dozens of undocumented immigrants arrested in the immigration raids carried out by the Donald Trump administration in workplaces, in courthouses and on the streets of the metropolis. The inmates bang objects against the walls and bars of their holding cells in solidarity with the crowd that has been gathering outside the building for three days to condemn the president’s immigration policy. Everyone in Los Angeles wants to speak out against what is happening. The federal detention center has been guarded since early Sunday morning by 2,000 National Guard troops who were mobilized the day before by Trump. This, despite the fact that California authorities did not request their presence in one of the country’s main sanctuary cities. Local politicians consider the military deployment a provocation from Washington. On Sunday afternoon, Governor Gavin Newsom asked Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, to withdraw the troops. National Guard troops use pepper spray against protesters outside the Metropolitan Detention Center on Sunday in L.A. Meanwhile, hundreds of people arrived at City Hall on Sunday afternoon to reject the presence of the military. “ICE (immigration police) out of our communities” and “If they come for one, they’ll come for all” were some of the signs seen among the flags of the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Sunday’s demonstration was the largest in the three days of social unrest in Los Angeles. “We took to the streets because our parents have lived their entire lives in the shadows,” says Diego, a 30-year-old American who was born in Montebello, a city east of Los Angeles that is 78% Latino. The kitchen worker’s parents are originally from El Salvador and Guatemala. He was born here and wants to exercise his rights. He couldn’t do so on Friday or Saturday because he had to work a 10-hour shift at the restaurant where he works. “We have to say it loud and clear: Not all of us who live here are illegal immigrants or criminals,” he adds. Los Angeles police officers arrest a person near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. This Sunday, the focus was on the National Guard. The troops formed an unbreakable perimeter around the detention center, along with tactical units from the Department of Homeland Security. The guards were armed with shields, wooden clubs and non-lethal guns, as well as high-powered firearms. Their role throughout the day was as witnesses. The tensest moments involved the Los Angeles Police Department. “I hereby declare this assembly unlawful, all persons must disperse immediately, otherwise you will be arrested,” a police officer threatened in Spanish from a patrol car. Riot police fired rubber bullets at the protesters, who responded by pelting the officers with fireworks, rocks, and water bottles. Some spraypainted and burned Waymo driverless robotaxis. Waymo robotaxis are vandalized during protests this Sunday in Los Angeles. A young woman wearing a Mexican national soccer team jersey charged at officers on her motorcycle. They opened fire on her with non-lethal weapons. She was one of several people arrested during the third day of protests. “When we were the working class, they loved us in this country, but now that there are so many of us, it’s a problem, and that’s why they persecute us. They simply don’t want us here anymore,” said the woman, whose parents are Mexican and Puerto Rican, and who was in handcuffs when she spoke to reporters. These are not the first demonstrations to take place in Los Angeles. The city was one of the first in the country to take to the streets after Trump’s return to the White House with an anti-immigrant agenda. Since early February, just 10 days into the Republican’s second term, dozens of people have marched with the Mexican flag through the same streets where thousands of people protested this past Sunday. The sight of a foreign flag sparked anger among MAGA activists. “Since they love Mexico so much, we’ll gladly bring them back,” Charlie Kirk, an influential Trump supporter, stated on X. Los Angeles has the second-largest community of Mexicans in the world, behind only Mexico City. Mexican authorities have demanded that the rights of detained Mexicans be respected. Activists protest immigration raids on Highway 101 near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building on Sunday. Things have changed since February. Four months later, ICE agents have oiled the deportation machine and set a goal of detaining 3,000 undocumented immigrants per day. And they’re close to achieving it. Last week, the number reached 2,000, according to Homeland Security. The raids have increased social tension, and the Trump administration has promised to punish with exemplary severity those who interfere with the operations or who insult or attack federal immigration officers. Tom Homan, the border czar, has even promised to arrest L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for her refusal to join the immigrant hunt. On Saturday, there were clashes between authorities and protesters in the city of Paramount, south of L.A. These clashes later spread to Compton, another city in the metropolitan area, where a vehicle was set on fire and Mexican flags were seen. Downtown Los Angeles was the scene of popular demonstrations on Friday and Sunday. Authorities have called for calm and peaceful protests to avoid giving Trump a reason to escalate the situation. The defense secretary has threatened to send soldiers stationed at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego, to the streets of Los Angeles. Dozens of police officers descend a ramp off the 101 Freeway near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Most of the protests have been peaceful. Just a few feet from the spot where explosions were heard and robotaxis were engulfed in flames, a group of Belgian tourists were visiting the birthplace of Los Angeles, taking photographs at the site known as El Pueblito, the place where the first Mexican families settled and where today there stands a statue of Charles III, the Spanish monarch who ordered the settlement where the enormous metropolis now stands. “We were there in the middle of all the chaos, it was exciting!” Patrick said, hurrying to catch up with the rest of the group.;0,55
"The attempted assassination of Colombian politician Miguel Uribe Turbay threatens a return to the violence of the past | International | EL PAÍS EnglishA 39-year-old politician is on the campaign trail. A video shows him addressing his supporters. Suddenly his body convulses. The camera falls, loses focus, people run. It could have been the town of Soacha on August 18, 1989, and the politician could have been Luis Carlos Galán. But it wasn’t. It was Bogotá , on June 7, 2025, and the victim was Miguel Uribe Turbay. On Monday, doctors who performed an emergency surgery on his brain and left leg said that the victim’s condition was very serious. His wife said that he is “fighting for his life.” The attempt on the life of the conservative Uribe, who hopes to run as presidential candidate in the next elections, has shocked Colombia, which fears that a nightmare from 35 years ago is being revisited: in the presidential campaigns prior to the 1990 elections, not one but three presidential candidates were murdered in a wave of violence that terrorized the country. The events of June 7 are still not entirely clear. Uribe was campaigning in a middle-class neighborhood of the capital. Several dozen people had attended the rally. The campaign is just beginning: the first round of votes will be on May 31, 2026. No members of the media attended. The two shots were fired by a 15-year-old who was caught after trying to escape on foot, according to the authorities. Uribe meanwhile was taken to hospital. On June 8, the Santa Fe Foundation in Bogotá announced that Uribe Turbay’s condition was so critical he may not survive. Other politicians have condemned the shooting, calling for immediate investigations, and urging national unity. In August 1989, a seriously wounded Galán did not reach the Kennedy hospital in Bogotá, in time. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Although the elections then were also in the distant future, he was the candidate of what was then the majority political party, the Liberals. He was also a well-known politician. That assassination seemed to echo another one from April 9, 1948, when Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, also a liberal, became the catalyst for enormous violence between political factions. That violence was not repeated after the murder of Galán, but attacks by the drug lords led by Pablo Escobar escalated. Miguel Uribe is assisted after being shot. In March 1990, Bernardo Jaramillo, the candidate of the leftist Patriotic Union, was assassinated at Bogotá airport. His predecessor, Jaime Pardo Leal, had already been killed in 1987. Years later, it was established that the paramilitaries were responsible for Jaramillo’s death, rather than Escobar and his associates, or even the FARC guerrillas as some had believed. The following month Carlos Pizarro, who had led the M-19 guerrillas to demobilize, was killed by a suicide hitman who was aware that the candidate’s bodyguards would respond in kind. These deaths, plus dozens of bombings of civilians, kidnappings and murders, once constituted a nightmare that Colombia could be facing again. In 1989, Galán’s eldest son, the current would-be candidate Juan Manuel, designated César Gaviria as his father’s heir. Antonio Navarro Wolff kept the M-19 under control, replaced Pizarro, and achieved the left’s best result to date. Gaviria won the elections, pushed through a new and more plural Constitution and defeated Escobar, who ended up dead in 1993, but not before kidnapping dozens of people, including Diana Turbay, a renowned journalist and Uribe Turbay’s mother. She died in a rescue attempt when her son was only four years old, the same age as Uribe’s youngest child. The violence did not end with Escobar’s death. Guerrilla and paramilitary violence only increased in the following two decades. And its consequences are still evident. Drug traffickers still wield tremendous power , armed groups are multiplying, the government and the opposition are accusing each other of violating the Constitution and carrying out a coup, and President Gustavo Petro has even declared Simón Bolívar’s “war to the death.” The victims of the violence 35 years ago are now at the center of the political tension. The mayor of Bogotá is another son of Galán, Carlos Fernando; and among those running for the nomination on the left is Senator María José Pizarro, daughter of the candidate who was assassinated in 1990. “I am the daughter of a presidential candidate assassinated in 1990 and history cannot be repeated,” she wrote on X in reaction to the attack on Uribe. Colombia has already experienced waves of violence. What happens in the next few hours will indicate if a fresh wave is upon it.";-0,05
"From unconditional love to ‘total war’: Trump and Musk’s bromance and breakup in four acts | U.S. | EL PAÍS English When historians of the future study and classify the figure of Donald Trump by era, it is very possible that among them they will highlight “the Elon Musk epoch.” And as historians know, rarely do eras end as cleanly, publicly, and violently as the era of the Trump-Musk bromance ended last Thursday , which united the destinies of the president of the United States and the richest man in the world. It took only a few hours and a handful of messages on the social networks they each own (Truth Social and X) to end their affair before a global audience, less than a year after it became official. The argument that led to the split was over a Republican tax proposal — the “ big, beautiful bill” as Trump, its great proponent, has called it. Currently being processed on Capitol Hill, it is central to the president’s legislative agenda, and proposes tax and healthcare cuts for nearly 11 million people, as well as an increase in the public deficit by, according to official estimates, $2.4 trillion. For that reason, Musk considers it “a disgusting abomination,” as he made clear last Tuesday on X. And it makes sense that he should. Until last week, the businessman was charged by Trump with the exact opposite: streamlining the U.S. administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he resigned from when he reached the legal limit of 130 days to serve as a special government employee. Those comments prompted a response from Trump, who said he was “surprised and very disappointed” by them during a meeting with the new German chancellor, Friedrich Merz. It sparked a biblical-scale argument between the two, which included threats and personal insults. According to a text message sent last Friday by hotelier Raheem Kassam , a Steve Bannon ally and one of the most influential figures in the MAGA world in Washington, the break-up amounts to “total war.” “There is no possibility of reconciliation,” he added, despite some media outlets reporting Saturday on maneuvers by collaborators of both magnates to mend fences or, at least, calm things down. For Kassam, who, like Bannon, has expressed his reservations about Musk’s influence on the global right in the past, his departure from the scene is “BIG NEWS” (his capital letters) for American conservatism. The story of how the head of Tesla and SpaceX, among other companies, went from tweeting that he loved Trump “ as much as a straight man can love another man ” (February 7, 2025) to linking him, without evidence, in a post — which he ended up deleting on Saturday — with the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (June 5), can be told as an extravagant tragedy in three acts and an epilogue, still unfinished. President Donald Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon Musk, Friday, May 30, 2025, in the Oval Office. Molly Riley (White House) Act One. The Courtship Trump and Musk are 35 years apart in age, and they represent very different versions of the all-American archetype of the billionaire politician: the former bases his wealth on nepotism and the real estate and hotel business; the latter, born in South Africa and a U.S. citizen for just over a decade, on intangibles such as technology (Starlink), space exploration (SpaceX), a fossil-fuel-free future (Tesla), and controlling public discourse (X). As a Silicon Valley resident , Musk was for many years more interested in his more or less visionary endeavors than in politics. He displayed a certain progressive bent on social issues and a libertarian creed based on an aversion to government interference in his affairs. The unlikely couple met in 2017, and, like so many love stories, sparks didn’t immediately fly. It was at a meeting Trump held with tech entrepreneurs, just after he won an election in which Musk had voted for Hillary Clinton , but before he took office for the first time. After that meeting, they spoke separately. Musk, according to his authorized biographer Walter Isaacson , didn’t appreciate that the president-elect told him that a friend had given him a Tesla, but that he hadn’t yet driven it (perhaps not realizing that Trump, the son of another real estate developer, grew up traveling in a chauffeur-driven car). His subsequent description of his desire to revitalize NASA “threw him even further,” Isaacson writes. “He seems a little crazy,” Musk said of Trump after that meeting, “but maybe that’s not so bad.” Elsewhere in his book, the biographer recounts another, even more disastrous, meeting with the next White House resident, Joe Biden, when he was Obama’s vice president. The businessman found the politician “tremendously boring,” which didn’t stop him from leaning toward voting for him in 2020 (although he ultimately abstained). The “disdain” he felt the following year, when the Biden White House hosted an electric vehicle event to which Tesla wasn’t invited; the Democrats’ handling of the pandemic — during which time Musk rose to become the richest man in the world — and the “woke mentality virus” brought about a change in him similar to that of other Valley gurus. In his case, this mutation led to the purchase of Twitter in October 2022 , a social network he reduced to ashes and rebuilt without its previous moderation controls. As part of his new status as an “absolutist defender of freedom of expression,” he restored Trump’s account, which had been taken away at the end of his first term, following the assault on the Capitol. The changes to the algorithm ended up favoring the extremist rhetoric of the MAGA movement and, ultimately, contributed to the former president’s return to the White House. It’s true that back then, there was almost no reason to think of such a return. Trump was at his lowest ebb after the Republican drubbing in the midterm elections. Musk, who first backed another horse, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, was in those months sliding down “the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories,” to borrow the phrase from essayist Naomi Klein (via Lewis Carroll), only to find on the other side of the looking glass a sphere of MAGA influence where he felt comfortable, but that is now ready to turn its back on him. Musk voted Republican for the first time in the Texas midterm elections. As DeSantis faded, he warmed to Trump with the help of another Silicon Valley baron and far-right figure, Peter Thiel . He finally threw his full support behind the Republican candidate on July 13, 2024, after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Act Two: The Courtship of “Uncle Elon” “Elon approached Trump motivated by two of his greatest interests: power and data,” explains Chuck Collins, a researcher at the Institute for Policy Studies, an expert on inequality and keen analyst of the South African-born magnate’s motivations, in a telephone interview. “At the helm of DOGE, he was able to fulfill his dream of accessing a vast amount of information on Americans that will be useful in his business dealings, as well as giving him a head start in the artificial intelligence race . As for power, I think he’s interested in owning the country, its skies, and its communications. I also think that along the way, the two developed a genuine friendship.” Musk contributed a record amount to Trump’s campaign: more than $260 million. On October 5, he took action at a Trump rally, also in Butler, where the hallmarks of the new Musk, the “dark MAGA,” were evident: an outfit he would never abandon (a black blazer, T-shirt, pants, and Trump cap); the apocalyptic rhetoric; and the extravagant displays of enthusiasm, the shouting, the jumping, the bicep flexing, and, eventually, the seemingly Nazi salutes. An investigation by The New York Times , denied by Musk and his entourage, found part of the explanation for all this: the businessman’s drug use — he has publicly acknowledged using ketamine to combat depression — became “more intense,” setting off alarm bells for the Trump campaign. In Pennsylvania, one of the seven swing states, the businessman launched a personal campaign, handing out million-dollar checks to motivate voters. He became inseparable from Trump, practically moving into the hotel at the Republican’s private residence in Mar-a-Lago, at the risk, which would prove real, of neglecting his businesses. A week after Trump’s election victory, he proclaimed on his X account that he was “ happy to be first buddy ” of a politician famous for his first lady’s prolonged absences. A few days before that, Kai, the president-elect’s granddaughter, posted a photo with the tycoon with the caption: “Elon achieving uncle status.” By September, the candidate had already found a mission for Musk: “A drastic overhaul” of the administration. In the weeks of the presidential transition, Musk’s influence in the MAGA world grew to the point of overshadowing the leader. Shortly before Christmas, a single round of calls to Republican congressmen was enough to bring the government to the brink of shutdown with his opposition to a temporary funding bill. Back then, he seemed invincible and immune even to attacks from Bannon, the president’s man par excellence. Trump’s pride, for a man not given to sharing the spotlight, didn’t seem to be affected by the insinuations that the businessman was undermining his power . As in so many romantic relationships, they tried to confront their differences. Fortunately, Musk, having been born abroad, is legally barred from running for president. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci (AP/LaPresse) Third Act: The Breakup The businessman arrived at the White House with the promise of sending humans to Mars (making humanity an interplanetary species, along with unbridled procreation, is one of his obsessions) and convinced that the American people would acclaim him as a hero for abandoning his comfortable life as the richest man in the world to dedicate himself to necessary government reform at the helm of the DOGE. He recruited a team of young acolytes and set to work. He gutted several federal agencies, caused incalculable global damage by slashing development cooperation with the closure of USAID , and forced the dismissal of thousands of civil servants. This sparked a wave of vandalism against Tesla cars and dealerships, along with protests with signs targeting Musk, millions in losses for his companies, and investor impatience with his political commitments. Meanwhile, Trump offered him the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House for overnight stays, treated him, according to the businessman, to unlimited amounts of ice cream, appeared with his ally and the latter’s son in the Oval Office, and came to his defense by turning the presidential residence’s gardens into an unprecedented advertisement for his Tesla vehicles. The first cracks in the relationship came with public and private clashes with members of Trump’s cabinet. The reasons? The unpopularity of his cuts and the aggressive and volatile America First tariff policy, with which Musk, the entrepreneur, couldn’t agree. At the end of April, when losses jeopardized his position at the head of Tesla, he told Trump he needed to take some time off, and, like one of his SpaceX rockets, he began a gradual decoupling from Washington, a city he believed would be easier to conquer. On May 30, Trump gave him an honorable send-off in the setting of so many happy moments, the Oval Office, despite Musk’s criticism of the “big, beautiful bill” a couple of days earlier. At that event, where the businessman appeared with a black eye — despite, as Trump later said, attempts to hide it with makeup — Musk promised he would remain “a friend and a collaborator” of the president. When the cameras were turned off, Trump relayed to him, according to The New York Times , his discomfort with the fact that Jared Isaacman, Musk’s personal pick to lead NASA , had a recent history of donating to the Democratic Party. The next day, the president withdrew that nomination, and that, says the Times , was “a humiliation” for the owner of SpaceX, a company that has an extraordinary interest in who governs its main client, the U.S. space agency. Musk spent the weekend in Montana at a meeting of technology leaders, from which he returned eager to continue his attacks on the tax bill. On Thursday, while Trump was speaking at the White House, the entrepreneur decided to kick the hornets’ nest live, ending his tirade by calling Trump ungrateful for not recognizing who he owed the presidency to, and predicting that the tariffs will tip the country into recession before the end of the year. Tesla shares fell 14%, and its boss lost $34 billion. Act Four. Epilogue after the battle The explosion of egos was followed on Friday by a strange calm and damage assessment: who has the most to lose? Musk is risking billions in federal contracts and risks investigations into his companies and his immigration status; if Trump 2.0 has demonstrated anything, it’s his thirst for revenge . This could be affected by the potential loss of supporters loyal the businessman, who has more than 220 million followers on X, a network whose algorithm could be altered to harm the president. Also at stake is the funding of Republican candidates, to which the magnate had committed before the midterm elections in 2026. “That someone like Musk has dared to stand up to the big boss can serve as an example to those who oppose his domination of the Republican Party but are afraid to speak out,” Collins believes. For the inequality expert, Thursday’s row and criticism of the tax bill are symptoms of the “many fractures that are opening up in the coalition that brought Trump to power.” “There are also fractures in the closing of ranks among the oligarchic class with his administration, due to tariffs and economic chaos, and they will likely widen if this tax reform is successful. There are two teams in that oligarchy: the disruptors, who seek short-term profits, and those interested in a functional system that allows them to make money in the long term.” Trump spent Friday sending messages to Musk through intermediaries, those traditional Washington media outlets he despises. He also signaled that he had moved on, that he was “no longer thinking about Elon.” On Truth Social, he preferred to talk about other matters, such as his planned White House ballroom remodeling. Musk, for his part, managed to stay quiet for once on X, which he used much less than usual. “Trump is the king of MAGA emotions. Musk is the king of MAGA infrastructure, and they need each other,” warns Eric Schiffer, a brand and reputation strategist and technology investor, in a telephone conversation from Los Angeles. He views this dispute like a professional wrestling match, a kind of pantomime that ends “in a handshake.” “The first poll [by YouGov, conducted that same Friday] says that 48% are optimistic about a reconciliation,” Schiffer recalls. “I think it can only happen if someone contributes to bridging the gap between the two. For example, [White House crypto czar] David Sacks. For that to be possible, things will have to calm down first.” Curiously, Collins also uses the analogy of mixed martial arts. “Let’s not forget that these two thrive on conflict,” he says, before recalling that this type of combat sport, more violent than wrestling, was one of the passions Musk and Trump shared as their relationship was developing. They often went to fights together. Last Saturday, Trump enjoyed another fight, in which Sean O’Malley was seeking revenge against Merab Dvalishvili in Newark. This time, Trump went alone, without his “first buddy.”";-0,075
Ardem Patapoutian, Nobel Prize winner in Medicine: ‘90% of people don’t even know they have a sense of proprioception’At 57 years old and having won the Nobel Prize in Medicine, biologist Ardem Patapoutian decided to get his first tattoo: a huge drawing that would take up his entire right arm. His partner, fellow scientist Nancy Hong, responded with humor. “When I had the idea, my wife suggested I wait one year to see if I still wanted it. She’s very intelligent. She said, ‘Make sure it’s not a midlife crisis.’ So I waited one year,” he says with a laugh, rolling up his shirtsleeves and showing off his tattoo . It’s the outline of a molecule, the very one that earned him the Nobel Prize in 2021 : the Piezo family of proteins, which are responsible for the sense of touch and an increasingly astonishing list of human characteristics. Patapoutian repeatedly bends his arm, as if it were a living textbook. The drawing opens and closes hypnotically. In the membrane of some cells, these molecules function like an electrical switch, initiating a nerve impulse when they sense pressure. Since their existence was announced in 2010, the scientific community has discovered that Piezo proteins are essential in a multitude of vital processes, such as pain, blood pressure, breathing, bladder control, and even sexual arousal . The scientist’s life story is inspiring. Patapoutian, the grandson of orphans of the Armenian genocide , was born in Beirut and grew up in Lebanon, torn apart by civil war. There, he was kidnapped by militants and held at gunpoint as a teenager, so he decided to emigrate to the United States. In Los Angeles, initially unable to understand the local English, he began a new life delivering pizzas for the fast-food chain Subway, but ended up studying biology and is now a researcher at the Scripps Institute in San Diego. After enjoying a paella at a beach bar in the Alicante town of Altea with his Spanish colleague Félix Viana , Patapoutian welcomed EL PAÍS to a hotel in Valencia, a city where he will serve as a jury member for the Rei Jaume I Awards . Question. You are now an immigrant with tattoos, a prime candidate for deportation, according to the Trump administration . Answer. Yes, yes [laughs]. Q. How were you kidnapped? A. I was living in Beirut, which was a very religiously divided city. West Beirut was Muslim, East Beirut was Christian. As Armenians, we were more neutral, so we were the only Christians who could live in West Beirut, which is where my parents worked. One day, when I was 17, I went to a party in east Beirut, and on my way back, I heard snipers, which is common along the border. So I started running toward the west side. When I got there, there were militiamen who saw me running and called me over. They asked for my ID, which in Lebanon says what you religion are. So they became suspicious of a young Christian running toward the Muslim side of Beirut. They held me for a few hours, and I was really scared. Q. And what happened? A. They put a gun to my knee and said they were going to shoot. They said if I didn’t feel pain, it meant I was a spy. It was totally ridiculous. I said, “I could pretend to feel pain.” And they replied, “Oh, you think like a spy.” That was it. I was very scared, but a few hours later they let me go. I got home and thought, “I’m leaving this country.” They put a gun to my knee and said they were going to shoot. Q. Your story — that of an immigrant who started out delivering pizzas and went on to become a renowned scientist — has always been powerful, but it’s even more so now, given the current situation of immigrants in the United States. A. I know. It’s very sad to think that what I did back then probably can’t be done anymore. My parents didn’t have much money, so I got a Pell Grant , a federal aid program for students who can’t afford college. Aid like that has been cut or no longer exists. Many young people would like to go to the United States to pursue their dreams, but that option is not available to them anymore. It’s very sad. I feel an extra responsibility to speak up now. Forty percent of Nobel Prize winners in the United States are immigrants, but this administration doesn’t value science or immigration. Q. You were one of the 2,000 scientists who denounced the “real danger” of Trump in an open letter , which also mentioned the climate of fear. Many prestigious researchers refuse to speak out, but not you. A. As a Nobel laureate, I feel I can afford to take the risk. If I lose government funding, it would be terrible, but I will survive. As an immigrant and a Nobel laureate, I feel a duty to speak up. If none of us speak up, there’s no hope. Forty percent of Nobel Prize winners in the United States are immigrants, but this government does not value either science or immigration. Q. You’ve criticized Trump’s plan to cut the National Institutes of Health’s budget by 40% on social media . You’ve said it would be a disaster. A. Yes, people might think, “Well, with a 40% cut, there’s still 60% left.” But every government grant is for research for five years, which means 80% of the annual budget is already committed. A 40% cut means no new grants or cutting grants that have been promised already. It makes no sense. I wrote an opinion piece at CNN in which I included data showing that for every dollar the government spends on science, $3 goes into the economy. Cutting science means cutting economic gain and future medicines. Q. In that article, you revealed that you had been approached with an offer to move to China, with 20 years of guaranteed financing. A. Yes, they offered me stable research funding for any university that I want in China. Q. Did you answer no or maybe? A. I said no, because I love America. It’s my country, and I’m not going to give up on it that quickly. I have turned down an offer to do research in China because I love my country and I’m not going to give up on it so quickly. Q. Are these offers becoming more and more tempting? A. I’m in a privileged position, but many excellent scientists might find that offer impossible to say no to. For China, Europe, and many other countries, right now is an opportunity to recruit the best minds in America. Q. American chemist David Liu (one of the greatest living scientists) has warned that the impact of the cuts will be deadly . Do you think the science budget cuts will kill people? A. Cutting funding won’t directly kill people, but the lack or slowdown of research and clinical trials will. The next cancer drug might be approved later, which could cause many people to die. Biologist Ardem Patapoutian, in a hotel in Valencia. Mònica Torres Q. You now have the Piezo protein tattooed on your arm, but the molecule seems to be everywhere. A. It’s not everywhere, but it seems to be involved in many cells that sense pressure, whether it’s bladder filling or blood vessels. Biology thinks that most cells communicate by chemicals, whether it’s a hormone, a neurotransmitter... Everything is chemical. But what we’re discovering is that pressure sensing is also very important. We’re finding a new biology. Q. Spanish scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal said at the end of the 19th century that neurons communicate through kisses. A. That’s correct, by contact. Q. Yesterday (June 2) you gave a seminar at the Alicante Institute of Neurosciences, organized by your colleague Félix Viana, on the newly discovered functions of Piezo proteins. What are they? A. I can’t share this publicly because these results are unpublished and haven’t been released yet. But we did recently publish a work about their role in the gut and intestines. When food enters the body, neurons in the gastrointestinal tract sense the pressure and slow the food down , so you have more opportunity to extract nutrients. Without the Piezo 2 protein, food goes much faster through the gut. It’s a completely new biology. People with mutations in Piezo 2 have all kinds of digestive problems, like diarrhea and constipation. It’s one of the latest examples of the functions of Piezo proteins. One of the lessons from our studies is that the idea of five senses is a bit naive. Q. You proclaimed in your Nobel lecture that the most important sense is not sight, nor hearing, nor smell. A. It’s proprioception. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little, because some people might say that vision is most important for humans. It’s fascinating that probably 90% of people don’t even know they have a sense of proprioception, which is the sense of where your limbs are in space. Q. Maybe it’s 99.99%. A. I think people who do yoga or Pilates learn this word because it’s about being aware of their bodies. The simplest test is to close your eyes and touch your nose. If you think about how you’re able to tell where your fingers are with your eyes closed, you realize it’s because of how much your muscles are stretched. It’s the same sensor, Piezo 2, that senses this. You don’t feel that the muscle in your second finger is stretched, but rather you gather all the information, and your brain forms an image of where you are and what space you occupy. And that’s why, easily, without looking, you can walk, run, play soccer, play the violin. You can do all of this thanks to proprioception. And we take it for granted because you can’t turn it off. You can close your eyes and imagine what a blind person is like, but you can’t turn off proprioception. That’s why most people don’t know about it, because it’s always there. And it’s a big philosophical message: we take things for granted when we always have them. Q. We always say we have five senses, do we have six? A. Actually, we have many, many different senses. One of the lessons from our studies is that the idea of five senses is a bit naive. You can say that proprioception is the sixth sense. What about temperature sensation? What about sensing your bladder? It’s not touch — what is it then? It’s another sense. So all these different senses, which in our minds are very distinct, like blood pressure sensing and lung stretch, are not touch, but they’re all being done by the same molecule. The definitions are hard to ascertain, but we certainly have more than five senses. Q. You have five rules for doing science. A. Yes, and I think these rules apply to all creative disciplines, not just science. Rule number one is not to be too busy. This is easier said than done, but it’s very important. If you’re very busy, you’re not creative. I create pockets of time for myself. For example, I don’t have meetings on Tuesdays. I have time to spend in the lab thinking and reading. Rule number one is not to be too busy: if you’re very busy, you’re not creative. Q. What else? A. Change your field of work. I compare this to being an immigrant. When you’re an immigrant, you go to a new country and see that people do things differently. So, you adopt the ways that make sense to you, but you keep the ones that also make sense to you. And you blend them. And changing areas in science is the same. You go to a new field, you bring your knowledge of how to do things with you, but you also learn from the new field and blend them. Rule number 3 is: Surround yourself with critics. Especially if you win the Nobel Prize, people criticize you less. I have close colleagues and friends who tell me when I’m wrong. When you’re successful, you start to think you know everything, but you don’t. That’s why you need someone to constantly tell you that you’re talking nonsense. Q. The fourth rule is don’t listen to advice. A. That’s a funny one, isn’t it? I offer advice, and one of them is not to follow the advice. Sometimes people listen to what an authority says just because they’re an authority, but you have to check if it makes sense to you. If someone tells you to do something and it doesn’t make sense to you, don’t do it. Rule number 5 is my main reason for doing science: because it’s fun. I love that we’re doing translational research to find medicines, but my goal has always been to do curiosity-driven research. If you look back at the history of science, curiosity-driven research often yields the most important applications. So I think society needs to learn that the best way to do science, the best way to find future medicines, is to fund curiosity-driven research. And the applications will come. There are many examples of this. The CRISPR technique , which is famous for manipulating DNA and is revolutionizing biotechnology, is based on the science of how viruses infect bacteria. Q. It is precisely due to the work of a Spanish microbiologist, Francis Mojica , who is from nearby. A. Yes, but people think: Who cares about that research? I’ve heard that when electricity was discovered, someone asked: “What is this good for?” Well, now it’s kind of important.;0,325
"José Luis Escrivá: ‘There is less confidence in the dollar and in US assets’ José Luis Escrivá, 64, is an economist and Governor of the Bank of Spain, a position he has held for close to nine months. He previously served as Minister of Digital Transformation after holding the Social Security portfolio in the Socialist government of Pedro Sánchez. He was also the first President of the Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF) under the conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy. In this interview, conducted Thursday at the Bank of Spain headquarters in Madrid, Escrivá analyzes global uncertainties, advocates for the continuity of European monetary policy, and explains why the days of the dollar as a safe haven may have peaked. Question. The decision to lower rates was fairly automatic at the European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council meeting on Thursday. Will further rate cuts require much more discussion? Answer. Since I joined the ECB, I’ve perceived a broad consensus on how to approach monetary policy. I see no reason for that approach to change. It’s an approach based on continuous assessment of the data, and one in which we do not pre-commit to any path for future interest rates. In any case, inflation is now around our 2% medium-term objective, and expectations are anchored at that level. That gives us some comfort. Q. So will it be more difficult to continue on the reduction path? A . The scenario has become more complicated since Donald Trump became president of the United States. New risks are emerging. On the one hand, demand could weaken in this context of financial market volatility and uncertainty among financial agents. This could be compounded by a drop in energy prices and a stronger euro. All of this could drive inflation down, especially in the short term. This could be reinforced by the impact of tariffs on external demand. Conversely, a disruption in global trade relations and an increase in defense and infrastructure spending could raise inflation in the medium term. Q. You arrived in Frankfurt with a restrictive approach to monetary policy. Some perceived you as not exactly a dove. A. I’m neither a hawk nor a dove. I form my opinion based on an exhaustive analysis of all macrofinancial dynamics, whether domestic or external. As a result of that analysis, I may sometimes consider a less restrictive monetary policy more appropriate, but at other times I’ve held the exact opposite view. I’m very comfortable with [current] gradualism, that is, accompanying improvements in inflation with successive 25-basis-point rate cuts. And I verify its effectiveness each time, with the most recent data in hand, in consolidating that 2% inflation rate. When the situation is full of uncertainties, it’s wise to keep all options open. The central scenario we’re operating with — GDP growth around 1%, 2% inflation — could require, if it is confirmed, some fine-tuning. Q. One new development is the depreciation of the dollar, which has retreated 10% since Trump took office. A. In times of rising uncertainty and global risk, the dollar has traditionally been a safe haven currency. Since April, it hasn’t been. There’s less confidence in the dollar and in U.S. assets being as safe as they once were. The dollar’s dominance as an international reserve currency appears to have peaked. Q. Christine Lagarde emphasizes that she is opening up avenues for the euro as a trading currency. A. That’s right. The euro has the potential to compete with the dollar, especially if it maintains its macroeconomic and institutional stability. With a solid economy and a trade volume greater than that of the United States, Europe has room to strengthen the euro’s role as a reserve and reference currency in an international trade still dominated by the dollar. Q. That requires a common safe asset. Eurobonds are one, but in limited quantities and they were issued only once, to combat the Covid pandemic . A. That’s true, although they may not be the only determining factor. We also have assets such as the German Bund and the sovereign bonds of the rest of the eurozone, which trade at relatively narrow spreads. The real imbalance with the United States lies in the scale of its financial market: it’s deeper, more liquid, and broader than ours. In contrast, our capital markets remain fragmented. We must move toward a true capital markets union. José Luis Escrivá, during the interview. SAMUEL SÁNCHEZ Q. We’ve been talking about this for years. Is a Big Bang necessary? A. We need a clear timetable, with conditions and dates, for the introduction of all the common elements, as was done for the introduction of the euro. At the ECB, we keep insisting on this point before all the various European authorities with responsibilities in this area. In Thursday’s Governing Council statement, we again called for an ambitious timetable, since there is currently no real program with binding commitments that demonstrate that all this will occur in predictable stages and on predetermined dates. Q. There are 15 months left to implement the Next Generation program, and only half of the €740 billion [$844 billion] initially planned has been spent. Do you foresee a failure, or a last-minute acceleration? A. The plan takes a fantastic leap forward from its very conception, as it allocates funds in a novel way, as goals are met. The milestones and objectives require tangible results in both material investments and accompanying policies. But it has caught all administrations, including the European Commission itself, unprepared: they were not used to operating this way. Q. And now comes spending on security and defense. The 5% of GDP target puts the cart before the horse, with the “how much” coming first without clearly establishing “what” to spend it on... A. That’s probably true. I doubt that the benchmark being talked about, 5% of GDP in the medium term , is based on a very rigorous analysis. Security is a common European public good and must be approached from a holistic perspective. Sometimes we are right to identify a common cause that unites us to drive the European project forward. We didn’t do that during the 2008/2012 financial crisis, but we did with the Covid pandemic. Now the threat is to European security, due to the new global geopolitical situation and the continued war in Ukraine . We need to commit. And it’s worth remembering the role of military spending as a driver of growth, especially if it’s focused on activities related to R&D and technology. Q. Would 5% spending mean gutting social spending and the welfare state? U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed it and has since backed down. A. Central bankers must be prudent and cannot be prescribers in these matters related to the distribution of public spending, since we lack the democratic legitimacy to do so; we have no specific mandate in this area. But as an economist, I can point out that Spain, which has very limited fiscal wiggle room, may still have some ability to increase investment in various activities, including defense. Q. The growth of the Spanish economy is expected to be the most significant among developed countries in 2025. Is it sustainable? A . Next Tuesday, we will publish a downward revision to GDP for this year. It will be a few tenths of a point lower [from the 2.7% published in March]. This revision is compatible with the fact that Spain has generated some very powerful competitive advantages since the pandemic. Q. You point out some of them in the annual report for 2024. A. European consumers have shifted their spending propensity toward leisure, and this benefits countries with a greater tourism offering [like Spain]. Furthermore, other non-tourism services are growing significantly: consulting, auditing, legal, and so on. This increases the demand for skilled workers, especially in technological activities. Another comparative advantage is energy. Before the war in Ukraine, the cost of electricity for companies in Spain was higher than in neighboring countries. Since then, it has fallen further in Spain and by the end of 2024 it was 30% below that of the eurozone, largely thanks to the deployment of renewable energy , as highlighted by a recent study by the Bank of Spain. Q. In banking, are there precedents for national consolidation driving cross-border, intra-European mergers? A. I don’t think so. They are, for the moment, two different directions. The European banking market remains segmented. Very significant and important milestones have been reached to ensure the Banking Union, such as the Single Supervisory Mechanism, but important elements are missing to complete the process, in particular the absence of a deposit guarantee fund at the European level. Difficulties in achieving cross-border mergers persist. Given this, attempts to gain scale in national domestic markets are proliferating.";0,125
Plan to give Pablo Escobar’s former estate to farmers sparks backlash | International | EL PAÍS English In the 1980s, Hacienda Nápoles became synonymous with the opulence of Pablo Escobar , Colombia’s most notorious drug lord and criminal. The vast estate, located in the Antioquia municipality of Puerto Triunfo, was the luxurious retreat of the capo. After his death in 1993, it was abandoned and passed into the hands of the authorities. In 2007, it was leased to private individuals and transformed into the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park, now the main tourist attraction in the area. In recent weeks, it has again drawn attention due to a proposal by Colombian President Gustavo Petro: to give the land currently occupied by the park to rural farmers who were victims of violence. Residents and business owners of Puerto Triunfo have opposed this, protesting what they see as a threat to the local economy. The president announced the plan on May 23, during a speech in the nearby city of Barrancabermeja, amid applause. “I want [...] above all, for that hacienda to return to the hands of the rural farmers,” said Petro, addressing Felipe Harman, director of Colombia’s National Land Agency (ANT). “It is of public utility, because so many animals were brought into the zoo that it is a health problem, a danger to society. [...] That hacienda has so many deaths that it must be returned to the people. [...] What is at stake in the Magdalena Medio region is returning the land to its genuine owners, which are the rural farmers.” The property in question is enormous: 1,600 hectares with direct access from the highway between Medellín and Bogotá, almost halfway between Colombia’s two largest cities. It is owned by the municipality of Puerto Triunfo, which granted a concession to the park’s administrators. Days after the president’s announcement in Barrancabermeja, Harman said that a review process was underway to revoke the transfer of the property made by the Special Assets Society (SAE) to Puerto Triunfo —which in fact received the land in two stages: 50% in 2005 from the now-defunct National Narcotics Directorate, and the other 50% in July 2022 from the SAE. For now, like many of the president’s proposals, there are few details about the plan. Beyond the announcement, Petro has not specified how the government intends to take control of the estate and transfer it to the rural farmers. Nor has he clarified how they will deal with the current tenants, who have invested millions to develop the park and whose lease contracts are still valid. The ANT, for its part, has not made any comment regarding the 2021 report, in which it indicated that the hacienda’s land is not suitable for agrarian reform projects. Aside from legal considerations, the community’s opposition to Petro’s plan stems from another obvious reason: all tourism in this area of the Magdalena Medio region gravitates around the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park. Within the property, there is not only the zoo, the water park, and hotels, but also several restaurants. Thanks to the park, there are more hotels and businesses in the nearby village of Doradal, and dozens of mototaxi drivers work between that population and the park, transporting tourists. The park’s success is evident: in 2024 it hosted the summit of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Its managers estimate that over a million people will visit this year. A potential closure would not only affect the park’s operators, but also all local businesses that serve its visitors. The risk of losing this attraction because of the government project sparked a protest on June 4, when about 1,500 people blocked the Medellín-Bogotá highway. Dubay Daza, a tour operator from Puerto Triunfo, told Blu Radio in an interview that President Petro’s stance is based on “ignorance of the territory,” since, as he explained, the municipality — historically marked by violence and paramilitary control — has been revitalized in large part thanks to the tourism generated by the theme park over its 18 years of operation. He also said many local merchants who now depend on tourism for their income were once victims of the armed conflict. Petro criticized those who took part in the protest and asked why “seeking justice for rural farmers” would spark a demonstration, but no protests occurred when “the mafia killed tens of thousands of rural farmers in Magdalena Medio.” Daza clarified in his interview that the opposition to the president’s proposal is not about giving land to these victims, but rather because it could harm the economic epicenter of the region’s tourism industry. ¿Y al economía de todo el Magdalena medio no es sembrar alimentos y agroindustrializarlos? ¿Por qué no se protestó cuando la mafia mató decenas de miles de xampesinos del magadalena medio y se apropiaron de sus tierras? ¿Por qué hacer justicia con el campesinado es motivo de… https://t.co/VPtS8hUzOw — Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 4, 2025 Escobar’s legacy Although there is an effort to dissociate the park from Pablo Escobar, tourists still come partly attracted to visit the hacienda that belonged to the capo and still bears its original name. In that hot and extremely humid area by the Magdalena River, Escobar built his retreat, which over time became a reflection of his rise and ultimate fall . At the height of his power in the 1980s, the hacienda was home to giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos that the drug lord brought from Africa. It featured a bullring, race cars, dozens of swimming pools, buildings with luxurious rooms, a runway, and a heliport. It was also the meeting place for Escobar and his Medellín cartel partners like Carlos Lehder and Gonzalo Rodríguez Gacha. It was the place where, with criminal money, he made all his fantasies come true. During Escobar’s life, the hacienda’s entrance was striking: a several-meter-high white arch with blue letters displaying the property’s name, topped by a small airplane — the very plane with which the drug lord made his first cocaine shipment to the United States. After Escobar’s death, the arch was demolished, though today, inside the theme park, a scaled replica serves as the entrance to a museum exhibiting photographs, texts, and objects that explain — in Spanish and English — the deadly impact the drug trafficker’s battle against extradition had on Colombia — a conflict marked by bombs, kidnappings, and murders. Decades later, the wounds and memory of that era of unrestrained violence remain very visible. Escobar’s legacy continues to loom large, as seen in Petro’s plan to hand over hacienda, as well as other recent decisions against so-called narcotours, such as the 2019 demolition of the Mónaco building — which was Escobar and his family’s home in Medellín and a target of attacks by his enemies — or the 2023 demolition of the Pablo Escobar House Museum , also in Medellín and run by Roberto, Escobar’s brother. Regardless of whether the government’s plan is carried out, the fact remains that Escobar’s criminal legacy continues to surface in public debates in Colombia.;0,466666667
"Scissors, guns, and drugs: Stories of Spanish seasonal workers on California’s illegal marijuana farms  The historic Highway 101, the so-called “drug highway,” connects California’s Emerald Triangle. There, seasonal marijuana laborers or “trimmers” look for work on farms along a 250-mile stretch along a route that has served as a clandestine artery for drug trafficking into Mexico since the 1970s. The financial media outlet Business Insider estimates that some 150,000 people travel each season to these mountains, where 60% of the cannabis consumed in the United States is grown. Waiters, lawyers, teachers, street vendors... Young and old, with or without higher education, grab scissors to cut marijuana for three months, using the money they earn to pay for rent, medical treatment, or master’s degrees. Isabel, 26, had already donated three eggs to pay for her driver’s license and buy a car when she was 21. She was tired of smiling for eight hours for tips as a waitress in a bar in San Sebastián , Spain. She couldn’t make many plans for the future. On one of her days off, which she usually spent drinking coffee and chatting with friends, one of them suggested: “Let’s go to California. In three months we’ll make $10,000 harvesting marijuana, and then we’ll come back.” Five years later, she explains by phone that she has just concluded her journey to the United States. Requesting anonymity like the rest of the interviewees, she is one of that small, invisible army of Spaniards who decide to cross the pond to work on illegal cannabis farms located in Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties in northern California. “I have a friend who saw a guy killed right in front of him in Covelo [Mendocino] because they thought he had stolen weed. And an Italian friend who was shot in the chest and stabbed because he entered the wrong farm at night high. He survived because he was taken to the hospital by helicopter,” she says. Nature overflows into the scattered towns of the Emerald Triangle and protects the marijuana havens. The hippie communities of the 1970s, many of which have now become a kind of cannabis cooperative, saw in this fertile land and in the invisibility afforded by the enormous sequoia trees a perfect alternative to urban life. Thus began this unstoppable industry for California sheriffs. Although the “white spots” — greenhouses where the trimmers work — are recognizable among the valleys as one enters the mountains, the Marijuana Enforcement Team Operation (MET), the special Humboldt unit dedicated to dismantling illegally operating plantations, is unable to burst the bubble. Only when they deploy helicopters can they dismantle some of the farms, uproot the plants, and burn them. According to data from the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) website — a department created in 2022 to eradicate the illegal marijuana trade in California — nearly $600 million worth of unauthorized cannabis was seized in 2024, 583,000 plants were eradicated, and 167 firearms were confiscated in 380 operations. Since 2016, marijuana use has been legal in California for those aged over 21. The law does, however, limit the amount that can be carried (one ounce, or about 28 grams) and the amount that can be grown: six plants and only for personal use. The legalization of recreational marijuana has nearly wiped out small farmers and sown the seeds for score-settling and disappearances. Sett, on his family farm in Eureka, recalls: “My grandfather used to pay seasonal workers a lot more. They screwed me over because I have to compete with legal companies and traffickers. If I want to legalize my production, I have to give 30% of my profits to the state, and another 15% goes to the trimmers’ salaries. It’s impossible; it’s not profitable for me.” Around 20 day laborers work on his farm each season to harvest an investment of about $500,000 in marijuana. That’s why many join cooperatives to increase profits in the legal market. Although some continue to sell on the black market. According to the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), an organization founded in 1995 that promotes cannabis legalization, the United States has raised more than $20 billion from the legal cannabis industry in the last 10 years. These figures are supported by Reuters reports. According to the agricultural consulting firm Era Economics, 1.4 million pounds (635,000 kilograms) of legal cannabis were produced in California in 2024, while total consumption in the state was 3.8 million pounds (1.7 million kilograms). Trimmers at a farm run by a Bulgarian organization in Alderpoint in 2019. Luis Velasco A seasonal worker at a farm in Alderpoint, 2019. Luis Velasco Hmong community members and trimmers in Alderpoint, 2019. Luis Velasco Exterior of the farm run by a Bulgarian organization in Alderpoint, 2019. Luis Velasco A tent where trimmers slept and cooked at the Bulgarian organization's farm in Alderpoint, 2019. Luis Velasco The peak period for labor is between September and January. During these months, U.S. cooperatives and small producers, along with networks from Mexico, Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, and China, harvest their crops on land that is often rented. They require a significant amount of labor for two types of tasks: harvesting, where the plant is cared for and cut, earning around $100 a day; and trimming, the final step before marijuana enters the legal or illegal market. Here, the buds are trimmed, cleaned of branches and leaves, and packaged in 453-gram (one-pound) bags. Between 2000 and 2021, when the Hmong communities — the Chinese ethnic group who are the fastest in the trade with a pair of scissors — had not yet taken root, nor had Eastern European mafias or Mexican cartels burst into these mountains, trimming was remunerated at more than $300 per bag. Five years ago, on the best farms, the price was barely $150. Despite this, a young Spaniard earned more than the minimum monthly wage in Spain in four days. Now, cannabis taxes and the impact of the black market have set the range between $30 and $80 per pound. A novice trimmer can make two bags in five hours, depending on their skill with school-sized scissors whose curved tips shape the bud. Isabel had everything planned: which airports to avoid, which visa to obtain, and where to open a bank account. “My parents weren’t happy about it, but for me it was an opportunity. It has its risks, and there are a lot of sons of bitches who don’t pay you,” she says now. She borrowed money and landed in California. “Sleeping in a sleeping bag in those freezing temperatures, depending on someone who has a car, constantly trimming… It was a huge change. Not everyone is cut out for this,” she explains. In her first four seasons, she made $4,000 in three months. Far from the $10,000 she had imagined. “What they don’t tell you is that many of the farms don’t have hot water or a place to cook or sleep. But the weed is usually awesome and it’s worth it,” she recalls. Redondo, 32, also heard from a friend that the solution to the family’s ruin lay in California. He first came from Toledo, in central Spain, to the Emerald Triangle when he was 26. Before cutting marijuana for Russians, Americans, and Mexicans, he worked as a waiter and kitchen assistant in London, sold contracts for energy company Iberdrola door-to-door for €15 ($17) an hour in Castilla-La Mancha, and was a lifeguard in Mallorca, where he also worked at a catering company. All this to pay for a €2,000 ($2,276) bartending course that never led him anywhere. In less than three months, the time limit set on the tourist visa (ESTA) for Spaniards on U.S. soil, he returned with $5,000. But it wasn’t enough. He returned twice more. Garberville was his first stop. Psychedelic murals decorate the facades of local buildings and businesses, serving as a trading point for the belongings of trimmers returning home. It’s also common to find posters of those who have gone missing in the mountains. EL PAÍS tried unsuccessfully to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department to find out the number of marijuana-related disappearances. The regional newspaper North Coast Journal reported in 2018 that between 2000 and 2016, there was an average of 717 missing persons per year, many of them related to the illegal cannabis industry. On one side of Garberville’s main road, which bisects the town, Ray’s Food Place emerges, the supermarket’s parking lot serving as an employment office. Groups of “trimmigrants,” easily recognizable by their baggy pants, worn sweatshirts, old t-shirts, and muddy boots, await their next job. Days, even weeks, in which they kill time between American Spirit cigarettes, joints, and conversations recounting their experiences on the farms, giving rise to new WhatsApp groups. Nights where they learn to sleep on the asphalt accompanied by tweakers or vagrants who have lost their minds to methamphetamine . The routine is always the same: breakfast in the parking lot and waiting for a farmer (owner) to roll down the window of his dusty pickup truck and ask, “Do you want to work?” During this initial meeting, conditions are agreed upon, such as access to a bathroom, food, or where to pitch the tent. “The first year, you agree to anything. You don’t ask how much the weed weighs, how many trimmers there are, or how long you’ll be there. You grab your sleeping bag and go. You’re so desperate that all you think about is making money. They brought us trays of methamphetamines to keep us working,” Redondo recalls. Isabel agrees that desperation can play tricks on you in the mountains, where there’s hardly any cell phone coverage. “If I saw I could be in danger, I’d leave,” she emphasizes, recalling how a Mexican boss grabbed a female companion by the neck when she tried to trick him with a pound weight: “I couldn’t do anything. The first thought is to throw myself at them, but then you see the weapons and think it’s better to do nothing. Just scream.” Redondo also felt a cold sweat break out all over his body several times: “We were trimming in Eureka. Suddenly, the farmer came in high on drugs, saying we had stolen a submachine gun to get his marijuana. He took us all outside and emptied our cars and suitcases. He made two Argentinians kneel. He held a shotgun to their heads. They were crying and begging him not to kill them. When I tried to mediate, he made me walk and pointed it at my back. That’s when I thought: it’s over. But another trimmer found the gun inside the house, and it all came to nothing.” Marijuana farms follow a clear hierarchy. At the top are the farmers, who own the land and make the rules. One step below are the growers, in charge of organizing the work and agreeing on the conditions with the trimmers, who occupy the bottom rung. The boss’s rule varies depending on who you work for. Russians avoid any trickery by weighing each pound before and after. Mexicans, Bulgarians, and Albanians prefer chaos: they place a plastic bucket overflowing with marijuana in the middle of the room, from which each seasonal worker takes what they can, which generates conflict over who gets the heaviest share. Because the slower one is, the more money the other makes. Americans, unpredictable, alternate between rigidity and disorder. On the vast majority of farms, bags are signed with each seasonal worker’s ID to avoid fights. A trimmer at a farm in Eureka, 2019. Luis Velasco A marijuana plantation in Eureka, 2019. Luis Velasco Seasonal workers in Eureka, 2019. Luis Velasco Tents for seasonal workers at a farm in Eureka in 2019. Luis Velasco The insecurity in the Emerald Triangle doesn’t stem solely from those with guns. Lacking papers and health insurance, seasonal workers often pose as homeless people in order to receive hospital care. “They know you’re a trimmer. They’re used to it, like the police. You sign a document saying you’re living in your car parked on a random street, and they treat you,” explains Redondo, who for two months had a “large, infected cut that wouldn’t heal” on his hand. Those returning to the Emerald Triangle after having to leave the U.S. because their visas expired avoid American airports. Thus, all trimmers have a phone number for someone named Coyote, Guillermo, or Juan at Mexican customs who reopens the doors. Isabel, Redondo, and Unai (33) always returned through the endless stretch of Tijuana border crossing after almost using up their 90-day visa. While “stripping weed” during his first season, Unai learned that Mexican customs would stamp passports for $100 on “any date you want.” “The key is to cross the border on foot or by car and not use up all the days on your visa, in case they ask you something when you enter the United States,” he explains in a video call. He has trimmed buds on more than 20 farms in three years, sometimes “with up to 100 people at a time” and in very precarious conditions. “My days were work, work, and work. And I stopped as little as possible to eat. But even when I didn’t trim for four or five months, I made more money that year than in Spain,” he explains. Like so many others, many of the farmers didn’t pay him for his work, but that hasn’t stopped him from buying land in Cancún. He’s not afraid. He assures us he’ll return in the coming months: “If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have what I have today.” Before returning, some trimmers agree with farmers to continue their work in Spain, especially in Catalonia and Andalusia. Last year, the Mossos d’Esquadra (the Catalan regional police) dismantled 439 plantations, 56 of which were farms like those in California, which are declining due to the drought affecting the region . In 2021, the Mossos dismantled more than 200 such facilities. Ramón Chacón, head of Criminal Investigation for the Mossos, nods when the landscape of tents, trimmers, and criminal networks in Eastern Europe and China is described to him. He explains that half of the more than 2,000 seasonal marijuana workers they arrest each year are “young Spaniards working in appalling conditions, with no criminal record and unaware that they are part of a criminal organization.” Only in Catalonia are more drugs seized than in Italy. Chacón recalls the case of Pol Cugat, a young university student murdered more than three years ago while guarding a plantation in Les Borges Blanques (Lleida) with three friends, whose body disappeared: “They came to report it, and when we got to the farm, the body was gone. We’re still investigating.” A plantation owner's house in Garberville, in 2019. Luis Velasco Exterior of a farm in Garberville, 2019. Luis Velasco The Mossos d’Esquadra mapping reveals that the greenhouses are increasingly moving toward the Pyrenees to hinder the search. “The paradox is that the drug we view most favorably is the one that is causing the most homicides, the most organized crime, the most human trafficking, the most drug robberies, and the most kidnappings,” says Chacón, who points out that they have awarded a contract to three companies worth €334,700 ($382,420) to clear the plantations. Son (40) picks up his phone to be interviewed. He’s in Spain, at a beach bar. The music pierces the phone’s microphone during the conversation. He returned from California in February. He’s been going to the same American farms in Humboldt and Trinity for 10 years. The most he’s ever earned was $54,000 in nine months, not including food, hotels, and leisure travel. “That stuff about making $10,000 in three months is a lie. You make $4,000 if you’re lucky. I know a lot of people who came with an idea for their projects and didn’t get anywhere near it,” he stresses. He doesn’t recommend anyone venture into the mountains of the Emerald Triangle now. The marijuana business has changed, it’s become more obscure, and current prices don’t match the sacrifice, he says. “Now what makes the money is hashish,” he explains. — So why are you going back? — I’m only going for a couple of months, with my usual bosses. It’s a way to be free and not be a slave to society. If you’re a good worker, it’s like any other job. The American dream is within each of us. Isabel isn’t considering a return: “I want to get away from that world. Travel and work in Europe with my truck, which is what I’ve always wanted.” Redondo says the money he earned in California gave him freedom, a cushion, and the ability to help his parents. “But you’re very scared because it seems like this is going to be your life. And you ask yourself: Do I really have to do this? What I want is to spend time with my family and friends.” — What if the need reappeared? — Ask a soldier if he would go back to war.";0,125
"Andy Warhol and Brazilian Pop Art converse in São Paulo  Pop art enthusiasts can take advantage of the opportunity to visit São Paulo, where, seemingly by chance, two major complementary exhibitions are being held at the same time for several weeks. One is dedicated to Andy Warhol (1928-1987), a global star and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, thanks to a body of work that seems tailor-made for these times of Instagram and fleeting fame. Visitors can reconnect in person with the originals of works central to the popular imagination, such as Marilyn Monroe, Mao, and Pelé, The King of Soccer. The other exhibition is an immersion in what Brazilian Pop Art was like in the 1960s and 1970s, at the height of the dictatorship, through the work created by around 100 artists. Here, political criticism is an essential ingredient, along with icons such as Che Guevara, Roberto Carlos, and yes, also Pelé. Warhol's ""Work Clothes,"" foreground, next to the ""Victor Hugo"" portraits, at the FAAP Museum exhibition in São Paulo last Tuesday. Lela Beltrão The organizers attribute the coincidence of both exhibitions in the great Brazilian metropolis to mere chance. Pop Brasil: Vanguarda e nova figuração, 1960-70 is the title of the season’s major exhibition at the Pinacoteca, a public museum. The exhibition, which has just opened, brings together 250 pieces by around 100 artists, including a significant number of female artists whom the curators have selected to place front and center alongside their male contemporaries. The exhibition will be open until October and will then travel to the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) in Argentina. Andy Warhol: Pop Art! , which closes at the end of the month at the private Brazilian Art Museum FAAP, is billed as the largest exhibition outside the United States dedicated to the unique artist, unbeatable self-promoter, and founder of The Factory in New York. It brings together 600 original works from the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the epicenter of the steel industry and Andrew Warhola’s hometown. The iconic painting titled 'Mao', on display at the FAAP Museum until the end of the month. Lela Beltrão Pop art took its first steps in the United Kingdom, but reached its peak in the United States. Although Brazil tropicalized pop art with it intense colors, humor, irony, images from television and advertising, and industrial reproduction techniques such as silkscreen printing, it has distinct hallmarks that distinguish it from the American style, explains Pollyana Quintella, one of the curators. “While the United States is undergoing a process of full-blown industrialization and creating a consumer society with mass-produced quality products, in Brazil, industrialization is more contradictory and delayed, fraught with conflict,” he says in an interview at the Pinacoteca. “Here, the workmanship of the works is more precarious.” A painting from Warhol's series dedicated to Campbell's soup cans and exhibited in São Paulo, at the FAAP Museum. Lela Beltrão In the United States, playfulness prevails, while social criticism is more cynical, says the specialist. During that time, Brazil suffered the years of military rule , which shut down Congress and intensified censorship. This repressive and somber atmosphere was challenged by creators. “Brazilian artists understand art as an instrument of social transformation and embrace its political role, intervening in public debate,” Quintella emphasizes. A visitor at the exhibition 'Pop Brazil: Avant-garde and New Figuration, 1960-70', at the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, last Tuesday. Lela Beltrão Some of the works refer to resistance against censorship or the criminalization of poverty. It was in this context that one of the iconic works of this period in Brazil was born: the 1968 print by Hélio Oiticica with the motto Seja marginal, seja herói ( Be marginal, be a hero ). It shows a man lying dead on the ground, his arms crossed, after shooting himself while cornered by the police. This was one of the silkscreened banners that starred in the so-called Happening of the Flags , in a square next to Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, promoted by a group of artists eager to turn their backs on museums, occupy the streets, and democratize art. It’s ironic that, almost six decades later, these pieces, located one by one with enormous effort, solemnly welcome us into an art gallery. A portrait of Pelé by Warhol in the gallery dedicated to athletes. Lela Beltrão The Warhol exhibition was packed with visitors on a recent Sunday. Few passed up the opportunity to take a selfie or pose next to the portraits of Elvis , Liza Minnelli, Blondie, or the unique reinterpretation of the leader of the Chinese Communist Party. Warhol, with an eye for business and another for questioning the limits of art, persuaded wealthy and powerful people in the U.S. to buy a painting of Comrade Mao for their living rooms in 1973, a year after President Nixon’s historic visit to Beijing and in the midst of the Cold War. The Campbell’s cans, which launched him to stardom, reign in one of the FAAP museum’s galleries, which display other everyday objects that Warhol reinterpreted long before the verb entered the vocabulary. Also on display are pieces from his early days as a cartoonist for luxury brands, experimental films, and several series of his famous Polaroids, the hallmark of that New York art factory where legendary parties mingled with established figures from the world of art, rock, and fashion. These somewhat yellowed portraits showcase a who’s who of the moment: Muhammad Ali, Bianca Jagger, Truman Capote, Sonia Rykel... One of Warhol's famous series of Polaroids, featuring portraits of Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, Blondie, Liza Minnelli, Lennon, and Yokohama, among others. Lela Beltrão Two metro stops away, back at the Pinacoteca, the 1966 work Adoração by Nelson Leirner plays with ambiguity, with a neon silhouette of Roberto Carlos surrounded by Catholic saints, who is both praise and criticism. The real Roberto Carlos got involved and attended the opening. In the same room, astronauts watch, from a painting on the opposite wall, other Brazilian stars such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, and Elis Regina, who made their debut on popular television competitions. Brazilian Pop Art also explored female desire and inequality, the great scourge that has plagued the country for centuries. Here, as a reminder, are Rubens Gerchman’s Elevator Social and Elevator Service (1966), exhibited together for the first time. Far from being a relic, classist elevators that distinguish between tenants and staff are common in upper-middle-class towers. Gilberto Gil, Roberto Carlos, and other artists are portrayed in Brazilian pop art paintings in the exhibition, which is open at the Pinacoteca until October. Lela Beltrão These two pop art exhibitions are connected by Pelé, a tribute to his role as the most universal Brazilian of all time. A global icon, thanks to the fact that his artistry with a soccer ball coincided with the arrival of television in millions of homes around the world. Alongside him, other paintings celebrate the national team that lifted Brazil to the heavens by winning five World Cups. “We’ve made a small selection,” says the curator, “because it would take a whole exhibition of pop art and football alone.”";0,175
"Chapter 4: Trump, a bully in the White HouseSince Donald Trump entered the political arena, opinion polls have consistently agreed on one point: his ability to project the image of a strongman capable of enforcing his agenda. Last year was no exception. When Gallup asked voters about the strength of the candidates, 65% of independents viewed the Republican as strong, compared to just 42% who said the same about his opponent, Kamala Harris. In voters’ eyes, Trump was seen as less moral, less trustworthy, and even less likable than his rival. But he had guts — he had the strength to push his proposals through. And for many, that was enough to earn their vote — especially among those who were eager to blow up the system. To maintain that image of a strongman, the Republican has relied on the same tactic from the beginning: attack and ridicule . Trump behaves like the schoolyard bully — the kid who doesn’t care about being liked because he knows he can get what he wants through fear and insults, by overpowering the weaker ones. During the last campaign, he went so far as to call undocumented immigrants “animals. ” He has also given his opponents countless derogatory nicknames. There’s even a Wikipedia entry that lists the names he has coined — now numbering over 100. With these characterizations, his goal is not only to polarize, but often to strip others of their humanity — creating a simpler, more visceral “us versus them” divide, as philosopher Martha Nussbaum suggests in The Monarchy of Fear . Moreover, his aggressive style reinforces his image as an anti-establishment figure — a man who has come to tear down the existing order, a core element of his narrative. That’s why he never backs down, never retreats from his mission to steamroll his opponents and certain social groups, both politically and personally. The following sections present data and examples illustrating six aspects of Trump’s political bullying. A barrage of threats and insults Trump views threats, disdain, and intimidation as tools of negotiation — both in domestic and foreign policy. The clearest example of this has been his use of tariffs to pressure Mexico and Canada into adopting specific border security measures. But his repertoire of threats extends far beyond that. He frequently talks about expanding U.S. territory, denigrating countries like Canada , Denmark , and Panama . He also regularly targets undocumented immigrants and judges — at times resorting to outright insults. Targeting political rivals One of Trump’s favorite ways to assert his power is by ridiculing his political opponents. Since the Democrats still lack a clear, undisputed national leader, Trump continues to direct much of his fire at Joe Biden, who left the White House with low approval ratings. According to an NBC study , during his first 100 days, Trump mentioned Biden — his family or his presidency — 580 times across social media posts and public statements, averaging six times per day. He has also found time to attack other figures, often without directly naming them or referencing their positions. Mockery serves as a strategy to elevate himself above his targets and reinforce the image that he is the most powerful player in the arena. Oval Office reprimands Foreign leaders risk becoming the target of public scoldings in the Oval Office if they fail to comply with Trump’s demands. He seems to take particular pleasure in reprimanding those in weaker or more dependent positions — such as Ukraine and South Africa. And Trump doesn’t always do it alone. In the case of Ukraine, Vice President J.D. Vance joined him; in the case of South Africa, it was billionaire Elon Musk who stood by his side. Targeting the vulnerable Trump tends to attack disadvantaged or vulnerable groups to gain political advantage or to position them as examples of what could happen to others who oppose him. During the campaign, he targeted transgender people in an ad against Kamala Harris. Less than two weeks into his presidency, he accused workers with special needs at the Federal Aviation Administration, blaming them for a helicopter and commercial plane collision. More than 250 immigrants have been deported and detained in a prison in El Salvador without due process, and the president later warned that he would consider doing the same to U.S. citizens. Highlighting the suffering of immigrants Eighty-nine percent of voters who considered immigration the most important issue in the United States chose Trump in the 2024 election. For this reason, one of his main objectives is to project strength against undocumented immigrants, and both the president and the White House’s social media accounts use bullying tactics to do so. They create original content designed to make deportation news go viral — videos of security patrols or detentions set to trendy music, AI-generated images inspired by dramatic photos of deported immigrants, and even immersive sensory videos showing people being expelled. Restraining the bully? Trump has made confrontation a cornerstone of his leadership. He publicly clashes with individuals and institutions to pressure them into doing what he wants. And if he can’t succeed through verbal sparring, he resorts to other coercive measures. He systematically challenges judges, the media, intelligence agencies, and electoral oversight bodies, portraying them as part of a conspiracy aimed at preventing him from fulfilling his mission. However, since arriving at the White House, the judiciary has become a check on his power , blocking or reversing a significant number of his decisions. To find out more Books: Martha C. Nussbaum: The Monarchy of Fear Ruth Amossy: L’argumentation dans le discours Antoni Gutiérrez-Rubi: Gestionar las emociones políticas Catherine Orecchioni: L e Discours polémique Articles: Adam Tooze: Bullying as a mode of power Beatriz Gallardo Paúls: Insultos políticos: la desinformación emocional Gil Duran: TACO: The Frame That Exposes Trump’s Fear of Looking Weak Santiago Castelo: Políticos Violentos. Un análisis de la agresión en el discurso político en Twitter Liz Willen: Trump is bullying, blackmailing and threatening colleges, and they are just beginning to fight back Tony Volk: As an expert in bullying, I have advice on dealing with Trump Antoni Gutiérrez-Rubí: Animales Podcast: New York Times Podcast: Trump’s Era of International Bullying";0,5375
A dinosaur’s last supper: Gut of a 100-million-year-old sauropod sheds light on its diet Ever since the first dinosaur fossils were discovered, scholars have maintained that sauropods — the largest of them all — were herbivores. This was supported by logic, knowledge of food chains, the shape of their teeth, the length of their necks, and their size and slowness, which would have made it difficult for them to chase other animals. But there was little direct evidence, such as coprolites (fossilized feces) or, even rarer, cololites (fossilized gut contents). That is, until now: a team of researchers details in the journal Current Biology the discovery of the cololite of a young sauropod that lived in what is now northeastern Australia. In its stomach was its last meal — a varied diet of conifers, ferns, and leaves from early angiosperms, the first flowering plants. They also observed that it barely chewed its food. “There has been scientific consensus on the plant-based diet of sauropods for more than 150 years. However, no definitive intestinal contents from a sauropod had ever been found before, which is why our fossil is so significant,” says Stephen Poropat, a researcher at Curtin University in Australia and lead author of the study, in an email. “This finding confirms several hypotheses about sauropod diets that had been proposed based on studies of their anatomy and comparisons with modern animals,” he adds. Discovered in 2015 a few miles from Winton, in the state of Queensland, the sauropod specimen was a young dinosaur that already measured eleven meters long. It was a Diamantinasaurus matildae , a species that lived in Australia during the Cretaceous period. In this case, researchers estimate it died between 94 and 101 million years ago. When they began excavating the fossil, paleontologists discovered a strange rocky mass in what would have been the abdominal area. Measuring two by one meters, up to one meter thick, and with a volume of 100 liters, it is the first confirmed cololite from a sauropod. And despite the passage of time, it reveals almost everything about the diet of the largest animals ever to have walked the Earth. Artistic reconstruction of 'Diamantinasaurus matildae,' which could reach up to 16 meters in length and weigh over 20 tons. The remains found belong to a juvenile measuring around 11 meters. Travis Tischler “Our sauropod preserved remains of at least four different types of plants in its intestinal contents: Araucaria [a genus of conifers], Austrosequoia [related to modern redwoods], seed ferns, and angiosperms [flowering plants],” explains the Australian researcher. Although many modern herbivores are specialized in grasses, those had not yet evolved — especially not in that part of the world. The study allows for a more detailed understanding of the dinosaur’s diet: among the conifers, most of what was found were bracts — modified leaves that protect the fruit. From the ferns, they found fruits of an extinct species. And from the angiosperms, leaves from various species. In any case, Poropat adds, “our sauropod’s diet was quite varied.” So, sauropods were generalists, browsing both high and low, which gives many clues about their environment. As hatchlings, sauropods had access only to plants near the ground, but as they grew, so did their dietary options. Moreover, the prevalence of small shoots, bracts, and pods in the cololite suggests that young Diamantinasaurus fed on the young shoots of conifers and seed ferns, which are easier to digest. The fact that they ate angiosperm leaves is significant for researchers, as this type of plant had only recently appeared on Earth. The first flowering plants in the fossil record were found in what is now the Iberian Peninsula around 130 million years ago . By the time they reached the stomach of the young D. matildae , Australia was still connected to what would become Antarctica, though both had long since separated from Gondwana. So angiosperms must have taken some time to arrive. “Angiosperms had spread more or less worldwide before 100 million years ago, and in the flora of the Winton Formation [where the cololite was found], they co-dominated alongside conifers and seed ferns, which is a testament to their success,” notes Poropat. But it also shows the adaptability of dinosaurs, which knew how to incorporate them into their diets. The researchers emphasize that, long before large herbivorous mammals, it was the large dinosaurs who prepared the planet for flowering plants. Angiosperms are known for developing physical or chemical defenses against herbivores, for regenerating and reproducing quickly, and, as the Australian researcher highlights, “for enclosing their seeds in fruits that, when consumed and eventually excreted by herbivores, are widely dispersed in piles of ready-made fertilizer [feces].” The analysis of the plant remains in the cololite offers one final clue about sauropods: the presence of only lightly chewed leaves and nearly intact shoots shows that this young dinosaur barely chewed its food, leaving the processing and digestion to its gut flora . This hypothesis has long been proposed, as sauropods lacked teeth adapted for chewing: all their teeth are the same and suited for snipping vegetation, not grinding it. “The intestinal contents of our sauropod support this idea, because many of the plants it ate can still be identified because they weren’t chewed up,” concludes Poropat, who also cautions that it would be risky to assume that all sauropods ate exactly what this young dinosaur consumed shortly before it died.;0
"NATO’s Rutte: ‘We’re all on the eastern flank now’ – POLITICO Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within 5 years. Let’s not kid ourselves, we’re all on the eastern flank now,"" Rutte said in a speech at Chatham House in London, referring to the range of Russian missiles. “The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defense. The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defense plans in full. The fact is, danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends,"" he added. Rutte — a former Dutch prime minister who now heads the transatlantic military alliance at a critical moment for global security — also met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who's facing an uphill struggle to increase defense spending. The NATO chief's speech comes ahead of a high-stakes summit in The Hague later this month, which will mark America-first U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the NATO scene. As NATO officials brace for Trump's unpredictability during the summit, Rutte also tried to push back against fears that the U.S. could militarily disengage from Europe, as Washington sees China as its main security threat. ""Will there be a sudden withdrawal of U.S. troops? No,"" he told the audience, but added that Washington's pivot to focus more on Asia was ""only logical."" That shift will be a step-by-step approach that will leave no capability gaps for NATO in Europe, Rutte insisted. More money, more weapons Allies are expected to agree at the summit to a new Trump-backed spending target of 5 percent of GDP — 3.5 percent for purely military expenditures and 1.5 percent for other, yet-to-be-defined defense-related items. That’s a huge increase compared to the current 2 percent goal. Southern flank nations, such as Italy and Spain, reluctantly agreed to meet the current objective only this year — more than a decade after it was first agreed at a summit in Wales — and will not veto the new objective. Convincing Madrid was especially tricky, as the southern European country doesn't see Russia as an immediate security threat. Last week, NATO defense ministers approved fresh so-called capability targets — meaning new requirements for military equipment to implement the alliance’s regional defense plans against a potential Russian attack. While the details are classified, the priorities include air and missile defense, large formations of land forces, long-range capabilities and logistics. NATO allies need “a 400 percent increase in air and missile defence … Our militaries also need thousands more armored vehicles and tanks, millions more artillery shells, and we must double our enabling capabilities, such as logistics, supply, transportation, and medical support,” Rutte said Monday. Governments are also on track to purchase more warships, drones, long-range missiles and aircraft — including at least 700 U.S.-made F-35 warplanes, he added. ""When it comes to ammunition, Russia produces in three months what the whole of NATO produces in a year,"" Rutte warned.";-0,225
"Macron claims win in fight to save oceans — but there’s work to do – POLITICO NICE, France — An international agreement on protecting the world's oceans could soon enter into force as French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that enough countries have ""formally committed"" to ratifying the so-called High Seas Treaty. ""While the Earth is warming, the ocean is boiling,"" Macron said. ""Our scientists are telling us things we could never have imagined: heat waves in the very heart of our oceans. And as the sea rises, in addition to fire, submersion is on the horizon."" The ocean generates more than half of the planet's oxygen and absorbs 30 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. But with marine and coastal ecosystems facing multiple threats — including the impact of climate change as well as pressures from fishing and pollution — that could all change. Ocean oxygen content is decreasing globally, according to a 2024 UNESCO report , and ocean warming is happening at an unprecedented and accelerating rate. ""The ocean is our greatest ally, whether you live here in Europe, or anywhere in the world,"" said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. ""But if we neglect the ocean, if we treat it without respect, it will turn against us,"" she added, pointing to the ""ever more violent storms [that] ravage our coasts."" Macron and von der Leyen spoke at the third United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC) in Nice, France, where delegations from more than 120 countries, including more than 50 heads of state and government, are gathered in an attempt to resuscitate the world's long-suffering oceans. The High Seas Treaty — or the the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), as it's officially known — sets standards for the creation of marine protected areas in international waters, among other measures. It can only be implemented once at least 60 countries have officially ratified it. The agreement will, supporters hope, go a long way toward protecting 30 percent of the planet’s lands and seas by 2030 as foreseen in the COP15 biodiversity agreement reached in December. Thanks to 15 countries which have newly ""formally committed to joining"" — on top of the 50 or so ratifications already submitted — the High Seas Treaty will soon be implemented, Macron said Monday morning. ""So that's a win,"" he said. Our greatest ally The French president was flanked by von der Leyen, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves, who is cohosting the conference. ""The sea is our first ally against global warming ,"" Macron said in his opening speech. ""Today, we are inches away from the 60 signatures for ratification,"" said von der Leyen. ""So to bring the High Seas Treaty to life, Europe will contribute €40 million to the Global Ocean Programme. So I ask you all today: Please speed up ratification, because our ocean needs us to play [our] part."" Von der Leyen also promised a €1 billion investment in 50 projects around the world, both for “those who make a living from the sea” and the “scientists and conservationists who seek to protect it.” A third of that money would go to research and scientific projects. The EU ratified the treaty last month. Lula, in his own opening speech Monday, announced that Brazil would also soon be ratifying the treaty. Environmental groups are encouraged by Macron's announcement, which follows weeks of speculation over whether the 60-country threshold for ratification would be reached in Nice. ""Countries have finally stopped dragging their feet and it is hoped we can now move forward with protection of one of the most important areas for biodiversity on Earth — the high seas,"" said Catherine Weller, global policy director for Fauna & Flora. ""We now need those countries that have committed to ratification to get the final technicalities over the line — and then the real work needs to begin,"" she added. Weller urged leaders to follow ""best practices"" in designing connected networks of ""high-quality, well-managed"" marine protected areas. They should safeguard the migratory routes of critically endangered species like whales and sharks, for example. Elephant (not) in the room The United States is conspicuous in its absence from Nice, having decided to skip the conference, as reported by POLITICO last week. A State Department spokesperson said the conference is “at odds” with positions held by the current U.S. administration. The conference, which ends Friday, is an opportunity for countries to discuss and present new agreements on topics from environmental financing and deep-sea mining to illegal fishing and bottom-trawling. The summit aims to promote enduring uses of ocean resources — one of 17 sustainable development goals held by the United Nations. But the Trump administration has rejected those goals , calling them “inconsistent with U.S. sovereignty.” Macron took a dig at the absent delegation, flaunting a new scientific program aimed at exploring the world's oceans — the ""Neptune Mission"" — while the U.S. schemes to send astronauts to plant its flag on Mars. ""Rather than rushing off to Mars, let's already get to know our final frontier and our best friend, the ocean,"" said Macron. This article has been updated.";0,35
Beer-soaked nationalist rally in rural France turns into Marine Le Pen love-fest – POLITICOMORMANT-SUR-VERNISSON, France — After a rough start to 2025, the adulation of a beer-chugging crowd and the support of the European far right’s top brass might be just what the doctor ordered for Marine Le Pen. An all-star lineup of European nationalists including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, Czechia’s Andrej Babiš and Spain’s Santiago Abascal joined Le Pen in the small village of Mormant-sur-Vernisson, population 133, to celebrate one year since the parties that make up the Patriots for Europe group scored a major win in the European election. Organizers said more than 6,000 people were in attendance, mostly supporters of Le Pen’s National Rally from the local area, with some traveling from further afield.Those who spoke took turns at the podium relaying their traditional talking points on everything from gender identity to clamping down on mass migration as the crowd chowed down on Peruvian fusion empanadas and the Maghrebi sausage variety, Merguez. Everyone brought the love for Le Pen, who is facing a possible ban on running for president in 2027 after being found guilty of embezzlement in March. The verdict was handed down just months after the death of her father and political mentor , Jean-Marie. “Each passing day brings you closer to Marine Le Pen being president,” Abascal, the leader of Spain’s Vox party, told the crowd in French. “They won’t be able to stop her.” The strongest words of support for Le Pen came from Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who made the 1,200-kilometer trip to France to back his ally. Orbán lauded his “long-time friend” as a “courageous fighter” who “doesn’t betray” and “doesn’t let you down.” “France must be a very rich country if it can afford not to have Marine Le Pen as president,” he said. In turn, Le Pen praised Orbán’s Hungary as “a model of historical resistance to oppression” and “a leading nation in Europe,” endorsing its refusal to implement EU asylum laws .The final speech of the day belonged to Le Pen’s 29-year-old protégé, Jordan Bardella, who chairs the Patriots group in the European Parliament — and increasingly looks like a threat to Le Pen’s grip on her party. “We want to govern in France and we are preparing for it everyday,” Bardella said. The National Rally’s official plan — for now — is to have Bardella serve as prime minister if Le Pen wins the presidency. Le Pen will leave the sun-scorched cereal fields of Mormant-sur-Vernisson with a new title unanimously bestowed upon her by her peers: honorary president of the Patriots. The gesture is largely symbolic. On the one hand it reaffirms her primacy over France’s far right in the eyes of her international counterparts. But such laurels often come closer to the eulogy of a career than they do the apex of one. CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correct Santiago Abascal’s role in Spain’s Vox party.;-0,475
"Dutch brawl over airport noise sets tone for rest of Europe – POLITICOAMSTELVEEN, Netherlands — Winnie de Wit is very familiar with jet engines — between 400  and 700 airplanes roar over her house in Assendelft, a small town 30 kilometers north of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, every day and night. Enraged neighbors want the noise cut. Airlines and the city want it to remain a crucial hub. The fight has entangled the central government, Amsterdam’s city administration, the courts, local activists, airlines and business groups, the European Commission and even the United States. Meanwhile, other European airports are looking on nervously, worrying they’ll be next as the aviation industry runs into growing climate and environmental challenges. The battle over the airport has become so bitter that it’s even given rise to a new Dutch word, schiphollen , meaning “manipulation, lies and distortion of facts,” something people living near the airport say they’ve been subjected to. It all comes down to noise. Despite being located only 15 kilometers from the heart of Amsterdam, Schiphol is the EU’s busiest airport by flight numbers, last year seeing 473,814 flights. The government is planning to set a limit of 478,000 flights as of later this year — and the European Commission has given its conditional approval. But residents say that’s still way too many. De Wit says that the noise is affecting her quality of life. “Once I took my granddaughter outside to play, and in 15 minutes I counted 14 planes,” she said, showing on her phone a list of aircraft recorded with an app developed by grassroots anti-noise groups. According to Schiphol Airport , 142,400 people were seriously disturbed by airport noise in 2019, while 17,522 had severely disturbed sleep. Anti-noise NGOs say the real numbers are much higher . But the airline industry worries that a low flight limit will choke off growth at Schiphol and harm their bottom lines. “We’re not shying away from the desire of the Dutch state to reduce noise. We just want it done following a logical way of doing it, that does not disproportionately hit us,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, speaking in late March. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, a licensed commercial pilot, occasionally flies with KLM as a guest pilot. The airport is responsible for about 1 percent of Dutch GDP and over 100,000 jobs. The sector is so important that King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, a licensed commercial pilot, occasionally flies with KLM as a guest pilot. The far-right Freedom Party of Geert Wilders — the largest party in parliament — campaigned on a pro-Schiphol platform in the 2023 election. The airport “should continue to grow,” the party said. But if politicians don't come up with a solution, it may be imposed on the government by the courts. Dutch judges have a track record of making drastic decisions affecting entire sectors, such as agriculture , in order to protect the environment and people's health. Former Prime Minister Mark Rutte tried to solve the problem in 2023 by imposing a cap of 460,000 flights. But that sparked a backlash from both the EU and the U.S., and his government announced a hurried retreat after failing to get the Commission's approval. Tech fixes The industry feels the new proposed limit of 478,000 is far too low, and took the matter to court. Rather than limit flights, it argues that advances in airplane and engine design will do enough to cut noise. “The government says, ‘We want 20 percent less noise.’ The aircraft that we have bought, and that [manufacturers] are going to produce, [are] 20 percent less noisy. So we don't understand why there's an issue and why there has to be reduction in slots,” Air France-KLM's Smith said. Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, which operates only a few routes from Schiphol, is even more optimistic. “The new aircraft we're buying from Boeing … [are] 50 percent quieter” than previous models, he said. But Roberto Merino-Martinez, an aeronautics and aircraft noise researcher at the Delft University of Technology, said such a reduction won't halve the total sound emitted by planes that can be heard by the human ear, and that promising a percentage reduction is often a ""red flag,"" given the logarithmic nature of noise measurement. In its recent decision on the flight cap, the Commission set a number of conditions for its introduction. It urged the government to fully consider “the potential of fleet renewal to reduce aircraft noise” or other noise-reducing flight procedures, such as innovative landing and navigation techniques. The ambiguous decision disappointed many locals. The Commission’s demands “are exactly what the industry lobbies put forward all the time, almost literally. That's quite disturbing,” said Stefan Molenaar, who lives in Assendelft, the same town as de Wit. “The European Union is a very good institution for the consumers. But it's not always a good institution for citizens,” said Matt Poelmans, a retired civil servant who lives about 30 kilometers south of Schiphol. About 400 airplanes fly over his house every day, and he has installed a special microphone on his roof to prove the noise pollution. “Living comes before flying,” reads the banner in Dutch that Poelmans has carried at several demonstrations against the country’s government — which residents say is too accommodating to the airline industry. Roaring engines The government has a brutal message for people bothered by the noise: “I say to local residents: don't expect Schiphol to disappear. If it's going to define your life, you have to ask yourself if it's healthy to stay here,” Dutch Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener said in January. The industry also questions the impact of capping the number of flights even at the current fairly high level. “If you have somebody who wakes up [due to] the approach of an aircraft during the night, does it really matter if it’s eight times an hour or seven times an hour?” asked Seth van Straten, vice president for mainport strategy at KLM. Molenaar is one of the citizens who took the Dutch government to court, which found the state to be in violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects a person's private and family life and home. That ruling prompted Madlener, who declined POLITICO’s request for an interview, to propose the flight cap to the European Commission. To comply with the Commission’s request to limit airport capacity only as a last resort, the government will impose differentiated airport charges to encourage airlines to use their quietest aircraft. “Put together, the government expects these measures to have a significant impact: 15 percent less people experiencing severe noise nuisance by November 2025,” said Richard Funnekotter, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure, in a written response. Skeptical public It's not the first time Molenaar has heard such promises. “A lot of people don't believe our government anymore, so they stopped complaining because they feel schiphollen ,” he said. While the industry is bridling at the limits, locals and the Amsterdam city government feel they're too generous. “We want a shrinkage to 400,000 flights and the closure [of the airport] at night,” said Amsterdam's Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren, who is in talks with local governments across Europe to push the EU to do more about aircraft noise. Natuur en Milieu, a Dutch green NGO, wants the airport to rethink its business model and focus less on transfer passengers — who account for about a third of traffic — and instead concentrate on serving the Dutch national market. If the cap does go into effect, it would be a big victory for the activists who have fought Schiphol for decades, said Bert van Mourik, a program leader with the NGO. “Finally, for the first time in Europe, there's an airport where a reduction has been put in place. It's not the reduction we wanted. It doesn't make that big of a change at the moment, but we can still be happy with that … I do celebrate it as a victory,” he said. That’s a message that will be heard loud and clear in cities like Paris, Brussels, Dublin, Madrid and Warsaw, where growing airports are clashing with local activists. But not everyone wants fewer airplanes flying out of Schiphol. Not far from the Polderbaan, Schiphol's busiest runway, is a plane-spotting area that attracts tourists and photographers. “Some people are crazy,” said Gerard, waiting with his professional reflex camera to snap his favorite aircraft, when asked about the noise complaints. “I want more planes, they are not enough.”";0,15
"Poland’s Sikorski: Nationalist election win won’t derail fight against Russia – POLITICO WARSAW — Poland won't back away from its support for Ukraine or its growing role in the EU despite the government's defeat in last week's presidential election, the country's top diplomat told POLITICO on Monday. ""The presidency continues in the hands of the opposition,"" center-right Polish Foreign Minister Rados?aw Sikorski said following populist-nationalist Karol Nawrocki's victory, but insisted common ground could be found on key geopolitical issues. ""President Nawrocki comes from the [Law and Justice Party] side of the Polish political divide and I remind you that the majority of defense contracts that we are now financing were signed under the previous government, so I expect him to be pro-defense,"" the veteran Polish politician said. ""He clearly agrees with the national consensus that Russia has to be deterred."" According to Sikorski, a populist in a top job could even help smooth relations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Kremlin-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. ""They claim to have better relations with the White House. Indeed, President Nawrocki got endorsed with a photograph,"" Sikorski said, pointing to a pre-election photo-op held with Trump in the Oval Office. ""Now, we can play on two pianos at the same time."" Nawrocki, a political newcomer who secured the support of the former governing Law and Justice Party (PiS), was also backed by senior Trump administration officials including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who publicly called on Poles to vote him into office. He takes over the presidency from Andrzej Duda, a PiS politician who used the largely ceremonial role to hold up planned judicial reforms and other constitutional changes proposed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's center-right government. Sikorski added that if Nawrocki ""can persuade Viktor Orbán that Ukraine should be supported, that these vetoes [on Kyiv's accession to the EU] should be lifted, that Ukraine should be integrated into the West, we would be very pleased and we would support the president-elect in this issue."" Nawrocki's win over the governing party's centrist candidate Rafa? Trzaskowski last week created a crisis for Tusk, who has called a confidence vote in parliament for Wednesday in a bid to reassert his authority. ""I am confident that the confidence vote will be overwhelmingly for the government,"" Sikorski said.";-0,2
"Macron: Greenland is not up for grabs (nor is Antarctica) – POLITICO PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that Greenland is ""not for the taking"" in a not-so-veiled swipe at U.S. President Donald Trump's continued threats to annex the Arctic island. ""Greenland is not for taking, and neither are Antarctica nor the high seas for sale,"" Macron said during his opening speech in the French coastal city of Nice at a United Nations conference on protecting the oceans. Macron is set to visit the autonomous Danish territory Sunday, where he will hold talks with the Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on North Atlantic and Arctic security as well as climate change, energy and critical minerals, the French president's office said. Since his return to the White House, Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to control the mineral-rich, strategically located island. During his speech, the French president also delivered a forceful defense of multilateralism, six months after the U.S. left the Paris climate agreement — the 2015 framework aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions — for a second time under Trump. ""To win the battle for the oceans, we need to revive multilateralism,"" he said. Speaking out against resurgent climate skepticism, Macron said: ""Climate and biodiversity are not an question of opinion but a scientifically established fact.""";0,325
"Britain’s in a legal minefield as it tries to hand Abramovich billions to Ukraine – POLITICO LONDON — Britain's sounding increasingly tough on former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich's frozen billions. It wants to recoup £2.5 billion that the Russian oligarch made from the club’s sale more than three years ago and give it to Ukraine. A rare joint statement from top finance minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy Monday night said the government is “fully prepared” to take legal action against him. But legal experts are already expressing doubt about just how realistic the government's threats are — arguing there's no legal basis for the administration to claim and then pass on the proceeds. The British government is likely to come up against the exact same issues it’s experienced since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022: While it’s relatively easy to freeze oligarchs’ assets, seizing them is another matter entirely. “We're basically into the territory that we have with all these oligarchs, which is that you can't just take money off people because you don't like them,” said Tom Keatinge, director for financial security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a security think tank. Chelsea was sold by Abramovich in 2022 to an American consortium. The move came after the U.K.'s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation issued a license permitting the sale. Abramovich had to demonstrate he would not personally benefit from the transaction — but the proceeds have remained untouched in a British bank account due to semantics over whether they can be used to support Kyiv. The U.K. government has been clear that the proceeds of the sale must be used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine — but Abramovich wants the cash to go to “all victims of the war in Ukraine,” including those in Russia. Abramovich was formally sanctioned in March 2022 for allegedly benefiting from close ties to Putin , a characterization he rejects. He has never been charged with a crime related to his sanctioned assets. Therefore, the British government needs Abramovich’s consent to use the money as it remains his property. And there is little the government can do about it, according to one sanctions lawyer granted anonymity to speak about a legally sensitive topic. “I just cannot see any possible substance by which they would have a cause of action against Abramovich, because the funds are sanctioned,"" the lawyer said. ""They're still his assets, that’s not disputed.” “The funds will not be transferred into anyone else's hands, unless Abramovich chooses to give them away,"" they added. Missing: Legal basis In their joint statement, Reeves and Lammy did not elaborate on what course of legal action they could take, saying only that the government ""is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion."" They added: ""We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far."" A rare joint statement from top finance minister Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy Monday night said the government is “fully prepared” to take legal action against him.  ""While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible."" The same sanctions lawyer cited above said it was difficult to assess the legal basis for the case given the lack of detail provided by the government. While they said it is not impossible the government had something significant it is not disclosing — such as a verbal or written agreement with Abramovich to send funds to Ukraine — they were skeptical: “I find it impossible to believe Abramovich would ever have said that to the U.K. government, or indeed, put it in a contract.” Tan Albayrak, a sanctions lawyer at Reed Smith, agreed: “I do not see a legal basis, either way, because the funds are frozen.  They cannot be used to fulfill any of the parties’ wishes.” “In sanctions laws, frozen means frozen — and just that,” said Albayrak. “Normally, the funds can’t be distributed — neither according to Mr. Abramovich’s wishes nor to the U.K. government’s wishes,” he said. Still, the £2.5 billion figure pales in comparison to the hundreds of billions of pounds frozen by the EU and U.K. since the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Despite bold statements, the British government is reluctant to sail into legally uncharted waters. While Britain has frozen around £24 billion of Russian assets, and the EU has €200 billion , they have only gone so far as to use the interest gained on the funds to help Ukraine, rather than seizing them outright, and politicians remain deeply nervous about going any further. In March, the Belgian Prime Minister said that to do so would be “an act of war” which could create “systemic risks to the entire financial world system.” The sanctions lawyer quoted above thinks the government via the Reeves and Lammy statement “wants to show they’re not afraid to put their foot down on sanctions.” But, they added: “They don’t have a mechanism to do this. There's no way of doing this via civil litigation at all.”";0,175
"The EU’s water crisis by the numbers – POLITICOThe European Commission’s long-awaited Water Resilience Strategy, set to come out in June, aims to “ make Europe water-resilient ” by improving the quality and management of the bloc’s waters and protecting it against the consequences of climate change. But solving Europe’s water crisis is no easy feat. More than 40 percent of the EU’s population is already experiencing water scarcity — and data shows that without swift action, more and more people will lose unfettered access to this essential resource. According to the European Environment Agency’s freshwater chief Trine Christiansen, the EU is facing “serious challenges to water security, both today and in the future” and “we simply may not have enough water of good enough quality for the many purposes we would like to use it for.” A 2024 report from the EEA concluded that Europe’s water resources are under growing pressure from pollution and overuse. It also highlighted that climate change will make water access and management more challenging, causing loss of life and billions in economic damage. The EEA concluded that “major changes” to Europe’s lifestyles and economic system are the only solution to the continent’s deepening water crisis. The agency identified agriculture as a major culprit, being both the biggest net user of water and the top polluter. The sector accounted for almost 60 percent of the EU’s net freshwater consumption according to the EEA, with demand expected to increase due to climate change. Diffuse pollution from agriculture affects nearly a third of Europe’s groundwaters and surface waters. Nitrates contained in fertilizer and manure are one of the top culprits; they cause rapid growth of certain organisms like algae, which can dominate ecosystems, depleting the water’s oxygen levels and leading to “dead zones” where nothing can grow. In drinking water, nitrates can cause health problems including cancer. Despite the existence of EU legislation meant to limit the concentration of nitrates in groundwater, progress has been nearly nonexistent since 2000. Experts say implementation has been an issue. The Commission has been reviewing the law since 2023 and is mulling a simplification of existing rules , though a decision on that isn’t expected until toward the end of the year. Other legislative changes have been more effective. Levels of phosphates — another nutrient that, like nitrates, becomes a pollutant if present in excessive amounts — in rivers more than halved between 1992 and 2011, though progress has been halting since. Stricter rules on urban wastewater treatment and the ban on phosphates in detergents have contributed to the decrease. Efforts to reduce pollution from intensive pesticide use have also produced results, though the `EEA warned that 10 percent of groundwater areas had failed to achieve good chemical status due to high concentrations of pesticides in 2021. The agency estimates that the EU is on track to achieve its goal of slashing the use and risk presented by chemical pesticides by half in 2030. The bloc is, however, much less likely to halve the loss of nutrients (including nitrates) into safe groundwater by the end of the decade. The price of inaction Climate change is set to deepen Europe’s water crisis by exacerbating water scarcity in the face of increasing demand. Droughts are predicted to become more frequent and intense, especially — but not exclusively — in Southern Europe. Longer dry periods will compromise the water quality and threaten supply to millions of people in Europe. According to the Joint Research Centre, by 2050 up to 65 million people in the EU and the U.K. could experience water scarcity for parts of the year if greenhouse gas emissions keep increasing. The Mediterranean region would be most affected, but parts of Central and Northern Europe would also experience significant water pressure due to a variety of factors ranging from mismanagement and poor infrastructure to uncontrolled demand from industry, agriculture and public water supply systems. The costs to Europe’s economy would be immense. Farming and agriculture will take the brunt of water scarcity, facing reduced yields and increased costs to irrigate the soil and feed animals. Energy production will also be affected. Nuclear and thermal power plants will have less water for cooling, and hydro plants will produce less electricity. Buildings and infrastructure will suffer damage because of soil shrinkage caused by prolonged droughts. Meanwhile, exceptionally heavy rainfall will result in more destructive floods; counterintuitively, heavy precipitation does not infiltrate the soil, so it will not help replenish Europe’s strained water supply. The JRC estimates that the economic damage from drought alone could amount to €12-15 billion by 2050 and up to €45 billion by 2100. Meanwhile, destruction from coastal and river floods will cost up to €287 billion annually by the end of the century. Curb your enthusiasm Despite the severity of the impending crisis, the Commission might not end up delivering the water strategy that is so desperately needed. A draft of the strategy, obtained by POLITICO, floats the possibility of introducing water abstraction targets, but even if it went ahead with these, the targets would likely be voluntary. On agriculture, the document proposes rewarding farmers who “engage in structural changes” to improve water management. This would be written into the Common Agricultural Policy. Water resilience would become a formal part of work on the CAP, according to the draft document. It also floats a “simplification” of EU water rules to help their implementation, in line with the Commission’s broader simplification drive . But it has very little to say about nutrient or pesticide pollution. On forever chemicals, the draft proposes setting up a support mechanism for remediating PFAS and other persistent chemicals, establishing a “Public-Private Partnership for their detection and remediation.”";0,35
Artificial intelligence threatens to raid the water reserves of Europe’s driest regions – POLITICOAragon in northeastern Spain is a land of cornfields, peach farms and cherry orchards, where water was a precious commodity even before the advent of climate change. Now, as the threat of drought increases, the farmers of Aragon could find themselves competing with a powerful and extremely thirsty new neighbor: Big Tech. U.S. giants Microsoft and Amazon are investing billions to snatch up land in the increasingly water-stressed territory with the aim of building data centers, which typically use many millions of liters of water a year. The Spanish and regional governments are ecstatic. The country’s former digital minister celebrated Amazon’s decision to move in last year, boasting that Spain is “at the forefront of technology innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Europe.” It goes hand-in-hand with the European Union’s push to build more data centers on home soil: The European Commission wants to triple the EU’s data center capacity over the next five to seven years. But the locals aren’t buying what Big Tech is peddling. While the likes of Amazon promise more than €15 billion of investment, jobs, partnerships with local schools, community education programs, water infrastructure updates and “sustainability initiatives,” grassroots groups are springing up, wary of tech giants muscling in on their water resources. “In the end the farmer never wins,” said ?Chechu Sánchez, an Aragonese farmer speaking at an event on data centers in Zaragoza, Aragon’s capital. “Whenever there is plunder by foreign capital, the farmer, the people of the municipalities — we never win, we don’t benefit at all.” Activist Aurora Gómez and her collective Tu Nube Seca Mi Río (which translates as “your cloud is drying up my river”) is heading up a campaign for a moratorium on all new data centers in Spain. Farmers, Europe’s most prolific water users, are among the most vulnerable, said Gómez, and — when they find out about the data centers’ water usage — the most incensed. “People from agriculture are really, really angry because they realize that it is so difficult for them, fighting in this context of the climate emergency,” she told POLITICO. Local mayors and councilors, too, are joining the resistance. This battle for water is playing out across Europe, from Ireland to France, complicating the bloc’s A.I. ambitions and posing a dilemma for EU policymakers. A thirsty business Much has been written about A.I.’s energy demand and carbon footprint. But running a data center is also extremely thirsty work. In 2024, Europe’s data center industry consumed about 62 million cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to about 24,000 Olympic swimming pools. As the sector grows, consumption is expected to reach 90 million cubic meters by 2030, according to the water sector lobby Water Europe. That’s because data centers generate a lot of heat and need to be cooled down constantly. Water is “key basically to these data centers, whether it’s for AI or whether it is for every time we send an email message or WhatsApp message, or every time we do a search on the Internet,” said Kevin Grecksch, a lecturer in water science at the University of Oxford. Europe is facing increasingly frequent droughts, which are destroying soil health, threatening crop yields, and complicating the transport of goods by river. Big Tech, meanwhile, has seen its water use soar. Microsoft’s water consumption nearly doubled in the three years from 2020 to 2023, nearing 8 million cubic meters, most of that going to cooling data centers. Amazon does not disclose its total water footprint. For companies, it makes sense to build data centers in water-stressed areas, as in other respects dry regions often provide optimal conditions to run a data centers, which need lots of land and low humidity levels, said Grecksch. Aragon “is an area where I travel with my students every year. We look at water issues and it’s a massive problem,” added Grecksch. More data centers But such environmental concerns aren’t slowing the global AI arms race. EU governments are determined to roll out more data centers across the continent as they attempt to catch up with AI leaders the U.S. and China. One internal document obtained by POLITICO summarizes countries’ proposed strategies to promote the development of “sustainable, geographically balanced infrastructure optimized for AI and data processing within the EU.” A draft of the European Commission’s upcoming Water Resilience Strategy, also obtained by POLITICO, notes that strategic sectors for the clean and digital transitions, including data centers, are consuming large amounts of water, and should be pressed to achieve maximum water savings in the future. The Commission “will rate their overall sustainability and propose minimum performance standards, including water consumption.” On the ground, residents remain skeptical. The local mayor for the Villamayor de Gállego municipality near Zaragoza, Aragon is trying to push back on the plans of fund manager Azora to build a data center in his town. The regional Aragon government denied that there will be any problems with water stress, arguing water consumption is “tightly controlled by the companies.” | Enric Fontcuberta/EFE via EPA “We believe this location should be reconsidered,” José Luis Montero told local media, adding that he hoped to met with the regional government to “clarify” the plans. “This is not democracy,” said Gómez, “when you realize that the data center has more power than the local mayor.” Grecksch, the Oxford University lecturer, said: “I would wish there would be a little bit more foresight and more integrative thinking around these things.” Innovating the water stress away When asked by POLITICO to explain what kind of measures the Spanish government has in place to protect local water resources as data centers continue to descend on the country, a spokesperson pointed to its Artificial Intelligence Strategy. It “contemplates the sustainable deployment of data centers” and pitches a “seal” to denote sustainable data centers that are “energy efficient, use renewable energies, minimize their impact on water consumption.” The regional Aragon government, too, denied that there will be any problems with water stress, arguing water consumption is “tightly controlled by the companies,” while the government “ensures that they are more efficient in terms of water and energy consumption.” “This is made possible by the increasingly advanced technology that is being implemented, often for the first time in the world, in Aragon.” Some also argue that prioritizing resource allocation to tech innovations like AI is essential because these technologies will help European companies be less resource intensive in the future. Microsoft believes AI will help manage water and energy efficiency, providing net improvements to both, the company’s global sustainability policy lead Michelle Patron told POLITICO. In Spain, where Microsoft has four data centers, the company is also using AI. “to look at the local utilities, the pipe [infrastructure] to identify where there are leaks, to be able to enable less water loss,” she said. Others point to the breakthroughs in making data centers more water efficient. “I see technology improvements moving from in the data center [industry], moving from air cooling of the GPUs to liquid cooling, which will further improve by 30 to 40 percent the usage of cooling and the usage of water,” said Georgios Stassis, chairman and chief executive officer of PPC, a major utilities company operating in South East Europe. Microsoft has also flaunted a new data center design that would recycle water through a “closed loop.” Greenwashing risks Amid rising concerns over water stress, tech companies are eager to promote their efforts in innovating cooling systems to use less water, but also boast about compensating for that consumption in other ways. “The majority of our water usage comes from our data centers,” Microsoft’s Patron told POLITICO, adding that the company plans to be water positive by 2030 which means that they “put more water into the local basins where we operate than we withdraw,” she added. Amazon’s cloud provider service, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has the same target, while Google has pledged to “replenish 120 percent of the freshwater volume we consume, on average, across our offices and data centers by 2030.” Activist Gómez claims that’s all greenwashing. “Amazon, they made a huge campaign [saying] we are going to be water positive, we are going to be so efficient and so on,” she said. “But at the same time, they are asking for 48 percent more water in Spain to expand their data centers.” Oxford University’s Grecksch says it’s “completely wrong” and “a misunderstanding of the basic science [to say] that you can replenish more water that you took out, that’s just physically impossible.” Water moves on a continuous and natural cycle known as the hydrologic cycle, transitioning between physical stages: solid, liquid and gas. “There is a limited amount of water available,” says Grecksch. “This is like saying we created gold.”;0,225
"France considers requiring Musk’s X to verify users’ age – POLITICOThe French government is considering designating X as a porn platform — a move that will likely have the platform implementing strict age verification requirements. Such a designation could effectively ban children from accessing the social media app unless it curtailed adult content. Paris has recently upped its efforts to protect kids online by requiring age verification by porn platforms. “X has indicated since 2024 that it accepts the distribution of pornographic content. It must therefore be treated as such,” Digital Minister Clara Chappaz’s office told POLITICO.Her team has been tasked with “examining the designation of X in the decree concerning pornographic sites that must verify the age of their users.” The confirmation follows an appearance by Chappaz on French TV show "" Quotidien "" on Thursday evening, where she said X will soon receive “the same pretty papers as YouPorn” instructing X to ban adult content or implement age screening. Porn platforms serving content in France are required to implement age verification measures with a final deadline of June 7, although some are protesting . Failure to comply could see sites fined, delisted from search engines or blocked completely. Last week Tanzania blocked X over the presence of pornographic content. Last year Belgium's media regulator expressed concerns that Elon Musk had turned X into a porn website. X did not immediately respond to POLITICO's request for comment.";0,075
"‘When the horse dies, get off’ How Russia’s political consultants built Putin’s regime — and then lost their careers to it In the 1990s, Russian political consultants were seen as kingmakers — savvy operatives who could sway voters and win competitive elections. They helped bring Vladimir Putin to power and crafted the campaign for United Russia, now the country’s ruling party. But as the system they built tightened its grip on elections, it no longer had much use for them. Meduza special correspondent Andrey Pertsev traces how Russia’s political consultants went from shaping the country’s future to struggling for relevance — and explains the Kremlin’s latest plans to repurpose them as “social architects,” now that the very regime they helped create has rendered them obsolete. Gleb Pavlovsky liked to boast that in the late 1990s, his Effective Policy Foundation could get anyone elected. “It made no difference to me, you understand? I had a machine that could elect anyone,” he told Meduza. “Name a dead man,” he said, “we’ll build a structure, plug him into it, and he’ll get elected too.” A political strategist who died in 2023, Pavlovsky was one of the architects behind the early image of Vladimir Putin as a Soviet-style intelligence officer — an identity that helped carry Putin to his first presidential victory. Pavlovsky’s foundation helped shape the campaign for United Russia, Russia’s first true “party of power,” and worked on the (unsuccessful) bid to get Sergey Kiriyenko elected mayor of Moscow. Back in 1996, the foundation had run Boris Yeltsin’s presidential campaign, which made extensive use of state resources. At the time, political consultants in Russia were seen as near-omnipotent figures — capable of reshaping power structures at both the regional and national levels, manipulating voters, influencing elites, and making bank while doing it. A quarter-century later, Sergey Kiriyenko — now the deputy head of Russia’s presidential administration and arguably as central to domestic politics today as Pavlovsky once was — is retraining political consultants as “social architects” and openly declaring that the profession, as it once existed, is effectively dead in Russia. the 1990s to the 2000s How Russia’s political consultants cashed in on democracy In the late 1990s, domestic political campaigns in Russia were remarkably diverse, recalled one political consultant who spoke to Meduza on condition of anonymity. At the time, he was just starting his career. I’d wrap up a campaign, take a short break, and within two or three weeks I’d be calling colleagues — ‘What’s going on? Any interesting elections coming up?’ Or sometimes they’d be the ones calling me. If no one reached out, it only took a few days to find the next campaign. And then I’d hit the road again. This person said he’d decided to become a political consultant after seeing the success of prominent strategists like Gleb Pavlovsky, Igor Mintusov, and Alexey Sitnikov. The profession didn’t disappoint: the pay was generous — clients “paid in cash, in dollars” — and the work was stimulating. “Those who already had some recognition tried to learn from the Europeans, and especially the Americans,” he said. “They worked in campaign offices there in junior roles, studied the techniques for mobilizing voters loyal to a politician or party, and brought those methods back to Russia.” At the time, Russia’s political system still ran largely on direct elections. Voters chose the president, State Duma lawmakers, governors, city and district mayors, village heads, and municipal councils. Most races were competitive. Until the introduction of a unified voting day in 2005, elections were held at various times throughout the year. Candidates didn’t have to collect signatures to get on the ballot — paying a deposit was enough, and it was refunded if they won. To improve their chances at both the regional and federal levels, parties and civic movements could join forces and form electoral blocs ahead of campaigns. Regional elites often created blocs for specific elections. Each election cycle brought work — and income — for political consultants. They organized campaign headquarters, built ideological platforms, and developed political branding. “There were both federal and regional groups ready to pay well to promote their candidates,” said one consultant who began his career in the early 1990s in a central Russian region. “Businesspeople backed politicians or ran for office themselves — as governors or mayors. At the time, getting approval [from the Kremlin] wasn’t enough to win. It all came down to competition, which is why consultants got paid. No one skimped on budgets.” According to him, the money only grew in the early 2000s. For political consultants, the early years of Putin’s presidency weren’t bad at all. But the golden age didn’t last. In 2003, the Russian authorities arrested Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the owner of Yukos, then the country’s largest oil company. Khodorkovsky had been trying to influence domestic politics, backing candidates for the State Duma as well as for regional and municipal offices . Three sources in the industry told Meduza that, even then, it was clear the space for political consultants to operate — and earn a living — was starting to shrink. “The government made it clear that real competition at the federal level was over. Anyone who tried to oppose it would be steamrolled,” said one. Journalists and Mikhail Khodorkovsky (on screen) during a hearing in the Yukos case. January 15, 2004. Konstantin Kutsyllo / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA By the early 2000s, Pavlovsky’s Effective Policy Foundation had evolved into a Kremlin think tank. Pavlovsky himself regularly attended President Putin’s meetings and visited officials from the administration’s domestic policy bloc at least once a week. Around this time, Vladislav Surkov — the head of the Kremlin’s domestic policy bloc and himself a former consultant — began working with his team to make elections more controllable and predictable, with the goal of ensuring victories for government-backed candidates. The Kremlin crushed Meduza’s business model and wiped out our ad revenue. We’ve been blocked and outlawed in Russia, where donating to us or even sharing our posts is a crime. But we’re still here — bringing independent journalism to millions of our readers inside Russia and around the world. Meduza’s survival is under threat — again. Donald Trump’s foreign aid freeze has slashed funding for international groups backing press freedom. Meduza was hurt too. It’s yet another blow in our ongoing struggle to survive. You could be our lifeline. Please, help Meduza survive with a small recurring donation. In 2000, less than two months after winning the presidency, Putin established a new system of federal oversight: presidential plenipotentiary envoys. These appointees were dispatched to federal districts — macro-regions created at Moscow’s initiative — to oversee the activities of regional branches of federal ministries, monitor the situation in the regions, and report back to the Kremlin. Most of these positions were given to people from the security forces. In the Volga Federal District, however, the post went to Sergey Kiriyenko, the head of the Union of Right Forces and Russia’s prime minister during the 1998 financial crash. “The envoys mostly acted as a mouthpiece for the Kremlin, relaying orders to regional leaders and coordinating with law enforcement,” recalled a political strategist who worked in the Volga District. “Politics didn’t interest the former generals. But Kiriyenko was different — he was an active player. He started developing his own consultants and eventually began installing his own mayors , even governors.” Putin’s current envoys 'He kissed up well' Artyom Zhoga was supposed to embody Putin’s new model of veterans in high places. So far, his performance has fallen flat. 2 months ago Putin’s current envoys 'He kissed up well' Artyom Zhoga was supposed to embody Putin’s new model of veterans in high places. So far, his performance has fallen flat. 2 months ago Before the plenipotentiary envoys, it was the Kremlin that selected top-tier consultants for major campaigns — or at least recommended loyal ones to friendly elites. In the early 2000s, that role shifted to the presidential envoys. “They could push their own people,” the strategist told Meduza. “Maybe not the best — but ones willing to split [their fees].” At the same time, the Kremlin began limiting political competition to make elections more predictable. In 2004, single-member district elections to the federal parliament were abolished . That same year, a new law raised the minimum number of members required to register a political party from 10,000 to 50,000. In 2005, the authorities banned electoral blocs — coalitions of parties that ran together — from all levels of races, further reducing competitiveness. The state also paralyzed the formation of new parties. Existing parties had to negotiate directly with the Kremlin to stay in the game. But the single most damaging change for the political consulting industry came with the abolition of gubernatorial elections. In September 2004, just weeks after the Beslan school siege , Putin scrapped them, framing the move as a necessary response to the “terrorist threat.” Every consultant interviewed by Meduza agreed: gubernatorial races were the most demanding, the most creative — and the most lucrative. Those campaigns often required unconventional solutions. For instance, when Alexander Lebed ran for governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai in 1998, his sponsors didn’t want him to win in the first round, fearing that too easy a victory would make him harder to control. So, his campaign team staged a protest — against their own candidate. Lebed ultimately won, but — just as his backers had hoped — it took two rounds. A campaign bus for Alexander Lebed’s team during the gubernatorial race in Krasnoyarsk Krai. May 15, 1998. Reuters / Scanpix / LETA After gubernatorial elections were abolished, some of the big players in the political consulting market pivoted to corporate PR or shifted their focus abroad, according to one veteran strategist. He himself began working with a group of industrial companies that tried to get loyal candidates elected to city councils and mayoral offices. “There’s a simple rule,” he said. “When the horse dies, get off.” The 2000s How political strategists solved the Kremlin’s problems — and became expendable The blow the Kremlin dealt to Russian elections during Vladimir Putin’s first term was severe but not fatal, according to a political consultant who began his career in the 1990s. As he points out, the loss of 80 gubernatorial campaigns and 225 single-member races for the State Duma was a major setback for the industry. Nevertheless, elections still existed. “Regional parliamentary elections were still going,” he said. “More importantly, so were mayoral and city council races in major cities. And those could be even more lucrative than gubernatorial campaigns. A lot of resources are concentrated in cities — construction, retail, transportation. Every local group wants a piece. So there was still money to be made.” The introduction of a unified voting day in 2005, he said, was another heavy blow. Initially held twice a year, it shifted in 2012 to a single annual date — the first Sunday in September, with only the presidential elections remaining in March. Officials justified the change as a cost-saving measure. But shifting elections to early fall forced campaigns into the summer, when most voters are on vacation. Under these constraints, only the ruling United Russia party had the resources to run simultaneous campaigns across dozens of regions. “In the early 2000s, I could work on four campaigns in a year. Then it became two. Then just one. And the fee? Just one,” the consultant told Meduza. To adapt, he gathered less-experienced consultants and formed teams that could work on multiple campaigns at once. “But not everyone could manage,” he said. “Some were great at messaging, some at fieldwork, some at media. But they weren’t real campaign managers. That role suffered the most [from the shortage of qualified people].” By then, specialists from the Effective Policy Foundation had narrowed their focus to a single client: the Kremlin. One of their key innovations was the use of so-called “temniki” — set guidelines for news coverage that the Kremlin and regional authorities distributed to loyal newsrooms and television channels. The same consultants dealt with another of the Kremlin’s problems, reducing the vote share of the Communist Party in parliamentary elections, further protecting United Russia and curbing overall competition. “They did it with pure campaign mechanics,” said one consultant. “Ahead of the 2003 elections, they created the ‘Rodina’ party, which echoed the Communists’ patriotic messaging, with a touch of nationalism. It pulled off votes, dragging the Communists’ results down — and they never returned to their previous numbers.” In the 1999 State Duma elections, the Communist Party won 24.6 percent of the vote. By 2003, that number had dropped to 12.6 percent. Rodina, the Kremlin-aligned spoiler party, took nine percent. After that, the Communists never broke the 20-percent mark again. Rodina party leader Dmitry Rogozin (left) with key party members — Colonel General Georgy Shpak and Natalya Narochnitskaya — as election results are announced. The party secured seats in the State Duma. Moscow, December 7, 2003. Anton Denisov / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA By the mid-2000s, Russia began phasing out direct mayoral elections. Once significant political figures, mayors were gradually replaced by city managers appointed through nominal “competitions.” Elected opposition mayors were squeezed out of the system. Some faced criminal charges — Vladivostok Mayor Vladimir Nikolayev and Arkhangelsk Mayor Alexander Donskoy were both arrested in 2007. Federal and regional elites quickly adjusted to the new rules. They swore allegiance to the Kremlin (prominent businesspeople joined United Russia en masse) and stopped organizing competitive campaigns. “Even if a city technically still had a mayoral race, [as a rule] the mayor was a United Russia member,” said one consultant still active in regional politics. “If he wasn’t at odds with the governor, he knew the entire administrative machine would back him. He also knew serious opponents wouldn’t run. Why spend big? Local rivals knew, too — if you win as the opposition, they’ll throw you in jail. Real competition became rare.” And with that, the demand for political consultants again declined. According to a prominent figure in the field, the Effective Policy Foundation — which had by then migrated to ideological work — had a hand in dismantling the industry. It was the foundation that recommended eliminating elections, banning electoral blocs, and creating a unified voting day. “But once you eliminate the root of the problem, you’re no longer needed” he added, “There’s nothing left for you to solve.” By the end of the 2000s, political consultants still worked throughout the system — but not at the highest levels. The Kremlin no longer needed them. Elections were being won with administrative pressure and outright fraud — tactics that would eventually spark mass protests in 2011 and 2012. And the opposition, already almost completely cut off from meaningful participation, had little use for high-end campaign professionals. In 2011, Gleb Pavlovsky — the strategist who helped Putin become president of Russia — lost his access badge to the Kremlin. The 2010s How political consultants went looking for other work Even before the “Snow Revolution” of 2011–2012, the Kremlin changed the leadership of its domestic policy bloc, replacing the charismatic and theatrical Vladislav Surkov with Vyacheslav Volodin, a United Russia insider with public political experience but without Surkov’s aura of a behind-the-scenes mastermind. By then, the political consulting industry had changed dramatically. Many strategists had taken government jobs as deputy governors, department heads, or advisers — serving as shadow policymakers to regional leaders, according to three political consultants who spoke to Meduza. Others had found jobs in federal or regional party offices. Vyacheslav Volodin at a meeting of the government commission on foreign investment oversight. November 28, 2011. Artyom Korotayev / TASS / Profimedia Volodin insisted publicly that Russian elections remained “competitive, transparent, and legitimate,” but campaign veterans from that period tell a different story. “The focus was on so-called work with election commissions — basically, falsifying results,” said one consultant who still works on regional campaigns. “Volodin’s people invited me to help with a United Russia campaign [in 2016]. I came prepared with proposals on ideology and messaging, but the first thing they asked was: ‘How are you with the [electoral] commissions? Have you got the skills?’ In other words, the priority wasn’t strategy — it was rigging. I walked away.” Two other consultants recalled a new side job they had under Volodin: monitoring the political climate in Russia’s regions. In other words, assessing both public sentiment and local elite dynamics. “Governors and regional United Russia offices could sugarcoat things [for the Kremlin] and then there’d be a problem during the election,” said one consultant. “[To avoid this], they’d send in an external auditor to meet with officials, party members, activists, opposition figures, and local experts (if there were any) to provide an independent assessment.” Under Volodin, the Kremlin also accelerated efforts to eliminate direct mayoral elections. In 2014, the power to abolish them was transferred from local councils to regional legislatures. That year alone, 19 regional capitals lost their mayoral races. By 2019, just seven regional centers still held direct elections for city heads. A once-lucrative revenue stream for political consultants had all but disappeared. The return of gubernatorial elections in 2012 did little to offset this loss. Every candidate was now required to pass the so-called “municipal filter,” gathering signatures from 5 to 10 percent of local lawmakers, depending on the region. The restoration of these elections had been one of the demands of Moscow’s Bolotnaya Square protesters , and it appeared as though the Kremlin was making a concession to the opposition. In practice, however, the filter served to exclude independent and opposition candidates: most municipal deputies were either United Russia members or employees of publicly funded institutions, and regional authorities could easily pressure them. By 2016, when Sergey Kiriyenko took over the Kremlin’s domestic policy bloc, genuine political competition in Russia had all but vanished. Nearly all remaining avenues for independent or local candidates had been sealed off. At the same time, Kiriyenko’s own team began introducing corporate management practices into the domestic policy bloc’s operations — methods they’d previously used at Rosatom, the state-owned atomic energy corporation Kiriyenko led from 2005 to 2016. more on Sergey Kiriyenko Russia's technocrat-in-chief How Sergey Kiriyenko transformed the Kremlin’s domestic policy and quietly gained influence within the Putin administration 6 years ago more on Sergey Kiriyenko Russia's technocrat-in-chief How Sergey Kiriyenko transformed the Kremlin’s domestic policy and quietly gained influence within the Putin administration 6 years ago One such practice was “corporate mobilization” during elections — a complement to existing tools like administrative resources and rigging. The Kremlin required major state-owned and private companies to compile employee databases that could be used to track and boost voter turnout. Ahead of the 2018 presidential election, the Kremlin hired political consultants to work on implementing this new system. “When a new strategic method is introduced — and corporate mobilization is a method — it creates work. You had to train [corporate] HR managers at the federal and regional levels [and] build the databases,” one consultant recalled. “But after that, it ran on autopilot: the domestic policy bloc and regional authorities gave the companies their marching orders, and the databases were already in place.” Some out-of-work consultants even drifted into projects run by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group. In Africa, they conducted sociological surveys and helped local authorities who cooperated with Wagner Group set up loyal media outlets. “Different types of people worked for [Prigozhin],” said one consultant. “Some were top-tier specialists who clashed with Kiriyenko’s team, others were rank-and-file who simply couldn’t find enough work.” Meanwhile, the Kremlin continued clearing the path for its preferred candidates. In 2020, it organized a national referendum to amend the Constitution, effectively allowing Putin to remain in office indefinitely. Under the pretext of pandemic safety, the Central Election Commission — acting on Kremlin orders — introduced multi-day voting, which further streamlined corporate mobilization. Public employees and workers at loyal companies were urged to vote on the first day, giving authorities time to pressure holdouts in the days that followed. The State Duma later codified the option of three-day voting into law. Election experts have warned that the practice, which leaves ballot boxes unsupervised overnight, opens the door to tampering. But even after the pandemic, the system remained — officially, for “voter convenience.” Another blow to the political consulting profession came with the expansion of remote electronic voting , which the Central Election Commission says is now used in more than 30 Russian regions. A new bill before the Duma would make online voting the primary method of casting ballots nationwide. A Russian soldier voting in the State Duma elections. Leningrad region, September 17, 2021. Dmitry Lovetsky / AP / Scanpix / LETA This is already the case in Moscow, one of the first regions to adopt remote electronic voting. The shift helped United Russia seize control of the capital, which had long been a stronghold of opposition support. In the 2019 City Duma elections, opposition candidates won 20 out of 25 seats. But by the 2021 State Duma race, candidates backed by the mayor’s office swept every district. In the 2024 Moscow City Duma elections, pro-government candidates’ campaigns were mostly managed by little-known consultants from the regions working for modest fees. But thanks to electronic voting, Kremlin-approved candidates won in every district. read more about electronic voting ‘Unlimited potential for fraud’ Online voting is the key to Russia’s election rigging, but the next presidential election will require gerrymandering too 2 years ago read more about electronic voting ‘Unlimited potential for fraud’ Online voting is the key to Russia’s election rigging, but the next presidential election will require gerrymandering too 2 years ago The 2020s How the Kremlin turned political consultants into obedient ‘social architects’ “Political consultants are only needed where there’s competition,” said one former strategist who left electoral campaigns behind to go into business. “[Russia’s] systemic parties have no real interest in competing.” According to him, the Kremlin doesn’t need a large reserve of consultants for difficult races. While a few teams are still “kept in the fold,” he said, most are no longer needed. “What’s the path for a good specialist today?” asked another consultant who now works with a major federal media group. “Become a deputy governor for domestic policy, join United Russia’s staff, work in the federal apparatus or one of its branches. Or you move into corporate PR and government relations — that’s what I do. Loyal people get hired for elections or recommended to acting governors. But honestly, at this point, any regional administration can run an election in-house.” In 2025, the Kremlin launched a “social architects” contest — an attempt to keep unemployed political consultants within its sphere of influence. During the contest’s rollout, Firdus Aliyev, the managing director of the Kremlin think tank EISI , remarked that “at the dawn of Russian democracy” there was demand for political consultants who ran election campaigns. But today, he said, “social engagement in society goes far beyond elections.” Aliyev urged Kremlin-loyal consultants to “transform” and put their skills to work on new tasks. At the same event, Sergey Kiriyenko, who heads the Kremlin’s domestic policy bloc, called the program “a new step in the development of social, civic, humanitarian, and political sciences in Russia.” There is demand today, he said, not just for political methods, but for social ones. “There’s a need not just for expertise or scientific analysis of what’s happening, but for improvement to people’s lives.” One former regional political strategist — now a government relations consultant for big business — sees this as a logical endpoint for the profession. “There was a time when a good political operator or even an official in the presidential administration could say, ‘If you want results, do what I do.’ But since Volodin’s time, the Kremlin is staffed with political officers whose attitude is: ‘Do what I say.’ The center now expects only three responses: ‘Yes,’ ‘Got it,’ and ‘Absolutely.’” A television displays Vladimir Putin’s annual call-in show. St. Petersburg, December 14, 2023. Anton Vaganov / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA The ex-strategist doesn’t spare much sympathy for his former colleagues, now rebranded as “social architects” and tasked with organizing city anniversary celebrations or outings for senior citizens. “The market has degraded in the absence of competitive elections — it’s been years. It’s just a mess now. Put one of our [top strategists] next to an average American consultant who’s been working real races, and ours will come up short,” he said. “Still, the Kremlin can’t fully discard the consultants; there are friends, decent people among them. So they say, ‘Let’s support them this way.’” A regional official who spoke to Meduza believes the Kremlin sees value in keeping these consultants close. Even if elections are mostly staged, he said, these operatives still understand how the system works: “They know where the pressure points are — and in a crisis, that knowledge might come in handy.” But, he noted, after more than a decade without serious campaigns, Kremlin-linked consultants have lost the skills needed to win in “problematic” regions where public frustration runs high. When local elites put forward their own candidates, it’s often easier to reassert control through force than finesse. Before the 2022 city council elections in Vladivostok — where the Communist Party was gaining ground — a criminal case was opened against local Communist Party leader Artyom Samsonov for sexual misconduct involving a minor. Samsonov called the charges “completely fabricated” and said he had never met the alleged victim. He was sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security prison. In 2018, Kremlin-backed candidates lost gubernatorial races in four regions — Khabarovsk Krai, Primorsky Krai, the Republic of Khakassia, and Vladimir — to candidates initially considered token opposition. The driving force was public anger over the pension reform. In Primorsky Krai, the results were annulled. In Khabarovsk Krai, the victorious LDPR candidate, Sergey Furgal, was arrested in 2020. His party colleague in the Vladimir region, Vladimir Sipyagin, stepped down voluntarily a year later. But in 2023, Communist candidate Valentin Konovalov won a second competitive election in Khakassia, even though the presidential administration’s domestic policy bloc closely managed his United Russia opponent’s campaign. “If people are broadly unhappy, you can’t send a security officer to everyone’s door,” the official told Meduza. “That’s how things like Khabarovsk and Khakassia happen. They throw everything they’ve got at the problem, send their best teams, and still come up empty. These people just don’t have the skills anymore.” social architects ‘Propaganda tools, not social programs’ Russia’s political strategists have little use without competitive elections — so the Kremlin is turning them into ‘social architects’ 5 months ago social architects ‘Propaganda tools, not social programs’ Russia’s political strategists have little use without competitive elections — so the Kremlin is turning them into ‘social architects’ 5 months ago Story by Andrey Pertsev";0,125
‘A dirty political and propaganda game’ Russia displays body bags containing remains of Ukrainian soldiers to journalists after swap falls through After a planned prisoner swap failed to take place on Saturday, Russia sent hundreds of bodies to the exchange site and claimed that Ukraine was the one refusing to follow through. Kyiv dismissed the move as a stunt, saying no date for the repatriation had been agreed upon and accusing Moscow of playing “dirty games.” Ukrainian media outlets have described the episode as part of a broader information campaign, with the Russian side trying to suggest that President Volodymyr Zelensky is deliberately avoiding the return of fallen soldiers to conceal the true scale of Ukraine’s wartime losses. Indeed, Russian state media has been actively amplifying that very narrative. Here’s what we know so far. After a planned June 7 prisoner exchange fell through, the Russian side brought refrigerated trucks containing the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers to the site where the handover was supposed to have occurred — and displayed the body bags to journalists invited to the scene. Vladimir Medinsky, who heads the Russian delegation in the peace negotiations, claimed that Ukraine had failed to appear and had “unexpectedly postponed both the reception of the bodies and the prisoner exchange indefinitely.” In response, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said that no date for the repatriation had been agreed upon and accused Russia of “unilateral actions,” calling for it to “stop playing dirty games.” On June 8, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti published footage showing a refrigerated truck being opened in front of reporters, revealing body bags inside. Photographs indicate that journalists from Russian state outlets — including Zvezda TV, Izvestia, and Channel One — were present, along with several foreign correspondents, including reporters from Al Mayadeen and Al Araby TV. At the site, GRU General Alexander Zorin, another member of the Russian negotiating team, told reporters that Russia had delivered the first group of bodies — 1,212 in total — in “strict accordance” with agreements reached in Istanbul. He said many of the bodies had already been identified and that all were confirmed to be Ukrainian soldiers. Journalists are shown body bags containing the remains of fallen Ukrainian soldiers inside a refrigerated truck at the exchange site near Novaya Guta in Belarus’s Gomel Region. June 8, 2025. Russian Defense Ministry / EPA / Scanpix / LETA A convoy of refrigerated trucks carrying the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers at the exchange site Russian Defense Ministry / AP / Scanpix / LETA Body bags containing the remains of fallen Ukrainian soldiers inside a refrigerated truck Kirill Zhukov / RIA Novosti / Sputnik / Scanpix / LETA Zorin added that repatriation trains carrying additional remains were expected to depart soon. In total, Russia has agreed to return the bodies of more than 6,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers. “There are indications that this operation [to return the bodies] may be postponed until next week,” Zorin said. “We are awaiting official notification through the established channel known to the Ukrainian side.” Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, responded by accusing Moscow of exerting “informational pressure and attempting to dictate the terms of the exchange unilaterally.” He said Ukraine had notified the relevant parties on Tuesday, June 3, that repatriation efforts were scheduled to begin the following week. “It is especially cynical,” Budanov added, “that some Russian propagandists are trying to exploit grief they themselves helped cause.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his evening address on June 8, said that Kyiv “continues to do everything possible to secure the release of our prisoners and the return of our fallen soldiers.” “We still haven’t received the full list of over 1,000 names from Russia, as agreed in Istanbul,” he said. “In typical fashion, the Russian side is once again trying to turn even this issue into a dirty political and propaganda game.” Meduza has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the very start, and we are committed to reporting objectively on a war we firmly oppose. Join Meduza in its mission to challenge the Kremlin’s censorship with the truth. Donate today . The Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua noted that the situation could carry political risks for Kyiv, describing Moscow’s actions as a clear attempt to stir public discontent in Ukraine. Russia’s claim that it holds the remains of more than 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers — over 13 percent of the last publicly cited death toll — could deepen skepticism about the accuracy of official casualty figures, the outlet suggested. Russian state media and pro-Kremlin commentators have amplified claims that Ukraine is refusing to accept the soldiers’ remains out of fear that doing so would reveal the true scale of its military losses. TASS, Russia’s state news agency, cited defense analyst Igor Korotchenko and Foreign Ministry representative Rodion Miroshnik, both of whom claimed that Zelensky is attempting to avoid public backlash and what Korotchenko described as an “image catastrophe.” Strana.ua also reported that Moscow is promoting the narrative that Ukrainian authorities are deliberately delaying the retrieval of the bodies to avoid paying compensation to the families of the dead. To reinforce that message, Russian media have begun publishing the names of the deceased whose remains they say are awaiting repatriation — apparently aiming to provoke frustration among relatives of the fallen and the missing. During the second round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2, Ukrainian and Russian officials reached an agreement on a broad prisoner and remains exchange, according to statements made after the talks. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the deal would cover severely wounded and ill prisoners of war, captives under the age of 25, and include the repatriation of the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side. At the same time, Medinsky said that Moscow would “unilaterally” transfer the remains of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and officers to Ukraine the following week.;0,3
‘Pure terrorism’ See the aftermath of Russia’s biggest strike of the war on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city On Saturday, Russia launched the biggest attack on Kharkiv since the start of the full-scale war, pummeling Ukraine’s second-largest city with drones, aerial bombs, rockets, and missiles, according to local officials. At least five people were killed and more than 40 injured, including a baby and a teenager. The strikes, which damaged apartment buildings, private homes, businesses, and a children’s music school, came less than a week after Kyiv’s Operation Spiderweb targeting air bases inside of Russia. Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Saturday’s assault as “pure terrorism.” “No matter what anyone says, these Russian strikes are not ‘retaliatory’ — they are aimed at destruction,” he said . “What they want is the complete destruction of life.” An apartment building in Kharkiv hit by a Russian strike. June 7, 2025. Yevhen Titov / NurPhoto / Getty Images An apartment building hit by a drone during a Russian attack on Kharkiv. June 7, 2025. Vitalii Hnidyi / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Rescue workers and paramedics carry an injured resident from the rubble of a building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv. June 7, 2025. Sofiia Gatilova / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Rescue workers and a paramedic assist an injured resident after he was pulled from the rubble of a building hit by a Russian drone strike. Kharkiv, Ukraine. June 7, 2025. Sofiia Gatilova / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA A rescue worker walks through smoke inside a damaged residential building in Kharkiv. June 7, 2025. Ivan Samoilov / Global Images Ukraine / Getty Images A firefighter works to extinguish a fire at a civilian plant following heavy Russian strikes on Kharkiv. June 7, 2025. Sergey Bobok / AFP / Scanpix / LETA A police officer walks past the bodies of civilians killed in a Russian strike that hit a children’s train in a city park. Kharkiv, Ukraine. June 7, 2025. Andrii Marienko / AP / Scanpix / LETA;0,3
North Korea moves damaged warship near Russian border, possibly seeking Moscow’s aid in repairsNorth Korea has moved the warship damaged during its launch last month to a dry dock near the Russian border, CNN reports , citing satellite images taken on June 8 by Maxar Technologies. The maintenance facilities in Rajin, North Hamgyong Province, are more modest than the shipyard where the destroyer was damaged, leading experts to speculate that Russia may participate in the repair work. North Korea’s new 5,000-ton destroyer capsized during its launch on May 21. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who attended the launch ceremony, called the accident “unacceptable.” He ordered the ship's repairs to be completed before the Workers’ Party's plenary session in late June, declaring it a “matter of national honor.” North Korea’s state media reported that the repairs would take seven to ten days. In connection with the failed launch, the authorities have arrested three shipyard employees and a defense industry official.;0
Latvian State Security Service investigates parliament member for inciting ethnic hatred after heated defense of Russian speakersLatvia’s State Security Service has opened an investigation into Member of Parliament Alexey Roslikov on suspicion of inciting ethnic tensions and “assisting” Russia in actions against Latvia. The agency informed local media outlets that its officers have held multiple “cautionary talks” with Roslikov regarding his public statements and warned him about potential legal repercussions. On June 5, speaking from the Saeima’s floor, Roslikov criticized a draft declaration on “redressing the legacy of Russification.” The measure would establish the Latvian state’s duty to remedy the effects of Russification policies, which advocates say still erode the standing of the Latvian language. The declaration also included proposals for restricting the use of Russian in public spaces. Opposing the inclusion of the declaration on the parliament's agenda, Roslikov argued that “Russian speakers stood on the barricades together with Latvians.” Before finishing his remarks, Roslikov switched from Latvian to Russian, said, “There are more of us, and Russian is our language!” and made a rude gesture to the other deputies as he left the podium. He was subsequently expelled from the chamber. Latvian lawmakers ultimately chose not to endorse the declaration, instead referring it to the parliament’s Education, Culture, and Science Committee. Alexey Roslikov heads Latvia’s “Stability!” party, which won roughly 7 percent of the vote in the 2022 parliamentary elections. The party won a similar share of the vote in the June 7, 2025, Riga City Council elections. Stability! is known for courting Russian-speaking voters and is widely viewed as populist. In late 2024, when asked about Crimea’s status, Roslikov said : “Until 2014, it was an integral part of Ukraine. Today, it is Russia. [...] As a Latvian, I don’t give a damn about what happens in the world. I'm interested in Latvia. I don’t support either side because all participants are to blame for what's happening there.”;-0,15
Russia has denied entry to multiple Ukrainians for deleting content from their phones, state media reports Russian state media reports that there have been multiple cases of Ukrainian citizens being denied entry to Russia after deleting messages and photos from their phones prior to crossing the border. A report published Sunday by RIA Novosti cites “dozens of court documents” related to appeals of entry bans and highlights two specific cases. In the first, the outlet writes, a woman “deleted chat messages and her entire photo gallery, and hid her YouTube viewing history.” In the second, a Ukrainian man reportedly erased 5,000 photos and videos and deleted several contacts from his device. Meduza found another such case in Russia’s public court database. According to the court’s ruling, border officials inspected a Ukrainian woman’s phone after she flew to Moscow from Serbia and discovered that she had “intentionally wiped” chat data in Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, and Instagram. She had also cleared her photo gallery and hidden her viewing history in the YouTube mobile app. Additionally, the court documents state that her phone contained contacts linked to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Citing “security threats and the international situation,” authorities deemed these findings a threat to national security and public order, and denied her entry to the country. Meduza also found a second case from July 2024, in which a court reviewed the entry denial of a Ukrainian man who arrived in Russia from Turkey. His phone showed signs of “partial data deletion.” The court concluded, based on his messaging activity and other content, that he held “a consistently pro-Ukrainian stance, sympathized with Nazi ideology, and maintained a strongly negative view of the special military operation .” His device also contained contacts labeled “SBU” and “retired SBU officer — working,” which he was reportedly unable to explain. The court upheld the entry ban.;-0,15
"Contract soldier in southern Russia flees unit with assault rifle and shoots two local residents 1:36 pm, June 9, 2025 Source: Meduza A Russian contract soldier fled his unit in the Volgograd region with an assault rifle and later seriously wounded two local residents on Sunday, according to reports from Telegram channels and local news outlets. The soldier was identified as 34-year-old Maksim Valkovich. According to the channels Baza and V1.ru , Valkovichleft his unit to confront a man who had started dating his wife (or ex-wife, according to some accounts). The man reportedly didn’t come to the meeting and sent two friends in his place. Valkovich opened fire on them near an abandoned poultry farm on the outskirts of the town of Petrov Val. Local residents told V1.ru that the shooting took place around 6:00 p.m., and 18 shell casings were found at the scene. One of the victims was taken to intensive care in critical condition; the other was hospitalized with moderate injuries. Following the shooting, police launched a citywide manhunt and closed off all roads, according to the Telegram channel Zhest. Kamyshin , which also published two photos from Petrov Val. One image showed two men in civilian clothes standing with their hands raised beside a fence, with three others nearby, one of them in uniform. Another showed several police vehicles. The accompanying post claimed that police had detained a driver who picked up Valkovich after the shooting. Locals told V1.ru that two alleged accomplices were also detained. V1.ru reports that Valkovich previously served more than nine years in prison for extortion, robbery, and inflicting grievous bodily harm resulting in death by negligence. He was released in 2020 and placed under administrative supervision for two years. According to family members, he volunteered for military service in 2023 and has a wife and child. Residents of Petrov Val said the town was swarming with law enforcement and military personnel. “Police officers, traffic patrols, and the military are sweeping the entire area — drones are flying overhead — everything is under control,” the head of a local school told V1.ru. A duty officer at the military investigative department for the Volgograd garrison told journalists that investigators had received information about the deserter but declined to confirm whether the reports were accurate. The Russian Interior Ministry and Investigative Committee have not commented on the incident. Sign up for Meduza’s daily newsletter A digest of Russia’s investigative reports and news analysis. If it matters, we summarize it. Subscribe Subscribe Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.";0
‘Not yet payback’ Pro-invasion bloggers criticize Russia’s Defense Ministry for failing to retaliate for Ukraine’s drone strikes on strategic airfieldsBodies of rescuers killed in a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Kyiv, June 6, 2025 Valentyn Ogirenko / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Prominent writers in Russia’s Z-blogosphere — the constellation of pro-invasion Telegram accounts with millions of readers — are ridiculing the Defense Ministry’s claim that the June 6 nighttime strikes across Ukraine constitute retaliation for Kyiv’s daring drone attacks on June 1 that damaged several strategic aircraft. Russia’s nighttime strikes were “routine,” bloggers complained, and fell short of a proportional response to the damage wrought by Operation “Spiderweb.” (Writers also cite the weekend’s deadly train derailment outside Bryansk, which officials have called a Ukrainian terrorist attack.) Pro-invasion bloggers express hope that Moscow is merely laying the groundwork for a truly massive attack in retaliation for the “Spiderweb” strikes. Before dawn on June 6, Russia launched a large strike on Kyiv, killing at least three people and injuring another 17, according to the city’s mayor. Other Russian attacks reportedly injured 11 people in Ternopil and 27 in Lutsk. The Ukrainian military reported that Russia launched a total of 407 drones and 44 missiles. On its Telegram channel, Russia’s Defense Ministry called the strikes a “response to the terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov used similar language , telling reporters on Friday that “everything happens within the framework of the special military operation.” Peskov argued that Russian operations in Ukraine are a “daily” retaliation for actions by Kyiv, which he said has now “taken on all the characteristics of a terrorist regime.” Further reading The impact of ‘Spiderweb’ Ukraine’s massive drone attack on Russian air bases was a blow to the Kremlin’s pride — but what does it mean for the war? 10 days ago Further reading The impact of ‘Spiderweb’ Ukraine’s massive drone attack on Russian air bases was a blow to the Kremlin’s pride — but what does it mean for the war? 10 days ago Journalists at Agentstvo studied reactions from Z-bloggers and found consternation at claims that the June 6 attacks were anything special. Several writers noted that Russia launched even more drones at Ukraine on June 1, hours before Operation “Spiderweb.” “Yet another routine ‘Geranium’ [Shahed 136] drone and missile strike on Ukraine — not yet payback, just continuing the march to victory,” wrote Kursk blogger Roman Alekhin to his nearly 175,000 subscribers on Telegram. “The response will definitely be larger-scale and more dramatic. Right now, this is about finding and taking out their air defenses, so when the big retaliation happens, more of the ‘special deliveries’ find their targets and fewer civilians get hurt.” “Basically, it was nothing super crazy (despite all the evening scare tactics). Even the number of drones they used wasn’t record-breaking,” wrote Yury Podolyaka (whose audience exceeds 3.1 million subscribers). The Telegram channel ZHIVOV Z (111,000 subscribers) noted that Russia’s nighttime launches included a successful Iskander strike on a Patriot air defense system outside Kyiv, but the channel likened the attack to dozens of past operations. “Let’s hope the devastating revenge strike is still coming,” ZHIVOV Z wrote. VGTRK state media employee Alexander Sladkov asked his 839,000 subscribers why Russia isn’t conducting more sabotage attacks against Ukraine’s military and industrial facilities. “I know for certain that we can and know how [to do it],” he wrote, adding that he doesn’t understand why Russia doesn’t simply “knock out Ukraine's entire energy system at once.” Operation “Spiderweb” targeted Russian air bases in at least five regions on June 1. Available evidence suggests that Moscow may have lost up to 10 percent of certain aircraft types. Kyiv claims to have hit 41 strategic aircraft. President Volodymyr Zelensky said preparations for the surprise operation began 18 months prior. He stated that “Spiderweb” was coordinated from inside Russia, at an “office” near one of the Federal Security Service’s regional headquarters. “This represents our most extensive long-range operation to date. Of course, we can’t reveal everything now, but these Ukrainian actions will definitely be in the history books,” Zelensky said, calling the operation’s result “absolutely brilliant.”;-0,1
"Georgia’s democratic reckoning As protests continue and the ruling party crushes dissent, could ex-president Salome Zourabichvili offer a political alternative?Georgia’s democratic reckoning As protests continue and the ruling party crushes dissent, could ex-president Salome Zourabichvili offer a political alternative? 2:21 pm, June 6, 2025 Source: Meduza On May 26, Georgia celebrated its Independence Day — an occasion that coincided with the 180th consecutive day of anti-government demonstrations. The protests began last fall, after the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in a disputed parliamentary election and announced that it was halting E.U. accession talks until 2028. Georgians rallied in cities across the country, demanding European integration, a repeat vote, and the release of protesters arrested during clashes with law enforcement. Opposition lawmakers, meanwhile, refused to take up their seats in parliament — but this didn’t stop Georgian Dream from installing a new president to replace the defiant Salome Zourabichvili. At 73 years old, Paris-born Zourabichvili has had a long political career, rising through France’s diplomatic service before becoming Georgia’s foreign minister and later the first woman president. Although elected with Georgian Dream’s support in 2018, Zourabichvili has since become one of the ruling party’s most outspoken critics. As Georgian Dream tightened its grip on power and sabotaged relations with the West, Zourabichvili took a strong pro-E.U. stance, allying herself with protesters, vetoing divisive legislation, and weathering impeachment proceedings not once but twice. Since vacating the presidential palace at the end of December, she has remained at the forefront of the embattled anti-government movement, working her international connections and attempting to coordinate Georgia’s notoriously divided opposition. In posts on social media, Zourabichvili often talks about the need for a “true political alternative,” arguing that “Georgia must be ready — with democratic forces prepared to ensure stability and lead when change comes.” With the demonstrations that have persisted for months and Georgian Dream’s crackdown on dissent continuing unabated, could Zourabichvili herself be the political alternative many in Georgia are seeking? Researcher Guga Chomakhidze reports for The Beet. This story first appeared in The Beet , a monthly email dispatch from Meduza covering Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Sign up here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox. More than a century ago, with Georgia still under the shadow of Imperial Russia, one of the nation’s most visionary minds, Niko Nikoladze , wrote with determination: “Enlightenment and prosperity were not found in their [Europeans’] cradles, but achieved through effort.” With these words, he urged his compatriots to look westward, embrace the ideals of liberty and self-determination, and transform Georgia into a modern, prosperous, and industrial state. His call, reinforced by many of his most prominent contemporaries, culminated in the founding of the First Georgian Republic in 1918, a bold democratic experiment that stood out amid the crumbling empires of the old world. The republic established the first multi-ethnic, multi-religious, female-inclusive parliament on the European continent and passed some of the most liberal and forward-looking laws of its era. The republic also proved short-lived. In 1921, the Red Army invaded, extinguishing the young republic and scattering its leaders across foreign lands. That March, in the Black Sea port city of Batumi, the ship Anatolia lifted its anchors, carrying some of the last defenders of Georgia’s fleeting independence into exile. Among them were Ivane Zourabichvili , one of Georgia’s founding fathers, and his wife Nino , daughter of the visionary Niko Nikoladze. Their departure marked not the end of a struggle, but the beginning of a long intergenerational resistance. The diplomat A century later, Nikoladze’s great-granddaughter, Salome Zourabichvili , stands at the center of Georgia’s ongoing democratic struggle. With the country now in its seventh month of sustained, nationwide protests against the increasingly pro-Russian ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), Zourabichvili has emerged as an unlikely figurehead of the country’s opposition movement. Born in Paris in 1952 to Georgian political exiles, Zourabichvili grew up steeped in the anti-Soviet intellectual traditions of the diaspora. Her family, having fled the Soviet takeover of Georgia, never stopped imagining a return to a democratic homeland. Zourabichvili went on to become a career diplomat, rising through the French Foreign Service and holding senior posts at the United Nations, NATO, and the French embassy in Washington, D.C. She came to Georgia in 2004 as the French ambassador. Riding the wave of the Rose Revolution, then-President Mikheil Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. Salome Zourabichvili, then Georgia’s foreign minister, and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell after a meeting at the State Department in Washington. June 1, 2004. Yuri Gripas / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Zourabichvili quickly became a popular but polarizing figure. Though lauded for her role in negotiating the withdrawal of Russian military bases from Georgia, she was dismissed within a year amid political infighting. It would be the first of many times that she found herself on the outside looking in. Nevertheless, Zourabichvili remained involved in opposition politics. Ahead of the 2013 presidential vote, she publicly endorsed Saakashvili’s main rival, deeming billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili ’s Georgian Dream party the only political force capable of defeating Saakashvili’s United National Movement. Though she was barred from running in that election on account of her dual citizenship, Zourabichvili would renounce her French passport in 2018 and go on to win the presidency on a Georgian Dream ticket. Many viewed Zourabichvili’s Georgian Dream-backed presidential run as a capitulation. Her campaign had been marred by allegations of vote-buying, intimidation, and abuse of state resources — leaving her with a trust rating that hovered around 15 percent. Zourabichvili’s approval rating was similarly low, with a November 2019 International Republican Institute poll indicating that only 23 percent of respondents viewed her favorably. READ MORE FROM THE BEET Georgia’s Lazarus Bidzina Ivanishvili’s latest political comeback and the law of diminishing returns a year ago READ MORE FROM THE BEET Georgia’s Lazarus Bidzina Ivanishvili’s latest political comeback and the law of diminishing returns a year ago Critics often described Zourabichvili as aloof and politically inconsistent, perceiving her as a ceremonial figure rather than an autonomous political actor. During the early years of her presidency, she frequently aligned herself with GD’s positions while maintaining a conspicuously cautious posture on key political disputes. Controversial statements — such as blaming Georgia for initiating the 2008 war with Russia, opposing the idea of U.S. military bases, and calling for direct dialogue with Moscow — further alienated segments of the pro-Western public. As a result, before her formal split with GD, many saw Zourabichvili not as a counterbalance to power, but as a contradictory figure who was neither fully aligned with the ruling party nor convincingly detached from it. Zourabichvili’s slow transformation from political outsider to opposition figurehead gained momentum after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As Georgian Dream’s pro-European stance gave way to increasingly confrontational rhetoric toward the West, she broke ranks, emerging as one of the most vocal critics of the ruling party’s drift toward Moscow. “There are no angels in politics — especially not in Georgia,” says David Darchiashvili , a former Georgian lawmaker and the director of the Center for Russian Studies think tank in Tbilisi. “But when it matters, she [Zourabichvili] does the right thing.” Breaking ranks Ever since Georgian Dream came to power in 2012, critics have questioned the party’s true allegiances. At the center of this skepticism stands its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili , who built his fortune in Russia’s banking and telecom sectors during the chaotic 1990s. Once a supporter of the now-imprisoned former President Saakashvili, Ivanishvili assembled a six-party coalition to unseat him, promising a new chapter for Georgia. Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili gives a speech at the party’s headquarters in Tbilisi after the announcement of exit poll results in the parliamentary elections. October 26, 2024. Irakli Gedenidze / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Over a decade later, that promise has curdled. Now in his 13th year as Georgia’s behind-the-scenes power broker, Ivanishvili has extended his influence across the political spectrum and consolidated economic control. He has slowly redirected the country’s foreign policy away from its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, leaning instead toward Beijing and, increasingly, Moscow. “Every move GD makes resembles the Kremlin. The laws, the sabotage, the rhetoric,” says Beka Kobakhidze , a historian at Ilia State University. For many years, Georgian Dream billed itself as pro-Western. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the party’s diplomatic balancing act became less tenable. It struggled to maintain both non-provocation toward Russia and integration with Europe. Faced with a moment of reckoning, Georgian Dream hedged, choosing caution toward Moscow over clarity with its Western allies and upholding democratic principles. The majority of the GD political elite followed the party’s decision. However, there was one high-profile leader who refused to fall in line. Zourabichvili’s public break with Georgian Dream came in March 2023, in the form of a scathing state-of-the-nation address. “Where do you stand today? Why have you strayed from the people’s will?” she asked lawmakers, just weeks after major pro-E.U. protests rocked Tbilisi. Condemning GD’s abandonment of its early promise of European integration — a promise, she reminded them, that once included backing her presidential run as a gesture of goodwill — she accused the ruling party of suffocating dissent, undermining judicial reform, and sabotaging Georgia’s path to the E.U. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili takes part in a pro-E.U. march in Tbilisi. December 9, 2023. Mirian Meladze / Anadolu / Getty Images Zourabichvili would publicly condemn the government’s refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia, and she obstructed its push to adopt legislation mirroring Russian laws targeting civil society and media freedoms. Accusing GD of aligning with Moscow’s interests, she dubbed the party “Russian Dream,” emphasizing the stark choice facing Georgia between European integration and subservience to Russian-style authoritarianism. Her outspoken stance galvanized public support, particularly among pro-European citizens disillusioned with the government, positioning Zourabichvili as a central figure in the opposition to Georgian Dream’s policies. “When it mattered most, she stood on the right side,” says former Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergi Kapanadze , who now heads the Georgia’s Reforms Associates think tank in Tbilisi. “It was a turning point. When GD began mimicking Kremlin policies, she refused to go along.” In the eyes of many, Zourabichvili began to emerge as a bulwark against the rising tide of tyranny — a final safeguard as Georgian democracy edged closer to authoritarian rule. The last president The protests in Georgia resumed late last autumn, on the heels of a controversial parliamentary election that saw Georgian Dream claim victory despite widespread allegations of voter intimidation, vote-buying, abuse of state resources, and a mismanaged electoral process. But it was the government’s subsequent decision to postpone E.U. accession talks until 2028 that triggered mass demonstrations across the country. Viewing this official shift in Tbilisi’s long-held foreign policy orientation as a betrayal of the constitution, the protesters challenged the legitimacy of the October 2024 vote. Zourabichvili sided with the protesters, urging her compatriots to join her on the streets of Tbilisi and filing an unsuccessful lawsuit with the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn the election results. In December, Georgian Dream lawmakers elected Mikheil Kavelashvili , a former professional soccer player turned far-right politician, to replace Zourabichvili as president — provoking outcry from opposition parties, which had boycotted the vote. As her term came to a close, Zourabichvili refused to step down, with the opposition maintaining that she was Georgia’s last legitimate leader. Nevertheless, she vacated the presidential residence on the day of Kavelashvili’s inauguration, telling supporters gathered outside the Orbeliani Palace, “I bring legitimacy with me.” Salome Zourabichvili gives a speech outside of Orbeliani Palace, the president’s official residence in Tbilisi. December 29, 2024. Davit Kachkachishvili / Anadolu / Getty Images Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili talks to Mikheil Kavelashvili before his swearing-in as president at the parliament in Tbilisi. December 29, 2024. Irakli Gedenidz / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA Six months on, opposition forces are still demanding new parliamentary elections as well as the release of “prisoners of conscience” — more than 50 protesters detained during the ongoing anti-government demonstrations. The list of detainees includes some of Georgia’s most respected and active public figures, such as journalist Mzia Amaglobeli , actor Andro Chichinadze , and student activist Zviad Tsetskhladze . Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and grassroots activists have voiced a unified public call for justice, accountability, and democratic reform, one that’s echoed by international observers advocating for transparent governance and respect for human rights . Against this backdrop, Zourabichvili invokes the very same ideals her ancestors championed and carried abroad a century ago. When addressing the Georgian people, she echoes Nikoladze’s words and ideals: “Our path to independence, our path to unity, is through Europe, with Europe — not with Russia.” But while her sharp criticism and diplomatic efforts have positioned Zourabichvili as a moral voice, she’s still hovering at the edge of decisive political action. Despite her symbolic importance, Zourabichvili remains detached from the protests’ organizational core, appearing at times eager to support, yet hesitant to lead. “She is doing her 100 percent to help the cause — I know this as a fact,” says a source close to Zourabichvili, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But she is also frustrated. She doesn’t understand why the movement is losing momentum. The people are no longer protesting as actively as they used to. I think a part of her also blames the electorate for the lost momentum.” READ MORE FROM THE BEET Dispatch from Pankisi Valley In the aftermath of a controversial election, frustration and fear on Georgia’s rural fringe 5 months ago READ MORE FROM THE BEET Dispatch from Pankisi Valley In the aftermath of a controversial election, frustration and fear on Georgia’s rural fringe 5 months ago “She has a very difficult personality,” says another anonymous source who has worked closely with Zourabichvili. “She doesn’t work well with others. And, unfortunately, every leader in the opposition has an ego problem. They are all divas and egomaniacs; I’m not surprised they can’t unite.” It’s a familiar story. With four main parties and a handful of minor groupings, the opposition in Georgia is notoriously fractured. Conflicting agendas undermine strategic alliances and personal rivalries run deep. And while they all call for European integration and an end to GD’s rule, opposition forces have repeatedly failed to form a united front — even in the face of opportunities like the 2024 parliamentary vote and the ongoing political crisis. “The opposition parties are failing to present a viable alternative,” says Natalie Sabanadze , Georgia’s former E.U. ambassador and a senior fellow at Chatham House. “Just criticizing GD and calling them a ‘Russian regime’ is not enough. They must present a strong alternative in terms of party composition, leadership, Russia policy, [and] reform packages. The current way is not working; they need to do better.” A multi-dimensional crisis The opposition’s lack of initiative stands in contrast to the scale of the crisis. Since December, Georgian police have cracked down on demonstrators with unprecedented brutality, in addition to imposing massive fines and opening criminal cases. With opposition parties boycotting the parliament, Georgian Dream lawmakers pushed through a second “foreign agent” bill , upping the pressure on independent media and civil society organizations. Pro-government and state TV channels have ramped up anti-Western propaganda. Georgia's E.U. accession, meanwhile, has been forced to a standstill. “The crisis is multi-dimensional,” Sabanadze explains. “There is a domestic legitimacy crisis, and there is also international isolation. GD has pivoted away from the West and rebranded Europe as a threat. It has left Georgia isolated, without allies.” READ MORE FROM THE BEET Loans for scares In Georgia, a news network’s propagandistic turn and an alleged loansharking scheme lead back to the same London-based firm 8 months ago READ MORE FROM THE BEET Loans for scares In Georgia, a news network’s propagandistic turn and an alleged loansharking scheme lead back to the same London-based firm 8 months ago “Zourabichvili was able to fill the [opposition’s leadership] vacuum temporarily with her very clearly defined European trajectory, which many Georgians still do continue to support wholeheartedly,” says author and Eurasia Group analyst Tinatin Japaridze . “But resisting a system that is backed by the likes of Russia at the highest possible levels is not easy without the strong support of another power.” With Europe and the United States preoccupied with other issues, Georgia has faded into the background on the international stage, Japaridze says, leaving Zourabichvili adrift despite her extensive network of contacts abroad. “Their actions are reactionary, not strategic,” Kapanadze argues. “ Sanctions don’t work. What now? We need long-term policy from both Brussels and Washington.” Meanwhile, Georgian Dream shows no signs of slowing its authoritarian drift. It controls the judiciary , the electoral commission , and nearly all the media . The V-Dem Institute has reclassified Georgia as an “electoral autocracy,” while Reporters Without Borders warns that “official interference” is undermining press freedom, creating a hostile environment for independent journalists. Kobakhidze, the historian, calls the current system “authoritarian in structure, heading toward dictatorship.” In recent weeks, the authorities have jailed opposition leaders Irakli Okruashvili , Zurab Japaridze , and Nika Melia , citing their failure to appear before a Georgian Dream parliamentary commission and pay ensuing fines. The arrest of Nika Gvaramia , who leads the opposition party Ahali together with Melia, is reportedly imminent . Demonstrators gather in front of the parliament on the 74th consecutive day of protests in Tbilisi. February 9, 2025. Jerome Gilles / NurPhoto / Getty Images Police officers block demonstrators during a rally in Tbilisi calling for new elections and the release of political prisoners. March 31, 2025. Zurab Tsertsvadze / AP / Scanpix / LETA Protesters gather in Tbilisi, demanding the release of political prisoners, new elections, and an end to state propaganda on public television. May 24, 2025. Sebastien Canaud / NurPhoto / Getty Images Critics warn that such inquiries are being weaponized to manufacture a veneer of legitimacy for arrests: opposition leaders, who are still boycotting the parliament, are summoned for questioning and then receive heavy fines for failing to comply. Government officials and pro-government media, in turn, portray even the act of paying fines as tacit acceptance of Georgian Dream’s authority — an interpretation many in the opposition reject. Georgian Dream officials have accompanied this crackdown with increasingly alarming rhetoric, vowing to ban what they call “radical opposition” parties for alleged “unconstitutional behavior” and “crimes against the state.” All the while, the anti-government protests have continued. Despite unprecedented popular mobilization, the fragmented opposition has failed to translate this outcry into concrete political change. This includes Zourabichvili herself. “Everyone agrees that it’s time to unite,” says Kobakhidze. “But no one knows how.” That said, Zourabichvili could very well be the missing piece. With no party affiliations, no stated electoral ambitions, and a powerful personal story, she could bridge the chasm between warring factions. “Despite her flaws, she’s the only figure with symbolic weight and international credibility,” says Kapanadze. “This isn’t about perfection — it’s about survival.” READ MORE ABOUT THE PROTESTS ‘Either we fight or end up as the next Belarus’ As Georgia enters its second week of protests, police violence adds fuel to calls for new elections 6 months ago READ MORE ABOUT THE PROTESTS ‘Either we fight or end up as the next Belarus’ As Georgia enters its second week of protests, police violence adds fuel to calls for new elections 6 months ago ‘The 100-year struggle continues’ Zourabichvili’s lineage, stance, and actions all point to a deeper question facing Georgia. Can one woman, born in exile and carrying the legacy of a lost republic, galvanize a splintered opposition and steer the country back onto a democratic path? “Since the main promoter of democratic values in the region — the U.S. — has stepped back, the [pro-democracy] movement must be homegrown,” Sabanadze maintains. “There is no alternative to this.” Zourabichvili, who declined to be interviewed for this story, appears hesitant to take on a more formal leadership role, positioning herself instead as a coordinator of opposition forces. During a protest in Tbilisi on April 1, the 34th anniversary of the referendum on restoring Georgia’s independence, she announced the creation of the Resistance Platform, with the aim of uniting pro-E.U. parties and civil society groups — an initiative some opposition figures responded to with derision. Salome Zourabichvili gives a speech to a large crowd during a protest in Tbilisi on Georgia’s Independence Day. May 26, 2025. Sebastien Canaud / NurPhoto / Getty Images “Zourabichvili seems more effective abroad than she is internally,” notes Darchiashvili. “Considering the problems and differences within this resistance movement,” he adds, “unification will require a lot of effort and consistent energetic engagement from her to lead this process.” In many ways, Zourabichvili is reprising a familiar role. Throughout her presidency, she sought to unify Georgia’s opposition, encouraging dialogue and coordination across party lines. That effort, though largely symbolic at the time, laid the groundwork for what many hoped would become a broader coalition against Georgian Dream. But during the 2024 vote, this political force failed to materialize. “There is a sense of disappointment and disillusionment not only among opposition voters but also among undecided voters, who, I think, would have been ready to vote for an opposition candidate if they genuinely felt that they could deliver on the promises they made ahead of the election,” says Japaridze. Now, with Zourabichvili’s formal powers expired and the Georgian political landscape dramatically altered, many believe the moment has come for her to transition from a figurehead to an active opposition leader, especially as she has the highest approval rating (49 percent) of any political figure. The stakes, they argue, have never been higher. “What many underestimate, both in Georgia and abroad, is the urgency,” Kapanadze warns. “With Georgian Dream’s authoritarian turn, we may soon have no internal resources left to push for democratic or pro-Western causes.” READ MORE FROM THE BEET A geopolitical paradox Former diplomat Sergi Kapanadze on Georgia’s upcoming elections, the people’s E.U. aspirations, and the government’s drift towards Russia a year ago READ MORE FROM THE BEET A geopolitical paradox Former diplomat Sergi Kapanadze on Georgia’s upcoming elections, the people’s E.U. aspirations, and the government’s drift towards Russia a year ago Yet Zourabichvili’s apparent hesitation is not without cause. Limited resources, internal divisions, and unrelenting pressure from an increasingly repressive regime continue to beleaguer Georgia’s opposition. And global trends — marked by the resurgence of right-wing conservatism — have further complicated the terrain for liberal democratic actors. “It’s really not just Georgia that is going through this democratic backsliding, but the concept of democracy [itself],” Japaridze underscores. In this context, fully entering the political arena may well feel like stepping into a losing battle. “The available resources are incomparably asymmetric,” says Kobakhidze. “It’s very hard to resist Georgian Dream in a context where it holds a monopoly over both state and economic resources.” Despite lending her voice to protesters and publicly condemning authoritarian overreach, Zourabichvili’s domestic and international engagement remains limited in scale and sporadic in nature. Her political rhythm is uneven — at times forceful, at times absent — and her overall impact remains uncertain, leaving some to wonder whether she has done all she can. “There has to be a fresh face that comes into Georgian politics, someone whose name the Georgian people haven’t been hearing for years, because there is political fatigue,” says Japaridze. “I am skeptical that much more can be done without another leader emerging.” Indeed, the absence of a clear, unifying opposition leader has created a strategic vacuum. With no one to coordinate efforts between parties, engage grassroots protest movements on the ground, and represent the democratic cause to international partners, the resistance remains fractured. Meanwhile, Georgian Dream continues its methodical consolidation of power, undeterred by domestic discontent or international concern. In Tbilisi, there is a palpable sense of urgency. The window to reverse Georgia’s authoritarian slide seems to be closing rapidly. But with protesters still taking to the streets, coming out in force on Georgia’s Independence Day on May 26, the fight isn’t over yet. As Zourabichvili once put it in an interview , reflecting on her great-grandfather Niko Nikoladze’s legacy, “the 100-year struggle continues.”";0,525
"After Mumbai accident, Railways mulls non-AC trains with automated door closure facility ICF Chennai will design a prototype of the new non-AC train; the first train of the new design is expected to be ready by November 2025, and following tests, may be placed in service by January 2026 Updated - June 10, 2025 07:22 am IST - New Delhi Maitri Porecha After four persons died and six others were injured when they fell from a local train in Mumbai due to overcrowding in peak hours, the Railway Board has said that new, non-AC trains would be designed and manufactured with automatic door closure facility to prevent accidents. The deadline for introducing the first prototype of such a non-AC train with door closure facility in the Mumbai Suburban Railway network has been fixed as January 2026. Sources said that in the wake of the incident in Mumbai, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Railway Board officials held a meeting with a team from the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF). A senior Mumbai-based Railway official told The Hindu that the Mumbai Suburban Railway network currently has 250 rakes in use. Each rake of the train has 12 passenger coaches. Of these 250 rakes, only 30 rakes are air-conditioned, and the rest are non-AC. Currently, non-AC rake coaches in Mumbai local trains are not fitted with closing doors. “The older rakes may be gradually phased out; it won’t happen overnight,” the official said. Earlier, officials from the Railway Board had stated that all rakes in service would be redesigned, and door closure facility would be provided for these rakes. But during the meeting, a major issue of retrofitting automatic doors in non-air conditioned trains leading to suffocation because of reduced ventilation was discussed, sources said. After detailed discussions, it was decided that new, non-AC trains would be designed and manufactured, and the key issue of ventilation would be resolved using three design changes. “Firstly, the doors will have louvres. Secondly, coaches will have roof mounted ventilation units to pump in fresh air. Also, the coaches will have vestibules so that passengers can move from one coach to another and balance out the crowd in a natural way,” the sources said. Officials who attended the meeting said that ICF Chennai had been entrusted with the task of designing a prototype of the new non-AC train. “The first train of this new design will be ready by November 2025. After the testing and certification by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, it will be placed in service for feedback from the people by January 2026,” a senior official said. The official added that, earlier, a similar yard trial had been conducted on non-AC trains in Mumbai locals, and it was noticed that closure of gates led to carbon dioxide levels going up by 2.5 times. “The new design will be created to avoid such increase in CO2 levels,” the official said. Officials stated that the decision to introduce newly designed non-AC rakes with automatic door closure facilities was in addition to the 238 AC trains being manufactured for Mumbai suburban train services. The official Indian Railways spokesperson refrained from commenting on the total cost of introducing the new non-AC trains in Mumbai suburban network, stating that the costing could only be worked out once the ICF submitted the prototype designs in November later this year. “The approximate cost of manufacturing a non-AC train currently in service in the Mumbai Suburban Network is close to ?20-25 crore, and their average life is nearly 18 years,” a Mumbai-based Railway official said. While introducing new non-AC trains with automated door closure, officials said that the Railways would also have to consider passenger congestion in Mumbai local trains. While a 12-coach rake in a non-AC Mumbai local train has a seating capacity of 1,200, another 1,800 persons can stand in the rake, but during the “super dense crush load period”, commuters travelling in one rake cross over 4,000, officials said. M. Jamshed, former Member, Traffic, Railway Board, said that in 2018-19, the Indian Railways carried 4,784 million commuters, of which 40% (over five million commuters daily) travelled in Mumbai on the Central and Western Railways. “Comfort and safety, however, remain serious concerns. The Railways, in its affidavit given to the Mumbai High Court in 2024, indicated over 51,000 deaths on Central Railway and Western Railway systems in last 20 years. This number has significantly reduced to about 2,590 and 2,468 in 2023 and 2024, respectively,” Mr. Jamshed told The Hindu. He added that measures to minimise these incidents must be aimed at reducing the per local train ‘super dense crush load’, which is that of 15 persons per square metre of space during peak hours. “Whether the door closing can be done with these numbers is debatable,” Mr. Jamshed said. Published - June 09, 2025 04:30 pm IST";0
"Centre meets Kuki-Zo groups, discusses opening of highways, surrender of weapons Union Home Ministry (MHA) officials on Monday (June 9, 2025) discussed changes in the ground rules of the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement , the opening of national highways and surrender of weapons at a meeting with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, which was held after two years. At the meeting, the insurgent groups, in peace talks with the government since 2008, were conveyed about ground rules violations and were also asked to shut down or relocate camps close to the Meitei-inhabited areas. The ground rules of the SoO agreement are being reviewed by the MHA, and the next rounds of talks are expected next week to finalise the details for its implementation. Manipur’s Kuki-Zo bodies set terms for talks with Centre A senior government official told The Hindu that the preliminary meeting discussed a road map for restoring normalcy in the northeastern State and finding a long-term solution. The official added that the opening of national highways for free movement of vehicles from Meitei areas and vice versa was emphasised upon. National Highways-2 and 37, which connect the land-locked Imphal valley to Nagaland and Assam respectively, critical for supply of essentials and other commodities, pass through Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The talks, that were affected due to the May 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, were held in Delhi after a gap of two years. The insurgent groups reiterated their demand for a union territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people. A SoO representative said, “The grounds for discussion should be spelt out clearly. An agreement for a political settlement should be part of the SoO extension. Most ground rules are likely to remain the same as 2008, but regarding relocation of camps, we will have to discuss with our constituents.” Also Read: The paradox of the approach to the Manipur issue Five members of the Kuki-Zo SoO groups held talks with A.K. Mishra, Adviser (Northeast), MHA and Intelligence Bureau officials on Monday (June 9, 2025). Looting of weapons “A large number of police weapons were looted since the violence began. The groups were told to surrender weapons to bring long-lasting peace,” the official said. The agreement, in place since 2008, has been periodically extended each year except on February 29, 2024, when the Manipur Government pulled out from the tripartite pact; the MHA and SoO groups being the other two signatories. The representative added, “The meeting focused on the way forward, it concluded on a positive note. Some of the camps that were set up in 2008 were inappropriately located; they have water scarcity and are in want of serious repair. The cadres have not been paid stipend for the past two years.” The representative added that the State government withdrew from the SoO pact after alleging ground rules violation. “The ground rules are violated if our cadres attack the security forces. Post-May 3, 2023, the State police commandos at the behest of the State government were attacking our camps with mortars.” Around 2,200 cadres of the SoO groups comprising United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) – umbrella organisations of 25 insurgent groups, live in 14 designated camps in the hill districts of Manipur. The cadres are entitled to a stipend of ?6,000 per month which has not been paid since the violence erupted. The SoO agreement was signed in the wake of Kuki-Naga clashes in the 1990s when hundreds were killed. The insurgent groups demanded an independent land for the Kuki-Zo people. Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had claimed that SoO groups violated ground rules and instigated ethnic violence. The violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei people, which erupted in the State on May 3, 2023, has claimed the lives of 250 people, displacing more than 60,000 people from their homes. Published - June 09, 2025 11:19 pm IST";0,05
Apple WWDC 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: ‘Liquid Glass’ design concept unveiled, but AI Siri needs more time This year, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is unfolding amidst tariff disagreements with U.S. President Donald Trump, and customer unhappiness over the delayed deployment of key Apple Intelligence features. Updated - June 10, 2025 12:28 am IST Sahana Venugopal, Haider Ali Khan Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 began on June 9, as watchers worldwide tuned in to see how the iPhone-maker will navigate U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to build products in the U.S. (or face heavy tariffs if it continues to rely on China and India). While WWDC is mainly an event focusing on software upgrades and developer-centric launches, the impact of geopolitics on Apple’s balance sheet will certainly be on most viewers’ minds. Also Read: Apple may raise iPhone prices ahead of new launch Apple is facing mounting scrutiny over the company’s inability to deploy long-awaited Apple Intelligence (AI) features , such as an AI-enhanced Siri assistant, within the promised timeline. Also Read: Apple under pressure to shine during WWDC 2025 after Siri AI stumble June 10, 2025 00:08 Apple WWDC 2025 Recap Apple announced a range of software updates across its devices and products. The star of the show was arguably the new ‘Liquid Glass’ design update that is meant to create a more aesthetic workflow for Apple device users. Apple executives very quickly skimmed over the company’s struggle to ship the AI-enhanced Siri, and did not confirm an updated deadline for its release. However, Apple Intelligence continues to expand and grow, with the ability to carry out tasks ranging from screening calls to hyping up runners. Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone, and MacBook users will all get both aesthetic and functional software upgrades, while Visual Intelligence now covers content on the screen. Spatial photos are set to have their moment, and could potentially change the way we capture and experience simple 2D images. OpenAI’s ChatGPT appears to be Apple’s primary GenAI partner, as no major AI partnerships were announced during this WWDC event. This live coverage has ended. June 10, 2025 00:01 Apple CEO Tim Cook signs off Tim Cook stresses on the expanding uses of Apple Intelligence and Apple’s new design update. He sends out a special thank you to the developers of Apple’s community, before signing off in front of a rainbow. June 09, 2025 23:50 Apple iPadOS updates The Apple iPad enjoys a new design revamp and gets many of the previously announced software features, such as the phone controls and gaming app. Multi-tasking is a major area of focus, with a new window management system. Apps/windows can be resized, and the pointer is now more responsive. June 09, 2025 23:45 Apple visionOS updates Apple visionOS 26 is getting new spatial experiences, features for enterprise, content, updates to Apple Intelligence, and more. Apple’s headset users will be getting spatial widgets that sit in their virtual reality worlds, a function to turn photos into immersive portals, and app placement memory so their content remains in a stable location. A new AI algorithm will turn photos into spatial scenes through the Photos app so users can feel as though they could step into the picture. This could change not just the way users look at personal memories, but also enhance educational tasks or business operations such as looking at houses being offered on rent. Video calls are set to support realistic personas for more lifelike interactions in the VR space. Privacy controls are getting an upgrade via the protected content feature. A Sony partnership will enhance headset gaming and sports experiences. There is also a brand new Adobe app for visionOS. Apple stresses on the beginning of the “spatial web.” June 09, 2025 23:29 Apple MacOS Tahoe Mac users will be getting more AI features, live translations, and a new design (courtesy of Liquid Glass again). The menu bar is completely transparent to make the experience feel larger, and new controls are being made available to users to customise their apps and widgets. ‘Live Activities’ are coming to Mac, to keep track of live activity such as order tracking across Apple devices. The Apple Phone app is coming to Mac too, to access media synced on iPhones. Call Screening, Live Translation, Hold Assist and other features will also be supported by MacOS Tahoe. Intelligent Actions will help users create shortcuts for popular actions such as summarising content or creating images. Spotlight is getting an AI-powered update too, to help users find content more easily and in a more intuitive way. Spotlight’s functions are also being expanded to help users carry out tasks across apps from their keyboard, without breaking their flow or having to navigate to external platform menus. MacOS Tahoe users can also enjoy the new gaming app. June 09, 2025 23:24 Apple tvOS gets a revamp Apple TV watchers will get to experience an aesthetic upgrade, courtesy of Liquid Glass. Playback controls are set to become more unobtrusive, while the content menu has been redesigned to look more attractive and highlight poster art. Apple also promotes the new seasons of several of its top shows, featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Apple TV is starting to roll out user profiles, similar to Netflix, to keep viewers’ content organised. Karaoke lovers will be able to use their iPhone as a microphone and sing with the help of Apple Music, with Apple TV acting as the karaoke machine. June 09, 2025 23:19 Apple Watch gets more sensitive The smartwatch will be able to better comprehend the ambient noise in your environment and adjust the volume of incoming notifications accordingly. Live Translation is coming to Apple Watches, apart from intuitive suggestions. Notes are coming to Apple Watch as well. June 09, 2025 23:16 Apple WatchOS updates WatchOS 26 gets its rebrand with the help of a new OS numbering system and the Liquid Glass presentation concept. A ‘Workout Buddy’ powered by Apple Intelligence is meant to inspire users to exercise after analysing the user’s past activity and fitness, to give them encouragement in a more organic human voice. Whether you need a pep talk, someone to track your milestones, or give you key health stats, the AI-powered Workout Buddy is meant to do it all. It is set to be available in English initially. The Workout app is also getting a new layout. Apple Music will be able to choose the right music for your workout as well. June 09, 2025 23:11 Visual Intelligence update Apple’s Visual Intelligence uses the device camera to help users learn more about their external world. Now, it is coming to users’ iPhone screens, to help them work across apps or search up media or information seen on their screens. This can help users shop for items they see in photos, add potentially interesting events to one’s calendar, and research media by referring to OpenAI’s ChatGPT - without switching to a new app. June 09, 2025 23:08 Apple Games app Apple announces the Games app with a home tab for updates. Players can get recommendations, track releases, view previously downloaded titles, jump back into existing games, or play with a controller. A ‘Play Together’ tab brings gaming groups together. Score-based showdowns called ‘Challenges’ accomplish this too. June 09, 2025 23:06 Apple Services get improvements Apple’s Kathy Lin says Apple Music is getting lyrics translation and pronunciation for singers and music lovers. AutoMix is a new feature for wannabe DJ artists, to help transition between songs. Music pins will let users place their favourite artists at the top of their library. Coming to Maps, iPhone will learn the user’s preferred routes and offer these through the maps setting, as well as anticipate any sudden changes or time alterations. The ‘Visited Places’ feature will build a library of your favourite places to compile them or share with others. The data is protected with encryption. Apple Wallet is set to store a user’s car keys, driver’s license, refreshed boarding passes, and digital ID, in some U.S. states and regions. Apple Wallet can further use Apple’s AI to help track your orders. June 09, 2025 23:01 Apple announces Live Translation To communicate across languages, Apple introduces Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence across Messages, phone calls, and FaceTime. There will be translated live captions for FaceTime calls, while regular phone calls are translated seamlessly even with those who do not have iPhones. June 09, 2025 22:57 iOS 26 updates for communication Apple offers a new unified layout for favourite calls, recent calls/voice mails, and summaries that all come together. Call Screening is introduced to help users decide if calls from unknown numbers are wanted or not. Your phone will ring after the caller identifies themselves, to make sure you are protected from spam. For those who are put on hold, Apple is introducing Hold Assist to help callers keep their spot in line (and do away with the annoying waiting music) so they can go about their day. This further applies to Messages and unknown senders, so you can carry out a personal review of new messages without dealing with the visual clutter. Messages are getting dynamic, built-in backgrounds as well as photo-wallpapers. Group chats are getting updated with Polls, with Apple Intelligence suggesting when to use this feature. Users can use Apple Cash right from their group chats. Typing indicators are set to come as well. Emoji lovers, meanwhile, are getting more features to generate the exact mini-picture they have in mind, in the style they have in mind. This is done through the ChatGPT integration, but with privacy controls. June 09, 2025 22:50 CarPlay and Apple Apple’s Emily Schubert announces updates to CarPlay through iOS 26 for a more expressive driving experience across modes, new features for better connectivity and multi-tasking, pinned conversations in messages, and Tapbacks, as well as widgets in CarPlay. Apple is working with automakers to integrate more features across cars. June 09, 2025 22:49 New immersive visuals, 3D photos Liquid Glass will make it possible to capture images in a 3D style and experience album art in more immersive visuals. Camera is getting a new streamlined design with iOS 26. Photographers will find it easier to switch between formats and modes, as well as sort through their media. The new 3D feature will apply to photos, to remake the way viewers enjoy them. Web pages are set to become more fluid and reader-friendly. The video call interface has been updated for more seamless use. FaceTime is getting a facelift to celebrate your favourite people. June 09, 2025 22:44 New OS numbers across platforms As speculated by several gadget watchers, Apple announces that it is switching to a new OS numbering system, starting with 26. June 09, 2025 22:43 Apple’s all new design: Liquid Glass Apple’s Alan Dye introduces the company’s “broadest design update” in the form of a universal design format across Apple platforms/devices for more uniformity. The concept is called ‘Liquid Glass,’ which is meant to be more reactive for a lively user experience that better fits the rounded corners of Apple devices. It also adapts between light and dark environments. In essence, your Apple device experience is set to get more aesthetic. June 09, 2025 22:38 Apple Intelligence/Siri status update Apple’s Craig Federighi goes over already released Apple Intelligence features such as writing tools, emoji/image creation, cleaning up photos, finding media, summarising content, etc. while focusing on privacy. Federighi promises features to make the AI-powered Siri “more personal” but he says this will require time to reach the needed standard. However, Apple Intelligence is set to support more languages and reach more places, not to mention devices. Apple also says it is opening up access for apps to use its intelligence through its foundational model framework. June 09, 2025 22:34 Apple WWDC 2025 begins! The show is starting with the traditional promotional video. CEO Tim Cook welcomes attendees with an F1-themed clip to promote the upcoming F1 film, as he hails Apple TV + and its storytelling accomplishments. Cook promises “exciting new innovations” and more than 100 sessions and labs for WWDC this year over the coming days. June 09, 2025 22:20 Will iOS 26 be confirmed? Is a new iOS format on the cards? Some well-known leakers and gadget influencers are speculating that Apple is planning to change its OS numbering format to match the current calendar year across devices, making it easier for users to keep track of updates and patches. However, Apple has not made a formal announcement regarding this change. In case there is one, though, WWDC 2025 would certainly be the place to announce it. June 09, 2025 22:10 A new ultra-thin Apple device? The theme of this year’s WWDC is ‘Sleek Peek.’ Based on Apple’s track record, this could be a sneaky reference to a new, sleeker device. While many are hoping to confirm the existence of a potential iPhone Air model, there are also chances that the ‘Peek’ part of the theme might be a nod to Apple’s Vision Pro. We’ll just have to wait and see. June 09, 2025 22:00 Apple’s accessibility features In mid-May, Apple announced new accessibility features that it said would be coming later this year. These included Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, Accessibility Reader, and updates to Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and other features that aim to let people with disabilities use their tech and interact with the world more seamlessly. June 09, 2025 21:50 Apple and antitrust issues (or Tim vs Tim) Apple’s WWDC event this year comes shortly after the iPhone maker lost its legal bid to limit rivals’ access to its app store. An antitrust lawsuit brought by ‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games aimed to highlight Apple’s allegedly anticompetitive practices, such as forcing developers to pay high fees when customers completed an app purchase outside the App Store. Epic Games sued Apple in 2020 and its founder, Tim Sweeney, has long been an outspoken critic of Apple’s treatment of developers using its app store. (However, Epic Games has also been accused of anticompetitive abuse.) U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of a previously issued injunction order in the Epic Games case, marking a victory for the “other” Tim. June 09, 2025 21:40 Apple and DEI While Big Tech companies such as Meta and Google have quickly backtracked on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in order to please Trump (who considers DEI a form of illegal discrimination), Apple has largely stood its ground with regards to its existing diversity policy. A video clip shared by Tim Cook today showed him interacting with a diverse group of students as part of the Swift Student Challenge, and ended with everyone standing and posing before a giant rainbow: a not-so-subtle reference to Pride Month. On the other hand, Cook did make a lucrative donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, per reports. June 09, 2025 21:30 Apple expects tariff troubles Apple CEO Tim Cook said on an earnings call in May that he expected U.S. tariffs to cost $900 million in the current quarter, and that “a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. will have India as their country of origin.” This also means that future Apple devices could cost more than they usually do, if Trump remains steadfast about imposing tariffs when makers don’t build in America. It remains to be seen whether the newly announced software updates at this year’s WWDC will be enough to justify the company potentially raising its device prices in order to cover the cost of tariffs. June 09, 2025 21:20 Trade challenges loom over Apple If customer pressure over the Apple Intelligence delays wasn’t enough, Apple has been informed by U.S. President Donald Trump in no uncertain terms that the company needs to build in America or face tariffs. While Apple has been slowly moving iPhone production out of China and into India, even this is not enough to placate Trump. In Trump’s own words: “I said to him (Apple CEO Tim Cook), my friend, I am treating you very good. You are coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India. You can build in India, if you want to take care of India because India is one of the highest tariff nations in the world, so it is very hard to sell in India.” June 09, 2025 21:10 Apple hit with a lawsuit over AI delays A federal lawsuit was filed against Apple over the delay in fully rolling out the AI or ‘Apple Intelligence’ features promised with the release of the iPhone 16 series. A legal filing dated March 19 claimed that Apple advertised Apple Intelligence and an enhanced AI-powered Siri in order to promote the Apple iPhone 16 model, when it allegedly knew this was not the case. The features may only be released in late 2025 or even 2026. “Apple deceived millions of consumers into purchasing new phones they did not need based on features that do not exist, in violation of multiple false advertising and consumer protection laws,” claimed the lawsuit filing that accused Apple of basing its marketing campaign on a lie. June 09, 2025 21:00 Apple’s AI advantage. . . and adversity “Apple’s artificial intelligence efforts, branded as ‘Apple Intelligence,’ have become a source of considerable embarrassment for a company renowned for polished, intuitive products. Bloomberg’s recent analysis painted a troubling picture, with insiders suggesting that “continued failure to get artificial intelligence right threatens everything from the iPhone’s dominance to plans for robots and other futuristic products,”“ writes The Hindu’s John Xavier. “While much attention focuses on Apple’s current AI struggles, WWDC 2025 also represents an opportunity for the company to outline its longer-term vision for artificial intelligence integration. Apple has historically excelled at taking emerging technologies and refining them into user-friendly products that achieve mass market adoption, even if the company wasn’t first to market with the underlying technology.” Read the full analysis of how WWDC 2025 could be Apple’s make-or-break moment for AI redemption. June 09, 2025 20:50 The promise of Apple Intelligence Riding the high of Apple’s announcements from WWDC 2024, the premium gadget-maker announced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence, the Apple Watch Series 10, the AirPods 4, new colours for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and AirPods Max, and the AirPods Pro 2 with hearing health features in September last year. Apple Intelligence helped to greatly boost the appeal of the new iPhone 16 series. More than half a year on, however, delays in rolling out Apple Intelligence have angered customers and even triggered legal action. Multiple analysts proposed that Apple could announce new tie-ups with other AI companies to offer access to their chatbots, such as Google’s Gemini and Perplexity AI. June 09, 2025 20:41 Recap of Apple WWDC 2024 Apple’s WWDC event last year saw the release of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone-maker’s own bundle of AI services and features, as well as an official integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Some other features that were announced included an enhanced Siri (that has been delayed), better customisation options across apps and the Homescreen, iPhone mirroring, and the iPad calculator. In case you want to refresh your memory while waiting, you can catch up with The Hindu’s coverage of Apple’s WWDC in 2024. June 09, 2025 20:23 It’s time for Apple’s WWDC 2025! Hello, everyone! Welcome to The Hindu’s live coverage of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). While you aren’t likely to hear much about the iPhone 17 line-up or phone prices tonight, this event is significant and will likely highlight updates to the software powering iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and other Apple devices. You can follow Apple’s updates from the main event here, starting June 9 at 22:30/10:30 PM IST, or tune in through apple.com, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel. There will also be other WWDC events and activities that go on until June 13. For his part, Apple CEO Tim Cook is ready to get going! ? ? Published - June 09, 2025;-0,025
Initiate dialogue with Maoists: Left parties in joint appeal to PM The Left parties urged the government to respond to the Maoist declaration of unilateral ceasefire and initiate a dialogue to resolve all issues. Updated - June 09, 2025 11:48 pm IST - NEW DELHI The Hindu Bureau In a joint appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, five Left parties urged him to put an immediate halt to the “extra-judicial” killings in the region around Chhattisgarh under Operation Kagar. In a letter, the general secretaries of the five Left parties — CPI’s D. Raja, CPI(M)‘s M.A. Baby, CPI(ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya, Revolutionary Socialist Party’s Manoj Bhattacharya and All India Forward Bloc’s G. Devarajan — said there are reports that several senior Maoist leaders are currently in the custody of the security forces. “We demand that they should all be produced in court and dealt with as per the rule of law,” they said. Also read: Seeking truth and reconciliation in Chhattisgarh Issue of militarisation The Adivasis in the region have long been complaining about the militarisation of the region. “The Adivasi rights enshrined in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution are being systematically violated and the forests and minerals of Chhattisgarh are being subjected to indiscriminate corporate exploitation with disastrous implications for environmental stability and livelihood of the local people. We urge upon you to stop this militaristic approach that treats the Adivasis with unmitigated hostility,” the joint appeal said. Jungles of Chhattisgarh drenched in red The leaders underlined that the government has been refusing to hand over the bodies to the families, denying them their right to give a dignified farewell to their family members. The repeated appeal from the Maoists for dialogue has also been ignored. “The statements made by the Union Home Minister, reiterating the deadline and the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s assertion that there is no need for talks, reflect a mindset unwilling to resolve issues through dialogue. The government should not be intransigent and celebrate the taking of human lives against the spirit of the law of the land and principles of democratic governance,” the leaders said. The Left parties urged the government to respond to the Maoist declaration of unilateral ceasefire and initiate a dialogue to resolve all issues. “We reiterate the appeal and urge upon you to stop the extra-judicial killings and violence with immediate effect and order an impartial judicial enquiry,” they said. Published - June 09, 2025 08:38 pm IST;0,75
Tighten the process: On the Election Commission of India, election  processes The ECI must address legitimate concerns about voter rolls and transparency Updated - June 10, 2025 09:54 am ISTThe Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has raised troubling questions about the conduct of elections based on what transpired in the 2024 Assembly elections in Maharashtra . There are specific issues: the abnormal increase in voters listed in electoral rolls between the general election and Assembly elections, higher turnout numbers after 5 p.m. on voting day, and the Centre amending the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 to restrict access to CCTV footage of the polling process. Mr. Gandhi has also questioned the process of appointing Election Commissioners, with the Union government refusing to implement a Supreme Court judgment in 2023 that recommended having the Chief Justice of India as a part of the selection panel. While political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, have raised complaints about Electronic Voting Machines in the past, many did not stand scrutiny considering the administrative and technological safeguards. The Congress has now focused on the electoral process, raising more fundamental issues that need to be unpacked separately. A preliminary analysis by The Hindu of registered voters in States where the general election and Assembly elections were proximate showed that there were precedents of sharp increases in the electorate before Assembly elections . While the number of new voters added before the Assembly elections was high — more than 39 lakh voters in just six months following the general election — similar increases were observed in 2014 as well. The increase of nearly four million voters is a large number and the ECI should proactively release machine-readable data on the rolls for verification. Regarding the allegation that turnout increases were abnormal after 5 p.m, the argument does not hold water. This is based on provisional turnout figures, and Election Commission of India (ECI) data show that there was no significant increase in voting after 5 p.m. in Maharashtra. Provisional turnout figures shared via an app by the ECI are not entirely accurate as these are dependent on the manual entry of numbers during elections and may have discrepancies when compared to the accurate machine count. As final figures via Form 17C data from each booth are released only after a lag, it would be incorrect to rely on provisional turnout figures. However, there is another contention that merits the ECI’s response: retaining CCTV footage and providing parties and their nominees access to it to scrutinise complaints. The process of updating electoral rolls must be more transparent and involve political parties for scrutiny and verification. It is also incumbent upon parties to show alacrity during this process than cry foul after the results are out. Ultimately, the onus lies on the ECI to enhance transparency in the electoral process and, specifically, in providing electoral rolls and retaining CCTV footage for scrutiny. Published - June 10, 2025 12:20 am IST;0,1
History lessons: On the French Open The yearning for historical greatness is common among sports fans. Contemporary success and genius notwithstanding, there is often a tendency to hark back to the past and lament that present-day virtuosi are not a patch on the older ones. In tennis, this storyline was expected to unfold in the immediate aftermath of the ‘Big Three’ era as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal exited, and Novak Djokovic started displaying his waning powers. It is to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s credit that they have allowed none of this talk to surface. Sunday’s fascinating five-set French Open final was the latest piece of evidence as the Spaniard outlasted the World No. 1 over five hours and 29 minutes of intense, scintillating action. The victory brought Alcaraz his fifth Grand Slam trophy, and the World No. 2 became only the third man after Gustavo Kuerten and Nadal to defend titles at Roland-Garros this millennium. Alcaraz and Sinner have now swept the last six Majors and eight of the previous 11. They are firmly perched at the top of tennis’ current totem pole, and going by the 12th act of their engrossing play in Paris, there is little doubt that it is their rivalry that will prove era-defining for the men’s game. Leading in, it was Sinner who had been more clinical, with the highlight being the ruthless dismantling of 24-time Major winner Djokovic in the semifinal. The 23-year-old had won 29 straight sets at Slams this year, and when he made it 31 by pocketing the first two against Alcaraz, a third straight Major — fourth overall — loomed. But Alcaraz, who came in after triumphs in Monte Carlo and Rome, found a higher gear when threatened — erasing three match points in the fourth set, breaking Sinner when the Italian was serving for the championship and overcoming his own disappointment of failing to serve it out in the fifth stanza to turn the tables fully. Saturday’s women’s final between No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Coco Gauff was as dramatic and capricious, but alternated between middling and glorious. In the end, it was Gauff who proved steadier, overcoming some treacherous conditions and her erratic opponent in two hours and 38 minutes. Sabalenka, in fact, was the favourite, having also ousted three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek en route. But her power-packed game crumbled in the face of Gauff’s restrained art as the American left her nursing consecutive defeats in Slam finals. For Gauff, 21, it was her second Major, and with a technique that is gradually improving, she is sure to rise further.;0
"For trapped predator and prey, instinct to survive overrules impluse to hunt: experts Tiger and dog stuck in pit for hours, tiger released into Periyar Tiger Reserve after shared survival experience. Updated - June 12, 2025 10:11 am IST - IDUKKI Sandeep Vellaram Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Remove SEE ALL PRINT A tiger and a dog trapped in a pit on a cardamom plantation at Kadukkacity, near Nettithozu, in Idukki on Sunday Everybody wondered why the tiger didn’t eat the dog — after all, they were stuck barely a foot apart in a deep pit on a private cardamom plantation at Kadukkacity in Vandanmedu grama panchayat in Idukki for more than five hours on Sunday. Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) offered an explanation that surprised many: in moments of shared peril, the instinct to survive can overrule the impulse to hunt. “In such situations, wild animals usually don’t attack; their only aim is to escape the danger. An extraordinary glimpse of wilderness grace where survival eclipsed savagery.” said Mr. Rajesh. The official further said that such incidents were reported in the past from various parts of the country. In a similar incident in February 2021, a leopard that was trapped along with a dog in the toilet of a farmhouse in Karnataka for nine hours, sat a few feet away from the canine and did not attack it. Wildlife expert P.S. Easa observed that normally tigers do not hunt dogs, but leopards prey on dogs. “When a dog notices the presence of a tiger, it may bark, prompting the tiger to chase it, which can lead both animals to fall into a trap,” Dr. Easa further said that as both animals in Idukki found themselves trapped, their primary instinct was to escape. The tiger being released into the Pandyan Thodu area of Periyar Tiger Reserve on Sunday night.  Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT After a detailed health check-up, the Forest department released the tiger into the Pandiyan Thodu area of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) West Division on Sunday night. “The tiger was released in a low tiger density area to avoid territorial conflict,” said Mr. Rajesh. Published - June 09, 2025 08:29 pm IST Read  Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Remove SEE ALL PRINT";0,05
"Decoding the Kamal-Kannada episode Premium Democratic opposition to views can be voiced, but issuing violent threats or denying someone their right to live must be treated as punishable crimes Published - June 09, 2025 01:35 am IST Perumal Murugan Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Remove SEE ALL PRINT Members of Kannada Raksha Vedike stage a protest in Bengaluru on May 29, 2025 against actor Kamal Haasan for his remarks on the Kannada language.  | Photo Credit: PTI A ctor Kamal Haasan’s remark that “Kannada was born from Tamil” has sparked several debates. But this is not a new idea; it has existed within the Tamil discourse for two centuries. Robert Caldwell and other linguists have said Dravidian languages branched off from a shared language, termed Proto-Dravidian. However, Tamil nationalists have never accepted this view. They have claimed that all Dravidian languages are offshoots of Tamil. At its peak, this belief extended to proclaiming that Tamil is the world’s first language and that all other world languages were born from it. The more acceptable idea Even today, these two schools of thought continue to thrive in the Tamil intellectual space. The idea of a Proto-Dravidian language has gained traction beyond Tamil Nadu. In contrast, the notion that Tamil is the source of all languages has little traction or acceptance outside. We now live at a time when awareness around linguistic dominance has grown politically in India’s multilingual context. Every national group tends to hold its language as the primary marker of its identity. Any idea or action that is perceived as one that diminishes their linguistic pride often invites a fierce backlash. In such a climate, it is more appropriate on public platforms to affirm the idea that all Dravidian languages emerged from a common Proto-Dravidian root. Culturally and politically, this view fosters harmony and equality. To say other languages came from Tamil can easily be perceived by others as demeaning to their language and identity. They may see such a claim as a form of dominance imposed on them. For Tamil nationalists, who mix ancestral pride with political messaging, such assertions may help construct a narrative of ancient greatness. But beyond that, in contemporary politics, this view only serves to isolate Tamil Nadu. Without strong, widely accepted academic evidence, there is no need to insist that Tamil is the source of all languages. ""I won't apologize if I am not wrong"" Kamal Haasan on Kannada-Tamil controversy Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise for his controversial Kannada language remark, which has received backlash from Kannada activists who have threatened to ban his movie ‘Thug Life’. | Video Credit: The Hindu The classical attributes of Tamil — its antiquity, literary richness, and unbroken literary tradition — are well known to other language communities and to the world at large. Merely presenting these strengths is enough to bring honour to Tamil. Even when compared with modern literature of any Indian language, Tamil literature stands equal, if not superior. What we need are conscious efforts to take this richness of Tamil to a wider world. In 2022, Hindi writer Geetanjali Shree won the International Booker Prize. This year, Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq received the same honour. Tamil, too, deserves to be taken to such global heights. What we need is a sustained cultural effort in that direction — not the unproductive habit of making provocative statements that alienate speakers of other languages. When Mr. Haasan said “Kannada was born from Tamil,” his intent was not to insult that language. Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was on stage, and Mr. Haasan was speaking with pride about his warm relationship with that family. He was pointing to the kinship between Tamil and Kannada and was trying to say ‘we are family; ours are sibling languages’. It is likely that in that moment, the idea that ‘Tamil is the origin’ — an idea long held by a section of Tamil thinkers — came to his mind. But there is no reason to doubt his intentions. He has the freedom to express such a view in public. Those who hold opposing views can disagree, and speak or write in response. But to issue threats to him is a violation of his right to express an opinion. The court’s view When a case regarding the release of his film Thug Life came before the court in Karnataka, the judge almost compelled Mr. Haasan to apologise. While linguistic fundamentalists are prepared to turn this into a conflict between two regional nationalities, should the court be approaching it in a way that favours them? The police may treat this as a law-and-order issue, but the court cannot view it that way. Should the court function like a kattapanchayat (extrajudicial body) enforcing commercial compromise? Caldwell’s ‘Comparative Grammar of Dravidian Languages’ is a fake book, says R.N. Ravi The court should have treated this as an issue of freedom of expression. Anyone can say they are hurt by a particular view, but what is the measure of being hurt? Anyone can deliberately create social tension. The court cannot consider such people as a party to compromise. The court should have said that it will carefully examine whether Mr. Haasan has the right to express such a view; that this has no relation to the release of the film; and that it will allow the film’s release with police protection. Whatever way the case came before the court, it should have been approached from the standpoint of freedom of expression. In a democracy, the court is the final refuge that safeguards that right. Mr. Haasan did not apologise. He explained that “the opinion was not wrong; it was misunderstood.” Normally, if any issue arises around a film, the standard response is to issue an immediate apology, remove scenes, and make compromises to facilitate the film’s release. For the first time, someone from the film industry has said, “I will not apologise.” ‘Thug Life’ premieres amid fan frenzy & tight security in Tamil Nadu ‘Thug Life’, the much-awaited gangster saga starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, premiered across Tamil Nadu on Thursday to packed theatres and tight police security. Marking the iconic duo’s first collaboration since Nayakan (1987), the film’s release saw special 5-show permissions across the state and massive fan turnout at venues like Rohini Theatre, Chennai. Produced by Red Giant Movies, Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, the film's Karnataka release remains postponed following controversy over Haasan’s remarks on Kannada’s origins. | Video Credit: The Hindu Whatever commercial calculations may lie behind that stance, the courage to make such a statement must be acknowledged. As the court itself said, this is not a matter of arrogance, but of self-respect. A person has every right to express an opinion and to stand by it if they believe it is right. Democratic opposition to such views can certainly be voiced. But issuing violent threats or denying someone their right to live must be treated as punishable crimes. Perumal Murugan, scholar and literary chronicler who writes in the Tamil language Published - June 09, 2025 01:35 am IST";0,25
Floods in Northeast India | Green Humour by Rohan ChakravartyFloods in Northeast India | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty Rohan Chakravarty is a cartoonist and illustrator from Nagpur. His series, ‘Green Humour’, consists of cartoons and comics on wildlife, nature conservation, environmental issues, sustainability, and all things green.;0,175
"Jan Suraaj Party pitches Prashant Kishor as Bihar’s ‘most popular’ CM pick - a look at its poll strategy “Bihar should forget about Nitish Kumar in the coming election” says JSP president Manoj Bharti, affirming that JSP will contest for all 243 seats Updated - June 07, 2025 10:35 am IST “Declare Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister candidate if he is the face of the NDA,” challenged Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor on May 30, as he toured the state in his ‘ Bihar Badlav Yatra ’. Mr. Kishor, a political strategist, who was instrumental in strategising several political campaigns, including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, is setting himself up as a third alternative in Bihar beside the Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left) and the National Democratic Alliance (BJP-JDU-LJP). Speaking to The Hindu , on Thursday (June 5, 2025), JSP working President Mr. Manoj Bharti pitched Mr. Kishor as a potential CM candidate. “He is the most popular choice for CM in Bihar. The whole country and Bihar should forget about Nitish Kumar in the coming election. There is just no way that he can be in any position to drive anything in the next government. We are not going to form any coalition with anyone before or after polls. We will not join anyone just for the sake of forming a government,” says Mr. Bharti. Since October 2022, Mr. Kishor has been touring Bihar on foot, highlighting key issues like unemployment, migration, and inflation in the State, spanning 5000 kilometres across 17 districts. Two years later, he launched the ‘Jan Suraaj Party ’ with a ‘human first’ approach, aiming to build a Bihar where ‘people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab come in search of work.’ Within days, his new party’s popularity among the masses was tested. While JSP failed to open its accounts in the November 2024 by-polls held for four seats – Ramgarh, Belaganj, Imamganj and Tarari— Mr. Kishor expressed satisfaction with polling 10% of the total votes in these seats. Here’s a look at Jan Suraaj’s origins, journey, objectives and poll strategy. Prashant Kishor’s Bihar journey Prashant Kishor has been active in strategising poll campaigns since 2012. After successfully aiding Mr. Modi in his re-election as Gujarat CM in 2012 and later in 2014 as Prime Minister, Mr. Kishor first forayed into Bihar in 2015. Bringing rivals Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar together as the ‘Mahagathbandhan,’ Mr. Kishor was instrumental in limiting BJP to a mere 58 seats in the 243-member Assembly. Despite Mr. Kumar’s shifting loyalties, he retained Mr. Kishor as his political advisor, even appointing him JD(U)’s vice-president and his potential ‘successor.’ However, Mr. Kishor’s stint with JDU came to an end in 2020 after he vociferously opposed the party’s support for the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Expelled from JDU in January that year, Mr. Kishor launched ‘Baat Bihar Ki’ — a campaign to attract people to help him find Bihar its “rightful place among top 10 States of India in next 10-15 years.”  - In the following two years, Mr. Kishor hit the ground with his ‘ Baat Bihar Ki’ campaign , undertaking a padyatra across the State. Targetting  Mr. Kumar for the poverty in Bihar, he claimed that the NDA’s 15-year regime had brought no development to the state. As a caste survey was done across Bihar, Mr. Kishor questioned why Mr. Kumar had not increased the reservation limit, disbursed financial aid to poor and homeless families, or handed over land rights to Dalit farmers. JSP has promised to decide on the implementation of these promises once it forms government. In October 2024, Mr. Kishor announced the launch of JSP based on five principles, including a one-year tenure for its party president and two years for its council members, and selection of poll candidates in a process similar to the primaries held by parties in the United Statess. JSP has promised to announce initial nominees in March and the final candidate for every seat by November. The party has promised to advocate for the ‘Right to Recall’ system for public representatives and to display both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on their official flag. JSP’s entry was opposed by RJD, which accused Mr. Kishor of acting as a ‘B-Team of BJP.’ Seeking to frame Mr. Kishor’s entry as a ploy to pit the OBCs and the upper castes against each other, RJD MP Misa Bharti said, “Who is Prashant Kishor Pandey? Pandeys have this business of abusing Yadavs.” In response, Mr. Kishor chose Madhubani-born Manoj Bharti, a former diplomat and a Dalit, as the party’s first working president, promising to build a developed Bihar. Prashant Kishor demands White Paper on caste-based survey; ‘unfulfilled promises’ JSP’s electoral performance In November 2024, JSP faced its first electoral test as it fielded candidates for the by-elections in Tarari, Ramgarh, Belaganj and Imamganj , as their MLAs were recently elected to Lok Sabha. In Tarari, JSP fielded Kiran Singh against BJP’s Vishal Prashant — son of baahubali (strongman) Narendra Kumar Pandey — and CPI-ML’s Raju Yadav. BJP managed to wrest the seat from CPI-ML, while JSP finished a distant third with 5622 votes. In Ramgarh, JSP fielded Sushil Singh Kushwaha against BJP’s Ashok Kumar Singh and RJD’s Ajit Kumar Singh in a bid to woo the Kushwaha community and capitalise on the division of votes. However, BJP managed to wrest this seat too from RJD as JSP finished fourth with 6513 votes. In Belaganj, which has a sizable Muslim and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) population, JSP fielded Mohd. Amjad against two heavyweights —  Vishwanath Kumar Singh of RJD and Manorama Devi of JDU. Mr. Kishor’s gamble failed as JDU’s Manorama Devi, wife of baahubali Bindi Yadav, trumped Mr. Amjad by a margin of 56,049 votes. In Imamganj, JSP fielded Jitendra Paswan, a well-known pediatrician from the area, against Deepa Santhosh Manhi of NDA ally Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), who is the daughter-in-law of party chief Jitan Ram Manjhi. Mr. Paswan failed to dent Ms. Manjhi’s vote share as he polled 37,103 votes. In the wake of the poll drubbing , former MPs Devendra Prasad Yadav and Monazir Hassan quit the party. However, Mr. Kishor remained undeterred, making a slew of promises to be fulfilled if voted to power – lifting prohibition and spending the liquor tax revenue on education, offering low-interest loans to working class with better disbursal, and providing a monthly pension of ?2000 for senior citizens. JSP has also promised land reforms and easy loans to women with the State government providing the required guarantee. JSP also received a boost after Nitish Kumar’s estranged aide R.C.P Singh merged his outfit Aap Sabki Awaz party with it on May 18, 2025. Mr. Singh, a former IAS officer known for his booth-level organisational skills in the JDU, fell out with Mr. Kumar and was removed from the Union Cabinet in October 2024. He has since then been a harsh critic of Mr. Kumar, calling Bihar’s bifurcation and the prohibition a mistake. “According to some estimates, almost ?20,000 crore of tax revenue from liquor is not being utilized. Prohibition is only on paper. Liquor is not available in shops but is available for home delivery. Anyone who wants to consume it can get it at a premium price. A huge section of officers are earning ill-gotten money through corruption and in the name of stopping liquor sale, half of the police force is trying to control it and trying to have a piece of the cake,” explains Mr. Bharti. Factors affecting JSP’s strategy and its prospects The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, during this year’s Parliamentary Budget Session gave rise to questions about the potential impact on the polls in Bihar, where Muslims make up around 18% of the population. According to a Lokniti-CSDS survey , the Mahagathbandhan has cornered the Muslim votes in the past three decades. In 2005, the Mahagathbandhan cornered 40% of the Muslim vote, while NDA polled only 4% of the community’s votes. In subsequent elections (2010, 2015 and 2020), Nitish Kumar’s shifting loyalties have swayed the Muslim vote towards either coalition. With the NDA, JDU helped the coalition by polling 21% support from Muslims, while RJD polled 32% of the Muslim votes, and Congress, which did not ally with the RJD, got 22% votes. In 2015, JDU allied with RJD and cornered the support of 69% of Muslims, while NDA got only 6% of the community’s vote share. Five years later, 76% of Muslims voted for the RJD-Congress combine while only 5% of Muslims supported the NDA. The Lokniti-CSDS survey concluded that the JD(U)-BJP alliance has never been a primary choice for Muslim voters, making a significant electoral shift unlikely in 2025. “There is little reason for the NDA to worry in Bihar,” mused Lokniti-CSDS analysts in a column in The Hindu, dismissing JSP’s impact in these polls. However, Mr. Bharti disagrees. “We have a selection process which entails feedback from the ground from the village level, from the block level, from the division level before evaluating candidates. Per seat, atleast 5-10 potential candidates have been nominated of which one will be chosen,” he says. The party is following the same pattern to identify candidates as that used by political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) —an organisation founded by Mr. Kishor. Instead of castes, JSP has divided Bihari society into five broad classes – forward, backward, extremely poor, Muslims and Dalits. “Based on their percentage in the population, as per the caste census that was done in Bihar, we will distribute tickets for all 243 seats. For example, Muslims constitute 18-19%, so they will be given 40 seats,” says Mr. Bharti. When asked if a Muslim candidate will be chosen in a Muslim-majority constituency, he says, “Yes, that will be the main criteria.” Mr. Kishor has hinted at his own poll debut from Raghopur . The seat has been held by Lalu Yadav’s chosen heir, Tejashwi Yadav, since 2015. Not ruling out a potential clash between Mr. Kishor and the RJD scion, Mr. Bharti says, “Mr. Kishor has said that he has no problem fighting from any seat the party decides, including Raghopur. He is not afraid of fighting anyone from anywhere.” Raghopur, which falls under the district of Vaishali, has a sizable population of Rajputs in the Yadav-dominated region, opening avenues for the JSP to split the upper caste vote in the seat. Bihar’s 243-seat Assembly is likely to go to polls in November this year. Published - June 06, 2025 02:33 pm IST";0,275
"Can President Lee stay out of court? President Lee Jae-myung's term will likely be unaffected by his ongoing criminal trials, with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea set to push for a Criminal Procedure Act amendment that would postpone any criminal trials involving sitting presidents until they leave office. A total of five different criminal trials presented major challenges for Lee during his presidential campaign, allowing other candidates to question whether Lee was truly qualified to lead the country. Some in the legal community expected that the trials would remain hurdles for Lee even after the election as Article 84 of the Constitution -- which stipulates that the president cannot be criminally prosecuted while in office except in cases of insurrection or treason -- does not clarify whether this immunity extends to ongoing trials that began before the president took office. But the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee, led by the Democratic Party, approved a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act in early May to prevent legal ambiguity. The ruling party is reportedly considering proposing the amendment in a National Assembly plenary session on Thursday. “The Constitution guarantees the president immunity from prosecution in order to ensure stable governance. The Criminal Procedure Act also states that criminal trials fall under the definition of prosecution,” said Democratic Party Rep. Jeon Hyun-heui during the ruling party’s Supreme Council meeting on Monday, claiming that the entire case needs to be suspended regardless of when it began. The Democratic Party added that the amendment is a legislative clarification introduced to avoid any conflict between constitutional immunity and the actual judicial process. The main opposition People Power Party condemned the liberal party's legal revision, calling the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act a “bulletproof law,” a self-interested measure aimed at granting immunity to the president. “All are equal before the law. The presidency is not a position to escape trials that began before taking office,” said People Power Party interim leader Kim Yong-tae in a press conference held Sunday, asking whether President Lee is willing to attend a hearing in his trial for alleged election law violations scheduled on June 18. Kim criticized the proposed bills -- the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act and a proposed expansion of the Supreme Court -- which he said the ruling party is attempting to ram through only for the benefit of the current president. In early May, the Supreme Court’s Court Administration Office stated that the judges of each court will have to decide whether to stop or proceed with the trials by applying Article 84 of the Constitution to a criminal defendant who has been elected president. Meanwhile, the Seoul High Court announced Monday that the hearing in Lee’s retrial on charges of election law violations, which was set to be held on June 18, will be postponed. “The court has rescheduled the hearing date and will set a new date later. The decision was made after considering Article 84 of the Constitution,” the Seoul High Court said, without giving a new date for the hearing. At a general meeting of the main opposition party, People Power Party Rep. Kweon Seong-dong said the judges chose to ""abandon judicial independence,"" and the court's decision will be remembered as the judiciary's embarrassing past. ""I hope the judges who are tasked to hear Lee's other criminal trials do not make foolish mistakes. I urge the Seoul High Court to withdraw its arbitrary interpretation of Article 84 of the Constitution and appeal to the Supreme Court of Korea for legal clarification,"" Kweon said. Decisions about Lee's remaining criminal trials, in which the president is accused of subornation of perjury, corruption, illegal money transfers to North Korea and misappropriating public funds, are yet to be announced. sj_lee@heraldcorp.com";0,05
More than half of Koreans expect Lee to perform well: poll Nearly six out of 10 South Koreans believe President Lee Jae-myung will perform well in office, according to a poll released Monday. The survey, conducted by local pollster Realmeter on Wednesday and Thursday last week — shortly after the June 3 presidential election — found that 58.2 percent of respondents expect Lee to perform well. In contrast, 35.5 percent said they do not expect him to do well, while 6.3 percent said they were unsure. The poll was conducted among 1,012 adults aged 18 and older nationwide. While optimism outweighed concern, Lee’s initial approval is somewhat lower than that of his predecessors. In Realmeter’s previous post-election surveys, 79.3 percent expressed a positive outlook for Lee Myung-bak (2008-2013), 74.8 percent for Moon Jae-in (2017-2022), 64.4 percent for Park Geun-hye (2013-2017) and 52.7 percent for Yoon Suk Yeol (2022-2024). Regional differences were also pronounced. Support for Lee was highest in Gwangju and the Jeolla provinces, traditional liberal strongholds, where 85.3 percent responded positively. In contrast, only 39.6 percent expressed optimism in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, the conservative bloc's strongholds. In the capital region, 57.6 percent of respondents in Seoul had a positive outlook, along with 59.9 percent in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. By age group, support was highest among those in their 40s at 76.6 percent, followed by those in their 50s at 70 percent, 30s at 57.1 percent, 60s at 50.9 percent, and those 70 and older at 48.9 percent. The lowest support came from respondents in their 20s, at 41.3 percent. When asked what the new administration’s top priority should be, 41.5 percent of respondents cited economic recovery and stabilizing livelihoods. Prosecution and judicial reform followed at 20.4 percent, then national unity and conflict resolution at 12.8 percent, political reform and bipartisan cooperation at 8.3 percent, and addressing the low birth rate and aging population issues at 4.6 percent. In terms of party support, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea garnered 48 percent, up 1.2 percentage points from the previous poll. The conservative People Power Party recorded 34.8 percent, down 0.3 percentage points. Support for the New Reform Party stood at 5.8 percent, the Rebuilding Korea Party at 3.7 percent and the Progressive Party at 1.4 percent. flylikekite@heraldcorp.com Hwang Joo-young Subscribe +;0,075
"Squid Game' back in Season 3, more intense than ever, to settle final score“Squid Game” is coming to an end with its third and final season, set to premiere June 27 on Netflix. As anticipation builds, series director Hwang Dong-hyuk and key cast members opened up about what fans can expect — and how they’re addressing both the shortcomings of Season 2 and the headline-making spoiler leaks that surfaced ahead of the new season. Season 3 picks up in the aftermath of Season 2’s events, following Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he grapples with his failed attempt at rebellion. Meanwhile, Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the games in Season 2 as a participant, returns to his role as the unfeeling, calculating mastermind behind the deadly competition, setting the stage for his face-off with Gi-hun. Speaking at a press conference in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Lee Byung-hun previewed the evolving dynamic between the two characters in the final chapter. ""Gi-hun falls into a state of deep helplessness after witnessing his closest friend being killed by the Frontman. But he regains his resolve, returning to his original intention to dismantle the entire system while still holding onto his belief in humanity. With this determination, he starts planning again. Seeing Gi-hun’s renewed resolve, the Frontman also begins devising new plans,"" Lee said. ""If we consider Seasons 2 and 3 as telling one continuous story, Season 3 will deliver the climax and conclusion, the final act of the narrative. From a dramatic standpoint, it will inevitably feel very intense. In a sense, this will be the story where the full-fledged confrontation between the Frontman and Gi-hun truly unfolds,"" he added. For Hwang, the saga of “Squid Game” is about posing questions rather than prescribing answers. ""Rather than delivering a message like, ‘This is how it is. You should think about it this way,’ what I wanted to offer through Seasons 2 and 3 was a question,"" he explained. ""In today’s capitalist society, where excessive competition and the constant stimulation of human desire lead to feelings of frustration and defeat, can we, as humans, create a better future? Can we offer the next generation a better, more sustainable world? That is the question I wanted to raise."" While “Squid Game” Season 1 was a worldwide success, earning a Primetime Emmy and becoming Netflix’s most-watched non-English-language series, Season 2 drew more mixed reactions, with critics citing its lack of narrative cohesion, drawn-out pacing and unresolved plotlines. Addressing the critiques, Hwang was candid about the production process of the final season. ""As most of you know, Seasons 2 and 3 were written, filmed, and produced all at once. We couldn’t change Season 3 based on the reactions to Season 2. Nothing has changed in that regard. Since Season 2 ended without fully wrapping up the story arcs or character narratives, I think much of the disappointment people felt will likely be resolved when they watch Season 3,"" he said. As for the future of the franchise, Hwang made it clear that this is the definitive conclusion — at least for now. ""I have no plans to make Season 4. This was something fully discussed and agreed upon with Netflix while working on Season 3. Once you watch Season 3, you’ll see that while a Season 4 could be made, it doesn’t necessarily need to be. (But) that doesn’t mean I’ll never return to ‘Squid Game’ in the future. ... I’m not planning to make anything related to ‘Squid Game’ right away, though I am considering the possibility of doing a spinoff,"" he said. The road to the final season was not without controversy. Between the release of Season 2 and the upcoming release, key cast members Park Sung-hoon and Park Gyu-young became embroiled in social media scandals after Park Sung-hoon shared pornographic content related to “Squid Game,” and Park Gyu-young uploaded a supposedly key Season 3 twist, which hinted that Lee Jin-wook’s character, whose death was not confirmed in Season 2, may return. Regarding the spoilers, Hwang said he chose to ""treat it as an unfortunate incident and let it go."" ""I hope they’ll see (the spoilers) as a small mistake. There’s plenty of fun in the show that won’t be spoiled by this, so when you watch it, you’ll probably feel, ‘Oh, that wasn’t such a big deal after all.’""";0,15
"Maybe Happy Ending' triumphs with 6 Tony Awards, including best musical'Maybe Happy Ending' triumphs with 6 Tony Awards, including best musical Published : June 9, 2025 - 12:21:27 Updated : June 9, 2025 - 18:11:20 Link copied! Park Ga-young Subscribe + Broadway hit adapted from a Korean musical caps winning streak at Tonys South Korean lyricist and music writer Hue Park (left) and US orchestrator Will Aronson pose with the Best Score award for ""Maybe Happy Ending"" in the pressroom during the 78th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on June 8, 2025. (AFP-Yonhap) This year’s Tony Awards marked a milestone for the musical ""Maybe Happy Ending,"" a heartwarming South Korean robot romance that began its Broadway life at the Belasco Theatre in November 2024. The production, whose origins go back to 2014 in a small theater in Seoul, emerged as one of the evening’s most celebrated winners, taking home six awards, including best musical and best leading actor in a musical for Darren Criss, and best direction of a musical for director Michael Arden. Playwright and lyricist Park Chun-hue — also known as Hue Park — and composer Will Aronson, longtime collaborators for over a decade, won best book of a musical and best original score. ""Maybe Happy Ending"" also took home best scenic design of a musical. Michael Arden accepts the award for best direction of a musical for ""Maybe Happy Ending"" during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP-Yonhap) Set in a near-future Seoul, “Maybe Happy Ending” follows the story of Oliver and Claire — two outdated HelperBot androids discarded by their human owners — who find each other and form a bond neither expected. Starring Darren Criss as Oliver and Broadway newcomer Helen J. Shen as Claire, the show blends science fiction with poignant emotional realism, bringing to life themes of connection, obsolescence and hope. ""The musical’s win marks the first successful transition of a small-scale Korean production from Seoul’s Daehangno theater district to a major Broadway stage, earning recognition for both its artistic excellence and commercial viability. It also stands as a historic milestone, as it is the first time a Korean creator has won Tony Awards in the musical categories for best book and best score,"" Choi Seung-youn, a South Korean musical critic and professor, told The Korea Herald on Monday. The sweep by ""Maybe Happy Ending"" came as little surprise, as the season had already been a remarkable winning streak for the musical, originally written in Korean by playwright and lyricist Park with music by longtime collaborator Aronson. The duo, known for their bilingual productions, saw their work earn six honors at the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards, including outstanding musical. The show was also named best musical by the 89th New York Drama Critics' Circle and secured two major awards at the 91st Annual Drama League Awards: outstanding production of a musical and outstanding direction of a musical. The cast and crew of ""Maybe Happy Ending"" accept the award for best musical during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP-Yonhap) Formula for success Experts say the success of ""Maybe Happy Ending"" is largely driven by its powerful universal themes. Speaking last week at a conference at K-Musical Market, an annual showcase of Korean musicals, Sean Patrick Flahaven, chief theatricals executive of Concord Theatricals, remarked on the show’s strength in the licensing market: “It’s not so much dependent on being a Korean story as it's a more universal story. So I think that’s an important aspect to have — that a compelling specific story can have universality as well — and that kind of universality speaks to success in future licensing.” Darren Criss, left, and Helen J. Shen perform ""Never Fly Away"" from ""Maybe Happy Ending"" during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP-Yonhap) The musical critic Choi shared that view. “This achievement owes much to the show’s universal themes. The story’s portrayal of love and friendship between soon-to-be obsolete beings resonates deeply with audience members,” she said. Choi also emphasized the impact of Aronson’s refined and delicate score, particularly his enhancement of jazz numbers to give the music a distinctly “American” resonance for Broadway audiences. “Equally important were the meticulous scenic design and direction, which carefully rendered a digital world tailored to the emotional arc of the story,” she said. “In the end, every element of the production came together in harmony to create a work of great beauty. And as a musical with a distinctly Korean identity, it also contributed meaningfully to Broadway’s ongoing conversation around diversity and representation,” she added. The show’s origins go back to 2014, when it was developed with funding from Korea’s Wooran Foundation. It premiered in Seoul in 2016 and ran for five seasons in small theaters in Daehangno, before its English-language adaptation made it to New York's Belasco Theatre in November 2024. During its development, the Broadway production generated anticipation with the involvement of producer Jeffrey Richards, an eight-time Tony Award winner. Park and Aronson, who met in New York when Park was an international student at New York University, worked on four musicals together. The duo’s recent project, ""Il Tenore,"" which premiered in Seoul in 2023, also won top honors, including the grand prize and composition award at a major Korean musical awards ceremony. Will Aronson (left) and Hue Park accept the best score award for ""Maybe Happy Ending"" at the 78th Annual Tony Awards pre-show in New York City, on Sunday. (Reuters-Yonhap) Three decades of effort Though Park is the first Korean national to win a Tony Award in the musical theater category, Korean musicals have been striving, through various forms and evolving strategies, to break into Broadway for more than three decades. The first major push for a Korean musical to reach Broadway began with ""The Last Empress,"" which premiered in 1995 and was invited to New York’s Lincoln Center in 1997. Although it wasn’t a full-scale commercial run, it marked the first Korean musical to appear on a US Broadway-affiliated stage. Efforts continued with tryouts and workshops in 2002, but a full Broadway debut never materialized. In 2003, the nonverbal hit Nanta became the first Korean production to enter Off-Broadway, later expanding to Las Vegas and London’s West End. By the 2010s, Korean companies had shifted focus to investment-driven collaborations, with CJ ENM co-producing Broadway hits such as ""Kinky Boots"" (2013), ""Moulin Rouge!"" (2021) and ""MJ the Musical"" (2022), all of which received multiple Tony Awards. In 2023, ""The Great Gatsby,"" produced by Shin Chun-soo of OD Company, marked a new strategic step, with a Korean producer leading the development and financing of a Broadway-bound production from the ground up. The show officially opened on Broadway and later transferred to the West End. Similarly, ""Marie Curie,"" which premiered in Korea in 2020, was staged in London’s West End in 2023. Will Aronson (left) and Hue Park accept the best original score award for ""Maybe Happy Ending"" at the 78th Annual Tony Awards preshow in New York City, Sunday. (Reuters-Yonhap) Following the musical's Tony Awards sweep, congratulations poured in from across Korea’s creative and political spheres. At a press conference for ""Squid Game"" Season 3 in Seoul on Monday, director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won best director for a drama series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022, said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the news. “Among the four major awards ceremonies — the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tonys — I always thought the Tonys were the most distant,"" he said. ""So I am incredibly proud to hear a Korean musical won such prestigious awards there."" President Lee Jae-myung also issued a statement celebrating the historic win. “This achievement is by no means the result of a single day’s effort. It is the culmination of the dedication, passion and creative determination shown by our cultural and artistic community over many years. “Today’s Tony Award win is not the end, but a new beginning. I will do my utmost to ensure that more Korean artists thrive on the global stage, and that our culture continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.” The president also emphasized the government’s role in supporting the arts, pledging to “further strengthen support for the culture and arts sector, and serve as a strong foundation so that our artists can fully pursue their dreams and shine on the world stage.” Hue Park, left, and Will Aronson pose in the press room with the awards for best original score and best book of a musical for ""Maybe Happy Ending"" during the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP-Yonhap) gypark@heraldcorp.com";0,1
"Who is Lee Jae-myung's pick for prime minister, Kim Min-seok? Rep. Kim Min-seok, nominated as prime minister by President Lee Jae-myung (Yonhap) Rep. Kim Min-seok, who was considered President Lee Jae-myung's ""strategist in chief"" when they were in the Democratic Party of Korea leadership, has been nominated by Lee for the role of prime minister. As prime minister, Kim would steer Lee's Cabinet and serve as a key adviser. The position requires the National Assembly's confirmation. Among first in party to warn about martial law From as early as August 2024, Kim began raising alarms about former President Yoon Suk Yeol possibly preparing to impose martial law. Kim was one of the few in the Democratic Party to argue at the time that Yoon was not only thinking about martial law, but taking concrete steps to go through with it. Kim was met by skepticism even within the Democratic Party, where a sizeable majority had then felt that he was ""taking things too far"" with the martial law claims. When Yoon declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, Kim's early warnings received renewed attention. Kim played a ""quintessential role"" in orchestrating the Democratic Party's response to Yoon's martial law decree. ""He warned about it when no one saw it coming. It's because of him that we were able to respond so promptly,"" a Democratic Party lawmaker, speaking anonymously, said. Face of 'new pro-Lee' group Kim, who faded out of the spotlight after his defeat in the 2002 Seoul mayoral election, made a stunning return under Lee's Democratic Party. Kim had been at the center of the ""new pro-Lee Jae-myung"" group -- to be distinguished from the president's allies from before he ran against Yoon as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in 2022. Lee's trust in Kim became apparent at the Democratic Party convention in August 2024. Lee openly supported Kim's serving on the Democratic Party's supreme council, the party's top decision-making body, giving shoutouts to him during YouTube appearances. The chemistry Lee and Kim seem to share is unusual, considering the two do not go far back. Lee is known for being selective about whom he keeps in his close circle, preferring old connections over newer ones. Youngest lawmaker of his time to be elected Kim stepped into the limelight as soon as he entered politics. He was the youngest in the batch of lawmakers elected in the 1996 general election at 32 years of age. Kim is one of the handful of liberal politicians who can claim former President Kim Dae-jung's political legacy. As a novice lawmaker, Kim served as chief secretary to the late former president when he was the New Millennium Democratic Party's president. Jailed for occupying US-owned building in Seoul Kim was one of some 70 university students to occupy the US Cultural Center near the US Embassy in Seoul in May 1985 in an unarmed protest. Recalling the protest, Kim said in an interview with a local broadcaster in Gwangju on Oct. 12, 2024, that he was one of the first to raise suspicions that the US might have been behind the ""massacre in Gwangju."" Kim was referring to the series of pro-democracy protests in May 1980 in Gwangju against the then-government under Chun Doo-hwan, a military dictator. In the interview, Kim said that when he was the president of the student council at Seoul National University, he called for ""uncovering the truths about the possible US intervention in the Gwangju massacre."" ""I said something on that scale (in Gwangju) would not have been possible without acquiescence from the US. That's what the US Cultural Center incident is about,"" Kim said. ""It marked the first instance of getting recognition for what happened in Gwangju outside Korea."" Kim served two years and eight months in prison for violating the laws on public demonstrations at the time. arin@heraldcorp.com";0,55
Not an orphan, but not protected: How children slip through cracks in the system At 19, desperate for money, Kim Yong-min took a deep-sea fishing job, unaware that help had always been his to claim Kim Yong-min (left) takes a selfie onboard a fishing vessel with a colleague. He left the job after four years at sea due to a leg injury. (Courtesy of Kim Yong-min) Yoon Jae-keun, 34, now works as a manager at Brother’s Keeper. He aged out of care in 2012, when the support system was minimal — just 3 million won in settlement funds and no monthly aid. (Yoon Jae-keun) When Kim Yong-min turned five, his mother walked out, taking with her his three sisters and every last possession, including the deed to their home. Kim and his four other siblings were left with his father, who did nothing to feed them. The family moved into his grandmother’s 33-square-meter home in Gwangju — a house with no bathroom. At first, Kim didn’t realize his life was different. But when he invited classmates over and they mocked him for using a chamber pot, shame set in. The bullying was relentless. By middle school, he had stopped eating at home — there was simply no food. He washed dishes at restaurants for 2,500 won ($1.8) an hour just to survive. At 18, his grandmother – the only person he could rely on emotionally – was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery would cost over 10 million won. Desperate to save her, he took one of the country’s most perilous jobs: working on a deep-sea fishing vessel. Just three months into the job, she died, but Kim stayed at sea, believing that without his income, his sisters would starve to death. The work at sea was grueling and dangerous. During peak hauls, the 20-member crew had to transfer more than 30,000 tuna, each weighing around 50 kilograms, to the transport ship in a single day. Once, when a shark became tangled in the net, a crew member lost his hand, and Kim was the one who cared for him on board. He said he was simply grateful to have survived.  (Courtesy of Kim Yong-min) Four years later, in 2023, he returned to land -- injured and exhausted. Then came a call that shocked him: For all those years he had believed he was entirely on his own, he had, in fact, been entitled to a range of government support as a “child in need of protection.” Because his parents and extended family were unable to support him financially, he should have received a monthly allowance for guardians caring for protected children, a lump-sum settlement upon turning 18, and a five-year stipend meant to help care leavers transition into adulthood. When he tried to claim the benefits belatedly, he was told that his aunt — who he said had abused him — had taken all his settlement funds and monthly allowance using a proxy signature of his. “If I had known I was entitled (to that support),” said Kim, now 26 years old, “I would never have risked my life at sea.” Kim Yong-min, now 26, poses for a photo before an interview with The Korea Herald. (Shin Ji-hye/The Korea Herald) Slipping through the cracks Kim is not an orphan. He was taken in by extended family when his parents failed. But ironically, having somewhere to go can cause children in need of protection to slip through the cracks of the system. When a child has no guardian, or when a guardian is unable to provide care due to abuse, neglect, incarceration or poverty, South Korea’s child welfare system classifies them as being “in need of protection.” This category includes children placed in orphanages, group homes or foster care. Foster care also applies to cases like Kim’s, where children are raised by extended family members or relatives. “Kids in orphanages at least get some structure and guidance,” said Kim Ha-na, CEO of the social enterprise Brother’s Keeper — founded by a care leaver who grew up in an orphanage and now hires others like him to give them career opportunities. In 2021, there were 9,541 children in foster care, including 8,452 placed with relatives. The main reasons for placement included parental divorce, death, separation, abandonment and incarceration. “Many don’t even realize they were part of the system. Many of them aren’t even counted in government statistics. Those raised by relatives often grow up completely invisible,” said Kim. Some only learn they were considered “care leavers” after their five-year support period has ended. This is especially common among those raised by relatives or in foster care, said Kim Ji-sun, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. “Care leavers who grew up in foster care — with limited access to information — often live in a constant state of anxiety, shouldering all responsibilities alone,” said researcher Kim. When they enter society, even greater challenges await. “They’re also extremely naive,” Kim Ha-na said. “Many fall into debt within months of receiving settlement funds. Some are exploited by their parents — who once neglected them but come back only for money — as well as by scammers or relatives.” Brother’s Keeper’s Kim Ha-na found that many care leavers struggle with depression, trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline intellectual functioning. “They lack social skills, confidence and the ability to take initiative -- things they never had a chance to develop during childhood. That makes adapting to society even harder.” According to a 2023 Welfare Ministry survey of 5,032 care leavers, 46.5 percent said they had considered suicide -- 4.4 times higher than the youth average of 10.5 percent. Many also prioritize immediate income over long-term careers, said Kim Yong-min, now a member of Gwangju’s youth council and leader of a local support group for care leavers. “When you age out of the system, you feel completely alone,” he said. “You truly believe you’ll starve if you don’t work.” “So instead of building a career, many jump into whatever brings quick cash — part-time jobs, bars, even sex work or gambling. Planning for the future feels like a luxury.” More than money, they need mentors Oh Hye-ji, an official at the Welfare Ministry in charge of care leavers, was raised by her grandmother after her parents divorced and cut off contact. Without parental guidance, she struggled to find information about college, career and adult life. Her elderly grandmother couldn’t help. “I desperately needed someone -- a parent figure or mentor -- to guide me through that stage,” she said. While Oh and others have managed to build stable careers, many do not. Financial support isn’t enough, she said — what these young people truly need is an adult who can offer practical guidance on money, life decisions and the future. According to documents from the National Center for the Rights of the Child, obtained by Rep. Baek Jong-hun, there were 9,970 care leavers as of December last year, but only 217 government officials were assigned to support them. These officials are tasked with assisting care leavers during the five years after they leave state care at 18. What’s most important is for care leavers who’ve successfully transitioned into society to serve as mentors, Oh said. But this requires government funding — something still lacking. Yoon Jae-keun, 34, now works as a manager at Brother’s Keeper. He aged out of care in 2012, when the support system was minimal — just 3 million won in settlement funds and no monthly aid. “Things are better now, financially. Many companies are getting involved,” he said. “But many of these young people aren’t ready. I’ve seen many who rely on the money but have no plan for the future.” What they truly need, he emphasized, is good adults — people who offer emotional support, mentorship and a roadmap for life after care. Before joining Brother’s Keeper, Yoon was withdrawn, timid and self-conscious -- a result of years of abuse in an orphanage. Everything changed when he met the organization’s founder, Kim Sung-min. “For the first time, I could talk about what I had bottled up,” he said. “Kim encouraged me, listened to me and gave me confidence. I started to open up.” “In the end, what care leavers need most are mentors who stick with them -- before and after they leave the system,” said Yoon, who mentors children in care through the nonprofit Food for the Hungry. “I was lucky. Most aren’t.” shinjh@heraldcorp.com;0,45
Samsung chief visits Songdo to boost bio push Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong visited Samsung Biologics' campus in Songdo, Incheon, on Monday, a move interpreted by industry observers as an indication of his commitment to nurturing the bio sector as the group's next major growth engine following semiconductors. According to industry sources, the chair toured the Songdo campus of Samsung Biologics alongside key executives, including Samsung Electronics Vice Chair Jung Hyun-ho and Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim. During the visit, he reportedly inspected production facilities and process equipment and held strategic discussions with senior management. Since assuming leadership of Samsung, Lee has emphasized the importance of developing the bio business into a future growth pillar on par with semiconductors. In 2022, he attended the completion ceremony of Samsung Biologics’ Plant 4 on the Songdo campus. Samsung Biologics surpassed 4 trillion won ($2.9 billion) in consolidated annual revenue last year, becoming the first Korean biopharma company to reach the milestone. In a strategic move to bolster competitiveness, the company announced on May 22 the spinoff of Samsung Bioepis into a newly established holding company, Samsung Epis Holdings. Under the reorganization, Samsung Biologics will continue focusing exclusively on its core CDMO operations. Samsung Epis Holdings will serve as an R&D-driven holding company responsible for biosimilar development, new technology investment and global strategy planning. By structurally separating its two growth pillars — CDMO and biosimilars — Samsung aims to build a more agile and responsive system that can better meet the demands of customers, investors and the broader market. hykim@heraldcorp.com;-0,125
Exhibition focuses on early Joseon art Exhibition focuses on early Joseon art Published : June 9, 2025 - 15:48:03 Updated : June 9, 2025 - 21:54:33 Link copied! Choi Si-young Subscribe + First 200 years of Joseon shaped Korean identity, National Museum of Korea says Blue and white porcelain with landscape design (National Museum of Korea) For the next three months, an exhibition at the National Museum of Korea will look at how the first 200 years of Joseon (1392-1910) formed what is quintessentially the Korean identity today through exceptional artworks. The exhibition “Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Century” illustrates the initiative and vibrancy the Joseon people projected as they fostered what would become Korea, according to Kim Jae-hong, the NMK director general, during a preview tour Monday. “Joseon’s early years were pivotal to Korean history because the social fabric as well as physical borders of Korea were established by then,” Kim added, saying artworks on display would help people recognize the continuity of society over centuries. A total of 691 ceramics, calligraphy and Buddhist paintings are on view, 40 of which are on loan from 24 institutions in the US, UK, Germany, France and Japan. Of the 40 items, 23 are being shown in Korea for the first time, an NMK official said, adding that 79 items on display are state-designated National Treasures and Treasures. Some 300 ceramics, which account for almost half of the entire objects featured, testify to Korea’s shifting focus on white porcelain from the celadon of the preceding Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392). Buncheong, a type of stoneware that bridged the transition in the 15th century, uses a greater range of decorative techniques than Goryeo celadon, and is more colorful than white porcelain, the museum said. White porcelain replaced buncheong in the following centuries. Calligraphy and paintings by Joseon officials, who doubled as scholars promoting Confucian values and teachings, shed light on Joseon aesthetics, chiefly expressed in ink wash paintings that stress various tonal effects employing just black ink and water. “Through ink-wash landscape paintings rendered in deep tones of black ink with masterful shading, the scholar officials of Joseon depicted the ideal world envisioned by the newly established Confucian ideology,” the museum said. Buddhist objects, from paintings to statues, add context to the exhibition dedicated to the deeply Confucian state. The Wooden Seated Buddha at Jogyesa, the main temple of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, shows the influence Buddhism still held over the people even after the state adopted Confucianism as its ruling ideology, a museum official said. Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, a book annotating Hangeul, the Korean writing system created by King Sejong the Great in 1443, will be on display until July 7. The exhibition comes 20 years after the museum’s reopening in Seoul’s Yongsan-gu. It runs through August, and admission fees are waived from Tuesday to Sunday. siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com Choi Si-young Subscribe +;-0,025
"Doyoung soars with wider musical spectrum Doyoung (SM Entertainment) Many say that a person should think of what they love and do best and turn it into a career. In that sense, NCT’s Doyoung was born to be a singer. Singing brings him the most joy and confidence, and now he returns not just as a member of an idol group that electrifies tens of thousands of fans, but as a solo vocalist carving out his own musical path with a second full-length album. “I’m incredibly grateful to be releasing a second album. It captures the stories I wanted to tell, and I had the chance to work with people I’ve long hoped to collaborate with. Just like the main theme of the album — 'the power to dream,' it gave me the strength to keep dreaming,” Doyoung said during a group interview held Thursday in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Following his first LP ""Youth"" in 2024, which explored a range of emotions and experiences of young people, Doyoung shared that he aimed to embrace an even broader theme with his new release. “At first, I was inspired by the image of wings. After settling on the title 'Soar,' I envisioned creating an album that inspires people to dream through imagery of transcending and rising above,” he explained. The album’s notable lineup of contributors — icons in the history of Korean bands — underscores just how meaningful ""Soar"" is to Doyoung. “Kim Yuna of Jaurim, Kim Jong-wan of Nell and Yoon Do-hyun of YB — all of them have been central figures in Korea’s band music scene. I had long hoped to work with them and have been knocking on doors, sending proposals and this time it finally came together. Each of them has such a distinct musical identity, recognized by the Korean public, and they taught me so much throughout the production of this album.” Doyoung (SM Entertainment) From Kim Yuna, he learned the importance of how a vocalist interprets a song. Kim Jong-wan of Nell gave him detailed guidance on vocal technique. And Yoon Do-hyun, who gifted him the deeply meaningful track “Still” — written during Yoon's own battle with cancer — left Doyoung with a strong impression of human warmth. The album’s lead track, “Memory,” tells a story Doyoung had long wanted to express. “If memories had a life of their own, I think becoming a cherished ‘recollection’ would be their most beautiful conclusion. That’s the kind of story the song tells.” Doyoung emphasized how vital his fans and the public are to his musical journey. “Even as a child, I didn’t want to be a singer just because I liked singing alone. I loved singing in front of people. This doesn't mean that I only want to sing songs that are bound to be commercial hits, but I do sing with the hope of being loved by many listeners. I need people who love my music.” Now 29 years old, Doyoung is aware that a hiatus due to his compulsory military service is inevitable, though the timing has yet to be decided. He expressed hope that fans will think of him during that time through his album. “I wanted this album to be like showing someone my diary — something personal that you only share with those dearest to you. I hope it becomes an album that lets people remember me.” As for the upcoming hiatus, the singer confidently said he has no worries. “Even if I take a break for a while, I’m confident I’ll be singing for a very, very long time. I want to tell my fans — please don’t be sad.” Doyoung (SM Entertainment) jy@heraldcorp.com";0
"Korea opens 'livelihood subsidy' applications for Itaewon disaster victims The Interior Ministry said Monday it has begun accepting applications for ""livelihood support"" allowances for the victims and their families of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush. This follows a day after the government-led Itaewon Disaster Victim Relief Committee finalized the standards for distributing the allowances. The amount of support is determined by the number of people in the household. For injured victims, single-person households are eligible for a one-time payout of 730,000 won ($540), two-person households for 1.2 million won, three-person households for 1.54 million won and four-person households for 1.87 million won. The families of those who died in the disaster will receive higher amounts: 1.46 million won for single-person households, 2.41 million won for two-person households, 3.08 million won for three-person households and 3.74 million won for four-person households. Foreign nationals without a registered address in South Korea may apply at the district office where their country’s embassy is located. The Itaewon crowd crush occurred on Oct. 29, 2022, during the first post-COVID-19 Halloween festivities in Seoul’s Itaewon district, when large crowds surged into a narrow alleyway. The incident resulted in 159 deaths and 197 injuries. shinjh@heraldcorp.com";0,05
"Dubai Metro Blue Line guide: Routes, stations, key features and opening date The Dh56 billion project will expand the network by 30km, connect to the Red and Green Lines, introduce a first-ever metro bridge over Dubai Creek, and link major areas including Academic City, Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Festival City. DMO Dubai: On Monday, June 9, 2025, a major milestone was marked in Dubai’s ongoing public transport expansion. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially laid the foundation stone for the first station of the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line . This ambitious project is not only set to transform urban mobility in the city but also includes the world’s highest metro station. Here’s everything you need to know about the future Blue Line route. Also In This Package Lost in transit? A guide to renamed Dubai Metro stops Etihad Rail 2026: Zip across UAE in under 2 hours Dubai: 11 easy ways to top up your nol card How UAE students can get discounts on public transport 1. A Dh56 billion expansion of Dubai’s rail network The Blue Line represents a massive Dh56 billion investment in the emirate’s transport infrastructure. Once complete, the line will stretch 30 kilometres, extending Dubai’s metro network to a total of 131 kilometres with 78 stations. The project underscores Dubai’s long-term strategy of smart, sustainable urban development and greater interconnectivity across its neighbourhoods. 2. First-ever metro bridge over Dubai Creek One of the most significant features of the new line is a 1.3 km bridge over Dubai Creek, the first of its kind in the city’s metro system. The route will also feature: Three major interchange stations: Al Jaddaf (Green Line) , Al Rashidiya (Red Line) , and International City 1 The largest underground interchange station in the network, covering 44,000 m², with the capacity to handle 350,000 passengers daily 3. World’s highest metro station to open in Dubai Among the most notable announcements is the upcoming Emaar Properties Station, set to become the tallest metro station in the world, standing 74 metres high. Designed by the globally renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the architects behind the Burj Khalifa, the station reflects Dubai’s futuristic vision. Key features include: Total area of 11,000 square metres Daily capacity of up to 160,000 passengers Projected daily usage of over 70,000 passengers by 2040 Inspired by the idea of a ""crossing gateway,"" the station is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while serving as an architectural landmark. Blue Line Route overview and station breakdown The Dubai Metro Blue Line will stretch 30 kilometres, split between 15.5 kilometres of underground track and 14.5 kilometres above ground. It will include 14 stations , with critical interchange connections to both the Red and Green Lines. Two main routes: Connecting Red and Green Lines The Blue Line will operate on two main routes to ensure integration with the existing Dubai Metro network. Route 1 (Green Line Connection) – 21 km, 10 stations: Begins at Al Khor Interchange Station (Green Line) in Al Jaddaf Passes through: Dubai Festival City ? Dubai Creek Harbour ? Ras Al Khor ? International City (1, 2 & 3) ? Dubai Silicon Oasis ? Dubai Academic City Terminates at Al Ruwaiyah 3 Depot Route 2 (Red Line Connection) – 9 km, 4 stations: Starts from Centrepoint Interchange Station (Red Line) in Al Rashidiya Passes through: Mirdif ? Al Warqa ? International City 1 Connects with Route 1 at International City Nine key areas to be connected The Blue Line will serve a number of strategic areas in Dubai, enhancing direct access to: Dubai International Airport Mirdif Al Warqa International City 1 and 2 Dubai Silicon Oasis Academic City Ras Al Khor Industrial Area Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Festival City What to expect in the new stations Stations along the Blue Line will incorporate modern features and accessible facilities, including: Dedicated bus bays Taxi ranks Bike and e-scooter zones Barrier-free accessibility Notably, the Emaar Properties Station will feature premium materials, natural lighting, and integrated urban placemaking, reflecting Dubai’s forward-looking infrastructure philosophy. When will Dubai Metro’s Blue Line open? According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Metro Blue Line is scheduled for 2029 . Related Topics: Dubai Metro Dubai transport";0,075
Dubai’s major malls have new paid parking systems - Here’s how to avoid fines and maximise free hoursDubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and BurJuman now use automated, barrier-free parking. Here’s how the system works, when parking is free, how to pay and what to avoid to escape fines. Amna Alansaari/Gulf News Dubai: Planning a visit to one of Dubai’s major malls but confused by the new parking system ? Several of the city’s busiest shopping centres have introduced barrier-free, automated parking to improve traffic flow and cut down wait times at entry and exit points. This guide explains how the system works at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and BurJuman Mall, including parking charges, free hours, and potential fines. Also In This Package Salik parking to go live at 18 new UAE locations Could a parking subscription save you money in Dubai? New paid parking zones rolls out in Dubai’s Mirdif New parking rates in key Dubai Zones Dubai Mall: Salik-linked paid parking In July 2024, Dubai Mall introduced a paid parking system in partnership with Salik , the city’s toll gate operator. Certain parking zones remain free, while fees for paid zones are automatically deducted from the vehicle owner's Salik account - no barriers, no tickets. How it works According to Salik , upon entry, your vehicle’s plate is scanned and linked to your Salik account. When you exit, the system calculates the time spent and deducts the parking fee from your account automatically. Current disruptions Due to expansion work the 694-space Grand Parking zone is closed for the upcoming Grand Drive (opening August). Ramps at Financial Centre and Grand Drive valet are temporarily closed and traffic is being rerouted via Grand Drive and Cinema Parking P3. Recommended parking zones include the Fashion, Cinema, or Zabeel. Dubai Mall Parking fees Weekdays Up to 4 hours: Free 4–5 hours: Dh20 5–6 hours: Dh60 6–7 hours: Dh80 7–8 hours: Dh100 Over 8 hours: Dh200 Over 12 hours: Dh500 Over 24 hours: Dh1,000 Weekends Up to 4 hours: Free 4–5 hours: Free 5–6 hours: Free 6–7 hours: Dh80 7–8 hours: Dh100 Over 8 hours: Dh200 Over 12 hours: Dh500 Over 24 hours: Dh1,000 Also Read: UAE: Skip the Salik-based parking at Dubai Mall - all your free parking and public transport options Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira: Operated by Parkin Both malls have introduced barrier-free systems operated by Parkin , Dubai’s public parking operator, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology . How it works Cameras scan your vehicle number plate at entry and log the time and upon exit, the system calculates your parking duration. If you exceed the free period, a notification is sent to your registered mobile number. How to pay Payments can be made through: Parkin app or parkin.ae Apple Pay Credit/debit card Parkin Wallet (via the app) Also Read: New premium parking zones in Dubai: Which areas have higher parking fees? Mall of the Emirates: Parking charges Up to 4 hours: Free 4–5 hours: Dh20 6–7 hours: Dh40 7–8 hours: Dh80 Over 8 hours: Dh100 Overnight (2am–6am): Dh200 Note: Just driving through the car park incurs a Dh3 fee. City Centre Deira: Parking charges Up to 3 hours: Free 3–4 hours: Dh20 4–5 hours: Dh40 5–6 hours: Dh60 6–7 hours: Dh100 Over 7 hours: Dh150 Overnight (4am–6am): Dh350 Free parking timings Mall of the Emirates : Free for up to 4 hours, Monday to Friday. Parking is free on Saturday and Sundays. City Centre Deira: Free for up to 3 hours, Monday to Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays. Additional benefits At Mall of the Emirates, visitors to VOX Cinemas or Ski Dubai receive two extra hours free . Spend Dh150 or more at either mall to receive a full day of free parking. Parking fines For Parkin operated spaces in Malls, you have five days to pay any outstanding parking charges. If payment isn’t made within two days, you’ll receive an SMS reminder, followed by a phone call on the third day. If payment is still pending after three days, a Dh150 fine is applied under UAE parking regulations. BurJuman Mall: Smart Parking System BurJuman Mall launched its Smart Parking System in May , also using ANPR technology to monitor parking duration. The system is entirely paperless and requires visitors to validate their vehicle through designated payment kiosks, as no automated payment reminders are sent. When is parking free? Parking is free for the first three hours daily , with an additional three-hour grace period for VOX Cinema guests who validate their tickets. Parking is also free on Sundays and UAE public holidays. Entry and exit rules Customers must exit within 15 minutes after payment or validation to avoid additional charges. Re-entry is only permitted six hours after a previous exit. After the free period, parking is charged at Dh20 per additional hour . The parking area is reserved for mall customers only, and private transport buses are not allowed to use the facility. Penalties Overnight parking is strictly prohibited and is now fined at Dh350 per day , up from the previous Dh250. Any violations, such as improper parking or misuse of the facilities, can result in a Dh250 penalty and possible towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. The previous Dh200 fee for lost or damaged paper tickets no longer applies due to the switch to a digital system. Related Topics: UAE Shopping Malls Dubai parking Dubai malls Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox SIGN UP Up Next Related Stories Eid Al-Adha: 10 things to do for under Dh50 in UAE 4 m read Mall in Dubai: New fines, exit rule with smart parking 3 m read Dubai Safari Park offers free tickets ahead of closure 2 m read Avoid fines: Your guide to parking at Dubai’s top malls 3 m read;0
"Struggling after Eid? 6 science-backed tips to reboot your work modeBeat post-Eid fatigue with expert tips for a smooth work transitionThe Eid holidays go in a delightful blur. It’s filled with family visits, delicious food, and lots of laughter. The best thing for most of us, is that we don’t need to check our inbox. Let the emails overflow. But alas, it’s over, the festive fog has lifted and the reality of work is painfully creeping back in. The struggle of returning to routine can be excruciating; you’re not imagining it. And research says too: The emotional comedown after holidays can significantly affect motivation and focus. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology noted that returning to work after breaks often triggers a post-vacation syndrome — including fatigue, irritability, and concentration issues. So how do you actually get back into work mode without spiraling? Here’s a research-backed roadmap to regaining your rhythm after Eid — gently, smartly, and with your energy intact. Ease in with intention, not pressure: Think 168 hoursJumping headfirst into your to-do list may seem heroic, but it’s more likely to backfire. According to productivity expert and author Laura Vanderkam, starting with small wins helps reignite motivation. ""Tiny victories build momentum,"" she writes in her book, 168 Hours. By shifting your focus from daily limitations to the bigger picture of a week, the feeling of overwhelm and exhaustion ebbs. You start thinking about your time on a larger scale. The daily grind doesn’t wear you out, anymore. You can breathe a little more, armed with the belief that you have many hours to work with. And so, 168-hour productivity method is essentially just a thought-reframing process, that can afford to be deeply beneficial for those who get easily worked up or stressed about deadlines and tight schedules. It requires reframing your entire thought process. 24 hours aren’t enough? Alright, think 168So instead of tackling everything at once, sort your tasks by urgency and impact. Then choose just three key goals for the day. Think of it as defrosting your brain, not microwaving it. Rebuild your routineRoutines are deeply tied to habit formation. Behavioural science shows that cues, even as simple as putting on work clothes or setting up your desk, can trigger mental shifts. Charles Duhigg, in The Power of Habit , explains that routines rely on consistent triggers to shift behaviours. Try this: Recreate your pre-Eid morning ritual, even if it’s just making your go-to coffee or listening to a productivity playlist. These cues act like on-switches for your focus. Don’t overcompensate for time-offMany people fall into what experts call the ‘urgency trap’ after time away, rushing to do everything at once to prove productivity. But overextending yourself too quickly can lead to cognitive overload. A study in Occupational Medicine (2018) found that sustained focus and performance actually improve when employees are allowed to ease back in after breaks. So pace yourself. Set boundaries. Block out time to recalibrate instead of defaulting to panic-mode multitasking. Find flow taskPsychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the concept of flow,  the mental state of being deeply immersed in something enjoyable and meaningful. Getting into flow boosts satisfaction and focus, and research shows that even 15–30 minutes of such a task can reset your mental state. When we are in a state of flow, we are so absorbed in the task that we lose track of time. In contrast, when we are bored, our attention isn't occupied, making us more aware of the passage of time. And when, we're in the flow state, one's attention is completely devoted to the task, resulting in a diminished awareness of self and timePick one task you like doing, writing, coding, organisng, and dive into it without distractions. It’s like re-entering your work life through a side door. Post-Eid blues are real: But temporaryResearch from the University of Granada (2020) highlights how ‘post-holiday blues""’are a common emotional response, often rooted in the shift from autonomy to structure at work. The good news is that it usually fades after a few days of routine. Remind yourself: Feeling sluggish doesn’t mean you’re lazy,  it means your brain’s still transitioning. Be kind to yourself and your energy.";0,05
"Dubai gold rate unchanged as gold loans turn popular with UAE consumers This summer, more UAE residents turn to gold loans for short-term funding needs Last updated: June 10, 2025 | 07:23 Manoj Nair ( Business Editor ) 2 MIN READ Need short-term cash but not interested in a bank loan? Try going for a gold loan. Shutterstock Dubai: For a fourth consecutive day, the Dubai gold rate has more or less remained unchanged at just over Dh369 a gram for 22K – a trend that’s been rare over the last 6 months. Typically, local gold prices have seen changes by Dh2-Dh4 on a near daily basis during this period, and on occasions even gone up or down by Dh8-Dh10 a gram. After the slight spike in gold demand over the last weekend, which had to do with Eid purchases, shopper turnout has been subdued. The next big gold and jewellery promotions will start soon enough with Dubai Summer Surprises. Also Read: Can Dubai gold price drop back to Dh360 levels - even go lower? “Other than price drops, what gold shoppers most value is seeing price stability,” said a jewellery retailer. “They have got that these few days, but shoppers will need to see prices drop even below Dh369 to decide if they are ready to buy more.” But those UAE shoppers who already own gold are turning to other ways to make full use of high prices for their asset. Going for 'gold loans' Gold-backed loans are proving popular this summer among those UAE residents who need immediate funds but prefer not to take out loans from banks. It used to be that small business owners typically use their gold to borrow on a short-term basis, but there are now individuals with immediate cash needs willing to put up their gold. “Borrowers can access up to 85% of their gold's market value, providing substantial funds,” said Ahmed Abd El Tawab, CEO and co-founder of O Gold. “Combined with competitive interest rates of 9%–11% - which are significantly lower than unsecured loan options – gold loans offer a financially sound alternative. “This, coupled with gold’s inherent stability in the current economic climate, ensures a robust market and positions gold loans as a reliable and increasingly popular financial tool.” Other industry sources confirm there is a 'mini-trend' among UAE residents for gold-backed loans. ""It's still a small base of individuals who are doing it, but what the UAE gold market is seeing are changes to how consumers want to to make best use of gold. ""They are shifting from just buy at every price drop mentality to what they can do to make best use of the gold they already have. ""For strictly short-term funding needs, gold loans are quite useful."" Pay monthly or by 'bullet' payment UAE's Finance House currently has gold loan programs where the borrower can choose between monthly payments or a one-time 'bullet' payment at the time of loan maturity. On its website, Finance House says that gold loans are the 'perfect solution to meet any emergency expenses or to cover other personal, medical, business, home or travel expenses'. According to industry sources, the current borrowing trends are for travel spending or clear off some payments related to home investments. According to El Tawab, ""The precise (gold loan) rate will be determined based on various factors, including the loan amount, gold purity, and prevailing market dynamics. ""Our focus is to deliver a transparent experience, with clear and accessible information regarding all loan terms, including interest rates."" Manoj Nair Business Editor Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.";0
"iOS 26: New iPhone update for UAE users include 'liquid glass', live translation Here is when Apple's iOS 26 will come to your iPhone Last updated: June 09, 2025 | 23:04 Dhanusha Gokulan ( Chief Reporter ) 4 MIN READ Highlights of the iOS 26 include live translation and smarter shortcuts. Apple Dubai: Amid much fanfare and speculations, US-based tech juggernaut Apple previewed major updates to its iPhone operating software - iOS 26- at Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The changes are set to ‘elevate the iPhone experience’ with a beautiful new design, intelligent features powered by ‘Apple Intelligence,’ and substantial improvements to everyday apps, according to Apple. Updates have been made to the Phone and Messages apps, which will now help users stay connected while eliminating distractions like unwanted calls. iOS 26 will also introduce new features in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Games. This brand-new app gives players a single destination for all their games. Also Read: iOS 26 takes center stage: The 10 most exciting Apple OS features from WWDC According to Apple, iOS 26 will showcase a ""gorgeous new design"" and ""meaningful improvements"" to everyday features, making the iPhone ""even more helpful."" The company has said that experiences will become ""more expressive and personal,"" and new Apple Intelligence capabilities will enable users to ""get things done easier than ever."" Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, highlighted the impact of the new operating system and said, “iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful.” He said that the updates will make experiences ""more expressive and personal"" and that new Apple Intelligence capabilities will enable users to ""get things done easier than ever."" Apple Intelligence How is Apple integrating its much-awaited AI into the iOS26? According to Apple, ""Apple Intelligence"" is set to revolutionise how users interact with their iPhones. Apple said that this new capability will elevate the iPhone experience by enabling the following: Live Translation: This feature will be integrated into messages, FaceTime, and Phones, allowing for the real-time translation of text and audio for seamless communication across languages. This feature will run entirely on the device, ensuring user privacy. Visual Intelligence: Users can interact with content directly on their screen, asking questions about images or searching for similar items. Apple also states that events seen on the screen will be automatically suggested for calendar additions. Genmoji and image playground: New creative tools will allow users to generate unique emojis and images for expression. Smarter shortcuts: Apple Intelligence will enable new ""intelligent actions"" and dedicated features like Writing Tools. Automated order tracking: Order details from emails will be automatically summarised, providing a unified view of purchases New design At the core of iOS 26, Apple said a striking new design will be implemented, featuring ""Liquid Glass."" This translucent material will add depth and vitality across controls, app icons, and widgets. This visual overhaul will also extend to the Lock Screen and Home Screen, allowing for greater personalisation. For example, the Lock Screen will dynamically adapt the time display to images, and spatial scenes will bring wallpapers to life with a 3D effect when the iPhone is moved. Apple said key apps like Camera and Photos will also receive streamlined designs. At the same time, Safari, Apple Music, News, and Podcasts will see redesigned tab bars for a more immersive viewing experience. Developers will also be given access to these new design elements for integration into their apps. When will iOS 26 come to your phone? Apple has confirmed that while developers will be able to test iOS 26 immediately, a public beta will be made available next month. The full software update is expected to roll out for iPhone 11 and later models this fall as a free download. However, Apple has said that the advanced Apple Intelligence features will require newer devices, including all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and compatible iPad and Mac models with M1 chips or later. Eco-system wide updates The update will extend its enhancements across various Apple services and products: CarPlay: Apple said CarPlay will gain a new compact view for calls, Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages, and integration of widgets and Live Activities for safer driving. Apple Music: Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and AutoMix for seamless song transitions will be introduced. Apple Maps: ""Visited Places"" will be featured to help users remember locations, and intelligent routing based on daily commutes will be provided. Apple Wallet: Options for installment payments, refreshed boarding passes with Live Activities, and better integration with Maps and Find My will be added. Apple Games: A brand-new app will be provided, serving as a central hub for all games, including Apple Arcade. AirPods: New features for studio-quality audio recording and camera remote control will be added. Parental Controls: Enhanced tools for creating child accounts, managing communication limits, and approving app downloads will be included. Safari: Privacy will be boosted with advanced fingerprinting protection. Accessibility: New features like Accessibility Reader and Braille Access will be introduced, alongside improvements to existing features.";0
Indian judiciary on trial: How Justice Yashwant Verma faces impeachment over cash scandalAfter outrage, impeachment process begins as government builds consensus with Opposition Last updated: June 10, 2025 | 06:03 Swati Chaturvedi ( Special to Gulf News ) 4 MIN READ Justice Verma has repeatedly claimed that he had no knowledge of how the unaccounted cash was found in his guard room or who burnt it. IANS India was horrified in March to see pictures in a national daily of piles of burnt, some still smoking, unaccounted cash in the store/outhouse room of a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court — Justice Yashwant Verma. While no one knows the exact amount, it was said to run into millions of rupees. National outrage followed. Justice Verma was transferred to the Allahabad High Court, where the Bar protested his transfer, saying that the Allahabad High Court was not a garbage receptacle for tainted judges.;0,025
"BTS's RM almost tears up after military discharge, V comforts him as they reunite with ARMY: 'We'll be on stage'ARMY celebrates as BTS's RM and V reunite post-military service Last updated: June 10, 2025 | 16:19 Lakshana N Palat ( Assistant Features Editor ) 2 MIN READ BTS’ RM and V return from military service in style. AFP-SHIN YONG-JU The moment has finally arrived — BTS’s RM and V are officially discharged from military service. Videos from the scene are already going viral. RM, ever the showman, brought his saxophone to the event, playing it with flair while standing beside V, who held a bouquet of flowers. True to form, RM ’s sense of humour was on full display as he jokingly mimicked a ‘mic drop’ moment while greeting fans. The boys even pretended to do a 'skit' and introduce themselves to each other.  However, fans noticed that RM was holding back his tearful emotions. Some fans said that his hand was shaking slightly, so V came to comfort him too. Needless to say, the crowd was electric — cheering, yelling, and shedding happy tears. One fan wrote, “I actually think Namjoon is the most hysterical person on the planet, bringing his saxophone to his own discharge event.” A comeback that fans had been waiting for, since 2023. Also Read: Why did BTS distance themselves from the Grammys? After the discharge, the two came to the Hybe building, and appeared on Weverse Live, discussing their future plans. RM humbly apologised for not being able to write more songs during his time in the military, but promises that in time, if fans wait a little more, he will be ready with songs. Meanwhile, Jin also gatecrashed the Live, and brought himself 'as a gift'. Moreover, RM and V promised that they would return to the stage soon, and thanked fans for waiting. Later RM came live, thanked fans again and also mentioned that he had indeed played the Conan tune on the saxophone. ""I wanted to make you laugh. People often see me in that serious way, doing UN speeches. But I wanted to make you laugh. If you laughed, that's great.""";0
Applying for a US visa from UAE? Citizens of certain countries are ineligibleUS Embassy in the UAE issued a notice listing restrictions for citizens of 19 countries Last updated: June 09, 2025 | 20:56 Dhanusha Gokulan ( Chief Reporter ) 3 MIN READ United States alone is among 184 global economies that could see a decline in international travel spending this year. Shutterstock Dubai: The United States (US) Embassy in the UAE has issued a notice regarding new restrictions on US visa applications for citizens of specific countries. Effective Monday, June 9, at 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (8.01 am UAE time), a Presidential Proclamation has come into effect, suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries. This development is part of a broader US effort to ‘enhance national security and public safety by implementing rigorous screening procedures,' according to an official statement from the Department of State. For individuals in the UAE, this means that even if you apply for a visa and attend a scheduled interview, you may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States if you are a national of one of the affected countries. Also Read: Trump’s 2025 travel ban explained: Why these 19 countries are targeted, who’s exempt — and will more be added? Who is affected? This Presidential Proclamation applies specifically to foreign nationals outside the United States who did not hold a valid visa on the effective date of June 9. Crucially, any valid visas issued before this date have not been, and will not be, revoked under this new proclamation. President Donald Trump’s new ban on travel to the US by citizens of a dozen countries went into effect at 8.01 am on Monday. This is more than eight years after Trump’s first travel ban sparked chaos, confusion and months of legal battles. Full suspension of visa issuance: The United States is fully suspending visa issuance for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories for nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan Burma (Myanmar) Chad Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen Also In This Package Are UAE's Indian expats impacted by new passport rule? UAE to India travel: Rule eased for some passengers NAIA: Security not allowed to touch passport New passport control service launched at Dubai airport Partial suspension of visa issuance: For nationals of these seven countries, visa issuance is partially suspended for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas (for business and tourism), and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela It is important to note that there are limited exceptions to these suspensions, including: Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of US citizens) Adoptions by US citizens Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality are not subject to a suspension Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for US government employees Participants in certain major sporting events Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) Loss in tourism revenue Experts in the travel sector have warned that such closed door policies could have a catastrophic impact on the country's tourism potential. United States alone is among 184 global economies that could see a decline in international travel spending this year, according to a recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The US economy is slated to lose a whopping $12.5 billion in international travel spend this year. The WTTC – a global body representing the travel and tourism private sector – said in its Economic Impact Research that international visitor spending to the US is projected to fall to just under $169 billion this year, down from $181 billion in 2024. This significant shortfall represents a 22.5 per cent decline compared to the previous peak. The loss won't be felt by travel and tourism alone, said WTTC, explaining that this represents a direct blow to the US economy, impacting communities, jobs, and businesses from coast to coast. Dhanusha Gokulan Chief Reporter Dhanusha is a Chief Reporter at Gulf News in Dubai, with her finger firmly on the pulse of UAE, regional, and global aviation. She dives deep into how airlines and airports operate, expand, and embrace the latest tech.  Known for her sharp eye for detail, Dhanusha makes complex topics like new aircraft, evolving travel trends, and aviation regulations easy to grasp. Lately, she's especially fascinated by the world of eVTOLs and flying cars.  With nearly two decades in journalism, Dhanusha's covered a wide range, from health and education to the pandemic, local transport, and technology. When she's not tracking what's happening in the skies, she enjoys exploring social media trends, tech innovations, and anything that sparks reader curiosity. Outside of work, you'll find her immersed in electronic dance music, pop culture, movies, and video games.;-0,15
"Meghalaya honeymoon murder case: A look at gruesome true crime cases that shook IndiaWhile the recent Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, where a young groom was allegedly murdered by his bride, has sent shivers across the country, it’s far from the first time India has been gripped by cold-blooded killings that feel straight out of a psychological thriller. Also Read: Murder on honeymoon in India's Meghalaya: Wife surrenders in chilling Raja Raghuvanshi caseBefore true crime podcasts and Netflix thrillers took off, India was rocked by several real-life horror cases such as the tragic Tandoor murder case in 1995. It had everything—political power, jealousy, a botched cover-up, and forensic breakthroughs that changed the course of Indian criminal investigations forever. Here's a closer look at some of the most disturbing and headline-grabbing murder cases that continue to shock, confuse, and horrify. 1. Shraddha Walkar case (Delhi, 2022) The horror : Shraddha, a 26-year-old woman, was murdered by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala in Delhi. He strangled her, then cut her body into 35 pieces with a saw, stored them in a fridge, and disposed of them in Mehrauli forest over several nights. Why it shocked us : The sheer calculation, the use of dating apps post-murder, and his complete lack of remorse. Think real-life Dexter, minus any moral code. 2. Sheena Bora murder case (Mumbai, 2012; exposed 2015) The secret : Sheena Bora was allegedly murdered by her mother, Indrani Mukerjea, in a twisted tale of family secrets, power, and identity theft. Indrani had introduced Sheena as her sister for years. The twist : Indrani, a former media mogul and socialite, allegedly conspired with her driver and ex-husband to kill her daughter and burn the body in a forest. The case came to light when the driver confessed during a separate arrest. Why it shocked us : The chilling web of lies, elitism, and a mother allegedly killing her daughter to ""protect her image."" 3. Nagpur ritual killing case (2023) The killer : Bharat Kalicharan, aka “Doctor Death,” claimed to be a healer and confessed to killing multiple women over several years under the guise of healing rituals. What makes it worse : Some reports hinted at cannibalistic tendencies and detailed how he kept body parts for spiritual ceremonies. Why it shocked us : It exposed how superstition, vulnerability, and ritual violence can be manipulated into horror beyond fiction. 4. ?? Burari Deaths (Delhi, 2018) The scene : Eleven family members were found dead in their home. Ten were hanging from the ceiling, blindfolded, gagged, and hands tied. The eldest matriarch was found strangled. What really happened : Investigators uncovered handwritten “ritual notes” spanning years, believed to be written by one family member under a delusion of being spiritually guided by his deceased father. Why it shocked us : Initially thought to be murder or a mass suicide pact, the case unraveled into a complex mix of shared psychosis and blind faith gone terribly wrong. 5. Nithari Killings (Delhi, 2016) What happened : In 2006, police made a sickening discovery—human remains and children’s clothes were found in a drain outside Moninder Singh Pandher’s upscale bungalow in Noida. The gruesome trail led straight to the house. One of India’s most disturbing and gruesome murder cases—the Noida serial killings— took a shocking turn nearly two decades later Victims : At least 19 women and children, mostly from nearby slums, were believed to have been lured, raped, murdered, and dismembered. Shock factor : The discovery of skulls, bones, and severed body parts scattered across the backyard and drain turned a missing persons investigation into one of India’s darkest true crime sagas. The two men arrested—Surinder Koli, a domestic worker, and Moninder Singh Pandher, his wealthy employer—were convicted in multiple cases, with Koli handed several death sentences and Pandher convicted in two. Koli was accused of carrying out the murders inside Pandher’s home, while the businessman claimed ignorance. The case became symbolic of class disparity, police apathy, and the vulnerability of India’s poor. But in a stunning twist, the Allahabad High Court in 2023 acquitted both men—Koli in 12 cases and Pandher in both—citing a lack of evidence. The acquittal has triggered new questions about the integrity of the original investigation, the media frenzy that followed, and whether justice was ever truly served for the young lives lost in one of India’s darkest true crime sagas. 6. Koodathayi cyanide killings/Jolly Murder case (2019) What happened: A series of unnatural deaths in Kerala involving six people from the same family over 14 years led to the arrest of Jollyamma Joseph. She used cyanide-laced food like mutton soup to kill all six family members. It's now called the ""Kerala cyanide murders"" Shock factor : The alleged murders reportedly began in 2002 with the death of her mother-in-law, Annamma Thomas, followed by her father-in-law, husband, a relative, and finally, the wife and child of her second husband Shaju. Police allege that Jolly’s had multiple motives, eliminating obstacles to wealth, silencing suspicions, and securing a more desirable marriage. Interestingly, Jolly had maintained a facade of respectability, even masquerading as a college lecturer. Despite cyanide being found in her husband Roy’s autopsy, his death was initially considered a suicide. It took more than a decade for the trail of crime to surface.";0,05
"Burnout to epic $200m empire: Dubai heiress reveals how failure led to success Burnout to epic $200m empire: Dubai heiress reveals how failure led to success Meher Mirchandani on reclaiming her identity, self-love, and building a conscious empire Last updated: June 09, 2025 | 13:08 Dubai: ""I didn’t enjoy what I was doing.” That single realisation changed everything for Dubai heiress Meher Mirchandani. This proverbial 'nepo baby' could’ve squandered the millions belonging to her business tycoon family, partied through her 20s, and coasted on her last name. But Meher —fashion designer turned entrepreneur turned leadership coach—chose a far tougher route: reinvention. “I’m super grateful. I don’t see privilege as a weakness. If you’ve been given a lot, you have a lot of responsibility,” says Meher, who now co-leads the Dubai-based Palmon Group and Manrre Logistics Fund. Also Read: From Dh200 side hustle to tycoon, how teacher's son built a pharma empire and an epic mansion in Dubai Hills “As soon as I joined the family business, I wanted to make sure we were leading a conscious business and a conscious life.” At 22, she was one of Dubai’s first homegrown fashion designers, dreaming of showcasing her creations down the catwalks of New York Fashion Week. “I did this beautiful ad for ADCB where I said I’d feel most fulfilled on the catwalk of NYFW. I could visualise it,” she recalls. But the glitter faded fast. “I started feeling burdened,” she says. Married, pregnant with twins, and juggling fittings across continents, she began to question everything. “That’s when the questioning started: Do I really want this life?” Despite winning accolades in the local awards circuit and being hailed a Dubai success story, Meher felt a growing void. “I kept struggling with what is missing in my life. Who do I want to be?” Soon, emotional turmoil turned physical. “There was something so wrong with my mental well-being that my body was showing it,” she says. Alarming incidents followed: a car accident, a hospitalised vertigo attack, and even a ripped rib cage from a mild cough. “My body was resisting. I knew there was something missing.” That pain became the portal. “You have to break for the light to enter,” she says, quoting Rumi. “So I took on a lot of healing—Theta Healing, quantum healing, past-life regression therapy. I’m a Theta healer myself.” She began letting go of the glamour. “When I started feeling burdened, I didn’t enjoy what I was doing. And when that happened, I had to ask myself: What is the life I want?” She pressed pause on her fashion label and joined her family’s Palmon Group in 2013 as Managing Director. “If I’m not feeling powerful from within, how will I impact the bottom line?” At the time, Palmon Group managed a spectrum of businesses: residential assets, the Marina-based Marinascape Mall, facilities management, furniture and kitchens, and warehousing. “We had a facilities management company with 350 to 400 people ... We were growing our warehousing portfolio,” she says. Then came the Mannre Logistics Fund. “My brother, my father and I co-founded it. We started with $80 million. Today we’ve acquired assets worth close to $200 million [around Dh734 million)].” She didn’t stop at boardrooms. Meher wanted impact. “I kept wondering what else better can we do to better humanity?” she asks. “As soon as I came into the business, I asked about our CSR initiatives.” Through the Palmon Foundation, she mentors children in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. “I have one-on-one calls with them every month,” she says. “Their annual school fees are 12,000 rupees [Dh515]. That can help them become doctors. You’d rather create more impact than buy more dresses.” Raised amid Rolls Royces and lavish homes, Meher remains deeply grounded. “Luckily, I married a very humble man,” she says. “My husband didn’t want to move homes for the longest time. He wanted to give our kids a sense of grounding.” The key to it all, she says, is spirituality. “I have a spiritual master. My family is very spiritually grounded. That’s what kept me from breaking completely.” Her internal journey led her to write her first book , Come Alive, Don’t Just Exist . “The missing piece of puzzle in my life was self-love,” she says. “Even after all I did with my fashion label, I was still beating myself up. Outside validation will never be enough.” “From 22 to 32, no one would have guessed I was in pain,” she adds. “But I was.” Now a certified professional coach, she helps others transform. “Success is something you attract by the person you become,” she says. “It’s not about buying the house or the car. You start with insight. Success is an inside job.” She invested heavily in growth—Harvard, London Business School, and countless development programmes. “You name it. I did it. I wanted to grow myself to grow my business.” Every working day she explores how kindness and high performance can go hand in hand. “I ask my entire team to operate with love. And we meet our targets every year. We’ve 10x’d our business in five years.” Even her parenting style reflects that conscious approach. “My kids are growing up in privilege, but we’re very clear about our parenting. My husband didn’t want them overexposed to wealth. Humility is the core of our life.” While her family name is often linked with the UAE’s wealthiest Indians, Meher shrugs off the labels. “We don’t look at those labels. I told my father that when our company reaches a certain revenue, we will support that many children around the world.” She says she takes pride in co-founding a logistics fund that now manages assets worth nearly $200 million, scaling a 5,000 sq ft retail business to 15,000 sq ft, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. “In my 20s, I was a fashion designer. In my 30s, a second-generation entrepreneur scaling businesses. In my 40s, I’m a leadership coach and impact creator.” Her final word? “Every day should be a wow day.” Also In This Package Meet Dubai shoe king who now parties in own nightclub Dubai tycoon on how to make millions and live debt free 'This is home now,' Sushmita Sen on evolving with Dubai How to survive Eid shopping in Dubai  malls like a pro";0,1
Dig: South Africa's new diamond rush Over the past year, Jacques Pauw has documented the extraordinary stories of the many people inextricably linked by Namaqualand’s wealth. PART 1 A diamond is not forever: Blood, fear and brutal warfare in Namaqualand Jacques Pauw writes about the bloody battle between police and the thousands who came from all over Africa to the Northern Cape’s once-prosperous diamond fields, now a derelict wasteland of gaping craters, towering mine dumps, rotten machinery and forsaken recovery plants to dig for treasure in the ground. Read the article here PART 2 The Diggers: Extortion, torture, murder and overnight riches in Namaqualand’s illicit diamond mines In the frontier towns of the Northern Cape’s barren, almost otherworldly, mining landscape, life is cheap. Rumours abound about dead zama zamas slashed open in search of loot in their bellies, and stories swirl of smuggling, robberies, and loose tongues causing death. In the second part of his series documenting Namaqualand’s diamond wealth, Jacques Pauw looks at how the area was pillaged, amounting to organised crime in overdrive. Read the article here PART 3 The Tycoons: Diamond flogger Louis Liebenberg and the businessman with presidents as friends Namaqualand’s riches have attracted greedy con men, international business barons, common criminals, and the down-and-out. In the third and final story of his investigation into the Northern Cape’s diamond industry, Jacques Pauw meets the evasive mining boss who rubs shoulders with presidents, and alleged Ponzi scheme mastermind Louis Liebenberg. Read the article here By subscribing to News24, you enable us to pursue stories that can help change the trajectory of our country. Subscribe to News24 This investigation was done in association with Truth First, a non-profit organisation that promotes investigative journalism. Top Built with Shorthand;0,175
Zille eyes Joburg: Her fix-it plan is ‘pretty clear’With characteristic determination, Helen Zille is considering a new and bigger-than-ever challenge.;0,025
Former Stellenbosch deputy mayor shot dead in Kayamandi Former Stellenbosch deputy mayor Nyaniso Jindela was shot dead in Kayamandi on Monday night. The Stellenbosh municipality confirmed that Nyaniso Jindela had been shot dead in an incident in Kayamandi on Monday. Stellenbosch police registered a murder case for investigation following the shooting incident. Jindela was a former councillor who served the community with distinction, including in the role of deputy mayor. Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed Stellenbosch police registered a murder case for investigation following the shooting incident at about 20:00 in Vineyard Street. Twigg said a 59-year-old man was shot in the throat. “Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his throat. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” he said. “The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested,” Twigg said. In a statement, the Stellenbosch municipality confirmed that he was killed. “Jindela was a former councillor who served the community with distinction, including in the role of deputy mayor. The incident is currently under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the municipality will fully support SAPS by providing any information they may require,” it said in the statement. Jindela, his wife Unathi and three others were arrested in 2021 in connection with the murder of Cameron Mcako, also a former Stellenbosch deputy mayor. News24 reported that Mcako’s death followed that of land rights activist Midas Winana. Winana was a critical lobbyist for “Azania”, a stretch of land next to Kayamandi, which was suddenly occupied. Shacks were built on it. The municipality later bought the land from the owner, the late Stefan Smit, who was murdered at his farmhouse, Louisenhof, on 2 June 2019. Winana and Mcako were reportedly at odds over the municipality’s decision to move some shack residents so that their services could be upgraded. Winana was shot dead on 15 August 2019, hours before a protest march. Mcako was an ANC deputy mayor from April 2008 until December 2009. He joined the DA shortly before the municipal elections in 2016. He was also an area manager of Kayamandi and focused on dealing with waste, ablutions, vandalism, and the erection of illegal structures. He was no longer working for the municipality at the time of his death. Anyone who has any information about the shooting can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.;0
DA Gauteng yet to discuss Zille’s potential candidacy for Joburg mayor, says Msimanga Helen Zille’s possible mayoral candidacy for Johannesburg was yet to be formally discussed, but DA insiders said it was being seriously considered.;0
‘Nothing short of abusive’: Lawyers slam NPA bid to appeal extradition ruling that freed Cholota Lawyers have slammed the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) bid to appeal an extradition ruling that freed Moroadi Cholota, calling the move “nothing short of abusive”.  Moroadi Cholota during a previous appearance in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein. Mlungisi Louw/Gallo Images/Volksblad;0,075
Peanut butter maker fined after Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem recall Peanut butter manufacturer House of Natural Butters has agreed to pay a R500 000 fine more than a year after its products were recalled from Pick n Pay and Dis-Chem stores. In February last year, Pick n Pay recalled some peanut butter brands that contained higher-than-allowed aflatoxins, toxins produced by fungi. Pick n Pay recalled its No Name Smooth Peanut Butter, as well as the Eden peanut butter brand. Dis-Chem also recalled its own Lifestyle peanut butter. Both retailers confirmed that the National Consumer Commission (NCC) found they were supplied by House of Natural Butters. When the NCC investigated the company, they found it had supplied contaminated and decayed impure peanuts, groundnuts and other products to several retailers between May and November 2023. “The respondent imported the products from Malawi and Zambia using trucks and trailers, via land borders and port entries. The trucks and trailers did not have the requisite certificates of acceptability required for the transportation of food.” The NCC said that laboratory test revealed the products were “contaminated, decayed and impure”. The company, which is ?trading as Eden All Butters, agreed to pay the fine, which was confirmed by the National Consumer Tribunal last week. READ | Consumer watchdog calls for urgent tests of peanut butter nationwide Meanwhile, the NCC said that another peanut butter manufacturer implicated in the matter was also being investigated. Acting NCC commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said in a statement: “The NCC welcomes this consent order [from the tribunal] as it brings this matter against House of Natural Butters to a finality. It is incumbent upon suppliers of food products in the South African market to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations and the Consumer Protection Act.”;0,05
Ngidi or Paterson? De Zorzi or Bedingham? Tough selections await Proteas in Test final Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)  Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber? Sign in  Next on News24 World Test final: Lord’s centurions Smith and Prince on the slope and vagaries overhead 10 Jun Read more on: shukri conrad Proteas lungi ngidi heading description username Show Comments ( )  Most Read LUNCH | SA v Australia, Day 3: Starc 50 leaves Proteas chasing 282 at Lord’s FIRST TAKE | ‘The Fixer’ Ngidi lives up to his name in lifting SA hopes in WTC final Proteas Day 2 review: Test cricket at its fickle best in SA v Australia final classic ‘We have one eye on the World Cup,’ says Rassie as he hints at plans for Bok veterans An open letter to Comrades organisers: The race deserves better  Voting Booth Now that they have announced their squad, how do you rate the Proteas’ chances in next month’s ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s? Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later. The Proteas have the team to win this one No chance! They always buckle when it matters most It’s too close to call. Maybe a draw? Results The Proteas have the team to win this one 26% - 600 votes No chance! They always buckle when it matters most 59% - 1343 votes It’s too close to call. Maybe a draw? 15% - 333 votes Vote Previous Results  Editorial feedback and complaints Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24. Learn More Game On! GAME ON! Can you ace them all? Take a break from the news with today’s crossword, wordflower, or sudoku. Play Now © 2025 (3.0.25164.3) 24.com. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Media24 Privacy Policy Vulnerability Disclosure Contact us Help with my Subscription Follow:;0
UPDATE | Man falls to his death from hotel’s rooftop in Cape Town CBD A man fell to his death from the 28th floor of the Sky Hotel in Cape Town on Monday afternoon. The incident took place near the hotel’s Sky-Hi Ride, a rooftop attraction offering panoramic views of the city. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, including reviewing security footage, as the area remains cordoned off. A tragic incident unfolded in Cape Town on Monday afternoon when a man fell to his death from the rooftop of the Sky Hotel in Lower Long Street. The man reportedly fell from the 28th floor where the Sky-Hi Ride - an aerial attraction designed for city views - is situated. According to a first responder, who was stationed nearby at the time, the incident happened just before 16:00. “I heard the impact. It was a loud bang which closely mimicked a gunshot,” the responder said. A man fell from the Sky Hotel in the Cape Town CBD. Chelsea Ogilvie/News24 A staff member, who asked not to be named, told News24 the man had purchased a ticket for the Sky-Hi Ride and was given a pass to access the area. Another eyewitness stated: “In the corner of my eye, I saw a big object. I thought it was a bird until he hit the ground.” READ | God, please bring him back, father prayed after 12-year-old driver allegedly kills son Police have cordoned off a section of Lower Long Street, just past the Cape Town International Convention Centre heading into the CBD. Investigators are reviewing security footage in and around the hotel, attempting to piece together the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. In a statement on Monday night, Hotel Sky Cape Town managing director Paul Kelley said they confirmed “with the deepest sadness that a tragic and isolated incident occurred at the hotel today involving a walk-in visitor who tragically took his own life by jumping off the top of the hotel rooftop”. He said: We are devastated by this unexpected event, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this time of profound loss. Kelley said it was important that mental illness was recognised and that those suffering from depression are supported. “Hotel Sky Cape Town would like to reiterate that this unfortunate incident had nothing to do with Sky-Hi Ride, as these two areas are separate locations,” he said. “Hotel Sky Cape Town remains a safe and secure environment for all guests, visitors, and staff which fully comply with international and local safety and security measures.” Kelley added that the police had “conducted a full investigation” and the hotel had “extended support to all those affected by this tragedy.” Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said circumstances surrounding the man’s death were under investigation. “A post-mortem will be conducted to determine race, age and cause of death. An inquest was registered for investigation,” he said, appealing to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 086 001 0111. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with police comment.;0
UPDATE | Missing Comrades Marathon runner found alive, taken to hospitalA Comrades Marathon runner who went missing on Sunday has been found. She was found around 7km away from the race finish, where she was last seen. Paramedics on the scene said she was in a critical condition. A woman who went missing after completing the Comrades Marathon has been found. Moira Harding was found near the National Sea Rescue (NSRI) base in The Point, Durban, early on Monday morning – more than 15 hours after she completed the race. The base is roughly 7km from the finish point at People’s Park. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed Harding had been found behind the base and an ambulance was called. “She is en route to hospital by ambulance,” he said. ALS Paramedics’ spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said Harding was found near the base in Mahatma Gandhi Road. He said the road was closed to traffic to allow a helicopter to airlift her to hospital. Jamieson added that Harding was in a critical condition. “Advanced life support paramedics are currently stabilising the patient on [the] scene before the patient will be transported to a nearby hospital for the urgent care that she requires,” he said. Her family did not respond to News24’s attempts to confirm that she had been found. Harding was reported missing after completing the marathon. She was last seen wearing her yellow running vest, sporting black and white stripes in the middle and bearing her Comrades number - M33485 - and black tights. News24 understands that the 54-year-old was last seen in the finishing area after completing the ultra-marathon at 16:52. She reportedly seemed a bit dazed. Long distance runner Moira Harding went missing after completing the 98th Comrades Marathon in Durban. Supplied She was reportedly supposed to meet up with her family at the Pinetown and District Athletics Club tent at the finish but didn’t arrive there. On foot, the journey from People’s Park, adjacent to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is less than seven kilometres. This journey would have seen the woman traverse what is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in Durban - the point precinct. While the area in which she was found had been gentrified through urban improvement projects, the area through which she passed had not been. A record field of 22 200 participants ran 89.9km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban to complete the race. This is a developing story.;0
From Benedict Enwonwu to Marlene Dumas: The priciest masterpieces by African artists Artist Marlene Dumas. Neilson Barnard / Stringer/Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber? Sign in;0,075
Israeli Navy Missile Ships Strike Hodeidah Port in YemenThe Israel Navy conducted strikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port, along the coast of the Red Sea, on Tuesday morning.;0
"At Least 52 Palestinians Killed by Israeli Strikes in Gaza, Health Officials Say  In the News Israel at War Live Updates Israel-Iran Attack Milei in Israel GHF Workers Killed Israeli Hostages Israelis Dead WHITE HOUSE: Trump demanded Netanyahu end Gaza war, 'drop' the subject of attacking Iran, source says ? GAZA: UN says most flour delivered to Gaza looted or taken by starving Palestinians ? ISRAEL: U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway sanction far-right Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich; IDF: One missile launched from Yemen likely intercepted, more interceptors launched to protect from shrapnel Jun 10, 2025 Updated: 05:25 a.m. IST RECAP: U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway sanction far-right Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich WHITE HOUSE: Trump demanded Netanyahu end Gaza war, 'drop' the subject of attacking Iran, source says ? GAZA: UN says most flour delivered to Gaza looted or taken by starving Palestinians ? ISRAEL: U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway sanction far-right Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich; IDF: One missile launched from Yemen likely intercepted, more interceptors launched to protect from shrapnel RECAP: U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway sanction far-right Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich Updates Last to first Haaretz 2 days ago This liveblog had ended Click here for updates from Day 614 of the war. Comments 'Community of Countless Stories': Latin Jews Gather for a First-of-its-kind L.A. Festival Housing Minister Resigns Over Failure to Formalize Haredi Exemption From Army Service Haredim, Bibi Win Big on Haredi Draft; Israel Loses How Israel Is Benefiting From – and Exploiting – the Palestinian Leadership Crisis Tiny Archaic Human Paranthropus May Have Been Multiple Species Learn How to Optimize Your Home Solar System Paid by Sela Infrastructures LTD ICYMI Louis Theroux's New Film Captures the Mundanity of Israel's Extreme Settler Movement 40% of Israelis Say They Consider Leaving the Country. This Is What Keeps Them Here How the Netanyahu Government's War on Gaza Is Killing Israel's Future What Would 'Victory' for Israel in Gaza Really Look Like? 'Depopulation' and 'Kill Zone': Brutality Lexicon Exposes How Israelis Talk About the War Knesset Debate Reveals Not Everyone Thinks Starving Gazan Children Is a Bad Thing";0,15
Greta Thunberg, Three Other Gaza Flotilla Members Agree to Deportation From Israel Prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and three other activists have agreed to be deported from Israel on Tuesday, after the Gaza-bound Madleen flotilla was apprehended by Israeli forces, according to the Adalah Legal Center that is legally representing demonstrators.;0,125
Israel Making Preparations for Iran Strike as Trump Tells Netanyahu to Forego an Offensive Amid difficulties in U.S.-Iran negotiations over a nuclear deal, Israel is advancing preparations for a strike in Iran, as well as preparing to defend against a possible Iranian counterattack.;-0,1
"Will Israel Survive Until 2040?Aluf BennJun 9, 2025In 1970, Soviet dissident Andrei Amalrik was a young historian at Moscow State University when he published his provocative book, ""Will the Soviet Union Survive Until 1984?""";0,075
"People Are Fleeing Israel, and Many End Up in Melbourne. Every Week, Families With Kids Arrive'People are fleeing Israel, and many are ending up in Melbourne, Australia.  Every week, families with children arrive.  Nirit Eylon, 51, lives in Melbourne, Australia; flying to Madrid";-0,025
That Alarming Poll Showing 82% of Israelis Back Gazans' Expulsion? It's WrongA recent poll among Israeli Jews, as reported in Haaretz, produced truly shocking results: 82 percent of respondents reportedly supported the forcible expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, while 56 percent supported expelling Palestinian citizens of Israel. The poll suggests an extreme reality and has garnered significant attention.;0,275
I Don't Think He Ever Escaped His Demons': Revisiting the Life and Legacy of Elie Wiesel Forty years ago, American Jews were appalled to learn that President Ronald Reagan would be paying a visit to a German military cemetery where World War II veterans, including members of the Waffen-SS, were buried. Spearheading the campaign to try to get Reagan to walk back on his decision was Elie Wiesel , the world's most famous Holocaust survivor.;0,15
"Despite Late Regrets, Israelis Who Stayed Silent on Gaza Will Still Face the Consequences - Opinion - Haaretz.comLast week, veteran news anchor Keren Marciano awoke from a long slumber and, on Channel 12 television's prime-time evening broadcast, said ""there's currently a very difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Many international organizations say there is genuine hunger there. Dozens, if not hundreds, of people are dying in Gaza every week – people who are killed despite being innocent.";0,375
"Canada’s Carney lays out priorities for upcoming G7 SummitAs president of the G7 summit in Alberta on June 15, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has set out an ambitious agenda items for world leaders to discuss and perhaps accomplish. “Canada has what the world wants and the values to which others aspire,” Carney said Saturday. “The G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis (province of Alberta) is a moment for Canada to work with reliable partners to meet challenges with unity, purpose, and force. Canada is ready to lead.” Canada assumed the presidency of the G7 this year and will host the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US. The G7 is an annual informal gathering of heads of state and government, this year from June 15-17. Carney laid out his three key goals for the summit ahead of the meetings: protecting communities’ peace and security through countering foreign interference and crime that involves crossing international borders; building energy security and speeding up digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, to improve mineral supply chains to spur economic growth; and create partnerships including with large private investment to build strong infrastructure, higher-paying jobs and open markets for businesses. It is traditional for the serving president – this year Carney – to invite leaders as guests who do not take part in the summit but watch from the sidelines. Included this year are Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and India’s Narendra Modi. Canadian Sikhs are upset since India has been accused of killing a Canadian-Sikh on Canadian soil. Zelenskyy hopes to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss the Ukraine-Russia war. Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.";0,025
"Appeals court allows Trump to bar AP from certain White House areas for nowAmericas Appeals court allows Trump to bar AP from certain White House areas for now In 2-1 ruling, US Court of Appeals for District of Columbia temporarily halted US District Judge Trevor McFadden’s April 8 order that declared exclusion of AP from press pool unlawful, say media reports Serdar Dincel  | 07.06.2025 - Update : 10.06.2025 The Supreme Court of the United States ISTANBUL A US federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's administration can temporarily bar The Associated Press (AP) from the Oval Office and other restricted areas, halting a judge's order to restore the wire service's access. In a 2-1 ruling on Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia temporarily halted US District Judge Trevor McFadden's April 8 order that declared the AP's exclusion from the press pool illegal, media reports said. ""The White House is likely to succeed on the merits because these restricted presidential spaces are not First Amendment fora opened for private speech and discussion,"" said Judge Neomi Rao, who is joined by Judge Gregory Katsas, both appointed by Trump. The judges stated that without a stay, the government would face irreparable harm since the injunction “impinges on the President’s independence and control over his private workspaces.” McFadden, another Trump appointee, ordered the Trump administration to restore AP’s access to the Oval Office, Air Force One, and other restricted areas reserved for a limited number of officials and journalists. ""Big WIN over AP today. They refused to state the facts or the Truth on the GULF OF AMERICA. FAKE NEWS,"" Trump wrote on Truth Social after the court decision. While the First Amendment protects the Associated Press’s right to report freely, ""it does not guarantee a right to unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One,"" said Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff, on X. ""This ruling with a great victory for democracy,"" Budowich added. The Associated Press expressed disappointment with the decision and said it is currently considering its options. In February, the AP sued three Trump administration officials after journalists from the news organization were barred from White House events, the Oval Office, and Air Force One for not using ""Gulf of America"" in its reporting. ""The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government. The Constitution does not allow the government to control speech. Allowing such government control and retaliation to stand is a threat to every American’s freedom,"" AP lawyers stated in the lawsuit. The suit named White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich as defendants. In April, a federal judge ordered the White House to fully restore The Associated Press’s access to presidential events.";-0,3
"Turkish activist aboard Gaza-bound aid vessel: ‘Our hope of entering Gaza still stands’ ‘There is very little distance left. These are critical hours. We will be in Gaza tomorrow, as long as we do not face any obstruction,’ Huseyin Suayb aboard Gaza-bound 'Madleen' tells Anadolu Turkish activist Huseyin Suayb, aboard the “Madleen” vessel heading for Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, said that the crew remains hopeful they will reach the besieged territory despite possible Israeli intervention. Having lived in Germany for four years, Suayb, who joined the flotilla from there, told Anadolu via Zoom: ""Our journey is headed directly to Gaza. We are still heading toward Gaza. There is very little distance left. These are critical hours. God willing, we will be in Gaza tomorrow, as long as we do not face any obstruction.” The 18-meter vessel departed Italy’s Port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania on June 1 and is now about 310 kilometers from Gaza, according to Suayb. The flotilla seeks to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the enclave, where conditions have sharply deteriorated amid ongoing Israeli military operations. “Morale is generally good. We’re not thinking too much about what might happen to us,” he said. “Our hope of entering Gaza still stands.” Israel has warned that it will detain and deport those aboard the flotilla. Suayb criticized these threats, saying: “We didn’t set out on this journey to be deported.” He further said they had hopes that the world would respond and impose real sanctions on Israel, that their mission might help lift the blockade. “But now we’re entering the final day. It seems they (Israel) will once again continue to act unlawfully. ‘We’re peaceful activists’ Upon being reminded of the loss of lives during previous aid attempts, Suayb emphasized that they were carrying out a peaceful mission, stating: “They may attack us again, threaten us, or resort to personal violence. They may target our lives — but as you know, we’ve experienced this before. Even the slightest reflex shown in self-defense is labeled as a weapon, as terrorism. We are completely peaceful activists. Not a single one of us knows how to fight or use a weapon. We do not pose any kind of threat.” He highlighted that, despite their peaceful mission, they are being treated as terrorists, stating: “This is all manipulation and black propaganda. They are fully aware of the truth. We will not show any reflexes."" ‘We prepare and train ourselves not to show any defensive reflex’ He explained that they are being trained on the ship to avoid any form of self-defense, saying: “Even if they strike us, we prepare and train ourselves not to show any defensive reflex. We have no intention of responding with even a glance, a gesture, or a smile. We do everything possible to prevent them from attacking us and to leave no excuse or reason.” Noting that Israeli authorities have not contacted them directly, Suayb added: “They don’t communicate with us directly, but we learn about developments through their media channels and know they are monitoring the situation.” Symbolic aid Noting that the aid carried by Madleen is symbolic, he said: “Every time we set out, we bring aid according to the capacity our ship can carry. Of course, we are not in a position to deliver aid that can fully heal the wounds of Gaza’s population of 1.5 million.” Emphasizing that the journey is not just a relief operation, he added: “So, we can call it symbolic aid, but the core purpose of our mission is to break the Gaza blockade.” Highlighting that humanitarian aid trucks have been held up at Gaza’s border crossings for months and blocked by Israel, he continued: “(The aid) cannot enter through the border. Because it is blocked by the Israeli blockade, the people who need it are dying — burning, starving, and under bombing. Our goal is to end this blockade, to allow the real aid waiting at the border to enter as soon as possible, to achieve a ceasefire, and to stop the bombings.” When asked if he had a message for the people of Gaza, Suayb got emotional and said: “We’re doing everything we can. I wish we could enter (into Gaza), but we will likely be stopped. I am deeply sorry about this, but our entry is not what matters. Hopefully, this will serve as a means to break the blockade and stop the genocide.” A tour of the ship Suayb explained that the capacity of the Madleen is quite limited, adding that the vessel was prepared to carry a crew of 12 people. During the interview, Suayb gave Anadolu a virtual tour of the ship via Zoom, demonstrating its aid capacity and onboard conditions. He said that they have been using water very sparingly throughout the journey. “We wash our clothes with seawater. Since our fresh water supply has dwindled, we take showers by fetching seawater with a bucket. Of course, we still have drinking water, but we also wash the dishes with seawater using buckets because we need to be careful. We don’t know how long we will be here or what can happen. Right now, we have about 20% of our water left, so we’re using it conservatively.” Regarding food supplies, he confirmed: “We have enough food. The clean water tank is small; it is a tank that can meet the needs of 12 people for a maximum of six days, so it has decreased."" ‘I invite people to be more aware’ “I call on people to be more aware. Throughout history, bad governments and oppressive systems have existed everywhere in the world. Sadly, oppression has always persisted, moving from place to place,” he said, emphasizing this situation can only end through the united efforts of the people. “We learned great lessons after the Nazi atrocities. We created solutions and systems to prevent such horrors from happening again. But sadly, it is happening again now because the rules we set have not been respected,” Suayb added. “An injustice or oppression happening somewhere else today could happen on our land tomorrow and affect our children. Our silence today will lead to others’ silence in the face of the injustice we might face tomorrow,” he stressed.";0,525
Syria confirms closure of camp for displaced, calls it end of ‘humanitarian tragedy’ Syria on Saturday announced the closure of a camp for people displaced by the country’s 13-year civil war, calling it the end of a grave tragedy. “The closure of the Rukban camp marks the end of one of the harshest humanitarian tragedies experienced by our displaced people,” Raed al-Saleh, the country's emergency and disaster management minister, said in a statement. “We hope this step will mark the beginning of a process that ends the suffering in other camps and returns people to their homes with dignity and safety.” His statement on X included photos showing the camp completely emptied of displaced Syrians. The closure comes months after the December collapse of the Assad regime. Since then, families who took refuge in the camp began returning to their towns and villages. The camp, an informal, unregulated settlement, was located in a demilitarized zone on the northeastern border between Syria and Jordan. Thousands of displaced Syrians waiting for permission to enter Jordan lived in the camp. Following a 2016 suicide bombing on a Jordanian border outpost, killing seven soldiers and injuring 15 others, Jordan sealed its northern border and halted refugee admissions, cutting off humanitarian access to the camp. Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in January.;0,025
China says it's ready to fast-track rare earth exports to EU China this week said it is willing to speed up export approvals for rare earth minerals to the European Union, in a move aimed at easing trade tensions ahead of key decisions on tariffs and anti-dumping rulings. “China attaches great importance to the EU's concerns and is willing to establish a green channel for qualified applications to speed up the approval process,” a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said, according to a ministry readout issued Saturday. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also urged the EU to cooperate: “We hope the EU will meet halfway and take effective measures to facilitate, safeguard and promote the compliant trade of high-tech products to China.” Wang on Tuesday met in Paris with Maros Sefcovic, European commissioner for trade and economic security. The two discussed rare earth mineral controls as well as ongoing investigations into EU brandy exports and Chinese electric vehicles. On the matter of brandy, the spokesperson said French producers and industry associations had submitted price commitment applications to Beijing. China has agreed with them on key terms and, if those terms pass review, a final ruling is expected before July 5. China launched the anti-dumping probe earlier this year, citing concerns over pricing practices by EU producers. Wang and Sefcovic also discussed the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, which has led to higher tariffs on imports from China. According to the spokesperson, the two sides are nearing the end of their price commitment consultations, though some issues remain unresolved. The EU proposed exploring “new technical paths,” the spokesperson said, adding that Beijing is reviewing the proposal. The talks come as Brussels and Beijing seek to ease friction over trade policy and industrial subsidies, amid rising competition in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and critical mineral supply chains. Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.;0
"Bangladesh to hold elections in first half of April 2026, interim leader Yunus announcesBangladesh will hold national elections in the first half of April 2026, the country's interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Friday. The 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has been running the administration of the South Asian nation since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following a student-led uprising last August. Yunus in a televised address said reforms, justice, and elections were the three core mandates of his government. “After reviewing the ongoing reform activities related to justice, reforms and elections, I am announcing to the people today that the next national election will be held any day in the first half of April 2026,"" Yunus said. The election commission will provide a detailed roadmap at an appropriate time, he added. He made the announcement amid growing pressure from political parties, particularly the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to hold elections by December. Yunus has argued that time is needed for an overhaul of the country's democratic institutions after Hasina's tenure. ""One of the biggest responsibilities of this government is to ensure a transparent ... and widely participatory election so that the country does not fall into a new phase of crisis,"" he said. ""That is why institutional reform is of utmost importance."" Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024 after Hasina's government launched a crackdown against the protesters, according to the UN. A special tribunal set up to try Hasina, 77, began proceedings this month on charges of crimes against humanity. She is accused of being responsible for ordering state forces to carry out actions that led to the killings and injuries during the uprising. In an immediate reaction, the BNP said that not just his party, but the entire nation has been left disappointed by the chief adviser's announcement. The BNP's leader and former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, was acquitted in January in a 2008 corruption case, paving the way for her to run in the next polls. The registration of Hasina's Awami League party, meanwhile, was suspended by the election commission last month.";0
"Sharing and caring: British Muslims gather in London to celebrate Eid al-Adha Muslim men, women and children along with many groups and organizations gathered to mark the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday for the first time in London's famous Trafalgar Square. As part of the ""Eid on the Square"" event organized by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, thousands came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's holiest festivals alongside Eid al-Fitr. On the third day of Eid, Sunday, the celebration welcomed families with a series of activities, a variety of culture, food, entertainment and Islamic-inspired art. Along with the main stage, where live performances took place, organizations ranging from aid groups to cultural and educational institutions set up stalls in the square to inform Muslims about their services, offering entertaining activities. They included the Yunus Emre Institute, Türkiye’s international culture and language center, Muslim Aid and the British Islamic Medical Association. Speaking to Anadolu, Mohtasim Pal, a police officer and chair of the Muslim Association within the British Transport Police (BTP), said this celebration is a great opportunity for them to connect with the community, including people with different backgrounds and cultures. Citing previous celebrations, Pal noted that they had a very different response today. ""We have a lot of people coming, taking pictures, especially kids are like using police hats by taking pictures,"" he said. He added that many people visited their stall asking for HRD (Human Resource Development) on how they can join the police force and how to report crimes. Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid, noted that they gathered with fellow brothers and sisters from the whole of the UK to celebrate Eid. ""We have people from Scotland, Ireland and Wales who have joined us,"" he said, noting that this is the first time Muslim Aid has sponsored something like this in partnership with the mayor of London. ""We're spreading the message of humanity, spreading the message of change, of hope,"" said Javid. Mentioning their initiatives, he pointed out ""A World You Want To See"" -- a competition for children to say what they want to see in 40 years’ time. ""Because they're the ones who are going to be carrying on this legacy. This is where we are now, and we see the situation in Sudan, in Gaza and around the world, and the tragedy that the people are facing,"" he said. ""Where do we want to be in 40 years’ time? But to tell the story, we need to understand through a child's eyes what the story should be."" Khan also mentioned the crippling humanitarian situation in Gaza and Sudan during his speech at the event. Ibrahim Ferullo, CEO and co-founder of Mentyoo, a service providing free mentoring to underrepresented communities, told Anadolu that they see this celebration as an opportunity to get in touch with ""lots of different people from all sorts of backgrounds."" ""I'm here with my social enterprise called Mentyoo, where we help young people get free mentoring advice on what to do with their lives,"" he noted. On people's reaction and interests, Ferullo said they have had many different people at their stall, adding it's always lovely to see young children come and talk about their dreams and aspirations. ""We've had a couple of activities at the stall today, but then also people that are actively looking for support, and given that we are from immigrant backgrounds, there's not always that entrenched support here, and so we are able to fill the gap and offer that through our platform,"" he added.";0,45
INTERVIEW – ‘A facade’: UNICEF warns of deadly deception at Gaza aid ‘massacre’ zones‘The nutritional situation is catastrophic,’ UNICEF’s spokesperson in Gaza tells Anadolu, warning of looming famine if aid remains blocked Beyza Binnur Donmez  | 05.06.2025 - Update : 11.06.2025 Food distributed to Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli attacks - The Hunger crisis in Gaza ‘completely reversible’ with the necessary political will and consistent aid flow of 500 trucks a day, says James Elder - The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid scheme is an attempt at ‘baiting a population with food’ to displace them, not a legitimate humanitarian action, Elder says GENEVA The trucks come. The crowds gather. But for many in Gaza, hope for a meal after months of siege has ended in bloodshed over the past several days. Dozens have been shot dead in Gaza after Israeli forces opened fire on multiple occasions on Palestinians seeking aid brought in by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the US and Israel that has been operating in the enclave since May 27. Critics have condemned the killings and the GHF, which has not revealed the sources of its funding, shut down aid distribution on Wednesday, citing “update, organization, and efficiency improvement work.” But for James Elder, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Gaza, the aid distribution plan backed by the US and controlled by Israel, amount to a deceptive “facade” used to manipulate and displace a starving population. Speaking to Anadolu, Elder described how the GHF mechanism has become a tool of displacement in a territory on the brink of famine. “The nutritional situation is catastrophic,” Elder said. “I’ve literally just been talking to an expert in nutrition, a nutrition colleague who made it very clear that if things continue as they are, the continued denial of humanitarian aid to this population that we are staring at famine. It’s never been so grave.” Having recently returned to Gaza for his fifth visit since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, Elder painted a bleak picture: teenage boys in tears tapping on car windows, showing their ribs in desperation. “There’s a level of despair now, of course, because people are just struggling to find ways to feed their family,” he said. He accused the mechanism of luring civilians with food at heavily militarized sites. Two recent mass casualty incidents at such locations, he said, show the danger of this system. “This created mechanism way down in the South, a militarized form of some aid being given out, and there have been two massacres there yet. People still go because they return to the site of a massacre, because it’s the only place they might get some food.” “It’s certainly baiting a population with food to try and forcibly displace them. That much is clear.” Aid without transparency or intent Elder dismissed GHF’s role as anything but humanitarian. “I think it underlines again. It’s just not a humanitarian group. You can put anything in your name and use the power of language, but they are not humanitarians. We don’t know where the funding source is. There’s nothing open about it. It’s not impartial.” The halt in aid distribution following the deadly incidents at its centers is further proof, Elder argued, of its opacity and lack of accountability. “This is not a humanitarian organization, this is a military organization,” he said. “This veneer of aid to try and calm some of that Western pressure … It’s not an aid modality. It’s not about that. It’s a facade, and it’s a very dangerous one.” He contrasted the current model with a period of ceasefire earlier this year, when aid was delivered through over 400 community-based distribution points operated by UN agencies across Gaza. “You don’t force a mother to leave her children to walk 10 kilometers,” Elder said. Today, by comparison, aid is funneled through just two central zones, he said, rendering it inaccessible for much of the population. Beyond the GHF’s lack of experience or capacity, Elder said, the deeper concern is with their motives. “They don’t have the experience. But, more importantly, they don’t really have the intent.” A ‘distraction’ from ongoing carnage Elder warned that the current model actively harms civilians. “It’s a distraction from the ongoing carnage of children,” he said. “Which continues — we keep seeing this.” He pointed to established UN agencies like UNICEF, UNRWA, and the World Food Programme as the ones equipped to deliver aid effectively. “It is the most effective way to reduce malnutrition, to reduce disease, to get vaccines across the Gaza Strip, to get clean water. We’ve done it. We know what to do. We just need to be given that chance to save those lives.” Access to northern Gaza remains severely restricted. Asked about aid operations there, Elder acknowledged: “We know it’s little. We know it’s 20% of what people need. It’s 20% of what we can do.” What was once a hunger crisis isolated to the north has now engulfed the entire enclave, he added. “This is like the destruction of a society brick by brick, child by child.” Crisis ‘still reversible’ Despite the collapse of humanitarian access, Elder said it is not too late to reverse the hunger crisis — if political will is restored. “The situation is completely reversible with that will,” he said, adding that “500 (trucks) a day over a sustained period” would be the minimum needed. During the brief two-month ceasefire, the difference was immediate. “We watched malnutrition rates decline, we watched disease rates decline. We watched children go back to school. We watched vaccines go from north to south.” Today, however, “We remain a long way away from that, and so many people are suffering as a result.” He stressed that renewed aid access would require Israel to respect international humanitarian law and open the borders. “We’re asking for the thousands of trucks, 10 kilometers away to Israel, to accept international humanitarian law, and to allow that aid in to children, to civilians, to the vast bulk of this population.” As the risk of a formal famine declaration looms, Elder said the warning signs are already clear. “Declaration of a famine means that a critical number of people, usually children, are already dying. It is a warning system to say that the world has failed. The world has failed here, but we are trying to limit that level of failure.” The mood in Gaza, he said, swings between flickers of hope and crushing despair. “You can feel that mood change … but people also know that hope is not a strategy.” His message from the ground was urgent and direct: “Listen to Palestinians, and they are saying to me time and again they are in utter survival mode, physically and psychologically.” “They are on the precipice in terms of having everything crushed. So humanitarian aid must flow, and we need that ceasefire,” Elder said. At least 102 Palestinian civilians were killed and 490 injured while seeking humanitarian aid from Israeli-designated centers in the Gaza Strip in eight days, according to Gaza’s government. Since March 2, Israel has kept all border crossings shut, cutting off the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies for Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing more than 54,600 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.;0,45
‘Appeal to all’: How President Lee plans to lead South Korea As Lee Jae-myung takes office after months of political turmoil, analysts expect a unifying and pragmatic approach to complex economic challenges, diplomatic tensions, and societal divisions Riyaz ul Khaliq  | 05.06.2025 - Update : 10.06.2025 Democratic Party's Lee Jae-Myung announces victory in presidential election Lee’s win means South Korea ‘can finally draw a line under the illegal martial law … and get back on track,’ says academic Cho Hee-kyoung Lee appears to understand that convincing citizens of his commitment to a balanced approach, both domestically and internationally, is essential, says Seoul-based analyst Don Kirk On China and North Korea, Lee will go for a practical approach that protects South Korea’s strategic autonomy and economic interests, says academic Chien-Yu Shih ISTANBUL South Korea has elected a new president exactly six months after the East Asian economic powerhouse descended into political and economic chaos triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to impose martial law. The election of Lee Jae-myung, a prominent liberal figure and former factory worker who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, comes at a crucial juncture for the nation, and according to analysts, with a feeling of relief for many. Given the events of the past six months, “the reaction is relief for most people,” Cho Hee-kyoung, a professor at Hongik University in Seoul, said in an interview with Anadolu. In early December last year, after months of bitter conflict with a parliament dominated by Lee’s Democratic Party, Yoon declared martial law. Troops were dispatched to parliament on the night of Dec. 3 to block opposition to his decision – actions later ruled unconstitutional by South Korea’s Constitutional Court. Lawmakers swiftly impeached Yoon 11 days later, and in April, the court formally removed him from office, triggering snap elections. Lee won the presidency on Tuesday with 49.42% of the vote, gaining a decisive mandate to govern a nation seeking stability. “It was as if ordinary life had been suspended for the past six months, with all the uncertainty and so many things being in limbo,” recalled Cho, who witnessed the outpouring of public resistance against martial law on that cold December night. Over these tumultuous past months, divisions within South Korean society became increasingly stark, with rival political factions holding separate, often contentious rallies. While investigators sought to arrest Yoon, security personnel loyal to him resisted, resulting in scenes previously unseen in the nation’s recent history. Meanwhile, YouTubers and far-right commentators publicly voiced support for the former president, deepening societal rifts. “There are deep divisions in South Korean society,” veteran analyst Don Kirk told Anadolu over the phone from Seoul. However, Kirk suggested that Lee might be uniquely positioned to bridge those divides, something reflected in the president’s initial remarks that conveyed a clear intention to unify rather than divide. “No matter whom you supported in this election, I will serve as a president for all to embrace and serve every citizen,” Lee promised at his inauguration ceremony. Kirk noted Lee’s balanced approach, suggesting he would try to “appeal to all sides” and not “go too far left,” despite leading the liberal Democratic Party. Lee appears to understand that convincing citizens of his commitment to a balanced approach – domestically and internationally – is essential, he said. Lee “wants to convince people that he is defending everybody’s interests and not trying to undermine the alliance with the US,” Kirk stressed. Reviving South Korea’s economy Analysts unanimously point to the economy as Lee’s primary challenge. South Korea, among the world’s top 20 economies and heavily reliant on exports, has seen its GDP growth stall amid political instability and increased trade barriers. “The biggest priority for Lee will be the economy, which has really been suffering since the (Yoon) self-coup,” Cho emphasized. “Domestic consumption is down and so are exports. Businesses are closing and unemployment is climbing.” The economy was further strained by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which included a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports from South Korea, significantly impacting the country’s key exports. Shipments to the US dropped sharply in May for the second time after contracting in early 2025. The last six months have reminded people of the COVID-19 era, when businesses took a heavy hit, Cho noted. “Dealing with the economy automatically means having to deal with foreign affairs for an export-dependent economy like Korea,” she added. Kirk agreed, pointing out that much depends on how Lee negotiates tariffs and trade policies with Trump’s administration. Lee is expected to meet Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit at The Hague later this month. They could cross paths a bit earlier if South Korea is invited to the June 15-17 G7 summit in Canada – a possibility, according to Korean media reports. Diplomatic balancing act Besides economic challenges, President Lee faces critical diplomatic hurdles, particularly involving North Korea and neighboring China. Under Yoon, South Korea aligned itself closely with the US and Japan against North Korea, but Lee now seeks to re-establish dialogue with Pyongyang and prevent further escalation. “We will strengthen South Korea-US-Japan cooperation based on a solid Korea-US alliance, and approach relations with neighboring countries from the perspective of practicality and national interest,” Lee said after taking office. Chien-Yu Shih, a Taiwan-based academic and commentator, suggested that Lee “is likely to seek to revive the ‘Panmunjom talks’ (inter-Korean dialogue) to de-escalate military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” Seoul has “always sought to pivot itself within this triangular relationship,” he explained, predicting potential geopolitical changes in Northeast Asia under Lee’s administration. Lee himself has emphasized dialogue and reconciliation with North Korea. He vowed to seek peace and mutual prosperity, stating plans to form a joint inter-Korean military committee to manage tensions. Kirk highlighted, however, that Pyongyang would likely await clear signals of reduced military coordination between Seoul and Washington before fully engaging. “A lot would depend if Lee approves large-scale drills with the US,” Kirk added. Regarding China, Chien-Yu, who is associate research fellow at Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, suggested Lee would pursue a pragmatic policy approach that protects South Korea’s strategic autonomy and economic interests. Lee is “unlikely to adopt the previous president’s confrontational stance toward China,” he said. On key economic and trade issues such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and rare earth supply chains, Chien-Yu said Lee would “likely pursue a ‘Korea-first, strengthened cooperation with China’ approach.” “In the US-China rivalry, South Korea stands to gain,” he contended, highlighting Lee’s priority on national interests above ideological alignments. In sum, experts argue that Lee’s election offers South Korea an opportunity to heal from recent wounds and stabilize after months of upheaval. Cho underlined Lee’s capacity to restore normalcy, concluding, “Lee’s win means that South Korea can finally draw a line under the illegal martial law and its aftermath, and get back on track and restore normalcy.”;0,35
EXPLAINER - What upcoming NATO talks mean for defense spending in EuropeNATO defense chiefs meet Thursday to set the agenda for this month's annual summit, with military spending expected to be one of the top issuesNATO - President Trump demands NATO allies increase the alliance's defense spending target from the current 2% of GDP to 5%, far beyond what most European nations currently spend - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to propose a compromise: a higher spending target coupled with expanded definitions of what counts as defense spendingBRUSSELS As NATO’s annual summit approaches later this month, allied defense chiefs are set to meet in Brussels Thursday for talks on key agenda items, with a proposed overhaul of defense spending targets in focus. Set to begin on June 24 in the Netherlands, the two-day summit will bring together heads of state against a backdrop of revived tensions between the US and its European allies. Since his first term in office, President Donald Trump has demanded some European nations hike their security budgets to meet NATO’s minimum defense spending target of 2% of gross domestic product. He maintained that tone in a meeting with NATO’s top official, Secretary General Mark Rutte, in March, when he said the US “won’t protect if you’re not paying,” casting doubt on whether Washington would fulfill a key commitment to come to the aid of “delinquent” allies that do not pay enough on their security. His administration raised the stakes further in February, when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told NATO defense chiefs that Washington expects allies to move far beyond the current 2% target to a minimum of 5% of GDP. Europe playing catch-up Hegseth argued that the current imbalance has left America disproportionately funding the alliance's security umbrella. But critics, including in some European capitals, have called the new target unrealistic, as many allies still struggle to meet the 2% threshold, let alone a drastically higher one. As of 2024, only a handful of NATO members such as Poland, the UK, and the Baltic states fulfill or surpass 2%. Many European allies, particularly Germany and southern European states, face structural and political barriers to raising defense expenditures. The European average currently hovers at around 1.9%, reflecting decades of underinvestment following the end of the Cold War and a strategic reliance on the US military. At the same time, the EU has also moved to strengthen its own defense architecture with increased urgency triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Trump administration’s unpredictability, and global power shifts. The bloc has said it wants to boost its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on external suppliers, while complementing US military engagement. It has rolled out a series of initiatives and, earlier this year, the European Commission presented its Defense Industrial Strategy, a first-ever white paper on defense for the bloc. At the core of this effort is the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which includes a special fund, known as SAFE, or the Strategic Autonomy Fund for Europe. It aims to ramp up joint procurement, streamline production lines across member states, and support the European defense industry to compete globally. Further goals include accelerating readiness in critical domains such as ammunition, drones, cybersecurity, and AI. Despite these moves, funding remains limited and coordination among member states is still fragmented, highlighting the difficulty of building strategic autonomy while staying interoperable with NATO. Possible middle-ground proposal Secretary General Mark Rutte has spent months navigating a delicate diplomatic environment to craft a compromise between escalating US demands and European realities. Leveraging his strong ties with former European counterparts, the former Dutch premier has voiced agreement with Washington that the current 2% goalpost is outdated and no longer aligns with modern security threats. In private and public statements, he has floated a new goal above 3%, but suggested that member states should have more flexibility to reach the target. Addressing NATO parliamentarians in late May in Dayton, Ohio, he referenced the 5% figure for the first time. This has been taken as a sign that a new collective goal to be unveiled at the upcoming summit may lie somewhere between US demands and European realities. While stopping short of detailing what the new target might include, Rutte hinted that it might be more diversified than the current model. Hard spending on weaponry may be complemented by support for cyber defense, infrastructure readiness, and industrial mobilization. Crucially, some reports indicate that NATO members would be able to count additional military aid to Ukraine as defense-related spending, bringing them closer to meeting the alliance’s minimum target. The proposal appears to aim for a middle ground, offering a way to redefine what counts toward the defense budget, while raising the overall spending level itself. At present, NATO calculations include traditional categories such as equipment procurement, troop salaries, military infrastructure, and overseas operations. However, they exclude broader security investments like aid to Ukraine, protection of critical infrastructure, or the repurposing of civilian structures like roads and bridges for military use. Experts suggest that modifying these criteria while setting a new target could help make Washington’s demands more acceptable to European allies. The new formula is expected to be the centerpiece of Thursday’s meeting in Brussels, where defense ministers will hold their final round of talks before the summit. Allies will seek agreement on the outline of a new defense investment strategy — one that maintains US presence in Europe while making goals more attainable for European partners. While the final numbers are still under negotiation, the direction is clear: NATO is preparing to redefine what collective defense means in the current threat environment, rethinking both the scale and scope of defense spending.;0
"Iran, US Say Nuclear Talks To Continue But Give Different Dates For Next RoundIran and the United States on June 9 indicated that talks on Iran's nuclear program will continue, but the two side gave different dates for the next round of negotiations. Iran said the next round of talks is planned for June 15 in Muscat, while US President Donald Trump said the next round would take place on June 12. Trump said talks would continue despite the two sides being at odds over whether Iran would be allowed to continue enriching uranium. ""They're just asking for things that you can't do. They don't want to give up what they have to give up,"" Trump told reporters. ""They seek enrichment. We can't have enrichment."" Following Trump's remarks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said ""based on recent consultations, the next round of Iran-US indirect negotiations is being planned for next Sunday in Muscat,"" according to the ministry's Telegram channel. SEE ALSO: IAEA's Grossi Calls On Iran And US To Work Together As Crucial IAEA Board Meeting The talks have been led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and mediated by Oman. Trump said Washington's effort is ""to make a deal so that there's no destruction and death."" Trump spoke to reporters at the White House after what he described as a positive call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has threatened to strike the nuclear sites of Iran, but Trump has said he has held him back. Trump said Iran was the main topic of his call with Netanyahu, whose office said the president had told him talks with Iran would continue at the end of the week. Baghaei said earlier that a US proposal put forth late last month was ""not acceptable"" to Iran, which said on June 9 it would soon hand a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a US offer. Baghaei said the new proposal will be ""reasonable, logical, and balanced."" SEE ALSO: Iran Prepares Counterproposal Amid Nuclear Enrichment Standoff With US Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week dismissed the US proposal as against Iran's interests, pledging to continue enrichment on Iranian soil, which Western powers view as a potential pathway to building nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. Trump unilaterally pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy. Iran responded by escalating enrichment far beyond the limits set by the nuclear pact. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, which is far above the 3.67 percent limit set in the 2015 deal but short of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead. SEE ALSO: Iran Vows Repercussions As West Seeks Rare IAEA Rebuke Over Noncompliance The United Nations nuclear watchdog on June 9 began a board of governors meeting in Vienna that will last until June 13. The meeting is expected to discuss Iran's nuclear activities among other topics. ""I call upon Iran urgently to cooperate fully and effectively with the International Atomic Energy Agency,"" said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in his opening speech . ""Unless and until Iran assists the agency in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, the agency will not be in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful,"" he added. Grossi said Iran has repeatedly either not answered or not provided technically credible answers to the IAEA’s questions. It has also sought to sanitize nuclear locations, which has impeded IAEA’s verification activities, Grossi said in his speech. The board of governors meeting is expected to hear and vote on a resolution finding Tehran in noncompliance with its safeguards for the first time in 20 years. Iran has vowed to take strong action against Western nations pushing the resolution at the gathering in the Austrian capital. Behrouz Kamalvandi of Iran's atomic energy agency said the IAEA shouldn't expect Iran to continue its “broad and friendly cooperation"" if the measure is approved. Grossi said he believes the only way forward is through a diplomatic solution. With reporting by Reuters and AFP";-0,075
"London Court Sets Trial Date For Ukrainians, Romanian Accused In Starmer Arson AttacksA London court set an April trial date for two Ukrainian men charged with orchestrating a series of arson attacks that targeted property linked to Prime Minister Kier Starmer. Neither of the two men -- Roman Lavrynovych and Petro Pochynok-- nor a Romanian man, Stanislav Carpiuc, who is also charged in the case -- entered pleas at the June 6 hearing, held at London’s Old Bailey court, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman told RFE/RL. Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb ordered the three held in custody until their next hearing in October, with a trial date scheduled for April 2026. British counterterrorism police have been investigating how and why the three men, plus an unnamed fourth, allegedly set fire to a car and two houses linked to the British prime minister. No one was injured in any of the blazes, which took place in May. The fourth man was arrested at London's Stansted Airport in connection with the arson earlier this week and released on bail. SEE ALSO: Why Are Ukrainians Accused Of Torching Kier Starmer's Properties? A Chat Group For Jobs May Hold Clues Starmer has called the incidents ""an attack on all of us, on our democracy, and the values we stand for."" The Financial Times, citing unnamed government officials, said police were investigating whether Russian intelligence agencies played a role in recruiting the men, perhaps unwittingly. Ukrainian police have said they were cooperating with British and other European law enforcement entities, trying to determine if there was a connection to ""foreign intelligence services or other terrorist groups."" On June 2, the same day the fourth unidentified man was arrested, Ukraine's military intelligence agency issued an unusual public warning , saying that Russian intelligence agencies had “intensified” efforts to recruit Ukrainians for various tasks. Viktor Yagun, a former deputy director with Ukraine's main security agency, the SBU, told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service that Telegram channels and chats -- particularly those geared for job seekers -- are one tool Russian intelligence agencies use to identify and hire people, some unsuspecting. They ""are a modern method of attracting people who are in a difficult situation and are trying to somehow find themselves in life,"" Yagun said ""In addition, the same Ukrainians are not looking for work on Polish or British sites but often on Russian-language ones.""";0,025
"Ukraine Denies Russian Claims Of Advance Into Dnipropetrovsk RegionUkrainian General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovalev has denied claims by the Russian Defense Ministry that its forces advanced into Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since it launched its full-scale invasion. Kovalev told RBC-Ukraine that the claims were ""Russian disinformation"" and that fighting continued in the neighboring Donetsk region. On June 8, Moscow said its forces had entered the Dnipropetrovsk region as Russia and Ukraine sparred over the return of thousands of corpses of their combatants killed in the war. Russia Claims Its Forces Enter Dnipropetrovsk Region The Kremlin has stubbornly refused calls by US President Donald Trump, Ukraine and the European Union for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. In peace talks with Kyiv in Istanbul last week, it again pushed hard-line demands, including a pullback of Ukrainian troops from the frontlines, ending all Western arms support to Ukraine and Kyiv giving up on joining NATO. Moscow, which already controls nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, has captured more than 190 square kilometers of the Sumy region of eastern Ukraine during the past month, according to pro-Ukrainian open-source maps.. ""Those who do not want to recognize the realities of the war at negotiations, will receive new realities on the ground,"" Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev said on social media. Dnipropetrovsk region is a significant hub in Ukraine for mining and industry. Military analysts fear deeper Moscow’s advances into the region could jeopardize Kyiv's struggling military and economy. It is not among the five Ukrainian regions Russia has formally claimed to be part of its territory. A 60-year-old Ukrainian lieutenant colonel, Oleksandr, said Russian advances would not alter the battle's dynamics. ""They are advancing slowly, very slowly, but they are advancing,"" he told AFP in the town of Mezhova, close to the border between the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim. Reports from both the open-source monitoring group DeepState and the US-based Institute for the Study of War had not confirmed the claim as of their latest updates on June 7. Russia has also stepped up its attacks inside Ukraine. At least 14 civilians were killed and another 68 wounded in the Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk regions because of Russian attacks on June 7 and 8, according to the National Police of Ukraine. ""Among the victims are two children: a one-and-a-half-month-old baby and a 14-year-old girl, as well as two police officers and an employee of the State Emergency Service,” said reports by the police. The attacks targeted the city of Kharkiv and the Izyum, Chuhuiv and Kupiansk districts. “The occupiers used missiles, guided aerial bombs, barrage ammunition and attack drones against the civilian population,” said the police reports. “As a result of the hits, high-rise buildings, cars, the building of a children's music school and private houses were damaged.” Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at a chemical plant in Russia’s Tula region, some 180 kilometers from Moscow, according to the region’s governor, Dmitry Milyaev. On June 8, Russian authorities said that Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, two international airports serving Moscow, had temporarily suspended flights due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Flights at Domodedovo were halted again later in the day, along with those at Zhukovsky airport. With reporting by Reuters and the AFP";0,05
"Iranian TV Alleges Massive Spy Operation Targeting Israeli Nuclear Sites Iranian’s state broadcaster, IRIB, has reported what it describes as one of the ""largest intelligence operations"" in history against Israel, claiming Iranian intelligence obtained a vast cache of ""sensitive documents"" -- including thousands allegedly related to Israeli nuclear projects and facilities -- from inside Israeli territory. IRIB’s rolling news channel, IRINN, interrupted regular programming on June 7 to announce the story. It said the operation involved extracting an “abundance of strategic and sensitive information and documents” from within Israel, citing unnamed “regional sources.” According to the report, the documents were transferred to Iran after a period of secrecy intended to ensure their safe arrival. IRIB said the volume of material is so great that merely reviewing it will take considerable time. The broadcaster also linked the recent arrests of two Israeli citizens -- Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias -- to the alleged intelligence breach. Israeli authorities announced their arrests last month, accusing them of collaborating with Iran. The Iranian report suggests the arrests may have come after the documents had already been smuggled out. While the arrests of Mizrahi and Atias are confirmed and appear consistent with a broader pattern of Iranian intelligence recruitment inside Israel, there is no independent evidence to support IRIB’s claim of a massive exfiltration of nuclear-related documents. Israeli authorities have not acknowledged any such breach, and international media or independent analysts have released no corroborating details. The claim comes six years after a high-profile Israeli intelligence operation inside Iran. In 2018, Mossad agents stole roughly 100,000 documents from a secret warehouse in Tehran, detailing Iran’s covert nuclear weapons program. The trove was later verified by international experts and publicly revealed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, likely contributing to the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during President Donald Trump's first term in office. This latest Iranian claim -- whether credible or exaggerated -- fits into an intensifying pattern of espionage activity inside Israel over the past year. Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has reported a significant uptick in Iranian-directed spy plots, with more than 30 Israelis arrested for allegedly working on Iran’s behalf. These cases have included photographing military sites and plotting assassinations, involving both Jewish and Arab citizens. Iran and Israel have engaged in a prolonged shadow conflict involving cyberattacks, targeted killings, drone operations, and acts of sabotage. Tehran alleges that Israel is behind the assassinations of several Iranian nuclear scientists, while Israel accuses Iran of backing regional militant groups and orchestrating attacks on Israeli interests abroad. The United States and Israel, widely regarded as the Middle East’s only nuclear-armed state, lead Western accusations that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, maintaining its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes. This latest report surfaces amid persistent tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities, which Israeli officials continue to describe as a fundamental threat to their country’s security.";0
"Russia's Migrant Crackdown Expands With Mandatory Mobile TrackingRussia is preparing to launch a sweeping new system to monitor migrant workers, combining biometric registration, location tracking, and intensified police oversight. Set to begin in September, the program marks the latest phase in the Kremlin's tightening grip on migration -- under the banner of national security and social order. The initiative, passed by the State Duma last month, introduces what officials call an ""experiment"" in Moscow and the surrounding region, where the largest concentration of migrant workers resides. Over the next four years, foreign nationals entering without a visa will be required to register in a government-run mobile application that tracks their geolocation in real time. Failure to transmit location data for more than three days could result in the migrant being placed on a special watchlist -- effectively a fast track to deportation. Exempt from the program are minors, diplomats and their families, and citizens of Belarus. But for everyone else compliance will mean fingerprinting, biometric photos, proof of residence, and constant digital surveillance. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the pilot could later be expanded nationwide, arguing it would reduce violations and crime related to migration. But critics don't believe it. ""To be honest, we're not surprised,"" Dilshod Abdurakhmon, an expert on migration, told RFE/RL's Russian Service . He said the move is part of a broader strategy to pressure foreign workers into signing military contracts. ""Since the war in Ukraine began, Russia has passed numerous anti-migrant laws. I believe this one is specifically designed to coerce migrants into joining the war effort. It's a deliberate policy meant to leave them with no other options."" Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia's Investigative Committee, recently announced joint raids with the Interior Ministry and National Guard targeting areas where migrants gather. The goal is to identify those who have received Russian citizenship but failed to register for military service. Bastrykin boasted that 80,000 such individuals had already been ""caught"" and claimed 20,000 young Russian citizens -- ""who, for some reason, don't like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, or Kyrgyzstan"" -- are now on the front line. According to Abdurakhmon, Russian authorities are taking advantage of the dire economic conditions in migrants' home countries. He pointed to a lack of job opportunities in Central Asia. ""The dictators in these countries don't care about reducing the outflow of workers or creating jobs at home. Migrants often live in unbearable conditions, so they're forced to leave,"" he explained. ""Russia knows this and takes advantage of their desperation with inhumane laws."" Abdurakhmon doesn't expect leaders in the region to push back. ""I don't expect any protest from the dictators back home -- especially not from Tajikistan's Emomali Rahmon, who's been in power for over 30 years. His top priority is maintaining good relations with Moscow to stay in power. Everything else comes second."" The United States has been using a similar tracking system through mobile apps for several years. The surveillance program allows the United States to release unauthorized immigrants into the country with work permits rather than keeping them in the detention centers while their legal cases proceed. The immigrants must regularly confirm their whereabouts through the app or risk possible detention. The Trump administration is now using the app to locate unauthorized immigrants for deportation. In Russia, the war in Ukraine and recent terrorist attacks like one in March 2024 on the Crocus City Hall entertainment complex in a Moscow suburb have led to unprecedented pressure on migrant workers. The crackdown includes police raids, criminal cases against officials accused of mishandling migration records, and new legislation barring migrant children who don't speak Russian from attending Russian schools.";0,125
"Trump's Travel Ban Deals New Blow To 'Stranded' Afghans Samar and his family were among tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans who were flown out of Kabul aboard US-organized flights to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates after the hardline Taliban returned to Kabul in 2021. Samar, whose name has been changed for security reasons, has been waiting to be resettled to the United States through refugee programs for Afghans who have worked for US-affiliated organizations. Four years on, however, the US resettlement remains a distant dream and Samar now fears that it might never happen after the US President Donald Trump on June 4 announced a new travel ban for 12 countries, including Afghanistan, citing national security threats. ""I live at a [temporary refugee center] in Abu Dhabi, while my wife and our four children have been housed at a refugee facility in Qatar,"" Samar, 34, told RFE/RL on June 5. ""We are still hopeful that we will be given permission to move to the United States, but this uncertainty over the past four years has drained us mentally and physically,"" he added. The list of banned countries in Trump's newly announced travel ban also includes Iran, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens of these countries will not be allowed to enter the United States unless they qualify for an exemption, according to the proclamation announced by Trump. The document also imposes partial restrictions on visitors from seven additional countries that include Turkmenistan, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Venezuela. The policy takes effect on June 9. For Afghan nationals, an exemption has been envisaged in the new policy for those who qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Created in 2001, the SIV program offers a pathway to Afghan nationals who were directly employed by the US military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan. Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration attorney and professor at Cornell Law School, said the travel ban will likely be challenged but courts may uphold it. ""In 2018, the Supreme Court narrowly upheld President Trump's prior travel ban, holding that presidents have wide discretion on immigration and national security issues,"" he said in an e-mail. For that and other reasons, ""courts are likely to uphold this travel ban,"" Yale-Loehr said. In January, the United States suspended the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for at least three months, dealing a blow to tens of thousands of Afghans waiting for resettlement. Among them were about 15,000 Afghans living with temporary visas in Pakistan, according to figures provided by Pakistani authorities. ""We were shocked by that announcement, but didn’t lose hope because it said ‘suspended,’ not ended, so it was like it will resume again,"" said Muska, a former Afghan media worker, who had been waiting for permission to move to the United States. ""But this time, it sounds so final, it is a ban,"" Muska, 25, told RFE/RL speaking via WhatsApp from Pakistan on June 5. ""We Afghans are just stranded here, and it seems no one cares about what will happen to us."" Muska said she can’t return to Afghanistan, where the hardline Taliban-led government has severely restricted women’s lives, banning them from work or getting education beyond primary school. Staying on in Pakistan is not also an option for Muska, who like many Afghans depend on a temporary visa that must be renewed every month. They face increasing pressure by Pakistan, which has forcibly deported more than 800,000 undocumented Afghan refugees since it launched a major crackdown in 2023, according to the United Nations. Another 1.4 million Afghans who are formally registered with the Pakistani government have until June 30 to return to their homeland. ""I have been anxious since I heard about the travel ban last night,"" said Wali, a 30-year-old Afghan who lives in Islamabad with his wife and their 3-year-old daughter. Wali, who gave only his first name, had been cleared for US resettlement, but his visa process was halted since January. Wali, who worked for a US-affiliated NGO in Kabul, believes he will face persecution if returned to Afghanistan. ""The proclamation exempts only SIV-holders from the ban. We call on the US government to extend this exemption to all Afghans whose immigration visas were being processed,"" Wali said. ""We all have worked together to support the US government efforts [in Afghanistan].""";0,2
"Promises Of High-Paid Work Lure Kyrgyz Into Russian Drug Trade Ads posted in Bishkek promise high payouts for work in Russia and high risks for migrants who take the offer. In the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, it's not hard to find an offer of a high-paying job in Russia. Ads posted around the city promise job-seekers a chance to earn $1,000 a week -- double what most Bishkek residents earn in a month. The ads say the job requires just three to four hours of work each day, and the worker's travel costs to Russia and housing will both be paid for. When RFE/RL contacted the Telegram account listed on the ads, a reply came back confirming that the work would involve transporting illegal drugs. It's an offer that many Kyrgyz citizens have taken, despite the serious risks. Drug-trafficking charges in Russia can result in prison terms of 20 years to life. ""The 'career' of a drug courier is very short -- at best, they last two weeks,"" Mirlan Toktobekov, an immigration lawyer, told RFE/RL. ""Of all the crimes committed by Kyrgyz citizens in the Russian Federation, the majority are drug-related. I recently took part in a court case where a Kyrgyz citizen, born in 1998, was sentenced to 15 years for simply transporting a package,"" Toktobekov said. In some cases, smugglers recruited into the business are reported to the authorities by traffickers higher up in the organization. ""When it's time to pay [the couriers], the organizers themselves turn them over to the police, and they are detained,"" Toktobekov said. In those cases, foreigners working in the Russian drug trade have few resources to defend themselves. ""The rights of our citizens [in Russia] are very poorly protected,"" Toktobekov said. ""Additional charges can easily be pinned on them. People from Central Asia are an easy target for these schemes."" Kyrgyzstan's Interior Ministry said authorities are working to track down the organizers who recruit Kyrgyz citizens into criminal activity in Russia. Kanybek Usenov, a representative of the Drug Control Service within the Interior Ministry, said the investigative work is being conducted in cooperation with Russia and other Central Asian governments. In one recent operation, Kyrgyz authorities shut down an online site selling drugs and detained three suspects: a Kyrgyz citizen, an Uzbek, and a Russian. ""Since everything happens online, it's very difficult to determine [the traffickers'] location,"" Usenov said. As for the recruitment efforts, Usenov said ""these ads are posted by our own citizens."" For foreign nationals who face trafficking charges in Russia, the consequences can go beyond a prison sentence. More than 30,000 foreign citizens are currently detained in Russian prisons, according to the head of Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service. Nearly 70 percent of them are from Central Asian countries. Those inmates are frequently recruited to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine. According to Ukraine's I Want To Live project, which gives occupying soldiers an opportunity to surrender, more than 3,000 Central Asian citizens are now fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces.";0,025
In Wake Of Kakhovka Dam Burst Disaster, Nature Is Reclaiming LandJune 06, 2025 00:40 CET By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Yevhenia NazarovaWillows and poplar are growing in abundance in areas that were under meters of water before the 2023 dam burst disaster. One of Ukraine’s worst ecological disasters in recent years is now the site of a remarkable natural transformation, according to ecologists. The Kakhovka Reservoir on the Dnieper River in Ukraine’s Kherson region spilled into dozens of villages, causing widespread flooding and scores of deaths on June 6, 2023, as the result of explosions atop a crucial dam. Investigations have concluded that Russian troops likely placed the explosives, causing flooding to hinder a planned Ukrainian counteroffensive to the Russian invasion, although the Kremlin denies the charge. Two years after the disaster, despite the vast damage to downstream areas, especially farmland, the ground that once stood under 4.5 meters of water is showing signs of rapid transformation into willow and poplar woods, according to Mykhaylo Mulenko of the Khortytsia National Reserve, which oversees the area. “Where I'm standing was underwater,” Mulenko recently told RFE/RL as he walked through a dense thicket of saplings growing over his head. “Here everything happens naturally and is overgrown with those plants that were characteristic of this territory.” Nearby, water lilies have been growing despite a lack of water, he added. “The forest is actually very dense. If you go deep into these thickets, you get lost -- it’s really hard to keep your sense of direction.” Flora and fauna have both been returning to the site, he said. The dam was a critical hydroelectric power source before it burst, resulting in pollution and contamination of water sources that was so extensive Kyiv accused the Kremlin of “ecocide.” Thousands of fish were destroyed, natural habitats ruined, and hundreds of homes were inundated. Now cranes, herons, deer, boars, badgers, and more than 100 rare species have been sighted in the former flood zone. “Poplars, willow trees, a naturally regenerated floodplain forest is forming, gradually replacing the territory of the Kakhovka Reservoir,” said Mulenko. The increase in biodiversity is remarkable, he added. “In 2023, after the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam was blown up, we observed about 40 species of plants here. At the end of last year there were about 140.” The site has witnessed more than one epic disaster: The Kakhovka dam was originally built in 1956, raising the natural level of the Dnieper River by 16 meters, flooding an area historically marked by dense forest called the Great Meadow and creating the Kakhovka Reservoir. It formed the second-largest reservoir in Ukraine by area and the largest by water volume. An earlier dam on the Dnieper was breached twice during World War II, once in August 1941, when the Soviet NKVD blew it up to hinder the Nazi advance, killing between 3,000 and 100,000 Soviet civilians, as well as Soviet troops. In 1943, it was blown up again, this time by retreating German troops. Russian forces seized the Kakhovka dam in February 2022 in the early days of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure that year, damaging several other dams and leaving many Ukrainians without access to water. Now, although nature has indeed rebounded, the damage from 2023 remains extensive. A report by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe lays out the case for holding Russia responsible for the destruction: “It is clear that the havoc wrought by Russia’s actions will endure for decades and that Ukraine will require both international and intergenerational support to adequately address it.”;0,275
"Taliban Broadens Crackdown With Detention Of Critical Religious Scholars June 05, 2025 15:20 CET By Abubakar Siddique and RFE/RL's Radio Azadi The Taliban declared dissent unacceptable after returning to power nearly four years ago. Since then, it has detained, tortured, or forced into exile secular opponents, journalists, and human rights activists. Now the country's de facto leaders appear to be broadening their crackdown to include Islamic scholars and clerics for publicly criticizing the Taliban's harsh rulings or merely supporting more moderate policies. Abdul Qadir Qanat, a Muslim cleric in the Afghan capital, Kabul, is one of the most prominent figures detained by the Taliban. ""They tied his hands and sped him away in a vehicle along with his young son,"" said a friend of Qanat who requested anonymity because he feared reprisals from the Taliban for speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. ""So far, we don't know why he was detained or what the charges against him are,"" the friend, who is also a cleric, said of Qanat's arrest in late May. ""We are very worried about him because he has diabetes."" Qanat is known for speaking his mind on television talk shows and public speeches. A gathering of Afghan Muslim clerics in Kabul (file photo) Qanat and his friend Sirajuddin Nabil have been detained for criticizing the Taliban rule during a public gathering. In January, Qanat and another cleric, Mahmood Hassan, were arrested after they criticized the Taliban's monopoly over power. Bashir Ahmad Hanafi, a Muslim scholar who has consistently supported the Taliban in the southern province of Helmand, is another prominent figure among those detained by the Taliban's intelligence service. Hanafi's friends say he was detained by the Taliban spy service soon after he criticized the Taliban's ban on education for Afghan women and teenage girls last month. Media reports suggest Hanafi has been sentenced to imprisonment for eight months and banned from traveling abroad for two years for ""inciting public opinion against the current [political] system."" Radio Azadi repeatedly approached the Taliban intelligence agency's spokesman, Khalil Hamraz for comment, but he didn't respond. SEE ALSO: As US Ends Protected Status For Afghans, Thousands Face Deportation And Persecution Safia Arefi, a human rights campaigner, told Radio Azadi that the Taliban has shown no tolerance for dissent or criticism. ""The Taliban's treatment of the accused does not take into account any principles or law,"" she said. ""They have not even informed the families of the detainees."" Obaidullah Baheer, a former fellow at the South Asia Center at the London School of Economics, said theocracies such as the Taliban ""often conflate political decision-making with religious doctrine,"" which leaves no margin for disagreement, dissent, or criticism. He sees the Taliban's crackdown on religious scholars as self-defeating. ""It's a quick and sure way of alienating the local population and taking a hit on the popularity front,"" he said. Unlike its brutal regime in the 1990s, the current Taliban government has imposed censorship gradually. It suppressed dissent by targeting various segments of the Afghan society. Afghan women and girls protest in front of the Education Ministry in Kabul, demanding the reopening of schools for girls. (file photo) It initially faced criticism from the Afghan media and protest demonstrations by women, retirees, and farmers affected by its harsh policies. It has wiped out independent Afghan media and severely restricted international press from accessing the country. It has tortured and detained hundreds of activists, academics, and journalists to promote a culture of self-censorship and fear. ""There is an understanding that there are consequences for crossing a line that is not very clearly defined,"" Baheer said. ""But anything that even converges on criticism is not tolerated and is then punished.""";0,175
Deadlock over House obstruction prolongs Talks with opposition continues, but no deal yet on high-level probe into the home minister. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak walks on the Parliament well as other lawmakers look on. Opposition parties have demanded a probe into his alleged involvement in visit visa scam. Hemanta Shrestha/TKP Kathmandu The House of Representatives has been paralysed for two weeks now as ruling and opposition parties continue to spar over the ‘visit visa’ scam. After talks between ruling and opposition parties on Monday also failed to break the deadlock, the next meeting of the lower house has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 1 pm. The House meeting on Monday was adjourned for half an hour without entering the agenda due to obstruction by the opposition. As no consensus could be reached among the political parties, Parliament secretariat posted a notice stating that the session has been postponed until Wednesday afternoon. The Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has unearthed a vast network operating the scam with the help of officials at the immigration office at the Tribhuvan International Airport. The immigration office chief, joint secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai, was removed from his duties and is now facing inquiry from the anti-graft body. Leaders say they will continue cross-party discussions on Tuesday to seek a way out of the crisis that has held back the House since last month. As reported in mainstream and social media, the network involved in the scam has links to the private secretariat of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who continues to defend himself. The visit visa scandal involves senior officials close to Home Minister Lekhak, including members of his secretariat. As a result, some leaders in his Nepali Congress party as well as some opposition leaders have demanded his resignation. Besides the CIAA, the Prime Minister’s Office also took exception to the incident and instructed Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi to provide details and the numbers of civil servants and staff posted at TIA immigration. The CIAA found that more staff were deployed at the TIA immigration office than the number of sanctioned posts. As per instructions from the CIAA, the Prime Minister’s Office wrote to the home secretary seeking clarification, said an official at the Prime Minister’s Office. It was after the CIAA summoned joint secretary Bhattarai that the visit visa scam was exposed. Opposition parties have been obstructing the House proceedings since May 27, demanding the resignation of Lekhak, and formation of a high-level investigation committee on the scandal. Besides Speaker Devraj Ghimire, leaders, mainly from the Nepali Congress, the CPN (Maoist Centre), and the Rastriya Swatantra Party have engaged in cross-party talks for weeks but failed to break the logjam. Currently, talks are mostly taking place between the Congress and the RSP, and leaders are trying to find a middle way. After the RSP forwarded its proposal, Congress chief whip Shyam Ghimire stated that discussions are ongoing. According to him, no agreement has been reached so far. The Congress has also been holding separate discussions with the RSP on this issue for the past few days. As there could be no agreement on Monday either, the meeting of the House of Representatives has been postponed until Wednesday. The RSP has demanded an investigation committee, but the Congress is not in favour of forming a committee to look into Home Minister Lekhak. Even Prime Minister KP Oli and CPN-UML are not in a mood to form such a committee. The Congress argues that as the CIAA is already looking into the issue, it is unnecessary to form a separate committee at this time. To resolve the deadlock in the House, the Congress has been holding separate and joint discussions with various parties under the leadership of its deputy president, Purna Bahadur Khadka. Speaker Ghimire has been having continuous discussions to remove the obstruction in Parliament, while the parties have accelerated internal talks and coordination. The ruling Congress has held separate discussions with opposition parties to resolve the issue. Although the Maoist Centre has shown some flexibility on the matter, there has as yet been no agreement between the RSP and the Congress. “The RSP’s position is rigid this time,” said a Congress leader. “Otherwise other opposition parties like the Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) are positive about resuming the House session.” After the failure of repeated rounds of talks, the RSP on Monday released a draft that the party had earlier forwarded for agreement with the Nepali Congress and other parties. “No party seemed ready to release the draft that we have been discussing,” Manish Jha, an RSP lawmaker, told the Post. “That is why we made it public, so that people will know what we want.” The draft proposes a high-level investigation committee within five days to conduct a multi-dimensional investigation into the involvement of government bodies, travel agencies, manpower companies, airlines, and both Nepali and foreign organisations in human trafficking and organised crime under the guise of visit visas, without affecting the ongoing investigation of the CIAA. The party has also proposed a legislative oversight group. The proposal includes the formation of a performance committee to define the jurisdiction, structure, management, and authority of the investigation committee. Additionally, the performance committee is to draft the working procedure for the investigation committee within five days, form the committee, and initiate its work. The RSP has further proposed that the government should fully cooperate with and facilitate the investigation of the CIAA into corruption-related activities at the airport immigration office, without any interference. Moreover, the party has proposed that a high standard of transparency be maintained during the formation of the investigation committee, conduction of investigation, and making the study report public. “We are focusing on policy-related matters,” said Jha. “The committee will identify and analyse the policy- and system-related weaknesses in visit visas, immigration, labour permits, and others.” On the charge of dereliction of duty, the RSP has demanded the home minister’s resignation. Anil Giri;0
"Kathmandu’s budget deadline nears, but mayor Shah remains unresponsive Ward chairs say Mayor Balendra Shah’s silence is hurting city affairs, essential services.Kathmandu Macha Raja Maharjan, chair of ward 23 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has not met Mayor Balendra Shah since April 3, the day the Chief Administrative Officer, Saroj Guragain, resumed duty. Along with Maharjan, other ward chiefs say the mayor has refused to meet them as well, which has created confusion about size of the municipal budget, ceiling, policies and programmes. “We are still unaware of the budget ceiling as of today [Monday],” said Maharjan. “It's fine if Mayor Shah doesn't want to meet us, but his arrogance is now affecting pressing issues of city residents. The mayor should not forget that we have responsibilities to fulfil and expectations to meet.” It has been nearly six months since Mayor Shah last convened an executive meeting. The last meeting was held on December 29. As per the Local Government Operation Act 2017, the executive meeting should be held at least once every month. Ongoing conflict between Mayor Shah, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, and the ward chairpersons has affected both the municipal assembly and executive meetings. The monthly executive meetings have not taken place for the past five and a half months. Section 17, Subsection 1 of the Local Government Operation Act 2074 states that ""the executive meeting shall be held at least once a month."" Also, the municipal assembly meeting becomes especially critical during the budget-making process. “I asked the mayor for a meeting, but he refused,” said Maharjan. “We ward chiefs are ready to cooperate with Mayor Shah to resolve problems, but for that too, he needs to make space for dialogue.” Earlier, 41 out of 42 executive members, including Deputy Mayor Dangol, had urged Mayor Shah to convene an urgent meeting of the city’s municipal executive. Due to the failure to hold the executive meeting, the budget, which is legally required to be presented by June 24, has been thrown into uncertainty. There is also no clarity on when the city’s policies and programmes will be introduced. Mayor Shah had sent Chief Administrative Officer Gruragain on leave on December 23, citing financial irregularities related to the approval of a construction plan for Kathmandu Tower at the Old Bus Park. However, the federal government did not replace Guragain with another official as Shah expected, and instead reinstated him. The city office had deployed municipal police to stop Guragain from entering the office, but their attempts failed as Deputy Mayor Dangol, other ward chiefs, and staff close to the ruling parties—the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML— assisted him in resuming office. Ward chairs the Post spoke to said that Mayor Shah has been affronted by their April 3 move to support the return of the suspended chief administrative officer. “Due to a lack of regular executive meetings, important decisions regarding infrastructure projects and policymaking have been affected,” said KMC spokesperson Navin Manandhar. “As the mayor is the guardian of the metropolis, he should understand the urgency of the time. The budget-making process has been affected due to his arrogance.” Ward chairs and metropolis officials said that even though Mayor Shah has not called an executive meeting, they have been doing their internal homework for budget-making. “We ward chairs are holding meetings with people in our respective wards and are seeking suggestions on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-026, which should be presented by June 29,” said Manandhar. “The metropolis’ budget can be presented by July 16, and we hope the mayor will call a meeting by then.” KMC officials also said that the bureaucracy has already drafted the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. “The budget will be presented at the executive meeting, discussed, and revised and passed,” said Dhurba Kafle. “We are doing our part.” The Post's attempts to reach Mayor Shah’s secretariat for comment were unsuccessful. Elected representatives have already sent two formal letters to Mayor Shah—on Chaitra 10 (March 23) and Jestha 12 (May 25)—urging him to convene the meetings. The December 23 executive meeting had decided to convene the 16th session of the municipal assembly on December 29. However, no meetings have been held since. As a result, new contracts remain stalled, payments for city pride projects are on hold, and new agreements for contract-based employees remain pending. Numerous proposals from wards and departments also remain in limbo.";0,025
Nepal’s high-value exports see modest growth amid surge in edible oil shipmentsNepal’s export earnings from high-value products increased by 6.74 percent in the first ten months of the current fiscal year, driven by shipments of yarn, jute and jute products, felt, tea, dog chew, and fabrics. According to the latest data from the Trade and Export Promotion Centre and the Department of Customs, goods listed under the Nepal Trade Integrated Strategy (NTIS) generated Rs83.10 billion in export revenue between mid-July 2024 and mid-May 2025. This accounts for a significant portion of the country’s total export earnings of Rs217.91 billion during the same period. While high-value products saw only modest growth, Nepal’s total exports surged by 72.71 percent, mainly due to a dramatic increase in the export of refined edible oils such as soyabean, sunflower, and palm oil. These oils are not produced commercially in Nepal but have become a major re-export commodity due to duty-free access under the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA). In the first ten months, Nepal exported 430,504 tonnes of these refined oils worth Rs 90.75 billion. The export boom was triggered by an earlier hike in India’s customs duty on crude edible oils to 20 percent, which made Nepal's refined oil exports more competitive in the Indian market. However, India’s recent move on May 30 to reduce its customs duty on crude edible oils to 10 percent could slow down Nepal’s soaring exports. Trade experts warn that the emphasis on re-exports like edible oil masks the sluggish performance of Nepal’s genuine high-value exports. Former trade secretary and expert Rabi Shankar Sainju said political interference and poor inter-ministerial coordination are key reasons for the NTIS's weak implementation. “The ministries have started working more in favour of political parties than for economic growth. The Board of Trade, too, has become a formality, failing to boost trade meaningfully,” he added. Despite systemic challenges, some NTIS-identified high-value products showed encouraging trends. Yarn exports rose by 20.7 percent to Rs 11.65 billion, contributing 6.35 percent to Nepal’s total exports. Carpet exports increased slightly to Rs 8.84 billion, up from Rs 8.79 billion last year, contributing 4.06 percent of total exports. Jute and jute product exports grew by 15.5 percent to Rs 6.92 billion, while felt products saw a 6.3 percent increase to Rs 4.09 billion. Tea exports increased by 37 percent, reaching Rs 3.97 billion on 14,030 tonnes. Dog chew exports rose 33.7 percent to Rs 3.49 billion, fabric exports were up 21.9 percent to Rs 2.51 billion, and pashmina exports increased by 5.4 percent to Rs 2.49 billion. Thanks to India’s recent facilitation in renewing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificates—previously a barrier to trade—cement and footwear exports rebounded. Cement exports grew by 6 percent to Rs 1.76 billion, while footwear exports soared by 43.5 percent to Rs 1.50 billion. The rosin and resin acid shipment jumped by 55.9 percent to Rs 1.70 billion, with 11,523 tonnes exported. Handmade paper exports climbed 14.2 percent to Rs 999.54 million, while silver jewellery increased by 1.7 percent to Rs 135.18 million. Spice exports increased by 4.8 percent to Rs 609.18 million on a volume of 4,444 tonnes. Pasta exports grew 11.5 percent to Rs 1.82 billion from 7,154 tonnes. Honey exports experienced a dramatic jump of 196.7 percent to Rs 48.57 million, although the quantity was a modest 7 tonnes. Despite gains in select sectors, several of Nepal’s traditional exports experienced notable declines. Iron and steel exports, one of the top earners, dropped 1.6 percent to Rs 13.84 billion, contributing 5.35 percent to total exports. Readymade garments fell by 5.7 percent to Rs 6.97 billion, with 12.88 million pieces shipped. Large cardamom exports decreased by 3.6 percent to Rs6.67 billion, based on a volume of 3,686 tonnes. Ginger exports plunged 50.9 percent to Rs 526.58 million, with 3,161 tonnes shipped. Medicinal herb exports declined 14.6 percent to Rs 1.60 billion, while essential oil exports dropped 17.8 percent to Rs 429.66 million from 31 tonnes. Lentil exports fell by 37.7 percent to Rs 241.32 million on a volume of 1,676 tonnes. Gold jewellery exports dipped by 4.2 percent to Rs 34.96 million. Vegetable exports contracted by 18.1 percent to Rs 145.79 million, with 8,129 tonnes sent primarily to India, Hong Kong, Qatar, the UAE, and Japan. Exported vegetables included tomatoes, garlic, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, beetroot, radish, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, capsicum, pumpkin, squash, and gourds. Fruit exports fell sharply by 28.6 percent to Rs 6.11 million, with just 216 tonnes shipped. Coffee exports also dropped by 49.1 percent to Rs 46.97 million, with 43 tonnes exported. The overall picture of Nepal’s exports remains mixed. While NTIS-prioritised goods have shown some progress, their growth is dwarfed by the re-export of edible oils, raising concerns about the sustainability and structure of Nepal’s export economy. Experts argue that long-term growth will depend on consistent policy implementation, institutional reforms, and better coordination across government agencies. “Nepal’s trade policy needs to break out of its ritualistic habits and start functioning with the clear goal of boosting production and exports of genuinely domestic products,” Sainju said. As India adjusts its import duties and global market dynamics shift, Nepal’s reliance on re-export schemes like edible oils may soon face headwinds. Experts say that a stronger focus on building export capacity in high-value sectors identified by the NTIS could offer more sustainable paths to trade growth and economic resilience. Of the country’s total export earnings of Rs217.91 billion, goods listed under the NTIS earned Rs83.10 billion in export revenue in the first ten months. Nepal’s ginger exports plunged 50.9 percent to Rs526.58 million, with 3,161 tonnes shipped during the ten months of the current fiscal year.;0,025
Tough land deal rules axed under ‘PMO’s pressure’ Expert says government should have upheld rules aimed at curbing black money and addressing FATF concerns.Plotting of forest, farm and public land for housing ongoing at Kakrebari in Suryabinayak-9, Bhaktapur, in this picture taken last month. The illegal excavation hasn’t stopped despite objections from local residents, local people’s representatives and the district administration. Post File PhotoThe government has backtracked on its earlier decision requiring people to show bank statements and fill out Know Your Customer (KYC) forms when buying or selling land or houses. Just a week after introducing the stricter rules, the Department of Land Management and Archives amended its directive, removing the requirement for bank statements and KYC documents in such transactions. Sources privy to the development said the new rule was revoked on the orders of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The stricter measures were introduced to curb the use of black money in land transactions and help Nepal get off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. On May 28, the department issued a directive which was purportedly aimed at preventing money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities, which was also dispatched to land revenue offices across the country for implementation. However, following the PMO’s instructions, the directive was amended on June 6 before it could come into effect. The previous directive mandated that buyers and sellers of land submit their bank statements. This provision has now been made more flexible. “Some provisions of the directives have been changed following the PMO’s intervention,” said an officer at the Department of Land Management and Archives. However, Information Officer at the department, Surya Prasad Koirala, said the directive should have been issued only after revising the land revenue regulations, but the directive was issued prematurely and hence repealed. “As the directive is all about land revenue regulations, I do not see any possibility of the PMO intervening,” Koirala said. According to the revised provisions, bank statements are no longer required from buyers or sellers during land transactions. Similarly, the requirement for agent companies’ buyers, sellers, and directors to compulsorily fill out KYC forms has also been removed. The amended directive on June 6 omitted article 2, and sub-articles D, E, and F from the original directive. Article 2 of the directive is related to money laundering. Similarly, articles 6, 7 and 8 have also been scrapped while article 10 has been amended. All the articles, either scrapped or amended, are related to tightening controls on monetary fraud in land transactions. The FATF cited several reasons for placing Nepal on its grey list. One was that money without declared sources was flowing into cooperatives and real estate. Therefore, the department’s original directive making it mandatory to fill out KYC forms during land and property transactions was commendable, said Rameshore Khanal, a former finance secretary. Khanal, who also headed a high-level commission formed by the current government to recommend reforms to revitalise the ailing economy, said the government should have stuck to the original directive. “The general public applauded the earlier directive. The decision to amend or scrap its major points is against national interest,” Khanal said. But Nepal Land and Housing Developers Federation’s President Bishnu Prasad Ghimire argues that had the directive been implemented as it was, requiring all transaction money to be deposited into banks before buying land, both buyers and sellers would have faced problems. “The directive was problematic for various reasons, one being that under it people could not buy property using collateral in the bank,” Ghimire said. “Apart from this, there would have been other difficulties ensuing from the directive’s implementation.” Previously, during land sale and purchase transactions, buyers had to submit documented proof that the transaction amount had been deposited into the seller’s account from their bank account. This also included bank statements for transactions such as advance payments, which are no longer mandatory. Moreover, the provision requiring payment of registration fees and taxes via account transfers for property transactions exceeding Rs1 million has also been repealed. Earlier, if a buyer or seller transacted Rs30 million or more in a single day or in installments, the transaction details had to be submitted to the Financial Information Unit (FIU) of the Nepal Rastra Bank. This threshold has been lowered to Rs10 million. The requirement that transactions between Rs1 million and Rs5 million be made through banking or electronic payment systems has also been relaxed. But transactions above Rs5 million still require payment via electronic means or a ‘Good for Payment’ cheque made out to the seller. A senior government officer familiar with the PMO’s workings accused the prime minister and his political advisors of working for vested interests. “Some real estate brokers might have convinced officials at the prime minister’s office to revoke the directive,” the officer said. However, Ramsharan Bajagain, press advisor to Prime Minister Oli, denied any such interference. “Nowadays, there is a tendency to drag the prime minister into every issue. This episode is just a continuation of that trend,” Bajagain stated. Purushottam Poudel;0,15
How to make homes coolerCities are turning into heat islands due to dense construction and a lack of green spaces. Shutterstock As India’s urban centres continue to expand in population and infrastructure, they are becoming hotspots for escalating climate change impacts. By 2030, over 40 percent of India’s population is projected to be living in urban regions, according to the latest Economic Survey 2023-24. Among various rising urban challenges, heat stress is one of the pressing issues leading to increased energy consumption, health risks and additional strain on infrastructure. A major contributor to heat stress is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which results in urban areas experiencing markedly higher temperatures due to dense construction, impermeable surfaces, lack of green spaces and anthropogenic heat. Anthropogenic heat means heat generated by buildings, vehicles, machinery, or people. Every year, several cities in states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat report record-breaking summer temperatures , making urban heat a public health issue requiring resilient infrastructure. The UHI effect primarily and disproportionately affects low-income and vulnerable communities, highlighting the need for inclusive and scalable solutions. In response, cool roof materials such as paints, membranes and tiles have emerged as a scientifically verified, economical solution that mitigates urban heat while enhancing energy efficiency and human well-being. What cool roofs do Designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than conventional roofs, cool roofs offer a scientifically sound and accessible strategy to tackle rising urban temperatures. This is primarily done by applying solar-reflective materials or coatings that possess a high solar reflectance index. This means they reflect a larger portion of solar radiation while maintaining significantly cooler surface temperatures as compared to conventional roofs. Conventional construction materials for roofs such as reinforced cement concrete, asbestos cement sheets, galvanised iron sheets/metal roofs and ceramic or clay tiles (uncoated) have a low reflectance value, ranging from 20-30 percent. These materials absorb a significant amount—about 40-75 percent—of solar radiation through the day due to their high thermal mass. As the temperature decreases in the evening, the retained heat is released slowly, leading to elevated nighttime temperatures. This results in discomfort and health risks for city dwellers, particularly those living in informal housing or poorly ventilated structures. It also increases the demand for artificial cooling, creating additional strain on energy systems. Appropriate roofing materials can mitigate the demand for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Research has indicated a reduction in cooling energy demand by 21–26 percent with the implementation of cool roofs, leading to significant energy savings and lower carbon emissions from electricity generation. The building envelope acts as an interface between the interior and exterior environments. The solar energy absorbed and reflected by it contributes to the HVAC load within the building. Among its various components, the roof is a crucial element that accounts for approximately 50–60 percent of the total cooling load. Cool roof applications saw a significant decrease in interior and exterior surface temperatures of about 4.1 degrees Celsius and 9.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Indoor room temperature was lowered by approximately 2-5 degrees Celsius, reducing the need for cooling appliances. Sustainable and affordable Cool roofs are particularly beneficial because of their affordability and adaptability. A simple coat of solar-reflective white paint or cool roof coating can alter a standard rooftop into a heat-reflective surface in existing buildings. Implementing cool roof materials from the initial stages of construction in new buildings can ensure long-term thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Due to their low installation and maintenance costs, cool roofs stand out as a practical, affordable, adaptable and sustainable solution. They provide thermal comfort to the building occupants amidst rising heat without the requirement for major infrastructural changes. Simultaneously, they reduce the UHI effect, positively reducing heat stress among vulnerable and marginalised communities. In India, aligning with the government’s Indian Cooling Action Plan, and the Heat Action Plans developed by state governments, several Indian cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Jodhpur have initiated their cool roof implementation programmes, as part of energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions to combat climate change. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department of the government of Telangana introduced India’s first Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028 , making Telangana the pioneering state to undertake this initiative at the state level. With a vision to transform Telangana into a heat-resilient state, the policy seeks to promote widespread adoption of cool roofs by mandating the installation of cool roofing materials such as solar reflective paints, tiles, or sheets, across all government, residential, and commercial buildings, as well as housing schemes. Climate-responsive ratings GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), jointly established by The Energy and Resources Institute and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, government of India, has been acknowledged as India’s own green building rating system. As a climate-responsive rating framework, GRIHA rating variants advocate for the integration of passive design strategies and cool roof implementation for enhancing thermal comfort by lowering indoor temperature, optimising energy consumption by reducing cooling loads, and mitigating the UHI effect through material efficiency. Aligning with global and national sustainability goals, the inclusion of these strategies contributes to the broader vision of reducing the environmental footprint of built spaces and enhancing urban heat resilience. To facilitate the adoption of cool roofs and mitigate urban heat, GRIHA Council has collaborated with various organisations and entities. By gathering policymakers, experts, solution providers, architects, real estate developers, corporates and other key stakeholders, stakeholder consultation workshops have been organised in different regions across India. These deliberations have focused on identifying and highlighting potential growth drivers and exploring strategies to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient strategies in the built environment. Towards cooler, inclusive urbanscapes India’s climate discourse is recognising urban heat as a significant issue. Addressing the challenge of increasing urban heat, sustainable solutions such as cool roofs can build resilience, especially for those on the frontlines of urban heat stress. However, to effectively tackle the UHI effect and heat stress in the built environment, a holistic, integrative and multi-pronged approach is essential. The initial design stage of a building is the most effective and critical phase of construction. At this point, a combination of complementary strategies can be implemented to ensure the optimisation of both indoor and outdoor environments for better thermal comfort, energy savings and improved liveability. These include incorporating vegetative covers, vertical gardens and roof gardens, as well as integrating passive design principles such as optimal building orientation and cross-ventilation. Integrating these strategies with cool roof implementation can significantly improve surface temperature and air quality, enhance energy efficiency and promote long-term resilience against the impacts of climate change. For transformational change, unlocking its full potential necessitates multi-stakeholder collaboration, sustained policy support, public engagement and integration into mainstream urban planning and building codes. As India advances in its climate commitments, scaling up inclusive and holistic cooling programmes across cities can mitigate health risks, augment energy security, reduce emissions, improve overall quality of life for its inhabitants and eventually develop climate-resilient cities. -360info Shabnam Bassi Bassi is the Director of the Sustainable Buildings Division at The Energy and Resources Institute and the Deputy CEO and Secretary at GRIHA Council. Aditi Dev Dev is a senior project officer at the GRIHA Council.;0,325
Madhav Nepal’s hard landing Ever since the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Madhav Kumar Nepal, former prime minister and current chair of CPN (Unified Socialist), there has been much speculation. Under a direct proposal of then Prime Minister Nepal, the Cabinet in 2010 had allowed a private company to purchase land whose area exceeded the legal ceiling many times over. Within a month, the Cabinet again allowed the company, Patanjali Yogpeeth and Ayurveda Company Nepal, to illegally sell a chunk of the land at an inflated price. The whole process smacked of a plot to increase the company’s profits. Nearly 15 years later, a case has been lodged against Nepal. Since the restoration of democracy in 1990, this is the first time that the country’s constitutional anti-graft body has filed a case against a former head of government. Earlier, all such ‘policy decisions’ of the prime minister-led Cabinet were exempted from oversight. According to the CIAA Act, “the commission will not conduct any investigation, inquiry, or take any action in relation to any policy decision collectively made by the council of ministers or any of its committees.” Such a provision was deemed necessary to allow the executive to make prompt decisions in public interest without having to constantly worry about prosecution. It would also add to the efficiency of the government machinery. Or so it was thought. But successive Cabinets started approving all kinds of dodgy deals as their decisions could not be investigated. Even the decisions that were being taken in the interest of a particular individual or institution were now being labelled ‘policy decisions’. Moreover, while it became a custom to prosecute top bureaucrats on all sorts of corruption charges, the ultimate decision makers, the prime minister and ministers, were never held responsible. Now that a former prime minister has been charged with corruption, current and future executive heads will be more careful in their decision-making. This kind of equality before law is something to be celebrated. Yet opposition leaders state that the corruption case against Nepal is nothing but political vendetta, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli trying to punish Nepal, his former CPN-UML colleague, for daring to engineer a split in the mother party and repeatedly speaking against Oli in public. Given Oli’s prickly nature, that is a possibility. But in the larger picture, a start had to be made to puncture the culture of impunity that had ballooned under the guise of ‘policy decisions’. Also, unlike in other cases of dubious Cabinet decision-making, the involvement of Madhav Nepal in the Patanjali case is more straight-forward: it was the prime minister who had directly tabled the Patanjali land purchase proposal in the Cabinet. Allowing the same plots of land to be sold at inflated prices, within a month of their purchase, further implicates him. With contested claims being made, it is up to the Special Court to provide clarity on the issue. In its full text, the case against Nepal and the need to prosecute (or exonerate) him have to be clearly spelled out and there should be no room for ambiguity. The more transparent the prosecution, the greater will be its legitimacy and greater the verdict’s deterrent power for current and future prime ministers.;0,075
UN says most flour delivered in Gaza looted or taken by starving peopleUN calls for more supplies to be let into Gaza, as Gaza is at risk of famine. Reuters Published at : June 10, 2025 Updated at : June 10, 2025 11:53 United Nations The United Nations said on Monday that it has only been able to bring minimal flour into Gaza since Israel lifted an aid blockade three weeks ago and that has mostly been looted by armed gangs or taken by starving Palestinians. The organization has transported 4,600 metric tonnes of wheat flour into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, the only entry point Israel allows it to use, Deputy UN spokesperson Fahan Haq told reporters. Haq said aid groups in Gaza estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour were needed to give each family in Gaza a bag of flour and “ease the pressure on markets and reduce desperation.” “Most of it was taken by desperate, starving people before the supplies reached their destinations. In some cases, the supplies were looted by armed gangs,” Haq said. According to World Food Programme guidelines, 4,600 metric tonnes of flour would provide roughly eight days’ worth of bread for Gaza’s 2 million residents, based on a standard daily ration of 300 grams per person. Haq called for Israel to let in far more aid via multiple crossings and routes. The UN has mostly delivered flour along with limited medical and nutrition items since Israel lifted the 11-week blockade in mid-May. Experts warn Gaza is at risk of famine, with the rate of young children suffering acute malnutrition nearly tripling. Israel and the United States want the UN to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the UN has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the UN-led operations, which the militants deny. The GHF uses private US security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26 and said on Monday so far it has given out 11.4 million meals. Israel makes the UN offload aid on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, where it then has to be picked by the UN and aid groups already in Gaza. The UN has accused Israel of regularly denying access requests.;0,2
More younger Singaporeans are getting Botox and collagen shots. How effective and safe are they? People who start getting Botox and fillers may find it hard to stop, said Dr Tay. “Sometimes you might forget what you originally look like–this is called perception drift–and you keep thinking you need more fillers.” Photo via The Straits Times Slightly over a year ago, Ms Caitlin Lim noticed the circles around her eyes were getting darker. She visited an aesthetic clinic in the hope of a solution and took up the doctor’s suggestion to use fillers. “I had never considered injectables because I’m scared of needles, but I thought that I’d just try it,” said the marketing executive, now 28. “The lack of fat around my cheeks created shadows under my eyes, and the fillers really made a difference.” A small volume of gel-like substance, injected just above her cheekbones, settled her concerns and made her face look fresh and plump, she said. Like Ms Lim, a growing number of people in Singapore in their 20s and 30s are getting injectables to improve their facial appearances. Some of these cosmetic enhancements have long carried the stigma of creating an unnatural appearance, partly because of the use of Botox by Hollywood celebrities who experienced less-than-desired results due to a range of factors. These may include incorrect techniques or over-treatment, dermatologists told The Straits Times. A loss of muscle and decrease in their strength, reduced effectiveness over time, and even addiction or over-reliance on injectables are some other concerns that have been raised over such treatments. Yet dermatologists and aestheticians told ST that they have observed an increase of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent in Singapore among those in their 20s and 30s using injectables for cosmetic reasons since 2020. This mirrors a global trend: A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that from 2022 to 2023, there was a 9 per cent increase in the number of people aged 20 to 29 who received botulinum toxin – commonly known as Botox – or similar treatments, and an 8 per cent increase in those who received hyaluronic acid fillers. These treatments include the use of fillers and collagen boosters, which replenish skin moisture and firmness. They do not have permanent effects, and injections are administered quarterly or yearly, with the frequency varying across procedures. The costs of these treatments vary widely, depending on factors such as the amount of substance used and location of the injection. Botox treatments typically cost from $300, while fillers usually range between $600 and $1,000. While getting the fillers done, Ms Lim also received shots of Botox into her jaw and forehead. The doctor had told her the treatment would help her achieve a tighter facial appearance, she said. “After Botox and fillers, the results were so good that I wanted to try more procedures,” said Ms Lim, who tried Rejuran, an injectable skin rejuvenation treatment, at a following session. These days, Botox is no longer used by just older people to melt wrinkles or frown lines, or by celebrities desperate to “freeze” the ageing process. Younger patients often receive Botox jabs to make tweaks to their appearances, said Dr Sean Leong, a consultant dermatologist at Livingstone Dermatology clinic. For instance, some of his patients get Botox injected into the muscles of their jawlines to achieve a slimmer face shape, said Dr Leong. “A little Botox can also lift one’s mouth shape for a friendlier appearance, so the person doesn’t look angry all the time,” he added. Dr Joseph Toh, a dermatologist at the Parkway MediCentre Dermatology Clinic, said Botox might delay the formation of deep wrinkles by relaxing and reducing the movement of facial muscles. It can also be used to alleviate teeth grinding, he added. Dr Evelyn Tay, founder and consultant dermatologist at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, said that collagen boosters such as Rejuran and Profhilo can be used to lighten the appearance of depressed acne scars and give one’s face a lifted appearance respectively. Injectables are also less invasive – and less intimidating – than cosmetic surgery. A smaller face is achievable with shots of Botox, and a higher nose bridge can be created with fillers, added Dr Tay. Ms Serene Tan, 25, who first had Botox injected into her jaw in 2024 as she wanted a V-shaped face, appreciates the impermanence of these treatments. “Surgery is irreversible, but if you do Botox or fillers and you don’t like it, you can wait for it to dissolve,” said Ms Tan, who gets Botox injections every four to six months. Social media has raised the awareness of the availability of these options as alternatives to skincare or cosmetic surgery, said doctors. “When young people look at influencers who are promoting these treatments to achieve an appearance of glowy and glass-like skin, they are usually more receptive and want to start early,” said Dr Tay. Fitness instructor Mandalyn Tan, 28, first received shots of Rejuran in 2023 and goes for boosters every three months. She said that she was “desperate for a solution” to stop her acne breakouts. “My bad skin affected my self-esteem quite a lot.” The injections have reduced the appearance of her acne scars and dark eye circles, and smoothened her skin, she said. Although she was initially afraid of judgment from the public, Ms Tan went on to review her experiences with different skincare procedures on social media platform Lemon8. “There are so many influencers and celebrities paid to market skincare products, which I used to spend a lot of money on in my early 20s,” she said. “I feel that I have the responsibility to be transparent and share what works and what doesn’t with the people around me.” Moderation, research is crucial While dermatologists say such treatments can be safe and give patients a confidence boost, they also caution against being excessive. As with any injection, these treatments run the risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling and bleeding. In rare and severe cases, fillers might also cause blindness, said Dr Leong. Patients must be mindful to exercise moderation. People who start getting Botox and fillers may find it hard to stop, said Dr Tay. “Sometimes you might forget what you originally look like – this is called perception drift – and you keep thinking you need more fillers.” Younger people, who are frequently on social media, might also chase a standard of beauty perpetuated online – a sharp face, and full lips and temples. “It’s quite sad, because beauty is a very diverse thing,” she said. Dr Toh said too much Botox at a young age may lead to a loss of muscle and a decrease in muscle strength. One’s body may also develop antibodies against Botox and its effectiveness may be reduced over time, although such cases are rare, he added. Dr Leong said injecting too much Botox and fillers may also result in an unnatural-looking face. “Too much Botox might make your face look frozen, or make you look shocked all the time,” he said. “Patients who get more fillers than they require might end up looking puffy.” Dermatologists noted that some patients travel abroad – mainly to South Korea or Thailand – to get these treatments and warned that due diligence in ensuring that the clinics are reputable and have qualified professionals should be done. “The last thing you want is a non-medical person injecting fillers in your face,” said Dr Tay, adding that research on relevant substances should also be done beforehand, as some might not be approved in Singapore due to safety reasons. While injectables may produce almost immediate results, they should remain a supplement to good skincare practices, said Dr Tay. Sun protection, using active skincare ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol, cleansing your face thoroughly and a healthy diet and lifestyle are integral to maintaining good skin, she said. “If you get all these treatments but don’t maintain your skincare routine, you’re back to square one.”;0
K-pop megastars RM, V released from army, promise BTS reunionSeoul K-pop supergroup BTS members RM and V were discharged from the South Korean military on Tuesday after mandatory service, as fans were counting down to the band’s comeback with more members finishing their national duty later this month. Cheered by dozens of fans near the military base, the two members in their army uniforms saluted the crowd and said they will soon be returning to perform. “To all the ARMYs who have waited for us in the military, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful. Please wait just a little longer and we will return with a really cool performance,” V said in front of fans and media. Known as ARMY, BTS has a global fan club with millions of loyal followers. Two other bandmates, Jin and J-Hope, were discharged from the military earlier and have been performing solo and appearing on variety shows. Jimin, Jung Kook and Suga are set to wrap their military service as late as June 21, media reports say. The globally recognised K-pop icon BTS has not released a group project since 2022 and its members are hoping for the reunion. “After pursuing our own little ventures, we are now coming back together, and I love that for us,” J-Hope told a magazine in December. Entertainment group HYBE which manages BTS, is planning a huge event called BTS FESTA this week for fans to celebrate the band’s 12th anniversary. It is not clear whether the members will show up, but Jin attended last year. Shares in HYBE rose 2.3% as of 0211 GMT, hitting their highest point in more than three years. Holding a flower bouquet for their discharge from the army, RM said he wanted to perform the most. “(Members) would feel the same, but stage performance, I want to perform the most. I’ll work hard to make an album soon and come back to the stage,” RM said, after playing the sax for the crowd. Groupies from around the world flew in to South Korea to celebrate the return of their “life-changing” stars. “It is just absolutely joyful. That is now four out, two again tomorrow and then Suga. Then we have OT7, we have seven kings back with us,” said Philip Darbyshire, a 72-year-old Australian fan, referring to the band’s seven members. “It is just wonderful.”;0
US deploys Marines to Los Angeles as police break up fourth day of protestsTensions have been rising since Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday after street protests erupted in response to immigration raids in Southern California. People attend a rally against federal immigration sweeps, in downtown Los Angeles, California, US June 9, 2025. Reuters Los Angeles/washington The US military will temporarily deploy about 700 Marines to Los Angeles until more National Guard troops can arrive, marking another escalation in President Donald Trump’s response to street protests over his aggressive immigration policies. Tensions have been rising since Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday after street protests erupted in response to immigration raids in Southern California. It is the biggest flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally. The announcement that marines would be deployed was made on the fourth straight day of protests. Late on Monday police began to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who gathered outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles where immigrants have been held. National Guard forces had formed a human barricade to keep people out of the building. Then a phalanx of Los Angeles police moved up the street, starting to push people from the scene and firing “less lethal” munitions such as gas canisters. Police had used similar tactics since Friday. The LAPD said late on Monday afternoon that some protestors had started throwing objects at officers and the use of less lethal munitions had been authorized, adding in an X post: “Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort.” California sued the Trump administration to block deployment of the National Guard and the Marines on Monday, arguing that it violates federal law and state sovereignty. US Marines have been deployed domestically for major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11, 2001, attacks, but it is extremely rare for US military troops to be used for domestic policing. For now, the Trump administration was not invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement, according to a US official speaking on condition of anonymity. The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that a contingent of 2,000 National Guard troops would be doubled to 4,000. Trump said on Monday he felt he had no choice but to increase the level of force to prevent violence from spiraling out of control. Trump also said he supported a suggestion by his border czar Tom Homan that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested over possible obstruction of his administration’s immigration enforcement measures. “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump told reporters. Democrats said Trump’s decision to deploy military force to handle the protests amounts to an abuse of presidential power, and California’s lawsuit claimed it was illegal. “The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” Newsom’s press office said on X. FOUR DAYS OF PROTESTS The protests so far have resulted in a few dozen arrests and some property damage, including some self-driving Waymo vehicles that were set ablaze on Sunday evening. The Los Angeles Police Department said five officers sustained minor injuries on Saturday and Sunday, as did five police horses used in crowd control. Before the police intervention on Monday, several hundred protesters chanted “free them all” outside the Los Angeles federal detention facility where immigrants have been held. “What is happening effects every American, everyone who wants to live free, regardless of how long their family has lived here,” said Marzita Cerrato, 42, a first-generation immigrant whose parents are from Mexico and Honduras. Some in the crowd punched and tossed eggs at a Trump supporter at the event, while others fired paintballs from a car at the federal building. Protests also sprang up in at least nine other US cities on Monday, including New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, according to local news outlets. The Trump administration has argued that Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration allowed far too many immigrants to enter the country and that Democratic-run cities such as Los Angeles are improperly interfering with efforts to deport them. Trump has pledged to deport record numbers of people who are in the country illegally and to lock down the US-Mexico border, setting a goal of at least 3,000 daily arrests. Trump can deploy Marines under certain conditions of law or under his authority as commander in chief. The last time the military was used for direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the California governor at the time asked President George H.W. Bush to help respond to Los Angeles riots over the acquittal of police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King. More than 50 people were killed in the 1992 riots, which also caused some $1 billion in damage over six days. Federal law allows the president to deploy the National Guard if the nation is invaded, if there is “rebellion or danger of rebellion,” or the president is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”;0,1
Fiji Law Society demands resignation of Justice Ashton-LewisThe Fiji Law Society has launched a scathing attack on Supreme Court judge and Commissioner, David Ashton-Lewis, calling for his resignation. This follows Mr Ashton Lewis’ radio interview in Australia where he has revealed startling details of his FICAC Commission of Inquiry. FLS President Wylie Clarke said this action is inappropriate for a Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji. “Judges at every level of Fiji’s court system are expected to be politically independent. They are expected to exercise careful discretion to comment on the matters in which they are involved either in the most neutral and sensitive terms,’ said Mr Clarke. Considerable time and money — believed to run into the millions of dollars — has been spent on the COI. The post-COI process has descended into chaos.” “Those persons criticised in the COI Report have had no access to the COI Report and its findings.” “Justice Ashton-Lewis is openly suggesting that the withholding of the COI Report by the Government, including against persons affected by it, is on his own advice.” “That advice is contrary to section 16 of the 2013 Constitution of Fiji which guarantees executive and administrative justice, the right to procedural fairness, to everyone.” The Fiji Law Society calls on Justice Ashton-Lewis himself to either resign from the Supreme Court of Fiji or that he faces disciplinary proceedings under s.112 of the Constitution of Fiji 2013. “Fiji has made significant progress since 2022 to ensure judicial independence and stronger and more robust courts.” “It cannot be seen to compromise on standards of judicial conduct and independence, particularly at the level of its highest court.” “The Fiji Law Society has in the past, been prepared to challenge and take to court questions of the suitability and qualifications of judicial officers. If necessary, it will do so again.”;0,2
Khan takes up top role at ICCFIJIAN Nazhat Shameem Khan has been elevated to the topmost prosecutorial position at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Office of the Prosecutor at ICC has announced that deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have taken over leadership following prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC’s temporary leave of absence. On May 16, 2025, Khan stepped aside pending the outcome of a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation into alleged misconduct. The ICC states the deputy prosecutors will continue to rely on the support and collaboration of the Rome Statute community, and all partners, in carrying the office’s mandate forward. In 2014, Nazhat Khan was appointed Fiji’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva and Vienna, and to Switzerland and took up the ICC post in 2021.;0
Permits for pari vehicles - The Fiji Times Permits for pari vehicles Local News , News , Today’s Main Story , Uncategorized | Published: May 10, 2025 | Last Updated: May 10, 2025 | By Rakesh Kumar Listen to this article: Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau during break between sessions at the Parliament complex in Suva on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU PARI operators will not have a separate public service license. Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, while clarifying this, says pari operators will have to apply for the taxi permits. “With that, there’s been some misconceptions,” Ro Filipe said. “It’s interpreted that there will be a separate category of public service vehicle license for pari operators. “No, they need to apply for the taxi permits. “I spoke about this within the current framework, which is either hire permit or minibus or a taxi. “So, they’ll need to apply for the taxi permit which will be rolled out soon. We need to regulate them. “Ensure that they don’t have police records, that the standard of service is there, and they are monitored by LTA.” On the issue of Open Taxi Rank System (OTRS), Ro Filipe said this was brought in because people were complaining about the absence of taxis at taxi bases. “Well, the public are saying that there’s no taxi at the places where the bases are. So, that’s an issue which will be resolved. “But the Open Rank Taxi System is in the legal framework. That’s what we removed.” He said open bases for taxis was possible. “For example, within the open areas in front of shops, that can be open and taxis can come in as they wish when they leave their base. “So it’s more to get them back to their bases, but the open system will be still there in another format. “So that will resolve some of their issues. “But the main thing is to open up the taxi permits and also to ensure that the bases have the taxis there when the people need them.” Read Today’s Fiji Times Read Todays Fiji Times Today's Paper Subscribe Trending Stories Khan takes up top role at ICC Permits for pari vehicles Court throws out couple’s civil action iTaukei students secure majority of scholarships Family lives in tent;0,025
Court throws out couple’s civil actionTWO former acting department heads of Sabeto College who challenged the Ministry of Education and its former permanent secretary, Dr Anjeela Jokhan, for revoking their positions had their civil action dismissed. Alvin Raju headed the Maths and Physics departments while his wife, Nazeem, was in charge of the Social Science department. Mrs Raju had written a letter of complaint to the permanent secretary on October 3, 2019, alleging the acting principal, Shelly Chand, had been treating her unfairly. Her husband also wrote a letter of complaint against Ms Chand a few days later for allegedly discriminating against him. The ministry, in response, appointed a panel to investigate the allegations where various people including the complainants were interviewed. The panel found the allegations were unsubstantiated and that the couple had personalised certain professional issues. The panel also observed that the couple had been insubordinate and disrespectful towards Ms Chand. Acting on the panel’s report, Dr Jokhan issued a warning letter to the complainants and transferred them to another school in Lautoka. Their acting appointments were revoked and reverted to their respective substantive positions. The couple sought for their positions to be restored to their respective acting appointments among other remedies. The defendant’s lawyer, Shanish Kant from the Attorney-Genera’s Chambers, submitted in court that the correct forum to hear the case was the Employment Relations Tribunal. “Accordingly, I hold that this court sitting as an (ERC) has no jurisdiction to consider the application before it,” Justice Anare Tuilevuka ruled a few days ago. “I am of the view that the cause is best described as an “employment grievance” rather than as an “action founded on contract. I dismiss the action. “Costs to the defendants which I summarily assess at $800.”;0
"Life in jail for Nadi man who killed his wife and buried her body in a dry water well A Nadi man who killed his wife, dumped ger body in a well and hired an excavator and covered the well with soil has been jailed for life. The murder took place on September 11, 2018, in Malamala, Nadi. Moneel Narayan was married to the deceased, Sonika Singh and both had two children. The deceased was living separately at the time of the offence after a family dispute which ended up in court. The deceased had obtained a DVRO against Moneel and a custody matter was pending in the Family Court. “This murder was clearly intentional, motivational and premeditated; it involved violence and affected the deceased’s young children,” said Justice Aruna Aluthge in his May 16 rulimg. “However, in terms of community protection, an early release during the offenders’ lifetime will have comparatively less concern for society given the isolated matrimonial dispute that had led to the offending and lack of evidence of previous violent behaviour on the part of the offender.” The judge set a non-parole period of 18 years.";0
Vehicle rolls off jetty and ends up in the seaA freak accident yesterday resulted in a vehicle rolling off the Nawaikama Jetty on Gau Island and ending up in the sea. The driver of the vehicle was at the scene at the time. The cause of the accident is yet to be established. No one was injured.;0
Fiji has been declared an emergency area for Fall ArmywormThe whole of Fiji has been declared as a biosecurity emergency area for Fall Armyworm. This follows the first case of Fall Armyworm detected at a maize farm in Uciwai, Nadi recently. The regulation has come into effect on May 1 and approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu. The declaration of biosecurity emergency areas for Fall Armyworm has been done under section 77 of the Biosecurity Act 2008. “Any movement of infested or potentially infested plant materials and associated articles, specifically maize/corn and cobs, rice and associated plant material, vegetables, particularly Brassicas and any additional host plants identified during delimiting surveys is strictly prohibited unless the Authority provides prior authorisation for the movement,” states the gazette notice. “Any movement of machineries and equipment exposed to infested fields, is subject to mandatory cleaning and decontamination within Fiji and is strictly prohibited unless the Authority provides prior authorisation for the movement.” “The Authority (BAF) also has the powers to enter any land at any time to ascertain the status of any pest or disease.” “This Declaration is in force for a period of 6 months from the date of its publication in the Gazette.;0
“Capacity constraints” resulted in 32 candidates turned away from army enlistment“Capacity constraints” resulted in 32 candidates turned away from army enlistmentThe Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) said an “administrative oversight” resulted in 32 individuals turned away from entering the Basic Recruit Raining Course at the Force Training Group on Saturday. RFMF said the course can only accommodate 151 recruits while the names of 183 successful applicants were publicised. “We acknowledge that an administrative oversight led to the announcement and publication of 183 successful applicants, despite FTG having the capacity to accommodate only 151 recruits,” said the RFMF. “This regrettable error has caused confusion and disappointment, particularly for the 32 individuals who reported to camp but were later advised that they could not be accommodated due to capacity constraints.” The RFMF said it “deeply regrets this situation.” “We understand the personal sacrifices made, including the long distances travelled — often from outer islands — to attend training, only to be turned away.” RFMF said the 32 affected individuals will be given first priority in the next Basic Recruit Training Course, scheduled for August 2025. “These individuals will not be required to reapply and will retain their previously passed medical board clearances.” “We encourage all affected individuals to maintain their physical fitness and continue to refrain from the use of illegal substances, as these remain essential criteria for enlistment.”;0
Corrections officer is Fiji’s latest road fatalityA Fiji Corrections Service employee died last night in a fatal accident at Kalokalolevu on the Queens Highway. He was driving a Fiji Corrections Service vehicle with two other FCS staff as passengers. The accident took place at around half past eight last night. National Fire Authority and Fiji Corrections officers transferred the two survivors to the CWM Hospital.;0
Nine broke the law – Ashton-LewisChair of the Commission, Justice David E. Ashton-Lewis. Picture: LITIA RITOVA Commissioner of Inquiry Justice David Ashton-Lewis says he found that nine individuals either lied under oath or obstructed justice during the investigation into the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. Speaking on The Judge, a radio program on 4CRB in Gold Coast, Australia, Justice Ashton-Lewis confirmed he had made recommendations about the nine individuals in his final report. “I found there were nine people who had done things such as lied under oath. That’s called perjury,” he said. “I found that nine of them obstructed the course of justice and that they also perverted the course of justice in the appointment of this particular woman.” He said the inquiry uncovered that Ms Malimali’s appointment had been rushed through internal processes. “In other words, it became apparent in the investigation that this particular woman was shunted very quickly through the processes to get in. “Now, the question then arises, why, why was she so important? “Well, the rest of the evidence showed she was so important because she would do evil peoples’ designs.” Justice Ashton-Lewis said the Prime Minister was now reviewing his report and was expected to act. “So now, what’s happened is the Prime Minister is considering it. I have received word that he’s going to act on all my recommendations in relation to nine people.”;-0,075
Private school teachers excluded from government salary increase Monday 9 June 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education , National , Parliament Share Nukutere College students at the Commerce Market Day held at the school last month. Nukutere College is one of the eight private schools in the Cook Islands. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25052313 The $2.3 million allocated to the Ministry of Education for the government-wide salary adjustment in the 2025/26 budget does not extend to the teachers of private schools, which make up over a quarter of the total schools in the Cook Islands. The $2.3 million allocated to the Ministry of Education for the government-wide salary adjustment in the 2025/26 budget does not extend to the teachers of private schools, which make up over a quarter of the total schools in the Cook Islands. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First. Comments;0,025
Finnish police still suspect Cook Islands flagged vessel of serious crimes Finnish authorities say they are still investigating the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications, following damage to subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea late last year. Finnish authorities say they are still investigating the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications, following damage to subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea late last year. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First.;0
To Tatou Vai senior management salary jumps 19 per cent to $757,799The report tabled in Parliament last month shows the senior management remuneration for six full-time equivalent members was $757,799 last year. This increased by over 19 per cent ($122,123) from the $635,676 paid to the six senior management executives in 2023. 250530100 The top six executives at the Rarotonga water authority are earning over three-quarters of a million dollars, according to the To Tatou Vai Authority annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024. The top six executives at the Rarotonga water authority are earning over three-quarters of a million dollars, according to the To Tatou Vai Authority annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First. Comments;0
Mayor urges alcohol ban after smoke-free Saturday 7 June 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health , National , Outer Islands Share Children from four different schools took the stage as four Pa Enua islands were declared smoke-free at the National Auditorium on Tuesday. TALAIA MIKA/25060339, 25060340, 25060341, 25060342, 25060343 A Pa Enua leader supports the new smoke-free status but advocates for similar action on alcohol, believing it causes more community harm, while acknowledging the challenges of quitting and black-market concerns. A Pa Enua leader supports the new smoke-free status but advocates for similar action on alcohol, believing it causes more community harm, while acknowledging the challenges of quitting and black-market concerns. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First. Comments;0,2
Government-wide pay hike set to benefit police officers, PSC saysThe Public Service Commissioner has clarified that the Cook Islands Police Service is not part of the core Public Service, with the Police Commissioner determining specific salary placements for his officers within the broader government pay framework. The Public Service Commissioner has clarified that the Cook Islands Police Service is not part of the core Public Service, with the Police Commissioner determining specific salary placements for his officers within the broader government pay framework. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First.;0
Tereora College students learn importance of healthy streams Tereora College Level 1 geography students separated into four groups to discover different aspects of the stream, visiting the Avatiu Valley Stream last week. TEITIMOANA TAIRI/25060509 An excursion with the National Environment Service (NES) to Avatiu Stream provided Tereora College geography students with hands-on experience in water health research, comparing upstream and downstream conditions to understand the impact of environmental factors and human activity. “It’s important for us to learn about this because rivers are described as veins or blood vessels to the island,” says Level 1 geography student, Princze Purua, sharing that their excursion with NES highlighted importance and understanding to the students. NES guided Tereora College Level 1 geography students on a site visit to Avatiu Stream for practical water health lessons. During the visit, students performed various experiments, mirroring the methods NES typically employs when conducting water health research. The students were taken to a stream further inland to first conduct water experiments in different areas, before ending their research project at the end of the stream behind the Punanga Nui Market to compare results. According to Purua, “stream helps the island have access to clean and fresh water, and it’s very important that we should take care of the rivers”. Purua said the students gathered data from the stream at its beginning and end points to compare results. Their aim was to understand why identifying these differences is important for ensuring water health safety. The students were split into four different groups, each led by NES compliance officers and other members. The groups were given different tasks to perform, which included testing the pH levels, the movement of the stream, vegetations and living organisms in the water. Students were appointed to collect data from their designated areas under the instructions of the NES members. Each group were instructed to compile their results then repeat the same thing at their second location which was further down the stream behind the market. At the end of their practical learning, the students will then get the opportunity to compare their results from up the stream to the end with those of their class back at Tereora College. The first group, led by Keanu Harawira, an intern compliance officer, started before the rest and tested the pH levels. Gemma Langley, a volunteer service with Muri Environment Care, brought equipment for the students to test the pH levels in the water. The second group led by Mike Bowie, the NES contracted environmental specialist, looked at different living species in the water stream. From their findings, the students identified two baby shrimps, one rimmed Melania snail, two mosquito lava and one millipede. From the lower part of the stream, they discovered 11 snails and one blood snail. According to Bowie, bloodworms live in areas with poor water quality and low oxygen, indicating an unhealthy aquatic environment. The third group, instructed by Eva Moana Patai, NES compliance officer, measured the depth, width of the water and the velocity of the wind which influences the flow of the water, helping them measure the speed of the water flow. The fourth group checked the water clarity. NES compliance officer Alowesi Suveinakama shared with Cook Islands News that his group’s role in the project was to identify any disturbance around the water. “This is a good exercise to help the kids from Tereora College to identify the disturbance are, to use visual and see how clear the water is,” Suveinakama said. “It’s just a good way to help them build awareness and keep the stream clear, and what they can contribute as themselves.” At the end of the day, the students shared a brief understanding of their findings. Some learned about the difference in algae growth from the start of the stream to the end, while others learned that nutrients from around the stream can affect the water, including the algae.;0,1
Master carver arrives in Rarotonga for cultural carving exchange at Aotearoa Marae Monday 9 June 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Culture , National Share Master carver Mike Matchitt, coordinator Miraka Davies and Aotearoa Society members Kelly and Tony Bullivant. SUPPLIED/25060822/25060823 The Aotearoa Society of the Cook Islands is proud to welcome master carver Michael Matchitt to Rarotonga as part of T?tai Hononga — a cultural carving exchange taking place from June 6–20. Matchitt accompanied by partner and support coordinator Miraka Davies, will work alongside local hosts and community members to carve pou (carved posts) for installation inside the Aotearoa Marae in Tupapa. These pou will represent t?puna (ancestors) who journeyed from the Cook Islands to Aotearoa, symbolising the enduring ties between our islands. This kaupapa is deeply rooted in whakapapa and shared voyaging traditions. It honours the ancestral links between M?ori and Cook Islands peoples and reflects a growing movement to celebrate and preserve these connections through taonga, storytelling and exchange. The Aotearoa Society extends heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organisations who have supported the project. Special thanks go to Noo and Nikky Baker for their swift and generous response in organising the felling and delivery of timber for the carvings. “Your willingness to answer the call made all the difference,” says Aotearoa Society president Derek Fox. “We also gratefully acknowledge Island Car and Bike Hire for providing transport, and the New Zealand High Commission for their generous backing of this kaupapa. Your support ensures this exchange not only deepens cultural understanding, but leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.” New Zealand High Commissioner Catherine Graham said the Commission was proud to support T?tai Hononga . “This exchange is a beautiful expression of the deep and enduring connections between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Supporting the creation of these pou — and the cultural exchange they represent — aligns with our shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and celebrating the richness of our Pacific whakapapa.” Community members are welcome to visit Aotearoa Marae during the carving period to meet the artists, observe the process and learn more about the stories embodied in each pou. As the pou begin to take shape, so too does a powerful symbol of our connected histories and futures — carved in timber, grounded in whakapapa, and standing proud at the heart of our marae.;0,35
Sailors battle for Oceania Electron titles in stunning Rarotonga settingMonday 9 June 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Sports , Swimming Share Twenty-four (24) sailors from Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei, Mangawhai, Bucklands Beach, Aitutaki and Rarotonga battled it out in near perfect lagoon conditions at the Oceania Electron Championships. SUPPLIED/25060825 Sailors of radio-controlled Townson model yachts competed in various events for the Oceania Electron Championships and trophies at the Rarotonga Sailing Club over five days, starting May 29, 2025. Twenty-four (24) sailors from Tauranga, Auckland, Whangarei, Mangawhai, Bucklands Beach, Aitutaki and Rarotonga battled it out in near perfect lagoon conditions. According to the organisers, the setting was spectacular for those dining at the Rarotonga Sailing Club or strolling Muri Beach. Rita Graves from Bucklands Beach won the Ladies Oceania Championship, followed by Mangawhai’s Michele Reeve in second place and Rarotonga’s Jolene Bosanquet, who finished in third place. In the RSC Bar and Restaurant Muri Lagoon Marathon, John Rountree of Papamoa was crowned the winner with Auckland’s Chris Tudehope and Greg Stenbeck finishing second and third, respectively. Stenbeck won the Oceania Fleet Championship followed by Tony Heays of Rarotonga. Lindsay Graves of Bucklands Beach finished in third place. Tony Heays won the Captain Tamas Oceania Match Racing Championship, followed by Peter Heays in second place, and Kris Goodwin of Rarotonga and Greg Stenbeck of Auckland tied for third The major sponsors were Captain Tama’s Cruises, Rarotonga Sailing Club, RSC Bar and Restaurant, Sands Villas, Rarotonga Brewery and Greg Stenbeck (electron builder). The organisers are planning a similar event for Aitutaki in 2026. Winners Ladies Oceania Champs – 4 th Lhia Heays (Rarotonga), 3 rd Jolene Bosanquet (Rarotonga), 2 nd Michele Reeve (Mangawhai), 1 st Rita Graves (Bucklands Beach). RSC Bar and Restaurant Muri Lagoon Marathon – 4 th Kenny Briggs (Aitutaki), 3 rd Greg Stenbeck (Auckland), 2 nd Chris Tudehope (Auckland), 1 st John Rountree (Papamoa). Oceania Fleet Champs – 4 th Kris Goodwin (Rarotonga), 3 rd Lindsay Graves (Bucklands Beach), 2 nd Tony Heays (Rarotonga), 1 st Greg Stenbeck (Auckland). Captain Tamas Oceania Match Racing Champs – 3 rd equal Kris Goodwin (Rarotonga), Greg Stenbeck (Auckland), 2 nd Peter Heays (Rarotonga), 1 st Tony Heays (Rarotonga). Comments Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment.;0
Young shuttlers ready for Oceania ChampsFriday 6 June 2025 | Written by Teitimoana Tairi | Published in Badminton , Sports Share The national badminton team arrived in Saipan yesterday for the VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 to be held from June 8 to 15. BADMINTON COOK ISLANDS/25060520 Cook Islands badminton team has arrived in Saipan, Northern Marianas, for the VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 to be held from June 8 to 15. This prestigious event will bring together the region’s most promising young badminton players for a week of elite competition and cultural exchange. Hosted by Badminton Oceania in partnership with the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, and proudly sponsored by VICTOR, the Championships will welcome over 60 junior athletes from seven countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Guam, and the Cook Islands. According to Badminton Oceania, the Cook Islands team is preparing with quiet confidence and a strong sense of purpose. Representing one of the region’s smaller nations, the team brings both experience and determination to compete at the highest level. Cook Islands’ participation in the 2024 BWF World Junior Championships has sharpened their tactical skills and deepened their understanding of the game, said Badminton Oceania. Five of the six team members – Kaiyin Mataio, Edward Patai, Makea Pauka, Lana Toa and Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa – were part of that squad. Arihoia Sprague-Marsters, while not on that team, played a key role in the 2024 VICTOR Oceania Women’s Team Championships. In an interview with Badminton Oceania, Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa said that she is looking forward to a lot of tough matches “which is an opportunity for my team and me to learn and adapt to it”. “Back at home, we are the top national players for the Cook Islands, and we do not get as many opportunities and support as those living overseas. However, I’m very excited to see what my team can bring to the table,” Tupa said. The 16-year-old started playing at the age of seven, inspired by her brother who introduced her to the sport. “I like badminton because it’s fast, exciting, and fun. The speed of the game keeps me engaged, and the quick movements make it a great workout. Playing with others builds teamwork and improves reflexes. The feeling of hitting a perfect shot is really satisfying. Whether in singles or doubles, it challenges my mind and body. Badminton is easy to play but takes skill to master, making every game exciting.” Her biggest highlight has been winning silver in the team event category at the Victor Oceania Championships in Geelong in 2024. Tupa has set a target of winning more medals at the upcoming championship. “I really like doubles because it allows for teamwork where my partner and I cover the court together efficiently. I also like the fast pace that demands speed and strategy making each rally fun and dynamic,” she said. “My goal is to attend as many tournaments to earn more points so that I can qualify for the upcoming youth Olympics next year 2026!” The VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 begins with the Oceania Junior Mixed Team Championships (June 8–10), where national teams will compete in a round-robin format under a brand-new scoring system – making this one of the first junior tournaments globally to trial the proposed format. From June 12–15, the Individual Championships will take centre stage, featuring singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events in the Under-19 age group.;0,025
Crown Law Office on track for record number of lawyers Wednesday 12 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime , Local , National Share Solicitor-General Lauaki Annandale. Photo: LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 24102410 The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year. The Crown Law Office is on course to have its highest number of lawyers ever, a significant improvement from just five lawyers in August last year. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW for as little as $11 per month. - Up to date and breaking news - Includes access to Premium content - Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First.;0
US unveils fresh export curbs targeting China’s chip sectorThe United States announced new export restrictions Monday targeting China’s ability to make advanced semiconductors, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing as competition deepens between the world’s two biggest economies. The move expands Washington’s efforts to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in advanced weapons systems and in artificial intelligence. The announcement comes weeks before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, where he is expected to bolster Washington’s hawkish stance on China. “The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. He added that Washington will keep working with allies and partners “to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how so they aren’t used to undermine our national security.” Beijing vowed Monday to defend its interests, with a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson saying the United States “abuses export control measures” and has “hindered normal economic and trade exchanges.” The latest US rules include a restriction of sales to 140 companies, including Chinese chip firms Piotech and SiCarrier, without additional permission. They also impact Naura Technology Group, which makes chip production equipment, according to the Commerce Department. Others include entities in Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The new US rules also include controls on two dozen types of chip-making equipment and three kinds of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors. “We are constantly talking to our allies and partners as well as reassessing and updating our controls,” noted Under Secretary of Commerce for industry and security Alan Estevez. – Military focus – Thibault Denamiel, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP that the latest actions confirm “the trajectory of US policy rather than significantly stepping up control efforts.” “The significance of the additions is lessened given proposals from the incoming Trump administration,” he added, noting the president-elect has vowed drastic actions that dwarf these latest restrictions on chip technologies. Monday’s restrictions further a policy that began under Trump’s first administration to prevent China from becoming a leading tech economy. On Monday, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed that President Joe Biden’s administration has been especially tough in “strategically addressing China’s military modernization through export controls.” The Commerce Department said that the fresh restrictions are meant to slow China’s development of advanced AI that could “change the future of warfare,” and impair China’s development of its own semiconductor ecosystem. But the agency maintained that this is in line with Washington’s “small yard, high fence” policy, which targets restrictions strategically — an approach that Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized last month. Calls to further close the semiconductor supply chain have grown since the world became increasingly aware of the powers of AI, with the launch of ChatGPT. bur-bys/md US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the curbs were taken to prevent adversaries from using American technology in ways that threaten national security;-0,15
Romania heads for presidential run-off after top court greenlights first roundRomania’s constitutional court on Monday validated the results of the first round of the November 24 presidential ballot won by a far-right outsider, paving the way for a run-off on Sunday between Calin Georgescu and a centrist mayor. The top court’s decision comes one day after legislative elections produced a fragmented parliament, which has added to the uncertainty gripping the EU and NATO country. Romania’s top court has decided “to confirm and validate the results of the… first round, and to hold the second round… on 8 December,” its president Marian Enache told reporters on Monday. Last week, Romanian authorities alleged Russian influence and pointed to possible interference via TikTok, accusations the social platform has “categorically” denied. The court on Monday also unanimously decided to reject as unfounded an appeal for the annulment of the ballot by an unsuccessful contender, after ordering a recount of the votes cast in the first round. – ‘Russian roulette’ – Georgescu’s surprise success has raised fears in the West that it could herald a shift in the foreign policy of the NATO country bordering Ukraine. The first-round victory of the 62-year-old anti-vaxxer and admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin has triggered several protests in the capital Bucharest and elsewhere. Georgescu is to face Elena Lasconi, the leader of the centrist, pro-EU USR party, in the run-off. Her party got 12.4 percent of the vote in the parliamentary poll. “Thanks to all… for listening to the voices of the Romanian people… and for not playing Russian roulette with democracy,” Lasconi reacted to the court’s decision. In between the two rounds of presidential elections, Romanians on Sunday voted in legislative elections. Sunday’s vote produced a fragmented parliament, with the far right making big gains. The ruling pro-European Social Democrats (PSD) won the vote with 22 percent with nearly all ballots counted, four points ahead of the far-right AUR party. But the combined vote of all the far-right parties shot up to an unprecedented 32 percent. Since the fall of Communism in 1989, the country of 19 million has never seen such a breakthrough by the far right, fuelled by mounting anger over soaring inflation and fears over Russia’s war in neighbouring Ukraine. The incoming parliament “will be highly fragmented, with no dominant party,” said Marius Ghincea, a political scientist at ETH Zurich told AFP. Ghincea said the PSD cannot govern without the support of two other parties, which translates into “a high degree of instability in the short-to-medium term”. – ‘Key role’ of president – Boosted by high inflation, Romania’s far-right parties are united in their opposition to aid being sent to neighbouring Ukraine, while promising to defend “Christian values”. Apart from the AUR party, the extreme-right SOS Romania party, led by firebrand Diana Sosoaca, and the recently founded Party of Young People (POT) made gains and will enter parliament. The far right now represents “the biggest bloc”, noted political science professor Sergiu Miscoiu. At the same time, they are “internally divided” and cannot govern alone, said Ghincea. Faced with the prospect of a fragmented parliament, several leading figures said they will try to shore up support for a pro-European “government of national unity”. But what happens next in Romania depends on who will become the country’s next president, as he or she “designates the next prime minister”, said Ghincea, adding the president will play a “key role”. While the post is largely ceremonial, the head of state has considerable moral authority and influence on Romania’s foreign policy. “In the climate we are in now, I don’t think we can afford not to vote, especially given this wave of extremism that’s swept over us,” said Ilinca Chifane, a 22-year-old architecture student. Some voters like 71-year-old retiree Doina Matei hope that calm will soon be restored. She said the election was a sign “from God telling us to stop quarrelling, to become more united, more rational and well-meaning for what concerns us as a nation”.;-0,1
Turkey could benefit from rebel offensive in Syria: experts Turkey could be one of the big winners from the new Syria crisis, giving it a chance to tackle its Syrian refugee problem and the Kurdish threat along its border, observers say. Although Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spurned an offer of help from his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankara now appears to have an increasingly important role in decisions that will affect Syria’s immediate future. – What role did Turkey play in the new rebel offensive? Omer Ozkizilcik, an Atlantic Council associate researcher in Ankara, said Turkey has a long history of “cooperating” with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadist alliance that led last week’s rebel offensive. “We can clearly say there was indirect Turkish support (for the offensive) but no direct Turkish involvement,” he told AFP. Although the attack was due to take place “seven weeks ago… Turkey stopped the rebels from launching this military offensive,” he added. Assad’s ally Russia has also been “heavily” bombing rebel positions in the northwest to stymie an attack on his government. Charles Lister, an expert at Washington’s Middle East Institute agreed, saying “the Aleppo offensive was initially planned for mid-October but Turkey put a stop to it”. It was only after Ankara’s efforts to normalise ties with the Assad regime were rebuffed as it pushed for a political solution, that Turkey gave its green light, Ozkizilcik said. – What relationship does Turkey have with HTS? – Turkey has pushed back against the expansion of HTS into the “security zone” in northwest Syria it has carved out for itself, and has put pressure on the radical Islamist group to drop its Al-Qaeda affiliation. It has also pressed it to avoid attacking Christian and Druze minorities, analysts say. “The HTS of today is not what it was in 2020,” Ozkizilcik said. Although Turkey has some influence over the group, Firas Kontar, a Syrian opposition figure of Druze origin and author of “Syria, the Impossible Revolution”, believes Erdogan “no longer has the means to stop HTS”. – What are relations like between Damascus and Ankara? Ankara and Damascus broke off ties in 2011 when the war started with Erdogan backing the rebels and denouncing Assad as a “murderer”. However, since late 2022 the Turkish leader has been seeking a rapprochement, saying in July he was ready to host Assad “at any time”. But Assad said he would only meet if Turkish forces withdrew from Syria. Ankara is hoping a rapprochement would pave the way for the return of the 3.2 million Syrian refugees still on its soil, whose presence has become a major domestic hot potato. “Now with the changing situation on the ground, the balance of power in Syria has shifted: Turkey is the most powerful actor at the moment inside Syria, and Iran and Russia will likely try to negotiate with Turkey,” Ozkizilcik said. – How is Turkey present in Syria? Since 2016, Turkey has staged multiple operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria which has given it a foothold in areas bordering the frontier. The aim is to oust Kurdish fighters from the border zone, notably the YPG (People’s Protection Units) which are backed by Washington as bulwark against Islamic State group jihadists. But Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the PKK which has fought a decades-long insurgency inside Turkey and is banned as a terror group by Washington and Brussels. – And what of the Syrian Kurdish movements? According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, pro-Turkey rebels on Sunday seized Tal Rifaat, a town north of Aleppo and the surrounding villages, where some 200,000 Syrian Kurds were living. Tal Rifaat lies just outside Turkey’s “security zone” with the move prompting Kurdish residents to flee to a safe zone further east. Turkey’s secret service said it had killed a PKK leader in the area. “Turkey has already made and probably will make many gains against the YPG terror group to secure its national security,” said Ozkizilcik.;-0,175
New analysis of polar bear bones show they once roamed ScotlandPolar bears once roamed Great Britain, a new analysis of ancient bones and fossils has revealed. Bones and teeth discovered in a Highland cave in Scotland show a fish-heavy diet eaten by the animals previously identified as brown bears. The University of Aberdeen worked with National Museums Scotland to reevaluate the fossils collected at Sutherland’s Inchnadamph Bone Caves, as part of a larger review on the history of bears in Scotland. Working alongside Masters student Holland Taekema at the University of Edinburgh , the researchers compiled new stable isotope data – a technique for the reconstruction of human and animal diets in past populations. They found that for three samples belonging to bears which dated to around 30,000 to 50,000 years old, well before humans occupied the land, the diet was made up almost entirely of marine fish or other seafood. Researchers say that this finding is markedly different from the meat and plant-based diet typical of modern brown bears, and even the bears found in the British Isles prior to their extinction in the last 1000 years. This suggests that polar bears may have lived in Scotland during the last Ice Age, says the team. Professor Kate Britton, from the University of Aberdeen , said: “We have identified several samples which stick out like a sore thumb both from the diets of other bears living in Scotland thousands of years ago and from what we’d expect of today’s brown bears. Male polar bear Arktos from the Highland Wildlife Park, Scotland. (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS) -By Talker “Instead of consuming the meat of land-based animals, plants, or even a little salmon, like contemporary brown bears, these bears appear to have lived almost exclusively on seafood. “This is at odds with what we know about brown bear diets today, but also across the ages. Even modern grizzly bears, known to gorge seasonally on salmon in some places, don’t show anything close to this level of seafood consumption in their diet. “The diet is so unusual that we now need to either reevaluate what we know about brown bear feeding ecology or question whether these fossils are brown bears at all. “Given they are fishier than the average bear, we now have work to do to understand why and to answer the question as to whether these are brown bears with a unique diet, or a different species or subspecies of brown bear, maybe even polar bears .” While polar bears are found today only in the circumpolar north, researchers say that as the climate cooled into the Last Glacial Maximum, the seasonal sea ice limit in the North Atlantic would have moved south, potentially enabling polar bears – which are also great swimmers – to spread into more southerly areas than they are found in today. Sterling Lanier A similar theory was mooted back in the 1990s following the discovery of a bear’s skull with some polar bear-like features, although no further evidence for polar bears in prehistoric Scotland has been found, and more modern archaeological techniques have since called the radiocarbon dating of that particular skull into question. The team will now conduct further work to address questions about the known presence of brown bear DNA in modern polar bears and polar bear DNA in the wider population of Ice Age European brown bears, which has been documented in other studies and to understand how the genetic data might relate to the new isotopic evidence from the bone caves. Dr. Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrates at National Museums Scotland , where the fossil bears are held, added: “When experiencing this habitat expansion, the polar bears may well have encountered the brown bears which inhabited Scotland at this time. “As we know that polar bears and brown bears can successfully interbreed today where their ranges overlap, it presents interesting questions about the ancestry of bears that later roamed our islands.” The team are now conducting DNA analysis of the samples with collaborators in Sweden to determine the species of the bears from the Assynt bones caves, and to ascertain if they are brown bears, polar bears , or even hybrids. This work will be accompanied by the new physical study of the bones themselves using advanced methods, research which will be undertaken by a newly-appointed research fellow, Dr. Alicia Sanz Royo, at the University of Aberdeen in 2025.;0
Family first: Biden joins list of US presidents pardoning relatives US presidents traditionally dole out pardons as they leave office but Joe Biden’s “full and unconditional” pardon of his son Hunter is a rare instance involving a family member. Bill Clinton granted a pardon to his half-brother Roger, who had served time in prison on 1985 drug charges, on January 20, 2001, his last day in office. And Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, a fellow real estate magnate whose son Jared is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, at the end of his first term in the White House. Trump, now president-elect, nominated Kushner, 70, who pleaded guilty in 2004 to tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions, on Saturday to be the next US ambassador to France. Kushner, who served 14 months in prison, admitted hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, who was cooperating in the campaign finance inquiry, and sending a videotape of the encounter to his own sister. Hunter Biden, who has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, is the first child of a sitting president to receive a pardon. His father, who leaves office on January 20, had repeatedly said he would not pardon his son — but in announcing the move on Sunday he claimed that Hunter had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.” “I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden said. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong,” the president said. Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to tax evasion in September and was facing up to 17 years in prison. He risked 25 years in prison for the felony gun charge but was not expected to receive such stiff sentences in either case. Presidents have also used their constitutionally-mandated pardon powers over the years on close friends and political allies. One of the most controversial pardons in recent years was that of former president Richard Nixon by his successor in the White House, Gerald Ford. Ford granted a “full and unconditional” pardon to Nixon, who was facing potential prosecution over the Watergate scandal, on September 8, 1974. Trump is the first former president convicted of a crime — falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star — but he will not be able to pardon himself because the case involved state and not federal charges.;0,025
French PM faces ouster as opposition vows no-confidence voteFrance’s Michel Barnier faced an abrupt end to his premiership Monday after key opposition parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against his government after only three months in power. Certain that the National Assembly would deny him a majority backing the government’s social security financing plan for next year, Barnier forced through the bill without a vote, using executive powers under article 49.3 of the French constitution. The conservative premier, who formed a minority government in September after an inconclusive general election, has lived under the constant threat of a no-confidence vote that could force him to quit. The government could be toppled as early as Wednesday, when a vote is expected. Barnier called it “a moment of truth in which everybody must take their responsibilities”, warning against lawmakers putting “partisan interests” before the “best interest of the nation”. Far-left opposition party LFI said immediately it would bring a no-confidence motion which the far-right National Rally (RN) — the largest single party in France’s parliament — said it would vote in favour of, after accusing Barnier of failing to negotiate on some of the bill’s provisions. Key to any such vote is Marine Le Pen, the parliamentary leader of the RN that has opposed several parts of the government’s 2025 budget plan, including the social security financing bill submitted to the assembly on Monday. In a last-ditch concession to the RN, Barnier’s office said it was scrapping plans for a less generous prescription drug reimbursement policy from next year. But the nod to Le Pen’s concerns was not enough to avert the no-confidence motion for Barnier, who has little hope of finding any left-wing support. – ‘Political impasse’ – LFI deputy Mathilde Panot said Barnier had sought to avoid the no-confidence vote by making “dishonourable” concessions to the RN. The passing of the vote would allow France to emerge from “a political impasse” and “political chaos”, she added. If the government falls, it would be the first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou’s government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. The life span of Barnier’s government would also be the shortest of any administration of France’s Fifth Republic since 1958. Le Pen had already reacted icily Sunday after Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said the government did not plan any further changes to the social security budget plan. The RN is the largest single party in the 577-seat National Assembly, with more than 140 deputies. On Thursday, Barnier scrapped a previously planned increase on an electricity tax, in a concession to critics. Saint-Martin has highlighted that the budget proposals have already been discussed by a parliamentary commission ahead of Monday’s debate and changed following talks between National Assembly deputies and upper house senators. – Debt threat – The Senate, where right-wing parties have a majority, partly approved the 2025 budget Sunday, giving a green light to government revenue projections, in a vote boycotted by the left. The Socialist party, part of the left-wing opposition, told Barnier it would vote against him if he used article 49.3 to push through a budget. Saint-Martin warned the fall of the government would raise the risk premium on French government debt that has reached rare heights because of the country’s shaky financial situation. France escaped a debt downgrade by rating agency S&P last week, which said that “despite ongoing political uncertainty, we expect France to comply — with a delay — with the EU fiscal framework and to gradually consolidate public finances”. Barnier has promised to improve France’s fiscal position by 60 billion euros ($64 billion) in 2025 in the hope of cutting the public-sector deficit to five percent of gross domestic product, from 6.1 percent of GDP this year. Share prices on the Paris Bourse wobbled in reaction to the standoff Monday, and the euro dropped against the dollar as political uncertainty took its toll. The yield demanded by investors on French sovereign debt rose, reflecting doubts in the market about the chances of a sustainable budget plan. The risk premium on French 10-year government bonds is now similar to that paid by Greece. burs/jh-ah/phz;-0,05
Biden’s pardon for son angers rivals – and alliesJoe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has antagonized both sides of the US political divide, with Republicans crying hypocrisy and Democrats warning it undermines efforts to rein in Donald Trump. Biden’s announcement shocked Washington, after he entered the White House in 2021 vowing to restore the “integrity” of a justice system that Democrats said had been corrupted by Trump — and because he had specifically vowed not to reprieve his son. The president instead issued a “full and unconditional” pardon on Sunday, absolving 54-year-old Hunter Biden of any wrongdoing over the last decade, charged or otherwise, just ahead of his looming sentencing over gun and tax convictions. Biden argued that his son had been targeted in a politicized prosecution launched under the Trump administration and that “there’s no reason to believe it will stop here.” But the backlash from his own side was swift. “I know that there was a real strong sentiment and wanting to protect Hunter Biden from unfair prosecution,” Glenn Ivey, a Democratic congressman in Maryland and an attorney, told CNN. “But this is going to be used against us when we’re fighting the misuses that are coming from the Trump administration.” While politicians typically pay lip service to the importance of independent law enforcement, Democrats and Republicans offer different justifications for suspicion of the Justice Department and presidents of both stripes have protected allies. Trump wielded the pardon power liberally in favor of convicts with whom he had personal relationships, including his daughter’s father-in-law Charles Kushner, his friend Roger Stone and his 2016 campaign chairman Paul Manafort. – ‘Singled out’ – Biden announced Hunter’s pardon in a statement arguing that the charges against his son were brought in a process infected with “raw politics.” Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury in June of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun and pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion trial in September. The president and his team had been adamant that he would not pardon his son, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre making the claim as recently as November 7. Charges for the gun offense are rare, and the president — in language that CNN likened to Trump’s rhetoric on law and order — argued that his own Justice Department had been wielded unfairly for political purposes. Seeking to justify his about-face, Biden said that “Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.” But Republicans argued that the pardon demonstrated that the sitting president, and not his incoming replacement, was politicizing the system. “He’s leaving office in complete and total disgrace. He is a liar and there’s no other way to spin this today,” conservative political strategist Scott Jennings, a White House staffer under George W. Bush, told CNN. – ‘Bad precedent’ – Meanwhile Democrats worried that Trump would use Biden’s action to justify pardoning rioters jailed after the January 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol. “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?” Trump wrote in a post on his platform, Truth Social, on Sunday. “Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis said Biden’s son had brought his legal woes on himself and accused the president of having “put his family ahead of the country.” “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Polis posted on X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation.” Political scientist Nicholas Creel, of Georgia College and State University argues however that nothing Biden does before leaving office will affect the actions of a successor who “simply does not care about precedent.” “Trump was never going to need an excuse to do whatever he wants once he takes office,” he told AFP. “So while I’m sure we’ll get plenty of pundits claiming that Biden pardoning his son opens the door for Trump to use his pardon power in overtly personal and political ways, I find it laughable that this wasn’t always going to be the case.” ft/bgs;0,025
18 convicted in biggest UK drugs trialA court has sentenced 18 members of an international crime group behind Britain’s “biggest ever detected drugs conspiracy” to up to 32 years in jail after the country’s longest-running criminal trial, police said Monday. The network smuggled several billion dollars worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis for drug dealers across Britain from 2015 to 2018, according to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA). The operation was so extensive it required two criminal trials, with one lasting 23 months — a record in England and Wales. The other trial lasted nine months. Reporting details about the case became possible after a judge at Manchester Crown Court in northern England lifted media restrictions on Monday following verdicts in the second trial. It revealed the NCA and Dutch police began working on the case in 2018 after “the vast scale” of the gang’s offending became clear, police said. The group is believed to have imported more than 50 tonnes of heroin, cocaine and cannabis in various separate smuggling operations. Jurors heard how the gang concealed drugs in consignments of strong-smelling foodstuffs such as onions, garlic and ginger. “The stench of criminality is overpowering,” prosecutor Andrew Thomas told them as he opened the case. The ringleader, Paul Green, 59, was jailed for 32 years after also being convicted of fraud by false representation. Two other offenders from the 18 received sentences of 18 and 20 years respectively after being extradited from the Netherlands. The gang used encrypted communications, faked documents, changed their names by official means and acquired live and defunct businesses to disguise their drugs imports. The network smuggled drugs from Belgium and the Netherlands, renting warehouses across northern England to store them. Joint UK-Dutch operations led to the seizure of 450 kilogrammes of cocaine and heroin and two tonnes of cannabis in three seizures at ports in eastern England and in the Netherlands. “It was only the dedication, persistence and professionalism of the National Crime Agency working in conjunction with their Dutch counterparts that the scale and complexity of your operation was unmasked,” judge Paul Lawton told the offenders. “The harm caused beyond the importation is incalculable,” he added, noting they “facilitated the distribution of drugs by organised crime groups the length and breadth of the country”.;-0,075
Bill to address facility repairs, equipment procurement for DOC moves to legislative sessionThe Guam Department of Corrections is one step closer to receiving funding for critical facility repairs and equipment procurement. During the Committee on Rules meeting last Nov. 22, 2024, Democrat Sen. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas successfully moved Bill No. 368-37 onto the December legislative session agenda. The measure aims to reallocate funds for facility maintenance and repair, as well as the procurement of critical equipment for the Adult Correctional Facility and the Hagåtña Detention Facility. “We must act immediately to address the hazardous conditions at DOC,” said San Nicolas. “Funding critical repairs and procuring necessary equipment are essential to ensuring the safety of the DOC staff, inmates, and the public.” Bill 368-37 would amend DOC’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget allocation under Public Law 37-125 and reallocate $5 million initially earmarked for the construction of a new DOC facility to also fund much-needed repairs, maintenance, equipment, and security upgrades at both ACF and HDF. San Nicolas believes Bill 368-37 will allow DOC the flexibility to do immediate repairs while continuing preparations for a new correctional facility. “We need to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone at DOC,” San Nicolas stated. “I’m glad my colleagues agreed to hear Bill 368 on the floor in the upcoming December session. I hope to gain their support once again in passing this legislation, preventing further deterioration of DOC’s facilities, and upholding the integrity of our correctional system.” (PR);0,25
Judge tosses Justin Baldoni’s $661.4m lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against movie stars Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, as well as his lawsuit against the New York Times , has been tossed out by a judge, in a shocking legal twist. Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to dismiss the US$400 ($661.4m) million lawsuit filed;0
Funk-rock pioneer Sly Stone dead at 82Funk master and innovator Sly Stone, whose music drove a civil rights-inflected soul explosion in the 1960s, sparking influential albums but also a slide into drug addiction, has died, his family said Monday. He was 82. The multi-instrumentalist frontman for Sly and the Family Stone – rock’s first racially integrated,;0,175
Auckland circus theatre company rebuilds following devastating Penrose equipment loss An Auckland circus theatre company which lost everything in a warehouse fire in Penrose is in despair following an “immense loss”. The Dust Palace lost its entire collection of stored props, costumes, aerial equipment, and staging materials when a blaze burned down the storage yard on;0
"How and when to call in sick to workEvery workplace will have a policy outlining how and when to communicate that you're taking sick leave. Photo / 123rf By Jogai Bhatt of RNZ Feel guilty taking sick leave? Don’t – soldiering on is so pre-pandemic. Workplace attitudes are slowly shifting when it comes to being sick at work; where a tickle in the throat might’ve previously been a non-issue, more and more employees are";0,05
The gyms where the Prime Minister’s disgraced former press secretary took photos of women working out have been revealed.Michael Forbes, who had recently been promoted to Christopher Luxon’s deputy chief press secretary after working for Minister Louise Upston, was the subject of a 2024 investigation Les Mills identified as the gyms where Michael Forbes took photos of women;0
Mothers report worse mental health in new reportMore American mothers reported worse mental health in 2023 than in 2016 in a national survey, though many said they were in good health, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, researchers analysed self-reported mental health ratings from some 198,000;0
Rotorua house fire: Man charged with arson after house gutted Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to a fire that gutted a home in Rotorua. Emergency services were called to “well-involved fire” at a Fenruss St address in Fairy Springs in the early hours of June 5. Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire was considered Those living in neighbouring properties were made to leave as the fire took hold.;0
Australian reporter hit by nonlethal round during LA protests against Trump policiesNine’s Lauren Tomasi was reporting from Los Angeles, where law enforcement and the US National Guard have been facing off with thousands protesting Donald Trump’s mass deportations. Tomasi, microphone in hand, had just finished giving an update to camera when an officer standing behind her raised his firearm and fired;0,15
Okinawa explosion at US base injures four Japanese SDF membersAn explosion injured four men at a Japanese facility for storing unexploded bombs at a US air base in Okinawa on Monday, a fire official said, with their condition reportedly not critical.Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF) members at the facility at Kadena Air Base were trying to wipe rust off;0
Democrats divided on trans athletes in women’s sports amid GOP pressureProminent Democrats are pushing their party to rethink its approach to transgender issues, particularly when it comes to women’s sports. At times they have warned that the party has fallen out of step with the United States public and it needs to recalibrate for future elections. Some elected officials;0,325
Solomon Islands and San Marino Establish Diplomatic Relations Solomon Islands and San Marino Establish Diplomatic Relations The signing of the agreement marks a new chapter of friendship, cooperation, and shared commitment to multilateralism and mutual respect. Source: MFAET Share Wednesday, 09 April 2025 10:36 AM The Agreement to establish diplomatic relations was signed by Her Excellency Mrs. Jane Waetara, Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, and His Excellency Damiano Beleffi, Permanent Representative of San Marino to the United Nations. The Agreement highlights a commitment of the two nations to promote friendly relations and cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Both Ambassador’s acknowledged the establishment of diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and San Marino sets a solid foundation to facilitate dialogue, advance cooperation and engagement between the countries. Discussions also touched on San Marino and Solomon Islands shared mutual values, and respect for the international rules-based order and value multilateralism. As small states both countries also share some similarities and can explore opportunities for collaboration, building on existing engagements at United Nations and other international organizations/ agencies. Source: Press Release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Related News Economy Share What do you think? Any Comments? Comment here or write your own Letter to the Editor . Disclaimer: Solomon Times Online may edit or delete your comment and cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published or remain online. The comments expressed on these page are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Solomon Times Online.;0
Infrastructure Ministry Urges Public to Protect Road Reserves There has been an increase of unauthorized encroachments on these road reserves, that includes betel nut stalls, fences, house extensions, and other structures that obstruct roadways and drainage systems. Source: HCC Share Wednesday, 09 April 2025 09:54 AM The Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) is urging property owners and communities in Honiara and the provinces to stop building on designated road reserves. These encroachments—such as betel nut stalls, fences, and house extensions—are obstructing roadworks and posing serious challenges to road safety and infrastructure development. Road reserves are essential public zones set aside for future infrastructure upgrades, including road widening, bus stops, and the installation or maintenance of utility services such as electricity, water, sewage, and communication lines. These reserves play a vital role in improving connectivity and transportation efficiency across our urban and rural communities. However, the Ministry has observed increasing instances of unauthorized encroachments on these road reserves. Such encroachments hinder the ability of road construction teams to carry out critical maintenance and expansion work, delaying progress and compromising safety. In response, MID, in collaboration with the Lands Division and the Honiara City Council, is taking coordinated action to resolve these issues while ensuring property owners’ legal rights are respected. “We are working closely with our stakeholders to address this issue in a fair and lawful manner,” MID stated. “At the same time, we urge all property owners to respect the purpose of road reserves and refrain from building or placing any structures within them. These areas are vital for public infrastructure development, and their protection is a shared responsibility.” The Ministry also references the Honiara Local Planning Scheme 2015, which outlines development guidelines within the city, including provisions for road reserves, particularly along secondary roads that connect to local communities and areas within Guadalcanal Province’s jurisdiction. The Road Transport Act further provides regulations governing road zoning and reserves. In Honiara, the legally mandated road reserve for primary roads is 30 metres in width. Additionally, work is underway to develop a Roads and Bridges Policy, which will clearly define standards for secondary roads such as feeder roads and provincially gazetted roads. A stand-alone drainage bill is also being drafted to support these efforts, and it is expected to complement the forthcoming National Building Code Bill, due to be tabled in Parliament this year. As urbanization accelerates in Honiara, so too do the challenges of managing limited space, infrastructure demands, and individual property rights. The Ministry urges residents to be mindful of the need to strike a balance between personal development and the broader public good. MID calls on all residents to support construction teams and infrastructure development efforts by respecting road reserve boundaries and avoiding activities that may obstruct public works. Together, we can ensure safer, more efficient roads and a better future for all road users. Source: Press Release, Ministry of Infrastructure and Development;0,05
USP Signs Partnership Agreement to Foster Sustainable Agricultural Research The University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) signed a partnership agreement at the Australian High Commission in Suva this week in a significant step towards fostering innovation and sustainable agricultural research in the Pacific. Through its Pacific Agricultural Scholarship Support (PASS) programme, ACIAR provides scholarships and support to postgraduate students in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at USP. The new Partnering Arrangement allows for flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the region, ensuring that the partnership continues to thrive and deliver impactful results. ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasising the principles of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. “ACIAR's new ten-year strategic plan emphasises the importance of leadership from local partners. This Partnering Arrangement reflects our commitment to supporting USP and FNU in taking on more leadership roles within the programme,” she said. “The Partnering Arrangement is a testament to the strong and healthy working relationships that have been built over the years between our organisations. It is designed to serve as a management tool for our relationships, ensuring the successful delivery of the Pacific Agricultural Scholarship and Support Program (PASS).” USP’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Education), Professor Jito Vanualailai expressed the institution’s appreciation for ACIAR’s collaboration over the years. “With the support of this partnership, USP will continue to grow, develop, and produce quality graduates for the region, addressing pertinent issues such as climate change and post-harvest management,” he stated. The agreement, which has been in discussion for over a year, outlines a framework for cooperation in agricultural research, capacity-building, and regional development. With a shared vision for regional development, USP and ACIAR look forward to advancing impactful agricultural research and education for the Pacific’s future. The Pacific Agricultural Scholarship Support (PASS) Partnering Arrangement was signed by ACIAR, USP and the Fiji National University (FNU). Source: Press Release, USP;0,2
"Conference of Pacific Education Ministers Concludes The second Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM 2025) concluded last week in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea under the theme Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific. The University of the South Pacific (USP) co-hosted the event alongside PNG via the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF). The high-level conference brought together Education Ministers from the Pacific, senior government officials, educators, development partners, civil society organisations, and policymakers to address key education priorities within the Pacific toward the goals of PacREF and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Co-host and Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Pal Ahluwalia commended the renewed commitment to transforming Pacific education that was highlighted at the meeting. “I am particularly proud of the collaborative spirit and the concrete steps outlined in the Port Moresby Declaration,” he stated. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Education Ministers from across our Blue Pacific for their insightful contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing education in our region.” “The focus on teacher support, indigenous knowledge preservation, and leveraging technology responsibly, while safeguarding Pacific cultures, demonstrates a shared vision for a brighter future for our region's learners.” “USP is fully committed to supporting the implementation of the Declaration's key recommendations and looks forward to continued partnership with regional stakeholders to achieve these ambitious goals."" The Port Moresby Declaration on Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific highlighted key priorities that included enhancing teacher quality and wellbeing, promoting indigenous knowledge and culture, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ICT in education. Inclusive education, support for children with special needs, and the importance of early childhood education were focus areas discussed by the Education Ministers. The conference advocated for vocational training models and stressed the intersection between education and health. The Education Ministers also agreed to present the outcomes of CPEM 2025 at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting to be held in September 2025, in the Solomon Islands.";0,1
Stronger Fisheries Governance Discussed at Honiara Summit Pacific Leaders highlighted the need for collective action to implement sustainable fisheries policies, improve stock management, and ensure food security for Pacific communities. Source: MFAET Share Thursday, 27 February 2025 09:57 AM The second day of the Honiara Summit discussions centred on strengthening regional cooperation, advancing scientific research, and improving monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The day began with a session coordinated by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), focusing on the Pacific Islands' response to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4, which aims to end overfishing. Leaders highlighted the need for collective action to implement sustainable fisheries policies, improve stock management, and ensure food security for Pacific communities. They emphasized that strong regional cooperation is essential in tackling shared challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and external fishing pressures. Scientific research took centre stage in a session led by the Pacific Community (SPC), which explored how data and technological advancements can support fisheries sustainability. Experts presented findings on stock assessments, habitat monitoring, and the role of science in shaping fisheries management policies. The session reinforced the importance of evidence-based decision-making in protecting marine resources and sustaining the region’s fisheries-dependent economies. During the lunch break, two side events were held to address specific fisheries-related issues. The first, focusing on sustainable fisheries development initiatives, showcased innovative approaches to improving fisheries management and increasing economic benefits for Pacific nations. The second, coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and SPC, examined the contribution of fisheries to Pacific economies, highlighting their role in employment, trade, and national revenue. In the afternoon, discussions shifted to enhancing MCS efforts to strengthen fisheries governance. A session coordinated by the FFA explored emerging surveillance technologies and strategies to improve enforcement. Panelists examined the challenges of monitoring shared fish stocks and enforcing regulations in areas beyond national jurisdiction. They also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in developing stronger MCS frameworks to prevent IUU fishing. The final session of the day, led by SPC, focused on coastal fisheries sustainability and management actions. Experts discussed strategies for supporting community-based fisheries management, improving conservation efforts, and ensuring that coastal communities can continue to rely on marine resources for their livelihoods. The session highlighted successful case studies of sustainable coastal fisheries management in the Pacific. The second day of the summit reinforced the Pacific region’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management. With a strong emphasis on science, cooperation, and enforcement, leaders and experts reaffirmed their dedication to protecting fisheries resources for future generations while maximizing their economic and social benefits. Source: Press Release, Solomon Islands Government Related News Regional Share What do you think? Any Comments? Comment here or write your own Letter to the Editor . Disclaimer: Solomon Times Online may edit or delete your comment and cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published or remain online. The comments expressed on these page are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Solomon Times Online.;0,25
"A Driving Force for Change in Vanuatu’s Rural Community A Driving Force for Change in Vanuatu’s Rural Community Through the training with the Market for Change project, Ms. Andicar has expanded her network and knowledge, and continues to support rural women in her community to participate in further training that will boost their confidence and business. Source: UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Share Tuesday, 31 October 2023 07:42 AM In the quiet village of Vunaspef on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, Elvina Andicar is making a significant impact to the lives of women in her local communities. She is not just a member of the community; she is the driving force behind its economic empowerment and development. Andicar wears many hats: she's a customary landowner of the Millennium Cave, a popular tourist spot for those visiting Espiritu Santo. She is also a member of the Northern Islands Market Vendors Association (NIMVA), and currently holds the position of Vice Treasurer, a role she came to play this year. She is part of the committee that looks after the affairs of the market vendors of the Nambauk area and she coordinates training sessions held within local communities, ensuring arrangements are made for sourcing venues, catering and participants. Her journey to success wasn't always smooth. In 2016, her husband passed away, and she was left with the burden of looking after her three children that were all in primary school, as well as her sister’s two children who were in high school. Given her situation, she had to be resilient and tried her best to use whatever resources she had to plant vegetables and crops to sell at the Luganville Market. “It was hard for me but I know women are capable of anything if we put our mind to it,” she said. Looking back now, she does not regret the challenges and hardships she went through, with these making her stronger and wiser following the tough decisions and choices made regarding her family. Andicar also participated in the value addition training offered through the Markets for Change (M4C) project. The training enabled her and a group of women to gather as a group and produce items to be sold at the Luganville Market across the local community. Through this training with the M4C project, she has expanded her network and knowledge, and continues to support rural women in her community to participate in further training that will boost their confidence and business. Prior to the M4C Project support, Andicar had no experience in running a business or even making use of the wastage from the market produce. She didn't save money, nor did she have a bank account or any form of record keeping. Andicar did not have any other income stream or side business to help her during rainy days. She depended only on farm produce and the selling of her goods at Luganville Market, sometimes helping out on the tourism business that is managed by her extended family. The M4C project contributed towards her self-development and saw a significant number of barriers removed in terms of her gaining confidence in making a successful business out of what she was doing. She expressed her gratitude, saying, ""I'd like to thank UNDP for allowing me to participate in most trainings, including the recent Market Business Fair, as I am able to collect information that I can share with other women who were unable to attend."" The Market Business Fair encouraged vendors to connect with experts and resources, ask questions, and network with other vendors. Andicar played a crucial role by interpreting the sessions into the local dialect and encouraging the women to attend organized trainings on business management, marketing, and customer service to develop their market businesses. She ensured that all the women could benefit from these valuable learnings. In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the M4C project directly contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10 on Reducing Inequalities, and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. M4C is a flagship project that aims to ensure equality and economic empowerment for all, including men, women, youth, people with disabilities, and marginalized minority groups. The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the governments of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Together, they are making a real difference in the lives of women like Elvina Andicar, an inspiration to women in her community and beyond; a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and access to the right resources. Source: Press Release, M4C project, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji";0,45
Rabuka Says He is More Comfortable Dealing with Traditional Friends “We’re more comfortable dealing with traditional friends, that we have similar systems of government, that our democracies are the same brand of democracy, coming out of the Westminster system,” Rabuka told reporters. Fiji’s prime minister said Wednesday on a visit to Australia’s capital that his government was “more comfortable dealing with traditional friends” such as Australia as China pursues closer security ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia’s Anthony Albanese met during the Fijian’s first state visit to Australia since he most recently came to power in December last year. The 75-year-old former army colonel and coup leader had previously been Fiji’s prime minister from 1992 until 1999. Rabuka sided with Australia in what he described as the “rivalry” and “one-upmanship“ between the United States and China. “We’re more comfortable dealing with traditional friends, that we have similar systems of government, that our democracies are the same brand of democracy, coming out of the Westminster system,” Rabuka told reporters. “Our justice system, our policing system -- we’re more comfortable with friends that we have had over a longer period,” Rabuka added. But Rabuka cautioned against countries appearing to be aggressive toward friends and neighbors with whom they had cordial relations. The two leaders announced several developments in their bilateral relationship including an elevation of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, a 2019 agreement on closer cooperation, consultation and friendship. Australia agreed to sell Fiji 14 Australian-built Bushmaster armored military vehicles and to reach an agreement on cybersecurity cooperation. Albanese said Australia would provide Fiji with more financial support to help economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic devastated the country’s tourism industry. Rabuka said Fiji’s tourist numbers and tourism income had rebounded to pre-COVID levels, with Australia the largest source of visitors. Australia and the United States have stepped up their engagement with the region since last year when China struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands that raised concerns of a Chinese naval base being established in the South Pacific. China has also proposed a region-wide security and economic deal with Pacific Island nations but several countries have resisted. Rabuka said he had been “honored” when Albanese phoned him in March to say that Australia, the United States and Britain would announce in San Diego the following day an agreement on nuclear-powered submarines. Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia will buy three Virginia-class submarines from the United States and build five new AUKUS-class submarines in cooperation with Britain in response to China’s growing influence. Rabuka said Albanese had called to alert him of the deal “because we’re family.” But during a discussion on the AUKUS deal on Tuesday, Rabuka stopped short of endorsing the increased military cooperation. “I was not part of the planning. I’m in no position to try to stop it. This is a tripartite strategic project,” Rabuka said. “All I can do is hope that this project will assist the concept of the zone of peace in the Pacific,” he said. Rabuka plans to ask that the 18-nation Pacific Islands Forum endorse his zone of peace proposal at a meeting in the Cook Islands in November. The proposal could include nations refraining from actions that jeopardize regional order and stability while respecting neighbors’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.;-0,075
"A Blue Pacific rules-based order: “Our home, our rules” Ongoing wars and conflict around the world expose how international law and norms can be co-opted. With the US pulling out again from the Paris Climate Agreement, and other international commitments, this volatility is magnified. And with the intensifying US-China rivalry in the Pacific posing the real risk of a new “arms race”, the picture becomes unmistakable: the international global order is rapidly shifting and eroding, and the stability of the multilateral system is increasingly at risk. In this turbulent landscape, the Pacific must move beyond mere narratives such as the “Blue Pacific” and take bold steps toward establishing a set of rules that govern and protect the Blue Pacific Continent against outside forces. If not, the region risks being submerged by rising geopolitical tides, the existential threat of climate change and external power projections. For years, the US and its allies have framed the Pacific within the “Indo-Pacific” strategic construct -- primarily aimed at maintaining US primacy and containing a rising and more ambitious China. This frame shapes how nations in alignment with the US have chosen to interpret and apply the rules-based order. On the other side, while China has touted its support for a ""rules-based international order"", it has sought to reshape that system to reflect its own interests and its aspirations for a multipolar world, as seen in recent years through international organisations and institutions. In addition, the Taiwan issue has framed how China sets its rules of engagement with Pacific nations -- a diplomatic redline that has created tension among Pacific nations, contradicting their long-held “friends to all, enemies to none” foreign policy preference, as evidenced by recent diplomatic controversies at regional meetings. For Pacific nations these framings are confusing and divisive -- they all sound the same but underneath the surface are contradictory values and foreign policy positions. For centuries, external powers have framed the Pacific in ways that advance their strategic interests. Today, the Pacific faces similar challenges, as superpowers compete for influence -- securitising and militarising the region according to their ambitions through a host of bilateral agreements. This frame does not always prioritise Pacific concerns. Rather it portrays the Pacific as a theatre for the “great game” -- a theatre which subsequently determines how the Pacific is ordered, through particular value-sets, processes, institutions and agreements that are put in place by the key actors in this so-called game. But the Pacific has its own story to tell, rooted in its “lived realities” and its historical, cultural and oceanic identity. This is reflected in the Blue Pacific narrative -- a vision that unites Pacific nations through shared values and long-term goals, encapsulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Pacific has a proud history of crafting rules to protect its interests -- whether through the Rarotonga Treaty for a nuclear-free zone, leading the charge for the Paris Climate Agreement or advocating for SDG 14 on oceans. Today, the Pacific continues to pursue “rules-based” climate initiatives (such as the Pacific Resilience Facility), maritime boundaries delimitation, support for the 2021 and 2023 Forum Leaders’ Declarations on the Permanency of Maritime Boundaries and the Continuation of Statehood in the face of sea level rise, climate litigation through the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and a host of other rules-based regional environmental, economic and social initiatives. However, these efforts often exist in isolation, lacking a cohesive framework to bring them all together, and to maximize their strategic impact and leverage. Now must be the time to build on these successes and create an integrated, long-term, visionary, Pacific-centric ""rules-based order"". This could start by looking to consolidate existing Pacific rules: exploring opportunities to take forward the rules through concepts like the Ocean of Peace currently being developed by the Pacific Islands Forum, and expanding subsequently to include something like a ""code of conduct"" for how Pacific nations should interact with one another and with outside powers. This would enable them to respond more effectively and operate as a united bloc, in contrast to the bilateral approach preferred by many partners. Over time this rules-based approach could be expanded to include other areas -- such as the ongoing protection and preservation of the ocean, inclusive of deep-sea mining; the maintenance of regional peace and security, including in relation to the peaceful resolution of conflict and demilitarisation; and movement towards greater economic, labour and trade integration. Such an order would not only provide stability within the Pacific but also contribute to shaping global norms. It would serve as a counterbalance to external strategic frames that look to define the rules that ought to be applied in the Pacific, while asserting the position of the Pacific nations in global conversations. This is not about diminishing Pacific sovereignty but about enhancing it -- ensuring that the region’s interests are safeguarded amid the geopolitical manoeuvring of external powers, and the growing wariness in and of US foreign policy. The Pacific’s geopolitical challenges are mounting, driven by climate change, shifting global power dynamics and rising tensions between superpowers. But a collective, rules-based approach offers a pathway forward. By building on existing frameworks and creating a cohesive set of standards, the Pacific can assert its autonomy, protect its environment and ensure a stable future in an increasingly uncertain world. The time to act is now, as Pacific nations are increasingly being courted, and before it is too late. This implies though that Pacific nations have honest discussions with each other, and with Australia and New Zealand, about their differences and about the existing challenges to Pacific regionalism and how it can be strengthened. By integrating regional arrangements and agreements into a more comprehensive framework, Pacific nations can strengthen their collective bargaining power on the global stage -- while in the long-term putting in place rules that would over time become a critical part of customary international law. Importantly, this rules-based approach must be guided by Pacific values, ensuring that the region's unique cultural, environmental and strategic interests are preserved for future generations. This article was written in close consultation with Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University. Watch the authors discussing this topic at an ANU Department of Pacific Affairs seminar on 5 March 2025. This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University.";0,375
Beyond the Edge, My First Journey to the Most Remote Island in Solomon: Tikopia After several years working with the Small Grants Programme funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and administered by UNDP, I thought I had a good sense of what “remote” meant in the Solomon Islands. I’ve been to the Reef Islands in Temotu Province before, and coming from a community in the Western Province myself, I know what it’s like to live far from Honiara or any major urban center. But nothing prepared me for Tikopia. Tikopia isn’t just remote. It’s another world. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Solomon Islands, this tiny volcanic island—just 5 square kilometers—is a green jewel surrounded by endless blue. Home to around 1,200 people of Polynesian descent, Tikopia is steeped in tradition, culture, and community governance that has withstood the tests of time and climate. When I first heard about the St Luke Community Faea Water Project, I was excited. After more than 20 years of hardship, five communities—four in the Faea District and one in Ravenga—were finally getting back access to clean, sustainable water through a network of dams and 31 standpipes. That’s 576 people now drinking, cooking, and washing with clean water, right at their doorsteps. It is a milestone achievement. And I have been eager to witness it. But getting there was no easy feat. The Journey: Crossing into the Unknown The most common way to reach Tikopia is by ship. However, our team took the less common—and riskier—modality: by boat. As we left Lata, the provincial capital of Temotu Province, the feeling was quite different from any of my previous trips within Solomon Islands. It was as though we were traveling to a place beyond the edge of the known world, crossing vast stretches of ocean where we were just us, a compass, offline GPS maps, and a lot of trust in the sea. Hours passed, and the ocean seemed endless. Even with my experience traveling across different provinces in Solomon Islands, this journey was something else entirely. It reminded me how isolated some parts of our country truly are, and how service delivery—something we take for granted on urban centers — is a challenge many communities live without for years, even decades. Tradition First: A Visit to the Chiefs Upon arrival, our first obligation was to observe traditional protocol. Tikopia is governed by four chiefs, and visiting each of them is not just a matter of respect—it’s a vital part of connecting with the community. What struck me most was entering the chief’s thatched hut, designed with a tiny doorway that requires you to crawl on your knees. It’s humbling, purposeful, and symbolic—a physical reminder of the required humility in the presence of leadership. These structures aren’t just ceremonial. They’re built with a deep understanding of the local climate. Designed to withstand fierce cyclones, they are a perfect example of traditional knowledge shaping resilient living environments long before the term “climate adaptation” entered our vocabulary. Water Is Life—And Now, It’s Within Reach The highlight of my visit was seeing firsthand the impact of the St Luke Community Faea Water Project. For years, families had relied on rainwater tanks and a decaying 1980s-era water system that had dwindled to a single, usually dry standpipe. During droughts, mothers and children walked long distances, sometimes carrying water in containers for hours. Now, with two newly constructed dams and a network of standpipes throughout the five villages, water is at their fingertips. I spoke with Mr. Pae Seivaea, the Chairman of the St Luke Community, who told me, “This project has relieved one of our longest-standing burdens.” The joy and pride on his face said it all. For the first time in decades, the community no longer has to choose between collecting water or going hungry from time spent away from their gardens. Masi and the Spirit of Resilience But water is not the only challenge, Tikopia’s resilience runs deep, also in their food systems. Another fascinating aspect of Tikopia's resilience is the traditional food preservation of a local delicacy known as masi. This fermented cassava pudding is stored in underground pits and is a critical food source, especially during times when the island's food gardens are destroyed by cyclones or droughts. This knowledge of food conservation is not merely a cultural practice but a food preservation method in an island where scaricity is common. In a place so isolated from the rest of the world, where the next shipment may not arrive for weeks or even months, these traditional methods of storing food ensure that the islanders can endure harsh times when their regular sources of sustenance are wiped out by natural disasters. This ability to plan and store food long-term, using natural methods, reflects generations of wisdom and survival instinct. Reflecting on Resilience and Community As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with awe and admiration for the Polynesian people of Tikopia, whose resilience is evident in every aspect of their lives. They have withstood cyclones, droughts, and the limitations of living in such isolation, adapting to the challenges they face with grace and ingenuity. Their ability to make the most of their resources, preserve their traditions, and live in harmony with nature is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. The Tikopia people embody the essence of resilience. They have faced hardships that many of us can hardly imagine and have found ways not only to survive but to thrive in a world that offers few external resources. Their strength, unity, and resourcefulness are an inspiration, and I leave the island with a deep sense of respect and admiration for their way of life. A Hope for Connection As I bid farewell to Tikopia, I can’t help but wish for better connectivity for the island. While the isolation of Tikopia has preserved its unique culture and way of life, improved access to resources—such as regular shipping services and more reliable communication with the outside world—would help the islanders navigate the challenges they face more easily without erasing the beauty of their traditions. This project has shown what’s possible when communities lead and development partners listen and support. The people of Tikopia earned every drop of that clean water through their patience and resilience. It was the first time the Small Grants Project support an initiative in Tikopia. But hopefully it won´t be the last. Because in Tikopia´s quiet strength, I saw not just resilience—I saw hope.;0,275
46 Years of Democracy for the People, by the People of Solomon Islands As UNDP, we work hand in hand with the Solomon Islands Government, the integrity institutions and civil society, as well as international partners, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Source: Morina Rapasia (Facebook) By Dr. Raluca Eddon Share Tuesday, 17 September 2024 13:05 PM Today, as we commemorate the International Day of Democracy, Solomon Islands has elected to dedicate the celebration of its 46 years of democracy to the theme 'Democracy for the people, by the people.' As the current Resident Representative of UNDP in Solomon Islands, I am honored to reflect on the democratic journey of the Hapi Isles and UNDP's contribution. In this capacity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Solomon Islanders and to the institutions that have been instrumental in making this celebration possible: the Political Parties Commission, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, Transparency Solomon Islands and the National Parliament. At the root of Democracy, as the Greeks understood it, are two words: Demos and Kratos, which mean ‘people’ and ‘strength or rule’ – echoing this year´s theme. Combined, these two words came together to give birth to a revolutionary idea that has inspired many generations since – the idea that the fate of a nation lies in its own hands. And so it is in Solomon Islands today: GNUT - the Government for National Unity and Transformation, has set for itself an ambitious mission indeed: to unite and transform the nation. At UNDP, our role in supporting the democratic vision of unity and transformation is deeply ingrained in our mandate. We believe that democratic institutions can serve as the foundation for peace, prosperity, equality, and inclusion. Throughout our work, we emphasize that these institutions, when functioning well, give a voice to the people and their aspirations. Our partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands and the key integrity institutions here today reflects our commitment to the democratic process. Projects like the Strengthening the Electoral Cycle of Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP), the Provincial Governments and Service Delivery Project, and the Strengthening Parliamentary Development in Solomon Islands Project offer support to your vision of strengthening democracy for the people, by the people. A highlight of this year's democratic journey was the successful 17th April Elections, supported by SECSIP, a UNDP flagship that has been engaged in strengthening the democratic process since 2013. Now in its third phase, SECSIP provides technical assistance, logistical support, and enhances the capacity of electoral bodies. The Solomon Islands Electoral Operations Centre, inaugurated last year, stands as a testament to these ongoing efforts. We have further engaged with legal experts, community leaders, and civil society across all provinces to support the Government in building consensus on improving the legal electoral - notably through the Provincial Government (Amendment) Act, the Provincial Assemblies and Honiara City Councils Act and the Electoral (Amendment) Act - to facilitate this year´s Joint Election. We have furthered partnered with women’s organizations, including the National and Provincial Councils of Women, and helped establish the Solomon Islands Outstanding Women Network. The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy (2022-2024), ratified last year, is a milestone in amplifying women’s voices and enhancing their participation in democratic processes. At provincial level, through the Provincial Governments and Service Delivery project, we support the Government in strengthening decentralization, emphasizing the importance of partnerships at provincial level, while mainstreaming gender to ensure equal opportunities in accessing services and participating in decision-making processes, as well as leveraging technology and innovative approaches. Working together, we hope to improve governance, service delivery, climate resilience, and citizen engagement within the provinces with the final objective of a more inclusive and resilient society. Finally, following the elections, we worked alongside Parliament to support the induction of the 12th Parliament’s 50 members—both new and returning MPs. This week-long program focused on topics such as the separation of powers, parliamentary roles, engagement with marginalized groups like women and youth, and media relations, ensuring that MPs are well-equipped to uphold democratic values throughout their term. As UNDP, we work hand in hand with the Solomon Islands Government, the integrity institutions and civil society, as well as international partners, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. In closing, I would like to extend our gratitude to these partners for their continued trust and collaboration, and to the Government of Solomon Islands for relying on UNDP to contribute to these meaningful endeavors. Together, we will continue to shape a future that truly gives voice to a vison of unity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for the people, by the people. Dr. Raluca Eddon serves as Deputy Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme Solomon Islands Office in Honiara.;0,4375
Trump’s tumble on Air Force One goes viralPublished : 9 June 2025 01:04 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark A A A NDTV - Trump Latest | Trump Tumbles On Air Force One Goes Viral, Internet Compares It To Joe Biden's Fall US President Donald Trump stumbled on the stairs of Air Force One on Sunday (Jun 8) ahead of departure from Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey. Trump was heading to Camp David. The tumble has left the internet in stitches, with some comparing it to the incident when ex-president Joe Biden suffered a similar fate. Not just Mr Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stumbled as he boarded Air Force One.;0
"Pakistani people criticise Munir; Fear further damage to democracy after his promotionA billboard in New York’s Times Square mocked Munir calling him 'Fraud Marshal' and 'Liar'.  “A loser in military confrontation against India, Asim Munir has been promoted for toppling the Country's Govt & for nailing democracy into the grave! A mirror of corrupt Pak Army!” said a Pakistani national named Nighat Abbas.   Another Pakistani national Zaheer Rather said the billboard embarrassed Pakistan. “Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir exposed as nothing but a “Fraud Marshal” — trolled mercilessly in one of the world’s busiest markets. A reflection of the global contempt for Pak’s failed & corrupt Army leadership!” he said. After Munir was given an extension in 2024, many had expressed contempt and concern, fearing a more severe military crackdown. Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, said the tenure extension would prolong the military iron grip. “The consequences will be the continuation of Gen. Munir's damaging policies resulting in more polarisation, instability and violence, less freedom, even more brain drain, and a weak economy,” Khalilzad said. Questioning the decision to promote Munir, a Pakistani national named Abdullah Salman asked “Is this a formal declaration of dictatorship, Pakistan's democracy just got a little more fragile today.  Taking a dig at Munir, activist and senior journalist Haider Mehdi said the Pakistani Army was cancer that corroded democracy, destroyed national trust and subverted the people’s will. “The path to salvation begins by removing the primary obstruction: General Asim Munir. The second: the institutionalised abuse and political misuse of the Pakistan Army’s power,” he said. Salman Ahmad, a New York-based development activist of Pakistani origin, equated Munir and the military with a mafia cartel. “His emboldened stance post-Pahalgam, where his inflammatory rhetoric fuelled violence, shows a general who thrives on chaos, using it to justify his crackdown while Pakistan teeters on the brink. His mercenary machine, cloaked in military honour, mocks the ideals of democracy and fairness,” Ahmed said. Many Pakistanis slammed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the Field Marshal elevation just to ensure military support and stabilise his government.  “In a real democracy, the media covers elected leaders. In Pakistan, corrupt puppets and boot lickers like Shehbaz Sharif are handpicked by Gen. Asim Munir, who now floods the media to promote himself like a self-proclaimed king. Shameless idiots,” said Irha Khan, a media personality.  Even former Prime Minister Imran Khan had termed Munir’s elevation a “massacre of democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of the people.” Supporters of Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been expressing their opposition to Munir on different media platforms. Neither the ruling political parties nor the judiciary of Pakistan has had the guts to hold Munir or the Army accountable, said Ayesha Siddiqa, a Senior Fellow at the Department of War Studies at London-based King’s College. “Munir has already outlined his vision for the state: a “hard state”, hellbent on crushing dissent, refusing dialogue with those that appear belligerent, and upholding the national ideology through military means,” Siddiqa said. The latest military conflict with India has helped Munir make his grip on power stronger, said  Michael Kugelman, director of the Washington-based South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre. “Munir has now emerged as one of the biggest winners of the latest India-Pakistan conflict,” he said. “The uncompromising Munir—emboldened by the military’s change of fortune—will likely take it as carte blanche to double down on the repressive policies that have generated hostility, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” Washington-based security analyst Sahar Khan said the increasing Munir and his military’s power would be “damaging to Pakistan’s already damaged democratic credentials.”  Some political leaders and activists opposed the decision to strengthen Munir, which they said would kill democracy. PTI supporter Jehanzeb Paracha said “Until dictator Asim Munir goes, Pakistan has no chance of seeing revival of democracy, human rights, justice system, and constitution. List of his crimes is never ending.”";0,0625
"Trump deploys National Guard as Los Angeles protests against immigration agents continuePresident Donald Trump's administration said it would deploy 2,000 National Guard troops on Saturday as federal agents in Los Angeles faced off against a few hundred demonstrators during a second day of protests following immigration raids.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the Pentagon was prepared to mobilize active-duty troops ""if violence continues"" in Los Angeles, saying the Marines at nearby Camp Pendleton were ""on high alert.""Federal security agents on Saturday confronted protesters in the Paramount area in southeast Los Angeles, where some demonstrators displayed Mexican flags.A second protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night attracted some 60 people, who chanted slogans including ""ICE out of L.A.!""Trump signed a presidential memorandum to deploy the National Guard troops to ""address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,"" the White House said in a statement.Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, told Fox News that the National Guard would be deployed in Los Angeles on Saturday.California Governor Gavin Newsom called the decision ""purposefully inflammatory.""He posted on X that Trump was deploying the National Guard ""not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,"" adding: ""Don't give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.""Newsom said it was ""deranged behavior"" for Hegseth to be ""threatening to deploy active-duty Marines on American soil against its own citizens.""Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass can't do their jobs ""then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!""The protests pit Democratic-run Los Angeles, where census data suggests a significant portion of the population is Hispanic and foreign-born, against Trump's Republican White House, which has made cracking down on immigration a hallmark of his second term.""Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers, while one half of America's political leadership has decided that border enforcement is evil,"" Vice President JD Vance posted on X late on Saturday.";-0,475
"Taiwan President urges support for CGA funding amid China’s grey zone activitiesKAOHSIUNG: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Sunday urged bipartisan support for a special budget proposal aimed at enhancing the Coast Guard's emergency response capabilities amid rising tensions in Taiwan's surrounding waters. Speaking at joint exercises by the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and the Navy in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung, Lai underscored the Coast Guard's vital role in countering China's persistent grey zone activities, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. These activities involve tactics that fall short of open conflict but seek to erode Taiwan's security and sovereignty. ""The Coast Guard stands as our frontline defender, maintaining maritime law and ensuring public safety,"" Lai said, emphasising the urgency of resource investment to strengthen Taiwan's coastal defence systems. According to Central News Agency (CNA) report, the Cabinet has proposed a NT$410 billion (USD13.6 billion) special budget, with NT$150 billion allocated to national security resilience. The funding includes new marine vessels, drones, and a smart coastal monitoring system, alongside critical upgrades such as infrared night vision systems and enhanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. Lai appealed for cross-party collaboration to ensure the Coast Guard is equipped with cutting-edge technologies. ""Only with united political will can we provide our personnel with the tools they need to defend the nation,"" he said. The budget also earmarks NT$93 billion for businesses affected by US tariffs and NT$100 billion to offset Taiwan Power Co.'s losses, provisions that may face opposition in the Legislature, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. Sunday's joint drill involved four large ships, seven smaller vessels, three helicopters, and a drone. Conducted in three phases, maritime interception, helicopter rescue, and aerial flyover, it marked Taiwan's National Oceans Day, which aligns with the United Nations' World Oceans Day. According to the CNA report, the public later toured the CGA's 4,000-ton ""Yunlin"" vessel during an open house event at Kaohsiung Wharf, showcasing Taiwan's maritime strength and celebrating its commitment to ocean sustainability.";-0,2
Presidential hopeful shot in back at campaign rally in ColombiaBogota: A conservative Colombian senator, a presidential hopeful, has been shot and wounded at a campaign rally in Bogota, authorities say. Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in the back by assailants during the rally at a park in the Fontibon neighbourhood. Local media reported he was in a serious condition. Images circulating on social media show the 39-year-old covered in blood, apparently with a head wound, being held by several people. So far, no official report has been released on the senator’s condition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the “United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe”. He urged leftist President Gustavo Petro “to dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials”. “This is a direct threat to democracy and the result of the violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government,” Rubio said. Petro has condemned the attack. “Respect life, that’s the red line,” he wrote, before cancelling a planned trip to France “due to the seriousness of the events”, according to a presidential statement. The presidency also said the government “categorically and forcefully” rejected the violent attack, and Petro sympathised with the senator’s family in a message on X, saying, “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a homeland.” Uribe Turbay, who is running for the presidency in 2026, is from a prominent family in Colombia, with links to the country’s Liberal Party. His father was a businessman and a union leader. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped in 1990 by an armed group under the command of the late cartel leader Pablo Escobar. She was killed during a rescue operation the following year. The senator’s opposition party, Democratic Centre, described the attack on Uribe Turbay as serious, and “an unacceptable act of violence”. Colombia has for decades been embroiled in a conflict between leftist rebels, criminal groups descended from right-wing paramilitaries, and the government. Police said Uribe Turbay had been accompanied by councilman Andres Barrios and 20 other people when he was shot. A minor who allegedly took part in the attack was apprehended at the scene and is being treated for a leg injury, police said. A firearm was also seized. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said authorities were investigating whether others were involved. He said he had visited the hospital where Uribe Turbay was being treated. Colombia will hold a presidential election on May 31, 2026, marking the end of the current term of Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president. Uribe Turbay announced his presidential bid in March.;-0,2375
"Trump says relationship with Musk is overUS President Donald Trump has said his relationship with Elon Musk is over. ""I would assume so, yeah,"" Trump told NBC News on Saturday, when asked if he thought the pair's close relationship had ended. He replied ""No"" when asked if he wished to mend the damaged ties. The comments were Trump's latest since the epic fallout between him and Musk unravelled on social media. It came after the tech billionaire - who donated millions to Trump's election campaign and became a White House aide - publicly criticised the president's tax and spending bill, a key domestic policy. A majority of Republicans have fallen in line behind the president. Vice-President JD Vance said that Musk had ""gone so nuclear"" and may never be welcomed back into the fold. Vance told podcaster Theo Von that it was a ""big mistake"" for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to attack the president. For weeks, Musk had been criticising Trump's signature legislation - dubbed the ""Big Beautiful Bill"" - as it made its way through Congress. He said that, if passed, the bill would add trillions of dollars to the national deficit and ""undermine"" the work he did as the head of Doge, the Department of Government Efficiency, and its efforts to cut government spending. Shortly after leaving Doge after 129 days in the job, Musk posted on his social media site X that the bill was a ""disgusting abomination"" - but did not criticise Trump directly. On Thursday, however, Trump told reporters he was ""disappointed"" with Musk's behaviour. Musk responded with a flurry of posts on X, saying that Trump would have lost the election without him and accusing Trump of being implicated in files of Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail awaiting sex trafficking charges. He has since deleted the post and Epstein's lawyer has come out denying the accusations. Trump responded on his social media platform Truth Social, saying that Musk had gone ""crazy"". In one post, he threatened to cut Musk's contracts with the federal government. In his interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said Musk had been ""disrespectful to the office of the president"". ""I think it's a very bad thing, because he's very disrespectful. You could not disrespect the office of the president,"" Trump said. Musk, the world's richest man, who donated roughly $250m to Trump's presidential campaign, suggested during the social media feud that he might back some of Trump's opponents during next year's midterm elections, throwing his support behind challengers to the lawmakers who supported Trump's tax bill. When asked about the prospect of Musk backing Democratic candidates that run against Republicans, Trump said he would face ""serious consequences"".";-0,375
"Canada invites Modi to G7 summitCanadian prime minister Mark Carney invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the upcoming Group of Seven summit in a phone call on Friday (6), as the two sides look to mend ties after relations soured in the past two years. The leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting at the G7 summit later this month, a readout from Carney's office said. India is not a G7 member but can be invited as a guest to its annual gathering, which will be held this year in Kananaskis in the Canadian province of Alberta, from June 15 to 17. ""Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister (Carney) ... thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit,"" Modi said in a post on X. Modi also stated in his post on Friday that India and Canada would work together ""with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests."" Bilateral ties deteriorated after Canada accused India of involvement in a Sikh separatist leader's murder, and of attempting to interfere in two recent elections. Canada expelled several top Indian diplomats and consular officials in October 2024 after linking them to the murder and alleged a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada. New Delhi has denied the allegations, and expelled the same number of Canadian diplomats in response. India is Canada's 10th largest trading partner and Canada is the biggest exporter of pulses, including lentils, to India. Carney, who is trying to diversify trade away from the United States, said it made sense for the G7 to invite India, since it had the fifth-largest economy in the world and was at the heart of a number of supply chains. ""In addition, bilaterally, we have now agreed, importantly, to continued law enforcement dialogue, so there's been some progress on that, that recognizes issues of accountability. I extended the invitation to prime minister Modi in that context,"" he told reporters in Ottawa. Four Indian nationals have been charged in the killing of the Sikh separatist leader.";0,025
"Resentment grows in Southeast Asia over China’s economic dominance There is a growing resentment among Southeast Asian countries over China’s aggressive economic clout. In the name of partnership and shared prosperity, Beijing has been flooding regional markets with ultra-cheap goods, creating trade imbalances, suffocating local industries, and triggering unemployment. This strategy, adopted well before the US-China trade war escalated global tensions, has now sparked a wave of economic nationalism. Countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia have begun resisting Beijing’s predatory trade practices. In Indonesia, the textile sector has actually become a frontline casualty of China’s “problem of plenty.” Due to weakened global demand and a real estate crisis, Chinese companies are now offloading surplus goods at giveaway prices, including textiles and machinery. It became evident at the recently held textile exhibition in Jakarta, where Chinese firms dominated and showcased high-end manufacturing equipment, leaving little room for local producers to shine. Indonesian manufacturers complained that waves of low-cost Chinese goods – often smuggled into the country to avoid high tariffs – were driving them to the wall even before US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement of reciprocal tariffs, including a punitive 145% tax on all Chinese goods, reported Asia Times. These aggressive tactics have had devastating consequences. More than 250,000 textile workers have been laid off in just two years, and more than 60 garment manufacturers, including Sritex—the country’s largest textile maker—have shut shop. Smuggled Chinese goods, which evade tariffs, continue to flood the market, further undercutting Indonesian producers. Now there is a growing fear that China will dump even more products into Southeast Asia. Last year, Indonesia considered tariffs as high as 200% and even blocked Chinese-heavy e-commerce platforms like Temu. Vietnam, which shares a land border with China, has been caught in a transhipment trap. While its export economy has boomed in recent years, much of this growth is tied to Chinese inputs. Chinese companies have set up several factories in Vietnam, using local labour to re-export goods to the United States under the ""Made in Vietnam"" label. This has triggered accusations of transhipment—a tactic to dodge US tariffs. US officials claimed that China uses Vietnam as a backdoor to avoid penalties, potentially dragging Hanoi into trade disputes. At the same time, Vietnam is struggling with its own flood of cheap Chinese imports. To deal with cheap Chinese imports, Vietnam has twice imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel in one year. And after Trump's latest tariffs announcement, Vietnam is reportedly set to crack down on Chinese goods being trans-shipped via its territory to the US. Despite Beijing’s charm offensive, Vietnam remains wary, especially given territorial tensions in the South China Sea. Thailand, with which China has close relations, too has suffered due to China’s dirty trade practices. The country’s trade deficit with China surged to $36.6 billion in 2023, up from $20 billion in 2020. Local manufacturers are unable to compete with the tidal wave of low-cost Chinese products. More than 100 factories in Thailand have closed every month for the last two years, according to an estimate from a Thai think tank. The rise of Chinese goods has been amplified by platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, which allow Chinese exporters to reach consumers directly, bypassing local supply chains. In order to deal with these problems, Thailand has tightened customs inspections and imposed new taxes on small-value imports under 1,500 Thai Baht ($45; £34). The government is also reviewing its participation in the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to safeguard local businesses. In Malaysia, the trade deficit with China rose from $3.1 billion in 2020 to $14.2 billion in 2023. While Malaysia has benefited from Chinese investments in ports and infrastructure, local businesses are increasingly calling for protection. It is now reviewing its anti-dumping laws and considering stricter enforcement. Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has made it clear: Malaysia will prioritize its national interest. “If the issue is about something that we feel is against our interest, then we will protect ourselves,” he stated bluntly during Xi Jinping’s recent visit. The dilemma for Malaysia, like many of its neighbours, is strategic: while it doesn’t want to choose sides in the US-China standoff, unchecked imports from China are threatening its domestic economy. Though not a Southeast Asian country, South Korea’s experience is a cautionary tale for the rest of Asia. In 2023, it recorded its first trade deficit with China in 31 years. The economic fallout has been severe: nearly 1,000 companies filed for bankruptcy in the first half of the year alone. Many analysts point to the influx of subsidized Chinese goods as a major cause. Korea’s high-tech industries, which once held a competitive edge, are now being out priced and out produced by Chinese rivals. This is pushing Seoul to reconsider its own trade and industrial strategies. Across Southeast Asia, the root of the crisis is China’s structural surplus and subsidized production. It is high time that Southeast Asian nations stop treating China's dumping as just a side effect of globalization. These countries must unite to pressurize China to stop flooding their markets with ultra-cheap goods. They must frame strict anti-dumping regulations, impose higher tariffs on key Chinese imports and demand more balanced and fair trade deals. If not confronted now, China's trade aggression will continue to undermine their domestic industries, increase dependency and leave entire sectors unemployed. The region must act collectively to protect its economic sovereignty.";-0,175
"India accelerates EU trade deal push with three high-level meetings in five weeksIndia is fast-tracking negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding three crucial meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic within just 35 days. Speaking to reporters during his two-day visit to Italy, Goyal emphasised the unprecedented pace of discussions as evidence of both sides' commitment to concluding the long-awaited trade pact. ""We have held three meetings in 35 days. It shows our shared commitment to the FTA... we are trying to do it faster,"" Goyal said Thursday, highlighting India's determination to expedite the negotiation process. The rapid-fire diplomatic engagement included meetings on May 1 and May 23 in Brussels, followed by a third round of talks that concluded June 2 in Paris. This intensive schedule reflects the urgency both sides attach to finalising the agreement. India brings significant momentum to these talks, having recently concluded similar agreements with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA)--comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland--and the United Kingdom. The current EU negotiations represent the resumption of talks that stalled for over eight years. India and the 27-member European Union bloc restarted comprehensive FTA discussions in June 2022, alongside negotiations for an investment protection agreement and a geographical indications pact. The political commitment reached its peak in February when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to seal the trade deal by year-end, setting an ambitious timeline for conclusion. ""We are making rapid progress on the very vibrant FTA, which would open opportunities for businesses on both sides,"" Goyal said, describing the potential agreement as ""very strong and mutually beneficial."" However, the minister acknowledged that current India-Italy bilateral trade remains ""low and sub-optimal"" at approximately $15 billion in goods, despite enormous untapped potential between the two economies. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the sentiment for enhanced economic cooperation, describing India and Italy as ""natural partners."" He emphasised Italy's focus on boosting exports to India while actively seeking Indian investments in Italian markets. ""Our goal is to reduce trade barriers,"" Tajani said, addressing broader concerns about global trade tensions. When questioned about US tariffs on steel and aluminium, he maintained that ""duties are never positive"" and reiterated the importance of reducing trade barriers. The accelerated pace of India-EU negotiations comes at a critical time for global trade relationships, with both sides seeking to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependence on other major trading blocs. Success in these talks could establish a template for India's engagement with other European partners and significantly reshape trade flows between Asia and Europe.";-0,125
"US auto suppliers say immediate action needed on China rare earths restrictionsChina, which controls over 90 per cent of global processing capacity for rare earths used in everything from automobiles and fighter jets to home appliances, imposed restrictions in early April requiring exporters to obtain licenses from Beijing. The tighter restrictions followed the opening of a trade war between the US and China after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports. In a statement to Reuters, MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association said parts companies are facing ""serious, real-time risks"" to their supply chains. ""The situation remains unresolved and the level of concern remains very high,"" the group said. ""Immediate and decisive action is needed to prevent widespread disruption and economic fallout across the vehicle supplier sector."" On May 9, the supplier group raised urgent concerns about the Chinese restrictions in a joint letter with the trade group representing General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen , Hyundai and other major automakers. ""Without reliable access to these elements and magnets, automotive suppliers will be unable to produce critical automotive components, including automatic transmissions, throttle bodies, alternators, various motors, sensors, seat belts, speakers, lights, motors, power steering, and cameras,"" MEMA and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation wrote to the Trump administration in the letter, which was first reported by Reuters. Rare-earth magnet exports from China halved in April as companies grappled with an opaque application process for permits that sometimes require hundreds of pages of documents. In a social media post last Friday, Trump accused China of violating terms of a deal reached in May to temporarily dial back the tariffs both sides imposed on each other and other trade restrictions. US auto companies are already feeling the impact of the restrictions. Ford shut down production of its Explorer SUV at its Chicago plant for a week in May because of a rare-earth shortage, the company said. Source: Reuters/ec";-0,225
"For how long must women endure cyberattacks?Mon Jun 9, 2025 03:00 PM Last update on: Mon Jun 9, 2025 03:00 PM Naziba Basher Mon Jun 9, 2025 03:00 PM      Last update on: Mon Jun 9, 2025 03:00 PM FILE VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR I used to host a show for The Daily Star titled ""Straight From Star Newsroom."" In it, our reporters elaborated and analysed the reports already printed in the newspaper, we broke down every detail for our readers. Reporters and I would work hard to make it engaging and informative. However, after each episode was posted on Facebook, almost every comment used to be regarding my appearance. Whether or not I was wearing an orna (scarf), what my or the female reporters' body measurement was, how we looked—these were the topics of discussion instead of the content itself. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. As the digital age advances, cybercrimes, along with the myriad forms of violence against women, have become a serious issue globally, and Bangladesh is no exception. Among the most vulnerable groups to online threats are women, who are often targeted in specific ways reflecting societal gender disparities. Access to the internet has increased steadily across the country, making women more exposed to online threats. This has sparked concern, not only for the safety of women but also for their mental and emotional well-being. Earlier this year, well-known actor Shabnam Faria was subjected to such online harassment as a worker of an NGO made inappropriate remarks on her Facebook post. The commenter, named Rakib, used the word "" beshya, "" meaning sex worker, as she stood next to cricketers for a photo op. Read more Prioritise women’s online safety The NGO rightly launched an investigation when the actor complained on social media and eventually sacked the employee, setting an example. However, does the country's law protect women this way? And would other organisations follow suit? Would it happen if the victim were not a celebrity? A study by NETZ Bangladesh conducted last year reveals that 78 percent of women in Bangladesh have experienced technology-facilitated violence against women (TF-VAW). These attacks range from offensive comments on social media to explicit content being shared without consent, often leading to severe consequences for the victims. Such harassment range from sexist or derogatory comments to unsolicited messages, and even threats of physical violence as well as sexual assault. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram have become breeding grounds for such abuse. Women, particularly those in the public eye, are often targeted with their privacy violated constantly. Harassment is often a tool of manipulation and control in an attempt to silence women, especially those involved in activism or public discourse. Nowadays, the trend is to call a woman Shahbagi for protesting violence against women. Like a content creator recently said, it is akin to the historic ""burn the witches"" practice of persecuting and executing individuals, particularly women, because they spoke against patriarchy. Cyberstalking, also a form of harassment, is another major issue. In many cases, women are followed and monitored by perpetrators who use technology to track their activities. This can lead to real-world consequences, including emotional distress and even physical harm. For the victims of such stalking, the sense of safety is eroded as their personal information is compromised and used against them. One of the most harmful forms of cyber violence is the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos, commonly referred to as ""revenge porn."" In Bangladesh, this form of abuse has been increasingly reported, often as a tactic of revenge or humiliation. Victims may face social ostracism, reputational damage, and severe emotional trauma. Despite the legal provisions in place to punish such actions, many victims find themselves powerless to pursue justice due to stigma and a lack of technological know-how within the law enforcement. Challenges A key issue is the lack of awareness about cybersecurity measures. Many women do not fully understand how to protect their personal information or recognise the signs of cyber threats. This knowledge gap is compounded by limited access to technology, especially in rural areas where digital literacy is still low. Additionally, there is a prevailing reluctance to report cybercrimes. Many women fear the social consequences of coming forward. The cultural norms surrounding gender in Bangladesh often discourage women from speaking out about abuse, particularly if it involves sexual harassment or assault. As a result, a large percentage of cyberattacks on women go unreported, allowing perpetrators to continue their harmful behaviour without facing consequences. Another major hurdle is the lack of robust legal frameworks to combat such crimes. Although Bangladesh passed the Digital Security Act in 2018, which aimed to regulate online content and protect individuals from cybercrimes, critics argue that the law was flawed and inadequate. The same can be said about the Cyber Security Act, 2023, and perhaps even the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024. More often than not, the laws have been used to muzzle dissent and criminalise online expression rather than protect women from abuse. Moreover, law enforcement agencies often lack the necessary training to handle digital evidence and track cybercriminals effectively. Read more Online violence against women is real violence Inadequate effort There have been efforts from both the government and organisations to combat cyberattacks on women in Bangladesh. Institutions such as the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) have been working to raise awareness about online safety and provide women with tools to protect themselves. These organisations offer workshops and online resources aimed at educating women on cybersecurity, digital rights, and how to report online abuse. Additionally, social media platforms and tech companies have been under increasing pressure to take responsibility for online harassment. In 2020, the government introduced a series of measures that required social media platforms to comply with local regulations regarding the removal of harmful content. While these measures have faced criticism for potential censorship, they also highlight the growing recognition of the need for stronger protections against cyberviolence. The role of law enforcement is also evolving. In recent years, the Bangladesh Police have set up a dedicated cybercrime unit to address online crimes, including those targeting women. This unit works closely with digital forensics experts to investigate cybercrimes and bring perpetrators to justice. Despite these efforts, however, not much progress has been made in effectively combating cyber abuse against women in Bangladesh, as there is still a long way to go in terms of building public awareness and social responsibility. Many women remain unaware of their digital rights, and access to resources and support systems is still limited outside major urban areas. Awareness campaigns and workshops, while valuable, do not always reach those most vulnerable. Moreover, the social stigma surrounding online harassment discourages many victims from reporting incidents or seeking help. Tech companies, despite pressure, have been slow to implement meaningful changes. Harmful content often remains online for extended periods before being removed, and reporting mechanisms on social media platforms are frequently ineffective. Many victims find themselves caught in bureaucratic loops with little resolution. Legal measures have also fallen short. While the government has introduced regulations, enforcement remains weak. Victims often face hurdles in filing complaints, and law enforcement responses are inconsistent. The dedicated cybercrime unit, though a step forward, struggles with underfunding, a lack of training, and a backlog of cases. Overall, cyberattacks on women in Bangladesh are a significant and growing issue that needs urgent attention. While there have been strides in improving awareness and legal frameworks, much more needs to be done to protect women from online abuse—or any abuse for that matter. Naziba Basher is a journalist at The Daily Star. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.";0,525
"World Environment Day 2025 Plastic Pollution Awareness | Why change must start with peopleThe global plastic treaty being negotiated, as reported in IISD’s Earth Negotiations Bulletin, is a welcome step. PHOTO: STAR On World Environment Day, the conversation around plastic pollution takes centre stage—globally, in treaty rooms and international campaigns, and locally, as we stare at rivers choked by waste and fields littered with non-biodegradable remnants of daily survival. But too often, we isolate the plastic crisis from the human beings at its centre: the families, farmers, vendors, and millions for whom plastic is not a convenience but a necessity—a needed tool for carrying goods to work on a rainy day, building shelter to withstand torrential rains when there is no roof overhead, or simply storing belongings when even a tin trunk is unaffordable. Read more World Environment Day: A story of memory and nature Plastic must be removed from our lives, for it kills—whether through choking rivers and oceans, or through the CO2 emitted in its production. But this can only happen when alternatives become reachable for the unrecognised faces who use it daily, not just for ease but for necessity. In a country like Bangladesh, where the vast majority live on the edge of survival, affordability and availability dictate choice. The conversation around alternatives must begin by asking: What will people use instead? And how will they afford it? If those answers remain unclear, expecting sudden behavioural shifts or blanket bans is not only unrealistic, it is unjust. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. We need to find a solution that is both humane and environmentally responsible. We cannot presume to restrict plastic use only through regulation. We must provide alternatives and instil an understanding of the harm it causes, especially among those who rely on it most. People must feel connected to the cause, to understand that this is about protecting the rivers, the land, and the environment we all share. When the message speaks to the heart, not just through statistics or enforcement, it inspires collective responsibility. That is where real, lasting change begins. Today, we speak of climate treaties and plastic bans. But unless the state becomes personal—unless the farmer understands why it matters to him, unless the mother in a char village sees what plastic waste might do to her child's future—we will not see real transformation. A policy that asks millions to give up a necessity must not descend like an order. It must rise from understanding, built through empathy and communicated in language that respects people's lives and acknowledges their realities. The global plastic treaty being negotiated, as reported in IISD's Earth Negotiations Bulletin , is a welcome step. But it must not absolve us of our responsibilities at home. Plastic is already having an incredibly negative impact on the quality of our lives. Our rivers are clogged. Our waste systems are inadequate. While international consensus can help us gain legitimacy in our actions, we are already suffering daily from the lack of regulation and alternatives. We cannot wait for consensus to take shape. We need to act now—but act wisely—so that the millions who rely on plastic today are able to shift to alternatives, even if those alternatives are not yet as useful. At the same time, we must resist imported narratives that do not fit our context. Western countries, with their histories of industrial growth, carbon emissions, and pollution, have created much of this crisis. But this is not about them feeling guilt. Guilt can be brushed aside—by individuals, by corporations. What we must appeal to is conscience. One person's conscience can lead hundreds to positive action. If there is to be a global commitment to healing, it should not be framed as reparations for the past, but as a response to the suffering of the present. Let conscience, not compensation, guide the way forward. Back home, we must learn to see the nuances. Not all plastic is single-use or wasteful. In Bangladesh, we reuse everything. A plastic bottle may be used for months. Plastic furniture allows families to live with dignity. On a recent visit to a shop in Kachua, I was handed a plastic bag labelled ""100 percent biodegradable."" Bioplastics like those being developed by Sonali Bag may hold promise. But we must ensure that sustainability does not become another form of inequality, where the poor are penalised for using what they can afford, while the rich purchase expensive ""eco"" products. Even a seemingly progressive decision, such as banning plastic and requiring only glass in offices, raises valid questions. The intention is noble. But how do small businesses comply? What happens to vendors who cannot afford the transition? Policy without inclusion becomes exclusion. So, what should we do? We must begin with awareness that respects, not lectures. Speak to people in their own language—not only linguistically, but through their lived experience. Show them that if the rivers are blocked, if the fish die, if the soil degrades, their own lives will be affected. And then, crucially, provide real alternatives. No one wants to harm the environment. But no one should be forced to choose between dignity and sustainability. Read more Is jute the answer to our plastic problem? It is possible to mobilise people—especially the young—when they feel part of a collective mission. It is possible to educate without blame. To act without alienating. To build, not just ban. Let us mark this World Environment Day not with more slogans, but with sincerity. Let us appeal not just to policies and politics, but to the hearts of people. Because only when environmental responsibility becomes personal, deeply human and emotionally understood, will we begin to see real change. Let us make the state personal. Let us make conscience our most powerful policy. Runa Khan is founder and executive director of Friendship. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission .";0,325
We must uphold the spirit of Eid-ul-AzhaAs Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, it is a time to reflect on the values of sacrifice and gratitude that this festival embodies. These principles resonate deeply especially when millions in Gaza are facing hunger and death under Israeli attacks, and hundreds of Rohingya children are being denied their right to education. Closer to home, some workers are returning to their villages without receiving salaries or bonuses. Then there are the road accidents that have become a tragic routine during every Eid, as tens of thousands of people travel from cities to spend the holidays with loved ones. Although, like during Eid-ul-Fitr earlier in the year, bus, train, and launch journeys have so far been relatively smooth, several road accidents and at least one robbery on the highway have already occurred, despite increased patrols by law enforcement. However, the responsibility of ensuring safety on highways and river routes does not rest solely with the authorities—it is shared by passengers, transport owners, and drivers alike. Passengers, too, must avoid overcrowded or unfit vehicles, while owners and drivers must prioritise safety over profit, avoiding reckless driving. Law enforcement officials must also remain vigilant. Another critical aspect that calls for both responsible behaviour and proper planning is the sacrifice of animals. As we celebrate this act of devotion, we must not lose sight of our duty to show kindness to all living beings. Sacrificial animals should not be subjected to unnecessary cruelty. In cities and municipalities, we must ensure that animal waste and other refuse from our households and neighbourhoods are properly disposed of, and that streets, footpaths, and house premises where animals are kept or sacrificed are thoroughly cleaned. This Eid-ul-Azha marks the first in which municipal and city corporations are being overseen by administrators rather than elected representatives. Many of these administrators are also juggling responsibilities in other government departments. However, this must not be used as an excuse for delays in post-Eid cleanliness drives. On the contrary, swift waste disposal should be treated as a top priority, especially as monsoon rains could worsen the stench and spread of blood, creating ideal conditions for the breeding of dengue mosquitoes . We also hope that the efforts of Dhaka South City Corporation will not be disrupted, as they were for 21 days when supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain staged protests at Nagar Bhaban. We wish everyone a safe and joyful Eid.;0,275
"Govt Revising Definition of Freedom FightersHow is this a priority for the government?Ordinance on freedom fighters creates confusion, controversyWe are surprised to learn of the promulgation of the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance -2025 that replaces the National Freedom Fighters Council Act-2022, redefining some key aspects related to the Liberation War. At a time when the nation is navigating an extremely fragile transition to democracy, this adds yet another element of confusion and controversy that we could do without. Codifying a more restrictive, combat-oriented definition of freedom fighters (FFs) and the war itself might seem justified in an ideal sense, especially given the history of political exploitations under Awami League. But it also reflects a potential reframing of national memory that no bureaucracy should be entrusted with. It's true that much of the initial confusion about the ordinance stemmed from flawed reporting , particularly erroneous claims about the ""revocation"" of the recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Tajuddin Ahmad, and other national heroes as freedom fighters. But partly responsible for it is the redefinition of a ""freedom fighter"" and the introduction of three new categories, including that of an ""associate of the Liberation War""—thus dividing all previously recognised under the broad term of freedom fighters into distinct groups. For example, all Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) who were aligned with the wartime provisional government and later became members of the Constituent Assembly will now be considered ""associates,"" whereas those who led the provisional government will continue to be recognised as FFs. These categories overlap in some cases, and exclude in others, creating grounds for ambiguities. While the reclassification may not affect the benefits received by freedom fighters or their families—as later clarified by the adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs—the real question is: was this reframing, and the symbolic rollback of recognition for some, necessary at all? If there are concerns about ""fake"" freedom fighters, this approach will certainly not help. On the contrary, it piles on existing bureaucratic workload by necessitating fresh examinations of status. By defining a ""freedom fighter's family"" strictly as their spouse, son, daughter, father, or mother, the ordinance appears to align with the post-uprising restructuring of job quotas that no longer extend to their grandchildren. But again, these objectives could have been pursued without wading into what some perceive as a revisionist attempt. At the very least, the government could have consulted with political parties to generate consensus on such a divisive issue. The government has interfered in such historical matters in the past as well. Instead of doing what is ideally the responsibility of historians or society at large, we feel the interim government, which by definition is meant to do only crucial tasks, should focus on more urgent and present-day reforms that the nation is eagerly waiting to see. And whatever it does, it should stop bringing a top-down approach to critical reforms.";-0,025
"World Environment Day: A story of memory and nature I want to share a story about a little girl and a tree. A beautiful krishnachura tree, reaching the fourth floor balcony of a house and hiding it away from the urban sprawl, but not enough that moonlight couldn't peek through. A tree that was a friend to that little girl living on that balcony. In spring, the blooms would set ablaze in red in that little corner, and summers would be kinder to the girl as the shade of green would protect the space from the scorching sun. For years, that tree was a friend to her. The passing of the seasons and the changes in foliage were a part of her life, and they were friends—they both knew it. And one day, just like that, the tree was gone. Cut down to make space for growth. More than a decade of kinship, torn apart in the span of a week. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. It's the kind of loss that lingers with you. It's the kind of loss that is hard to explain to a child but must be understood by an adult. The numbness that comes up to cope with this loss is something that is reflected in all of us, wouldn't you say? Living in a concrete jungle that is Dhaka, I wonder: when did we stop caring for the small things that make life, life? When did we stop romanticising the rain? Was it when the entire city got flooded and the day was ruined on a monsoon day? When did we stop listening to the birds? Was it when they stopped coming to us, to an almost uninhabitable city? When did we stop caring for the soil we walk on? Was it when it started being covered in asphalt for so long that we forgot what lies beneath? Read more Our real emergency isn’t political, it’s environmental Amid all this, a story that sticks with me is a memory. A memory of Amena apa, whom I met in Noakhali a few years back. She invited my family for lunch, and I remember looking at her old glass jars of jams and jellies filled with seeds—some small, some big, but all sitting in airtight containers. She told me about how she stores seeds so that she does not forget how things are meant to taste. It was very normal for her community to store seeds. They would keep them as a contingency for when floods hit. Some would call this a resilience model, but to her it is just how things are. ""We look out for each other,"" she said. This is something I could never relate to. When I moved away from my maternal home, the houses I lived in, I never knew who my neighbours were. We sometimes met while getting out of our doors, in the garage, maybe sometimes walking on the road, but we never spoke. We never had that community feeling. It is also just how things are for most of us living in Dhaka. Most things in Dhaka have little meaning to us. There are no parks to walk in, no water bodies to sit beside and forget our worries. No open space for children to learn about the birds that come in winter, no connection of the spirit to the earth. Our days are spent thinking about the next traffic jam, even thinking about how to survive the next day. Living in such fight-or-flight mode brings out apathy in us even more strongly. Today is World Environment Day, a day that holds a reminder of all these thoughts. But it's also a day when I am reminded that, despite mass apathy towards the environment, there are still people who care. Read more Coastal people need urgent support There are people who protect our little spaces so that they can be green again, people who remember to be mindful enough to care. Their actions lie in quiet choices, in how we walk through the world, and with the world. Those people remember the smell of wet earth after the first rain, how it makes them stop, just for a moment. They remember the silence that hung after a storm passed, when even the birds paused to breathe. They remember the thrill of picking a mango, sticky-handed, from a tree that had stood there longer than them. They let their memories be an anchor, and remind them of who they were, and who they still could be. They care, because they remember. They remember how the environment matters, and how we matter within it. Now the question is, do you remember? Raida A. K. Reza is doctoral researcher at United Nations University's Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), and Technische Universität Dresden. She is the founder of Zero Waste Bangladesh (ZWBD). Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission .";0,45
"Living on the bridge: My life between East and West I have just crossed a milestone. We often treat milestone birthdays like thresholds. For some, they're cliffs. For others, peaks. For me, it feels like a bridge—not one I've simply crossed, but one I've lived on. A bridge I've helped build, paused to watch, and rebuilt again. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. I was born in Bangladesh, a place defined not just by geography but by rhythm. A place where reality isn't declared but gestured towards, where conversation is circular and layered, and where silence often speaks louder than logic. I lived there for the first 24 years of my life. Then I came to the US—a nation defined by motion and self-determination, by precision and proclamation, by the pursuit of answers in the language of science and systems. I've now spent over 40 years in the US—that's two-thirds of my life. But I've never fully left either place. Nor have I ever fully belonged to either. Instead, I've done something stranger and harder to explain. I've tried to build a third space, one that holds the ambiguity of the East and the algorithm of the West. Where the poetics of context meet the precision of consequence. A space not of fusion, but of friction—where meaning needs to be created, not inherited. Act I: Growing up with social facts (0-24) In Bangladesh, I inherited a world where identity was not something you thought about but something you carried. Culture, family, traditions, Ekushey Boi Mela, or Pohela Boishakh didn't ask for definition; they asked for reverence. Memories linger of animated debates, where politics and poetry blended seamlessly into the endless adda of my youth. I spent countless evenings in heated debates at the university dorms, marched passionately for causes that shaped our generation, and immersed myself in organising cultural events that echoed far beyond the university gates. Knowledge lived in people, not on platforms. Meaning was indirect, nested inside parables, proverbs, and pauses. From this, I learned to read beneath the surface. I learned that context isn't noise; it's the code. I was living in a world filled with social facts . Act II: Learning to live with scientific facts (25-45) Coming to America, I was dropped into a world where clarity wasn't just valued—it was the currency. To be taken seriously, I learned to be precise. I learned to show and tell. I adopted the language of scientific methods, systems thinking, and clarity of communication. It was a world filled with scientific facts . And yet, a part of me still trusted intuition more than evidence. Like many immigrants, I succeeded in translation—but over time, I began to feel stuck in it. Act III: Synthesising social and scientific facts (45-65) I began to reflect—not from nostalgia, but to find a synthesis. I stopped seeing East and West as two worlds and began seeing them as two incomplete grammars of life. I didn't want to choose. I wanted to converse. I didn't want to merge. I wanted to mediate. What emerged from this is my ongoing work I call Engineering Diplomacy : an attempt to resolve complex problems by holding both precision and paradox, design and dialogue, scientific and social facts, in pursuit of desirable outcomes. Dialogues across time: Four thinkers, one bridge It's tempting to think we are unique. And while our stories may be unique, our struggles often echo others'. If I look at the thinkers who've most shaped and mirrored my evolution, I find myself in conversation with four radically different minds: Jiddu Krishnamurti taught me that liberation comes not through knowledge, but from the dissolution of the knower. He showed me that insight often arrives through confrontational introspection. His Eastern radicalism challenged my impulse to codify. Daniel Kahneman reminded me that even our most reasoned minds are riddled with cognitive blind spots. He made me more cautious about scientific certainty. His Western empiricism exposed the limits of scientific knowledge. Edward Said modelled the power of living in-between. He understood that exile could be intellectual as well as geographic. He wrote not to reconcile East and West, but to hold them in tension long enough for their dissonance to speak. Seyyed Hossein Nasr reminded me that the most enduring forms of knowledge are not only empirical or introspective, but metaphysical. He taught me that reality is not merely discovered—it is received, cultivated, and lived. While Krishnamurti dismantled the ego, Kahneman mapped our cognitive flaws, Said revealed how knowledge is shaped by power and politics, and Nasr reminded me that knowledge cannot be separated from the sacred and that science is only one expression of a much wider cosmological grammar. His writings gave shape to the spiritual intuitions I carried from my early life in Bangladesh but seldom foregrounded in my intellectual work. Each of these thinkers taught me ""how to think,"" not ""what to think."" But none of them gave me a map. Because the map may not exist. What exists is learning by doing. The stitching together. The refusal to reduce. The ability to think again . The art and science of Engineering Diplomacy . My life on the bridge Over the last four decades in the US, I built a career that has been both fulfilling and formative. I've taught at world-class institutions, developed frameworks for engineering diplomacy, mentored students who now shape science, policy, and research around the globe, and engaged in complex problem-solving at the intersection of science, engineering, and public decision-making. From academic conferences to international negotiations, I've worked to translate ambiguity into action—not just by building models, but by building conversations. My work has always aimed to be principled, pragmatic, and impactful. I've also worked on projects in Bangladesh for decades—from addressing arsenic contamination to advising on cholera interventions, from building frameworks for water diplomacy to writing critically during the recent uprising. I've contributed knowledge, models, and ideas that I believe mattered. And yet, I never went back to Bangladesh. Not to live. Not to organise on the ground. Not to be shoulder-to-shoulder with those who faced tear gas and tyranny. I wrote. I hypothesised. I analysed. From a distance. There's a name for that in Bangladesh— shiter pakhee . A winter bird. One who returns only when it's convenient, when the conditions are right. And while I resist that label, I can't fully reject it. I've felt the weight of it. I've asked myself: Did I build bridges only where I could remain dry? The reality is more complicated. I stayed here to protect my career, to support my family, and to preserve a sense of internal coherence. But part of me still wonders, from this vantage of privilege, what might have emerged had I chosen to stand physically present, shoulder-to-shoulder with those organising, protesting, and rebuilding Bangladesh? Would the reality of living in Bangladesh have taught me something that perspective, no matter how thoughtful or strategic, never could? This, too, is part of living on the bridge. Not all distances are measured in miles. Some are measured in what we withhold to maintain coherence. Or comfort. Or control. What I've learned from living on the bridge If there's one pattern I've had to unlearn, it's the instinct to ""think always like an engineer""—to make everything digestible, explainable, and doable. And if there's one pattern I've tried to cultivate, it's the ability to sit with an idea, or a person, without rushing to resolve it. To stay present even when things are unresolved, unfinished, or unspoken. Living on the bridge is lonely, sometimes. It's hard to explain your home when your home is the space between two shores. People ask you which side you're on, what you left behind, what you've claimed. But the reality is: I never left or arrived. I just built a life that didn't fit the map. Yet this in-between space that I've been living in has given me something rare. Not certainty. Not closure. But conversation. Practice. Presence. And perhaps most important of all: a glimpse of something deeper than synthesis—a kind of wisdom that connects understanding to reverence and meaning to something greater than utility. This is the life I continue to build, mindful of my privilege yet committed to dialogue and understanding. I warmly invite you, particularly those navigating similar bridges between worlds, to share your stories of belonging, struggle, and insight. Shafiqul Islam is director of Water Diplomacy, professor of civil and environmental engineering and water diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, US. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission .";0,1
"Why victims must lead Bangladesh’s truth commissionThe recent declaration by Law Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Bangladesh marks a significant step in Bangladesh's journey towards justice and healing for victims of July massacre and the preceding authoritarian regime. The proposed commission, a long-overdue initiative, appears to be a promising attempt at confronting the dark legacy of political repression, state violence and enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. However, for the commission to be successful, it must be grounded in an inclusive, holistic and sustainable framework. Three urgent recommendations are offered here that can shape the formation of the proposed commission into a successful tool for healing. First, the framework of the commission including its role and responsibilities must go through broad consultations to ensure inputs from experts, victims, and marginalised sections of the society. Second, it must be inclusive, especially of victims including those who are not from Dhaka, and start with a national dialogue with all stakeholders beyond Dhaka or divisional centres. Third, it must also include experts in post-conflict justice who specialise in the field. Also, the commission's mandate and modus operandi must be clearly set before deciding the composition of the body. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Read more Bangladesh's path to a peaceful and equitable society This transitional justice effort also needs a contextualised framework rooted within the unique sociopolitical realities and psychosocial complexities of Bangladesh and its people. Instead of importing Western case study models, Bangladesh needs to develop its own transitional justice model based on its local political, sociocultural and spiritual norms and values. For instance, truth-telling as developed in South Africa were based on Christian values of catharsis and forgiveness that might be incompatible with the psychosocial conditions of a Muslim majoritarian country like Bangladesh. Hence, Bangladesh needs to develop a decolonial transitional justice model that addresses past harms and fosters healing, tolerance and harmony in the context of its present sociopolitical maladies. Furthermore, the proposed formation of a TRC presumes that victims are ready to reconcile with perpetrators who, till date, have shown neither remorse nor acknowledgment of their crimes. In fact, many individuals affiliated with the Awami League continue to exhibit wilful arrogance by denying wrongdoing, justifying abuses, and gaslighting survivors. In such a context, ""healing"" is a far more appropriate focus than reconciliation. The term ""Truth and Healing Commission (THC)"" thus more accurately reflects the needs of victims. Reconciliation may become an eventual outcome of the process but it certainly cannot begin until perpetrators take full responsibility for their actions—something that has yet to happen. Until now, no high-level Awami League official has issued a public apology. There has been no attempt to acknowledge harm, no evidence of reflection, and certainly no expression of remorse. Consequently, the government must commence an inclusive national dialogue and consensus building with all stakeholders involved at the outset, before setting up the commission. Besides politicians, law practitioners, and civil society bodies, the commission needs to include victims such as families of the disappeared, survivors of political detention and repression as active stakeholders. Victims and their families deserve more than a token gesture, they need a meaningful platform where their stories are heard, their pain acknowledged, and their needs addressed. Without their active participation, any commission risks being seen as a top-down, Eurocentric initiative lacking authenticity and grassroots moral authority. It will just be an attempt to check a political box rather than building a real foundation for justice, accountability and healing. Read more The need for truth and reconciliation in Bangladesh Including Bangladeshi academic experts, particularly those specialising in post-conflict transitions and reconciliation processes, can ensure that the THC addresses not only symptoms of violence but its deep-rooted causes as well. In Bangladesh, where history is routinely politicised and distorted, having a strong evidence-based framework for truth and healing is essential to ensure credibility. Without involvement of experts specialised in this field, the commission risks becoming an echo chamber of political convenience rather than a mechanism of meaningful accountability. A politically motivated commission, which is not properly designed to meet the needs of the victims, would entrench impunity, insult victims, and embolden future perpetrators. Furthermore, the establishment of the THC and its relevant laws must not be implemented hurriedly. The commission should be led by an inter-ministerial process as transitional justice goes beyond criminal accountability. A truly victim-centred, trauma-informed, decolonial truth and healing commission could be a watershed in our political history. Done wrong, it will be yet another historic missed opportunity; another hollow promise made in the name of justice. And Bangladeshi citizens have had too many hollow promises already. Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain is an associate at Mahbub & Company and an advocate at the District and Sessions Judge Court in Dhaka. Dr Muhammad Asadullah is an associate professor in the Department of Justice Studies at the University of Regina in Canada. Nousheen Sharmila Ritu is executive director of UK-based think tank Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative. Md. Harun-Or Rashid is an adjunct professor and PhD candidate at the Kent State University.";0,425
"Debunking the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh’s role, and the ASEAN Summit Can the vanguards of democracy that Anwar and Yunus symbolise lead to a solution for the Rohingya at the upcoming ASEAN summit? FILE PHOTO: PID The balance may be shifting. Resolving the Rohingya crisis is being swayed by more external winds than internal thrusts. Dynamics such as Bamar treatment of the Rohingya, humanitarian care of the evicted Rakhine persons, and Bangladesh-Myanmar discussions on repatriating the displaced persons from Cox's Bazar camps have been overtaken by Myanmar's 2021 coup d'etat and its civil war consequences, regional spillovers thickening across Southeast Asia, and an independent resurgence of ""democracy"" inside Bangladesh, splashing externally. In reverse order, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is more cited globally today not so much for his trademark microfinance contributions as his democracy-salvaging attempts since the historic ouster of the Awami League regime through a student-led democratic uprising last year. In comparison to Bangladesh's efforts in reviving democracy, Myanmar's deficiency of democracy has emerged more despairingly. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Democracy is a reform movement in deficient countries. The other side of this movement defends the status quo to keep narratives in the same ballpark. Bamars, the largest ethnic group in Myanmar, who represent that ""other"" Rohingya side, controlled all of Myanmar from Naypyidaw through the Tatmadaw armed forces. Under today's civil war, reportedly, less than one quarter remains in their hands. The National Unity Government (NUG), a mixed group, influences the rest. Its reformers, the National League for Democracy (NLD), a party of former Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, replaced military rule with ""democracy"" in 2015 and won again in 2020. After a stuttering start, her party was ousted in the February 2021 coup, after the Rohingya malaise spilled over into Bangladesh. Read more The Rohingya crisis: Empty promises, endless sufferings Other NUG members include discriminated ethnic groups in the northeast, north, and northwest. Because of that discrimination, they defend the status quo (their histories, identities, and interests), but support the reformers to evict General Min Aung Hlaing, the coup leader and current State Administration Council chairman. This gap between the local and provincial priorities and the overarching national priority—such as democracy—matters. These ethnic groups include the United League of Arakan (ULA) and its armed faction, the Arakan Army (AA), along Bangladesh and India's eastern borders; Kachin Independence Army (KIA) along China's southern border; Karen National Union (KNU) along Thailand's border; and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), both of which function mostly out of Shan state along China's southern border, among others. Rakhine, the Rohingya home, stands divided between ULA/AA and the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP). The ALP military faction, Arakan Liberation Army (ALA), often collaborates with Naypyidaw's State Administration Council and clashes with the ULA/AA along the Bangladesh borders. They subject the Rohingya people to crossfires in such locations as Buthidaung and Maungdaw, and signal the increasing need for negotiations rather than battleground exchanges to sort local problems. The growing ULA/AA empowerment gives it greater intra-NUG salience. It has evicted Naypyidaw military forces across Rakhine and finds support from the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). Bangladesh unofficially satisfies two ULA/AA conditions for a Rohingya solution: recognition of the ULA/AA, and mobilisation of UN-based global support. NUG's ""reformer""claim is, however, tainted. The 2017 Rohingya eviction was an NLD decision to let China complete its economic corridor across Rakhine and Kyaukphyu port in the Bay of Bengal. Such evictions go back to 1785 for ethnic discrimination, not geopolitics. Resolving a national crisis, such as Hlaing eviction and Rohingya repatriation without fixing local fissures, weakens any Rohingya solution. Without exogenous platforms and management, this may be impossible given the depth of local distrust. If Myanmar's democracy is to work, attention must shift from one Nobel Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, the 2017 eviction perpetrator, to another, Yunus, whose ""democracy"" bonds extend to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Malaysian politician visited Prof Yunus on October 4, 2024, and will host/chair the 46th ASEAN annual summit on May 26-27. That summit's theme of ""Inclusivity and Sustainability"" cannot but prioritise the Rohingya issue. Prof Yunus's democratic ideologies pushed Gen Hlaing to announce Myanmar's election this year. This is an ASEAN membership requirement. When Prof Yunus attended the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April, he articulated his ""Three Zeroes"" agenda and called on the member-states to promote dialogue between conflicting parties in Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya issue. In a landmark move, Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Shwe announced an agreement to take back 180,000 Rohingya at the summit—against the 800,000 names Bangladesh proposed even as camp denizens have crossed 13 lakh—as part of repatriating one quarter of a million from Cox's Bazar. So clearly, exogenous platforms help. Read more Now is the time to act on Rohingya crisis Democracy is not a new ASEAN issue since the 2008 ASEAN Charter's preamble emphasised ""democracy, law, and good governance."" Article 1 targets ""strengthening democracy,"" and Article 2 ""democracy principles."" Even right after Gen Hlaing's February 2021 coup, ASEAN prepared a five-point consensus to end violence, begin dialogue, not only appoint a special ASEAN envoy to Myanmar but also visit Myanmar, and provide humanitarian assistance. Myanmar's civil war made it irrelevant. Ever since 2021, ASEAN summits have treated the Rohingya issue. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen emotionally posted the Rohingya issue when he hosted/chaired the 2022 summit, but his meeting with only Hlaing offended NUG leaders. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo organised many meetings and supplied lots of humanitarian aid, but could not convert sentiments into substance at the 2023 summit. The same thing happened in Laos in January 2024 when the country's foreign minister met Hlaing. Opening that closed Rohingya door becomes more urgent constantly. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces similar clouds this year. A harsher global context awaits him: a new US administration's tariff policies have deepened ASEAN trade relations with China, widened Myanmar's own policy options and doors, and with India preoccupied in Kashmir, China faces less Southeast Asian constraints. So, the obvious question arises: why break Myanmar's status quo? After all, Myanmar's top foreign investors (particularly China, India, and Japan) remain better off with the status quo. China influences ethnic NUG partners, because of those groups overlapping China's borders, since the country itself remains a stranger to democracy, to push Myanmar in that direction. In short, Malaysia's ASEAN summit this month would toss between these ill winds and the hopes that the vanguards of democracy that Anwar and Yunus symbolise. Riddled with mines, those remain the only salvaging elements for a Rohingya resolution. Without intra- and inter-boundary dialogues, no resolution seems feasible, including any ""humanitarian corridor,"" and when displacement camps only grow, creating such passages misses a crucial beat. Yunus mobilised another exogenous platform for a Rohingya solution: the UN. Its outgoing secretary-general, António Guterres, not only visited Dhaka, but also shared iftar with nearly 100,000 Rohingya in the Kutupalong camp in March, giving the neglected Rohingya what they most deserve: inclusiveness internationally, on an equal footing, not out of ""noblesse oblige."" Read more Resolving the Rohingya crisis: Does Bangladesh need to shift gear? Bangladesh's exogenous reputation depends upon its endogenous treatment of its own election. Squaring the Rohingya circle fortifies two other global wishes: reformers, particularly the expressive youths who voted in 75 countries in 2024 (the most ever in any one year), shifting to negotiations via more streetside protests; and historically discriminated/persecuted groups replacing survival instincts with betterment. Peace, after all, is the springboard of reforms, and the postulated target of all conflicts, meaning zero-sum insulated approaches beg for collaborative, inclusive, and external counterparts—a shift too historically unprecedented to instantly change the ballgame. Dr Imtiaz A Hussain is professor at the Department of Global Studies and Governance (GSG) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission .";0,275
"Harvard vs Trump: 'Limiting international participation would impoverish our academic mission'On May 22, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard University's certification to enrol international students, which threatened the legal status of nearly 6,800 international students—about 27 percent of the university's student body—and placed many global academic partnerships in jeopardy. In the midst of the unfolding crisis, Dr Fernando M. Reimers , the Ford Foundation Professor of the Practice in International Education at Harvard, speaks with Sarzah Yeasmin , contributor to The Daily Star , about the battle between Harvard and US President Donald Trump, and the repercussions for global education and democracy in the interconnected world today. How do you believe the removal of international enrolment would affect not just Harvard, but the broader landscape of higher education in the US? The removal of international enrolment would have devastating consequences not just for Harvard but for American higher education as a whole. International students and scholars are essential to the vitality, innovation, and relevance of our universities. Without their contributions, our higher education system would become more insular and parochial, undermining America's long-standing leadership in global knowledge creation and problem-solving. Ultimately, it weakens the openness and excellence that attract the world's brightest minds. In truth, universities do not exist in a vacuum. Their legitimacy and excellence depend on their ability to serve as meeting grounds for diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Removing international students means removing a central pillar of our academic ecosystem—one that enables our institutions to educate global citizens and produce knowledge that reflects the complexities of our shared world. This policy would deprive Harvard of a resource essential to its mission. The advancement of knowledge and the improvement of the human condition through education are possible only when ideas cross borders and diverse minds collaborate. The presence of international students and scholars is not an accessory to the academic mission; it is central to it. Read more Trump, trade wars, tariffs, and a new world order In what ways does Harvard's history of international engagement serve as a model for the role that universities should play in geopolitics? Harvard's commitment to international engagement and vision for global engagement dates back to Charles William Eliot, Harvard's 22nd president, who transformed the university into a global institution by expanding international faculty and graduate programmes. Eliot's efforts demonstrate how Harvard's identity and excellence are historically tied to looking beyond national borders. This openness has enabled Harvard to address global challenges and improve the human condition through education and research. In today's interconnected world, universities must model this spirit of dialogue and partnership if they are to serve as engines of progress and innovation. There is an ethical imperative for universities to participate in shaping a peaceful and just world, and that requires meaningful collaboration across national boundaries. Harvard's ability to support inclusive global development has always been linked to its willingness to be shaped by voices beyond its borders. This example—of intellectual humility and shared problem-solving—should be emulated widely. How would limiting international student and scholar participation specifically undermine any university's academic mission and research capabilities? Limiting international participation would fundamentally impoverish our academic mission. The very advancement of knowledge relies on the free exchange of ideas across borders. International students and scholars bring essential perspectives, expertise, and creativity, enriching teaching, learning, and research. Excluding them weakens our ability to tackle global challenges and limits the university's capacity for innovation and excellence. It is in the presence of cultural and disciplinary diversity that ideas mature. The global academy thrives on constructive tension and collective inquiry. Curtailing participation from beyond our borders jeopardizes the very conditions that make scholarship transformative. Science and scholarship are inherently global enterprises. Throughout history, the greatest breakthroughs have emerged when researchers have been free to collaborate, build upon each other's work, and join forces on projects of common concern. This freedom to engage across borders is essential to academic vitality. The current confrontation extends well beyond administrative policy—it touches the core of what a university is and whom it serves. At stake is not merely the continuity of international enrolment, but the philosophical and civic foundations of higher education itself. In an era defined by geopolitical fragmentation and rising authoritarianism, the university must remain a space of principled openness, intellectual pluralism, and global responsibility. What do you see as the long-term risks to higher education institutions when government actions are used to exert political pressure on curriculum, admissions or faculty decisions? The long-term risks are severe. When governments attempt to dictate curriculum, admissions or hiring for political purposes, they erode the autonomy that is central to universities' roles in a democracy. This stifles academic freedom, undermines trust in institutions, and leads to intellectual stagnation. Over time, such interference could irreparably damage the integrity, credibility, and global reputation of American higher education. Such pressures do not just threaten governance; they threaten purpose. Universities that become captive to political directives cease to serve the common good. They risk becoming provincial institutions, incapable of helping societies navigate the moral and technological dilemmas of our time. The erosion of institutional autonomy threatens not just academic freedom, but the university's democratic purpose. How should universities protect their autonomy while continuing to engage with governments and policymakers? Universities must remain steadfast in defending their mission and core principles while constructively engaging with policymakers. This requires clear legal and policy protections for academic freedom and institutional independence. At the same time, universities should foster transparent, principled dialogue with governments, advocating for the critical societal role that education plays while refusing to accept undue political interference. Engagement must always be grounded in integrity. Universities can and should work with governments, but only in ways that preserve their moral compass and their primary allegiance—to truth, to inclusion, and to the long-term public interest. Autonomy of universities is essential to a functioning democracy. Universities serve as spaces to envision a better future and to bring people together to realise that vision. Political interference compromises this mission at its root. Read more Trump’s Xanadu: Power, spectacle, and the mirage of control What concrete steps should the academic community and the public take to defend global academic collaboration and institutional independence in the face of political interference? The academic community and the public must mobilise to challenge any encroachments on academic freedom and diversity. This entails legal challenges to unlawful government actions, robust advocacy for the value of openness and international collaboration and forming alliances with civil society and political leaders who support institutional independence. It also means educating the public about the essential role global engagement and academic autonomy play in addressing humanity's greatest challenges. There is a civic duty here: to defend the university not as a sanctuary for the elite, but as a platform for solving global problems. By building coalitions, protecting institutional independence, and reinforcing public trust, universities can serve not just national interests but a global future. Protecting international engagement is about protecting the spirit of inquiry and collaboration that defines a free society. What are the broader implications of this moment for higher education in the US and its global role? The current confrontation extends well beyond administrative policy—it touches the core of what a university is and whom it serves. At stake is not merely the continuity of international enrolment, but the philosophical and civic foundations of higher education itself. In an era defined by geopolitical fragmentation and rising authoritarianism, the university must remain a space of principled openness, intellectual pluralism, and global responsibility. Defending academic freedom and cross-border engagement is not a defensive act; it is an affirmation of higher education's most enduring values. This moment also calls for a wider reckoning within the education landscape of the US. The policies and precedents set in institutions like Harvard will ripple across the entire higher education system, affecting community colleges, state universities, and liberal arts colleges alike. If the US chooses to retreat from global intellectual exchange, it risks ceding leadership in research, innovation, and the moral project of higher education. The health of American democracy, and its place in the world, will be shaped by whether its universities remain open, independent, and truly global. Sarzah Yeasmin is a policy analyst working on the intersections of education and development economics. She is an alumna of Harvard University. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission .";0,525
"Is Trump’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war a geopolitical gamble or a strategic withdrawal?When Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. This aptitude, repeated relentlessly during his campaign, hinged on his self-proclaimed prodigy for dealmaking and personal rapport with Vladimir Putin. Yet over 100 days into his presidency, the war rages on, as well as Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities have intensified. Trump's strategy has devolved into a pattern of contradictions and disengagement. The US president's initial bravado has collided with the grim realities of a war now in its fourth year, with escalating drone warfare and a large number of casualties on both sides. Trump's policy reversals—abandoning sanctions threats to Russia by lowering them, downplaying the US leadership, prioritising rare-earth mineral deals with Ukraine—have left the Kremlin emboldened and strained transatlantic unity. However, the roots of this shift lie in Trump's transactional worldview. His administration inherited a war that had settled into a brutal attritional grind under President Joe Biden, with Ukraine relying on Western arms to thwart Russian advances. However, where Biden's approach marked the war as a struggle for ""democratic sovereignty,"" Trump has treated it as a nuisance—an obstacle to his vision of a grand bargain with Moscow. Since Trump's win, US?direct involvement has decreased. Meanwhile, enforcement of sanctions has ground to a halt and ceasefire plans have only advanced demands favourable to Russia. Yet in May?2025 alone, Russia carried out its largest aerial bombardment in the war. In this respect, Trump's recent calling of Putin ""absolutely crazy"" has been notable, but how much impact it will pose on the US approach remains a critical question. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The surge of Russian attacks coincided with Trump's diplomatic inertia. His sole tangible intervention—a two-hour call with Putin in mid-May—yielded little beyond vague Russian commitments to draft a ""memorandum"" on peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Russia for the delay, while some other officials dismissed the ""document"" as a stalling tactic. Also, the US president's criticism of Putin contrasted sharply with his reproach of Zelensky, whom he accused of ""causing problems,"" demanding that he ""better stop."" The administration's failure to act decisively has had dire consequences. While Trump's Defense Intelligence Agency warned that Russia planned to fight through 2025, Trump at first kept pressuring Kyiv to make concessions without visible pressure on Russia to halt its attacks. Civilian casualties soared, with over 664 civilians killed and 3,425 injured, reported in the first four months of 2025, as reported by Kyiv Independent. All the while, the US president emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin by declining to impose pressure for an immediate ceasefire—backed by Europe—of meaningful sanctions. After Trump's two-hour phone call with Putin, he told reporters on May 19 that the call was ""meaningful and frank"" while the Russian leader declined to support the 30-day ceasefire plan. Putin instead ordered a ""security buffer zone"" along Ukraine's Eastern borders, and strikes on Ukraine's civilian buildings escalated to the heaviest bombings on May 10, with 70 missiles and almost 300 drones. Russian air raids continued on May 25, and Trump remained silent until May 27, when he finally addressed the massive aerial attacks on Ukraine. Posting on TruthSocial, Trump referring to the Russian President, said, ""Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!"" On the same day, sources interviewed by The Wall Street Journal said Trump is considering renewed sanctions, but he could also decide to not impose sanctions at all. One of Trump?s key considerations, according to US officials interview by The Wall Street Journal, was his belief that he knew Putin well and that the Russian leader would end the war as a favour. Trump's dynamic of bluster and retreat has undermined US credibility. It left Kyiv to face intensified attacks and fractured Europe's trust. Critics argue that Trump's approach has been less about diplomacy than coercion, pressuring Ukraine to comply with the territorial concessions. It became explicit in May, when the US declined to join the European-led sanctions, instead suggesting that Kyiv and Moscow resolve the conflict ""independently."" For Ukraine, already strained by dwindling Western aid, the lack of US leadership has been critical. Read more Trump’s Saudi visit: Can it be ‘game over’ for Netanyahu? Biden's stalemate vs Trump's concessions The differing approaches of the Biden and Trump administrations divulge a dichotomy. Biden considered the war as ""a defense of democratic values,"" rallying NATO allies to supply tanks, artillery, and air defence systems. His strategy reached a fragile stalemate, suggesting the preservation of Ukraine's territory while avoiding direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. On the other hand, Trump has been considering the war through a transactional viewpoint. His early moves—halting arms shipments to pressure Kyiv into ceasefire talks—allowed Russian forces to regain momentum in eastern Ukraine. Diplomatically, Trump sidelined European partners, insisting Ukraine and Russia negotiate bilaterally. This approach became more apparent when Vice President JD Vance said that the war is ""not our conflict."" It drew sharp rebukes in Kyiv. Consequently, the contrast extends to their handling of alliances. Biden's administration worked closely with Europe to coordinate sanctions and aid. By contrast, Trump's ""America First"" policy gave rise to cynicism. Therefore, European leaders question whether NATO can function without US commitment, particularly after Trump hinted at withdrawing troops from Europe's eastern border. Trump's policy has been marked by a reluctance to leverage sanctions against Russia, a departure from the Biden-era consensus. Biden used to believe that economic pressure could curb Moscow's aggression. Where the European Union (EU) imposed 17 rounds of sanctions targeting Russian energy, finance, and technology sectors, Trump deemed such measures as obstacles to maximising opportunities for Americans. This shift was clear during Trump's call with Putin this May, where discussions focused less on ending the war than on post-conflict economic collaboration. The Kremlin later emphasised Trump's enthusiasm for Russian rare-earth minerals and energy exports—sectors critical to US tech and manufacturing. In the meantime, the lack of US enforcement diluted EU efforts to isolate Moscow. One EU diplomat remarked, ""We cannot deter Putin if America prioritises trade over security."" Putin's chess game is complex. On May 27, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan went on a two-day visit to Moscow, and Russian stressed on bilateral relations rather than Ukraine. Russian sources have said they viewed Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman as potentially suitable venues for direct talks with Ukraine in a direct blow to Trump who posed himself as the chief negotiator to end the war. The Kremlin's state media in February, framed Trump's deference as a victory. For Putin, Trump's isolationism validates a long-standing assumption: that Western resolve would fracture under economic and political pressure. Read more The American dream betrayed: Silencing voices A strategic dilemma for Europe? In March, the EU unveiled an 800-billion-euro defence plan with a view to bolstering arms production and making a joint rapid-response force. However, internal divisions persist. Poland and the Baltics advocate for unswerving military aid to Ukraine, while Hungary's Viktor Orbán—echoing Trump's rhetoric—calls for pragmatic engagement with Moscow. The EU's May 2025 sanctions package, targeting Russian LNG and shadow tankers, marks progress but highlights lacunae. Europe lacks the capacity to replace US intelligence sharing or advanced air defences. It leaves Ukraine vulnerable to missile strikes. At the same time, Trump's threats to withdraw US troops from NATO's eastern flank have given rise to concerns. If the US does not ensure its commitments, Europe cannot help but prepare to defend itself. For Ukraine, Europe's resolve is a lifeline, but doubts linger. Although the EU amplified aid, Kyiv's battlefield prospects depend on sustained Western unity—a unity questioned and puzzled by Trump's ambivalence. Trump's approach to Ukraine raises questions regarding transatlantic ties (with NATO and the EU) as it has insofar left Kyiv fighting for survival with waning support. For Europe, the lesson should be clear. The EU's push for strategic autonomy faces immense hurdles—from internal divisions to military inadequacies. For the US, the cost of winning a trade deal with Russia may be the loss of its role as the self-proclaimed anchor of global stability. The war in Ukraine has become a referendum on something far larger: whether a world order built on rules and alliances can withstand the rise of transactional nationalism. In the era of a geopolitical and geoeconomic crux, ambiguity is the only certainty. Kawsar Uddin Mahmud is a geopolitical analyst and researcher based in Dhaka. He can be reached at [email protected] . Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission . Related topic: Trump USA Russia Ukraine War";0,125
No MPs join Baltic friendship groups, citing ‘unfriendly policy’The Georgian Parliament has approved a new list of parliamentary friendship groups but none of its members volunteered to join the groups for Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia. Despite a formal decision to establish ties with all three Baltic legislatures, the groups remain empty. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili pointed to what he called the Baltic states’ ‘unfriendly policy’ toward Georgia as the reason for the lack of participation. “We hope that the parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will return to a friendly policy toward the Georgian people,” said Papuashvili. “That would allow us to move forward with forming the relevant friendship groups.” He stressed that while the groups were structurally created by parliamentary resolution, no MPs expressed willingness to engage. “As long as the parliaments of these three countries maintain an unfriendly stance toward Georgia, it is difficult to expect enthusiasm from Georgian MPs to engage in these formats.”;-0,175
Bokuchava accuses regime of orchestrating her husband’s kidnappingUnited National Movement chairwoman Tina Bokuchava has alleged that her husband, Kote Ioseliani, was kidnapped and threatened by masked men in an attempt to intimidate her politically. In a statement at a briefing, Bokuchava said the abduction was not about a public comment Ioseliani made years ago, but about silencing her specifically. “My husband was ambushed late at night near the entrance to our residence by five masked men. They attacked and abducted him — the real reason behind this was to intimidate and silence me,“ Bokuchava said. “I want to say this clearly, for everyone to hear: I am not afraid! I will not be silenced, and I will fight to dismantle your violent, treacherous regime.“ Bokuchava said that Ioseliani was taken near the Vake swimming pool where the couple lives with their three children. He was blindfolded, tied up, and driven to an undisclosed location, possibly the so-called ‘Moduli’ building, where he was interrogated for eight hours. “They knew our child’s school, the kindergarten of our twins, they threatened the safety of our children,” she said. “He was denied access to his phone, and I could not reach him all night.” The incident comes after Ioseliani’s recent video apology to Uta Ivanishvili, son of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, for comments made in 2018. Bokuchava said that apology was forced and the justification was a ‘pretext.’ “We all understand well that the statement Kote made about Uta Ivanishvili seven years ago, for which he publicly apologized just three days after making it, is not the real reason for what happened,” she said. “The real reason was to scare and silence me.” Addressing Ivanishvili and his inner circle directly, Bokuchava said: “To Bidzina Ivanishvili, to every member of his family, to those who ordered my husband’s kidnapping, including Gela Geladze, I say this loud and clear: I am not afraid!”;0,175
Mdinaradze: Georgia must decide its own fate or “cease to exist”Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, has published a statement highlighting the importance of national sovereignty, warning that without independent decision-making, Georgia faces existential risks. “No matter what they say outside the country, if we do not make our own decisions here, in our homeland, the nation will cease to exist in a few decades,” Mdinaradze wrote on social media. Stressing that “the independence of the country is the main priority,” Mdinaradze added, “Independence from everyone!” He framed the issue as a part of national survival and identity: “Together with the Georgian people, who have the greatest self-respect, we will be able to do this and live in a united, strong, proud Georgia! There is no other way! This is how the Georgian Dream should come true!”;-0,425
Joe Wilson criticises Georgian gov’t over China tiesU.S. Congressman Joe Wilson has strongly criticized Georgia’s ruling party, calling the Georgian Dream government ‘anti-American’ and accusing it of being in sync with communist China while insulting President Donald Trump. “The anti-American Georgian Dream regime insults President Trump while exalting communist China,” Wilson wrote on social media platform X. “Just listen to their own words and look at their actions.” Wilson also alleged that the Georgian government is actively chipping away at U.S. interests in the region. “They are selling the country to China and blocking America from all business and trade in the country and region,” he declared. The Congressman concluded his post with a call for renewed U.S.-Georgia cooperation, writing “MEGOBARI badly needed!”;-0,7
Kaladze calls for reset after U.S. Ambassador resignsGeorgian Dream Secretary General Kakha Kaladze responded to the resignation of U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, calling her departure unexpected and questioning the circumstances. “The ambassador’s departure was a bit of a surprise. Of course, there are many questions about her departure,” Kaladze said. He used the opportunity to call for a reset in U.S.-Georgian relations, pointing out the importance of mutual respect and strategic partnership. “The Georgian government is ready to reset relations. The most important thing for us is strategic partnership and friendship with the United States, and all this should be mutual,” Kaladze noted. He further accused specific yet unnamed figures who he claimed distorted information provided to the U.S. administration. “There were people in this process who were preventing all this, doing everything they could to provide the administration with incorrect information, but I am sure that everything will change radically.” Kaladze also expressed support for President Donald Trump, agreeing with his political priorities. “President Trump has set important priorities, defeating the ‘deep state,’ ending the war which we welcome and support Donald Trump,” he added.;-0,325
Ukraine Latest: Zelensky Calls for Sanctions after ‘Savage’ Russian Attack on Sumy Kills FourViolence and conflicting narratives continue to dominate the war between Russia and Ukraine, with new attacks, territorial claims, and accusations exchanged on both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deadly Russian airstrike on Sumy a “savage” assault that deliberately targeted civilians on “ordinary streets.” The Ukrainian leader said “many people have been wounded” and that at least four were killed, adding that the attack showed that Russia is not serious in pursuing peace. Zelensky wrote on X: “It is obvious: without global pressure, without decisive actions from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who has the power – Putin will not agree even to a ceasefire. Not a single day goes by without Russia striking Ukrainian cities and villages. Every day, we lose our people to Russian terror. Every day, Russia gives new reasons for tougher sanctions and stronger support for our defense. I am grateful to everyone around the world who is promoting exactly this agenda: sanctions for aggression and the killing of people, and assistance in defending the lives of Ukrainians.” Sumy is about 30 kilometers from the Russian border, and was a vital logistics hub for Ukraine’s months-long offensive into Russia’s Kursk region. The city has come under intense Russian bombardment after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to create a “buffer zone” inside the Sumy region, which borders Russia. Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility for a significant strike on the strategic Crimea Bridge, stating it detonated explosives targeting underwater supports, causing what it described as “severe damage” to the structure. The bridge serves as a key link between mainland Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsula, and has been a repeated target throughout the conflict. In response, the Russian Ministry of Transport stated that “standard operations” had resumed after “temporary closures” earlier in the day. Russia blamed Ukraine for the explosion on the Crimea Bridge, although the Kremlin insisted there was no damage. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the West of being complicit in what she labeled “terrorist attacks” against civilian infrastructure in Russia, alleging that NATO and Western nations not only supply weapons to Ukraine, but also provide coordinates for such strikes. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces had taken control of Kindrativka in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region and the village of Ridkodub in the eastern part of the country, indicating continued pressure on Ukrainian defenses along multiple fronts. Tragedy also struck in the Kharkiv region, where Ukraine’s Interior Ministry confirmed that two civilians were killed when fires broke out following a Russian attack on homes in the village of Chistovodivka. The attacks came as a second round of peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv ended in Istanbul without a significant breakthrough – only a deal to swap more prisoners of war. Negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul ended without agreement on a ceasefire on Monday, but with both sides agreeing to exchange more prisoners. Ukraine’s president said the two sides had agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, with the possibility of swapping an additional 200. Zelensky did not take part in the talks but spoke out during a visit to Lithuania, calling for stronger sanctions on Russia if it did not agree to a ceasefire. He said his negotiators had given their Russian counterparts a list of nearly 400 abducted Ukrainian children that Kyiv wanted Moscow to return home, but that the Russian delegation agreed to work on returning only 10 of them. An agreement had been made to return the remains of killed service personnel, but this would take careful preparation, said Ukrainian negotiators. Russia proposed a ceasefire of two or three days in some areas of the frontline to allow the Russian army to collect the many bodies it has left lying on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials said the Russians rejected Kyiv’s call for an unconditional ceasefire of at least a month, instead handing over a proposal that would need to be studied by Kyiv. The Ukrainians suggested the talks should reconvene towards the end of June. As the war in Ukraine intensifies, key Western allies have announced increased military support, focusing on advanced weaponry and air defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression. UK Secretary of Defense John Healey announced that Britain will allocate £350 million ($473.5 million) to supply Ukraine with 100,000 drones. This forms part of the United Kingdom’s broader £4.5 billion ($6 billion) military aid package for 2025. Healey emphasized that the drones would play a crucial role in surveillance, strike capability, and frontline support for Ukrainian forces. In parallel, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius revealed a new initiative aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses. Speaking to reporters, Pistorius said Germany is lobbying the United States and other partners to contribute additional Patriot or equivalent air defense systems. The initiative is intended to shield Ukrainian infrastructure and cities from frequent Russian missile and drone attacks. Compiled by Ana Dumbadze;0,525
Russian intelligence: UK intensifying efforts to oust Georgian governmentThe United Kingdom is stepping up efforts to unseat Georgia’s ruling “Georgian Dream” party, Russian media reports citing a statement from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). “London plans to significantly increase funding for Georgian opposition NGOs to radicalize their anti-government activity,” the SVR claims. It alleges that the UK aims to trigger a renewed political struggle by uniting “subversively oriented” organizations with opposition parties, hoping to revitalize the systemic opposition and mobilize it against the current government. The SVR states that Georgian Dream’s continued rule causes “undisguised irritation” in the West. It also claims the UK Foreign Office has identified about 100 youth groups, feminist and LGBT organizations across Georgia for involvement in “subversive activities.” Training efforts are allegedly focused on protest tactics, evading digital surveillance, and acts of sabotage. The statement concludes that Western frustration stems from Georgia’s shift away from liberal-globalist influence and its move toward prioritizing national interests—contrasting with its previous pro-Western stance under former president Mikheil Saakashvili.;-0,525
US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan announces retirement after 33 years of diplomatic serviceUS Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan has announced her decision to retire after more than three decades of diplomatic service, marking the end of a distinguished 33-year career representing the United States around the world. In a public statement, Ambassador Dunnigan described her tenure in Georgia as “the greatest honor and privilege” of her career. She praised the work of her colleagues both in Washington and at the US Embassy in Tbilisi, highlighting their efforts in strengthening the partnership between the American and Georgian people. “This is a fully personal decision,” the ambassador clarified. “I have not been asked to return by my government.” Reflecting on her time in Georgia, Dunnigan expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality and warmth she and her family experienced throughout the country. “No matter where we have traveled in this amazingly beautiful country, we have been welcomed with unparalleled Georgian hospitality,” she said. “We have admired the heart, soul, and passion of all Georgians.” Ambassador Dunnigan reaffirmed her belief in the enduring strength of US-Georgia relations, citing shared core values as the foundation for continued cooperation and friendship between the two nations. She will continue her duties and diplomatic work until she departs in July.;0
MFA shuts down NATO & EU info centre amid restructuring by Mariam Razmadze June 4, 2025 in Highlights , News , Politics Reading Time: 1 min read Photo: NATO and EU Information Center. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has denied claims circulating online about the abolition of the NATO and EU Information Centre, stating the agency is currently under structural reorganization, not closure. “As part of the ongoing reorganization, the NATO and EU Information Centre will be integrated into the Central Office of the Ministry,” the MFA announced in an official statement. The ministry emphasized that recent social media rumors suggesting the center’s termination are unfounded. Instead, the move is part of a bigger internal restructuring aimed at strengthening operations and efficiency. Tags: NATO and EU Information Center The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Share Share Tweet;-0,1
Kobakhidze Hails China as a Model of Peace and ProgressAt the Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze praised China as a global power that has stayed committed to peace and progress for nearly half a century. “In a world full of conflict, it’s important to recognize countries that choose a different path,” he said. “China hasn’t been involved in a single war for the past 45 years. Instead, it’s focused on development, modernization, and long-term growth—and the results are there for everyone to see.” Kobakhidze described China as the kind of superstate others should look to—not just for its economic success, but for its steady role in promoting peace. “We should recognize the unique place China holds—not only in its region but globally—when it comes to supporting stability and peaceful progress,” he added. His remarks come as Georgia’s relationship with China continues to deepen. In August 2023, the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership. The agreement includes cooperation in areas like infrastructure, trade, education, and diplomacy, and reflects a shared interest in regional and global stability. Kobakhidze has previously called the new partnership “one of the most important achievements” in Georgia’s recent foreign policy, reiterating that closer cooperation with China enhances the country’s geopolitical balance—especially as Georgia continues to build ties with both Eastern and Western partners.;0,25
Survey shows about half of Romanians believe presidential elections were unfairly organized 06 June 2025 Radu Dumitrescu Roughly 45.7% of Romanians believe the country’s May presidential elections were rather unfairly organized, while 50.4% believe they were fair, according to a survey by INSCOP Research . Romania's previous presidential elections, which saw centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan emerge victorious, saw extreme polarization. Immediately after the elections, far-right former candidate and one-time front-runner George Simion began arguing that the elections were “fixed.” Similar narratives spread online, with Simion’s supporters arguing the same, increasingly polarization. As a result, numerous Romanians believe the elections were unfair. Divisions largely follow the differences in education and regional development. According to the survey, 75% of those with higher education believe the elections were held fairly, while the same proportion of those with primary education believe the opposite. Similarly, 60% of residents of large urban areas think they were fair, while 60% of those in the rural areas think otherwise. “These differences reflect the structure of the electoral bases of the two candidates, which indicates the persistence of a strong polarization in our society. This demonstrates the harmful impact of the wave of disinformation intended to discredit democracy in Romania, and shows the need for serious efforts to restore the credibility of our democratic regime throughout society,” added Remus ?tefureac, director of INSCOP Research. Overall, those who believe the presidential elections were rather fairly organized, in significantly higher proportions than the 50.4% average, are mainly PNL voters (90%) and USR voters (89%), individuals with higher education (75%), people aged over 60 (59%), residents of Bucharest (66%) and large urban areas (60%). Those who believe the elections were rather unfairly organized, in higher proportions than the 45.7% average, are mainly AUR voters (89%), individuals aged 30–44 (58%), people with primary education (71%), rural residents (58%), and TikTok users (58%). “75% of PSD voters believe the elections were organized fairly, while 20% consider the elections were unfairly organized, which may suggest the likely proportion of Social Democratic voters who voted for Nicu?or Dan or George Simion,” stated Remus ?tefureac, director of INSCOP Research. The data was collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews), with a simple, stratified sample volume of 1,150 people, representative across significant socio-demographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania's non-institutionalized population aged 18 and over. The maximum admitted margin of error is ±2.9%, at a 95% confidence level. radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Inquam Photos | Malina Norocea);0,05
Romanian factory to begin production of three types of military dronesCARFIL Brasov, central Romania, is set to begin production of three types of Romanian military UAVs this year, news agency Agerpres reported. The drones, named Cuda, Sirin, and a marine drone, were unveiled at the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum 2025 (SEESOF) in Targu Mures, the first international expo-forum dedicated to the special operations forces. “Cuda is a drone with a flight capacity of half an hour and with surveillance capabilities, fit for surveillance missions. Sirin can carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms, and then there's a unique drone in the region, the maritime drone, which is specially designed to fly at sea and in the coastal area. It is special because maritime flights pose problems for sensors,” said the head of the Brasov-based Center of Excellence in Drone Pilots Training, Cristea Gabriel Rau, cited by Agerpres. The drones presented in Targu Mures are being developed together with American partner Periscop Aviation and will enter production this summer at the ROMARM factory in Brasov, which used to produce bombs. The drones “were tested as per the specifications of the US Army, which are more restrictive than the Romanian ones,” Rau added. He also argued that recent conflicts have shown that drones will change the war paradigm. “As established bomb manufacturers, we said let's make bombs for drones. We did it, and then we said, why not make drones too?” Cristea Gabriel Rau also stated. According to him, CARFIL is the first Romanian company to produce drones on an industrial scale. The head of the Center of Excellence in Drone Pilots Training stressed that the drones will not be sold abroad, but intended exclusively for Romania. The first production series includes 25 Cude and 25 Sirin drones, with maritime and carrier drones to enter production if there is demand. The factory also makes civilian drones. Over 110 companies from 23 countries, 50 of which from Romania, participated in the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum 2025 (SEESOF) held on June 4 - 5 at the 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology (UMFST) in Targu Mures. radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Carfil.ro);-0,15
"Several fake news campaigns currently targeting Romanians on social media, official sources sayRomania’s Interior Ministry (MAI) and Defense Ministry (MApN) have warned of ongoing disinformation campaigns on social media aimed at manipulating public opinion. The latest wave of false claims includes reports about the imposition of martial law and border closures, seeking to heighten public anxiety over the risk of war. Romanians, whether abroad or within the country, have been facing increasingly stronger waves of fake news since the cancelled presidential in December 2024 , even though misinformation began to thrive during the pandemic. “False information is being spread regarding the so-called closure of border crossing points. We reiterate our appeal to citizens not to share such messages and to seek information from official sources,” the Interior Ministry announced . Meanwhile, last week, a series of forged documents called Romanian men in the diaspora back to the country as part of alleged recruitment drive for the army. Videos of military equipment supposedly crossing Romania were also shared. In reply, the Ministry of National Defense said that the institutions mentioned in the forged documents, such as the “Recruitment Directorate,” do not in fact exist. “The disinformation we are highlighting continues a series of actions that exploit the context created by the war of aggression currently waged by the Russian Federation in Ukraine. We remind that compulsory military service for conscripted soldiers and short-term soldiers was suspended in peacetime in Romania, starting on January 1, 2007,” defense officials stated. “Furthermore, there is no officer within the MApN personnel bearing the name and position of the one who supposedly ‘signed’ this fake document."" To combat future disinformation campaigns, Romanian state institutions will notify judicial authorities and identify the authors of this disinformation campaign. According to Romanian law, the intentional dissemination of false news is punishable with prison of up to 5 years. Romania’s National Directorate for Cyber Security , or DNSC, said that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. Some attacks are carried out on social media platforms, where attackers manipulate public opinion and spread false information to influence user behavior. Misinformation is often combined with phishing, which targets sensitive information. In one case, a Facebook page with millions of followers was compromised by attackers. The page stopped posting, but launched multiple sponsored ads in various European languages. The hackers therefore used the page’s popularity to redirect users to a site containing false information about Romanian elections. They also promised “miraculous earnings” through risky and fraudulent investments. radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Georgejmclittle | Dreamstime.com )";-0,075
IMF recommends Romania to increase VAT and excise duties, introduce two income tax rates in latest report The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued new recommendations to Romania, among which is an increase in VAT, but also excise duties, dividend taxes, and the introduction of two income tax rates of 15% and 25%. At the same time, it recommends the reduction or elimination of the health insurance contribution, as well as a change in property taxation and lower threshold for microenterprises. IMF says that these measures could generate revenues of at least 1.2% of GDP in 2025 and help lower the deficit. The proposals are part of the IMF technical assistance program requested by the Romanian Finance Ministry. The IMF states that the tax burden on labor income in Romania, which includes personal income tax and mandatory social security contributions (pension and health insurance), is among the highest in the EU at lower income levels. At the same time, Romania’s tax burden at the average wage level is below the EU average. The lack of progressivity in the tax burden across the entire income spectrum implies that the income tax system does not fulfill its key function as a redistribution tool, the IMF states. To remedy this, the Fund proposes moving from the flat 10% income tax rate on labor income to a system with two marginal tax rates of 15% and 25%, the latter applying to the highest incomes (90th percentile). On the other hand, if fiscal space allows, the issue of the tax burden on low incomes should be addressed by granting more generous allowances or introducing a workplace benefit program, the IMF states. The Fund also says that pension system contributions should either not be deductible or that pension income should be taxed. The IMF also proposes changes to the taxation of capital income and property, saying that taxes on dividends distributed to individuals should be increased from the current 8% to 10%. This would increase revenues, reduce tax arbitrage opportunities, and improve progressivity, the institution states. The main recommendations regarding property tax include merging land and building taxes into a single tax and reducing exemptions, while providing tax relief to vulnerable groups in other forms. The Fund also believes that corporate profit taxation can be improved by eliminating the tax credit for corporate sponsorships and replacing the tax exemption for reinvested profits with a tax credit of up to 50% for eligible investments, capped at 10% of the corporate income tax. The turnover threshold for the microenterprise regime should be substantially reduced from the current level of EUR 500,000, preferably by aligning it with the VAT registration threshold (EUR 88,500). Finally, the IMF proposes changes to consumption taxes to increase revenues and create fiscal space for reducing the health insurance contribution rate. Its analysts say that reduced VAT rates should be raised to the standard rate, possibly with the exception of basic food. Additionally, the standard VAT rate should increase from 19% to at least 20% in 2025 and later to 21% – close to the EU-27 average of 22%. The IMF says that Romania’s medium-term fiscal framework provides for the deficit to gradually decrease from around 8% of GDP in 2024 to 7% in 2025 and to 3% (or less) by 2031. To that end, increasing state revenues is paramount. In the short term, Romania has agreed with the European Commission to undertake tax policy reforms to increase revenues by 1.1% of GDP in 2025. At the moment, Romania’s major pro-European parties are in talks to form a new ruling majority and a government by June 15. During the talks, representatives of the parties have reportedly agreed on a short list of measures aimed at securing fiscal consolidation in line with the European Commission's requirements and investors' expectations. Decisions, however, were deferred until June 9. Even without the IMF report, hiking the VAT rates is an almost certain ingredient of the consolidation mix, despite president Nicusor Dan's promise to avoid such a decision . Romania must enact the fiscal plan by the end of the month, ideally before June 20, in order to prevent disciplinary measures from the European Union under the Excessive Deficit Procedure. radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Deanpictures | Dreamstime.com );0,2
INSCOP poll: Far-right party AUR leads voter preferences in Romania, traditional parties lose groundThe far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) holds a commanding lead in voting intentions for parliamentary elections, according to the latest Informat.ro – INSCOP Research barometer conducted between May 26 and 30. Meanwhile, the traditional parties are losing ground. The data, gathered through 1,150 CATI (computer-assisted telephone interview) responses from a representative sample of the adult Romanian population, shows AUR as the clear frontrunner. When excluding undecided respondents and focusing on those who expressed a preference for a listed party, 38.1% said they would vote for AUR, followed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 17.4%, the National Liberal Party (PNL) with 16%, and the Save Romania Union (USR) with 12.2%. When filtered further to include only those who declared they would certainly vote, AUR's support rises slightly to 38.3%. PNL gains second place at 16.6%, followed by PSD at 15.2% and USR at 13.3%. Support for other parties includes Hungarians’ party UDMR (4.7%), the non-parliamentary SENS (4.1%), far-right POT (3.5%), and SOS Romania (1.8%). In terms of raw totals, which include undecided voters and those not planning to participate, AUR commands 32.2% support, ahead of PSD (14.7%), PNL (13.5%), and USR (10.2%). The remaining parties and independents collectively account for around 11%, while nearly 16% of respondents say they are undecided, will not vote, or refused to answer. Remus ?tefureac, director of INSCOP Research, noted that the combined voting intention for mainstream parties likely to form a governing coalition, namely PSD, PNL, USR, and UDMR, stands at 50%, while opposition parties hold approximately 44%, and non-parliamentary parties gather 6%. He attributed PSD’s declining trend to repeated electoral setbacks, while PNL’s modest increase may be linked to Ilie Bolojan’s return to party leadership. Moreover, despite president Nicu?or Dan’s growing popularity, USR has yet to capitalize on any perceived association with him, possibly due to the rise of SENS, which now polls at 4%. According to the same poll, public engagement with the electoral process remains high. On a scale of 1 to 10 measuring certainty to vote, 74.2% of respondents selected 10, indicating firm intent. Only 11.5% chose 1, meaning they were certain not to vote. The poll has a maximum margin of error of ±2.9% at a 95% confidence level. irina.marica@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Inquam Photos/Cornel Putan);-0,275
"Romanian former prime minister acquitted in bribery caseFormer Romanian prime minister C?lin Popescu T?riceanu was definitively acquitted on Monday, June 2, by the High Court of Cassation and Justice in a case in which he was accused of bribery. Prosecutors at the Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) had claimed that he received USD 800,000 from representatives of an Austrian company in exchange for making favorable decisions. T?riceanu, a close ally of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) during his time, stated that the decision “is not just a legal acquittal, but a moral reparation” which “restores the honor of a man who served Romania with loyalty and responsibility” and who had been subjected to a discrediting campaign. “Unfortunately, in the last 20 years, what was called the rule of law in Romania was, often, just a parody,” he said on Facebook . “It is a release, a painful closure to a chapter in which I endured not only public attacks but also an emotional pressure hard to describe. My family was affected, and my reputation was unjustifiably questioned."" The former Liberal prime minister C?lin Popescu T?riceanu was indicted by DNA in March 2021 for alleged bribes received in 2008. He also faced a seizure on real estate properties worth USD 800,000. The requests for bribes came, according to the prosecutors, through a businessman. The latter allegedly asked on behalf of the then-prime minister for a 10% commission out of the payments included in a commercial contract managed by the Austrian company, in exchange for the adoption of government decisions favoring the company’s interests, according to News.ro . On October 10, 2024, T?riceanu, who was prime minister between 2004 and 2008, was acquitted in the same case. The magistrates’ decision at the time was not final. Now, the court rejected as unfounded the appeals filed by the Public Ministry in T?riceanu’s case. The judges also decided to lift the preventive seizure measure on the former prime minister’s properties, as well as on the movable and immovable goods belonging to another defendant, Petru Berteanu, who was also acquitted. radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Calin Popescu Tariceanu on Facebook)";0,075
"Timi?oara mayor launches bid for leader of Romanian reformist party USR Dominic Fritz , mayor of the western Romanian city of Timi?oara, announced his bid for the leadership of the Save Romania Union (USR) party in an internal message. In the message, Fritz says that the party must move more to the center. He cited Nicu?or Dan, the founder of USR, who nearly a decade ago also proposed a centrist vision and left the party after part of USR decided to position itself as a more progressive party during 2018 referendum on same-sex marriage . “Nicu?or Dan won with a centrist, pragmatic, and unifying electoral strategy, without abandoning his values. That’s what we also did to win mayoralties in towns and communes. He addressed all citizens, from all social categories, and mobilized those who want a modern Romania, not one that goes back in time; who want an open society and a functioning democracy, not isolation, hate, and division. And these voters are everywhere: in large cities, but also in smaller towns and villages,” Fritz told his colleagues, according to HotNews . “What I propose to you is a strategic reset: a centrist party, in the strategic sense, that puts society in all its diversity at the core of its concerns. That addresses politically, through communication and solutions, large cities, small towns, and rural areas,” he added. The mayor took over as interim leader of USR after former leader Elena Lasconi resigned following the first round of the presidential elections on May 4, when she finished in fifth place, with only a few percentage points. Lasconi, who returned as mayor of Campulung, accused Fritz, along with others, of betraying her in favor of then-presidential candidate Nicusor Dan. Dominic Fritz and other USR leadership members explained at the time that support for Elena Lasconi was withdrawn because she was not gaining in the polls and had no chance of reaching the second round. Fritz is not the only candidate for the party leadership. On Monday, May 2, former Liberal labor minister Violeta Alexandru also announced her candidacy. Currently a senator, Alexandru has been a member of USR for about 10 months, after she left the party founded by former Liberal prime minister Ludovic Orban, For?a Dreptei. The USR leader at that time, Elena Lasconi, stated that Violeta Alexandru was “a great gain for our team.” In addition to Dominic Fritz and Violeta Alexandru, another 10 members have registered for the USR leadership race, according to HotNews sources: Constantin Gheorghi?? (Diaspora branch), Marin Ciub?ncan (Cluj), George Ungureanu (Tulcea), Andreea Cristian Ianc (Cluj), Horea Zaha (Bihor), Luiza Elena Oancea (Diaspora), Vasile Gabriel Filip (Constan?a), Alex Cojocaru (Bucharest), Eduard R?ducan (Arge?), and Mihai Mih?il? (Bac?u). radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Inquam Photos | Virgil Simonescu)";0,075
"President Nicu?or Dan reaffirms Romania's support for Ukraine during B9 summitRomanian president Nicu?or Dan reaffirmed Romania's continued support for Ukraine and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the B9 summit held in Vilnius on June 2. ""Romania will continue to stand with Ukraine and further deepen bilateral ties for the benefit of the two peoples,"" Dan said during the meeting, according to a statement released after the summit. President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Romania's ongoing backing, particularly in relation to Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. ""The Ukrainian people continue to show great courage in defending our shared values of freedom and democracy. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through strength,"" president Dan posted on his official X account following the meeting. I met with @ZelenskyyUa at the #B9Summit in Vilnius. The Ukrainian people continue to show great courage in defending our shared values of freedom and democracy. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through strength. Romania will continue to stand with Ukraine and… pic.twitter.com/Y7Br5atWM8 — Nicu?or Dan (@NicusorDanRO) June 2, 2025 Dan also confirmed he would attend the Ukraine – Southeastern Europe Summit in Odessa on June 11 at the invitation of president Zelensky. ""It's a protocol discussion on the sidelines of a summit, but I will most likely go to the summit in Odessa on June 11, where we will discuss this,"" he told reporters in Vilnius. Asked, in Vilnius, whether Romania would be more transparent regarding military aid granted to Ukraine in the future, he remained evasive. ""I don't know, I haven't been able to assess up to this point what the benefits are, what the risks are. In any case, Romania will continue to support Ukraine because it's about our security. It's one thing to be in the existing situation, with a neighbour on the Eastern border, Ukraine, with whom we have a treaty since 1997, and it's a different thing to have Russia or a country, Ukraine, that becomes [a Russian proxi like] Belarus,"" the head of state said, quoted by Digi24 . Following the bilateral talks, president Zelensky acknowledged Romania's unwavering stance. ""I thank Nicu?or Dan for ensuring that Ukraine can count on Romania's continuous support, support for Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO, and confirming the president's personal participation in the Ukraine – South-East Europe Summit to be held in Odesa,"" he stated in a Facebook post, which also featured a video of the two leaders. iulian@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Facebook/Nicusor Dan)";0,275
"Volodymyr Zelensky invites Romanian president Nicu?or Dan to Ukraine during B9 summitVolodymyr Zelensky invites Romanian president Nicu?or Dan to Ukraine ahead a bilateral meeting during the Bucharest 9 Summit in Vilnius on Monday, June 2. Zelensky made brief statements to the press upon arrival at the summit, saying that “Romania is very important” to Ukraine. He indicated that he will talk with Nicu?or Dan about the bilateral relations between the two states. ""Today [e.n. Monday] I will have a meeting with the president of Romania. It is an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations — not only European matters, but also topics on the bilateral agenda. I have already invited the president of Romania to visit Ukraine. (...) Romania is very important,"" Zelensky said at the B9 Summit in Vilnius, as quoted by Euronews Romania . The president of Romania is participating on Monday, June 2, in the B9 and Nordic Countries Summit, in the capital of the Republic of Lithuania, in his first external visit since officially taking office as president. The event is also attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, and representatives of NATO allies from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. The meeting in Vilnius aims to prepare for the NATO summit in The Hague, which will take place at the end of June and will represent an important moment for strengthening NATO and transatlantic unity. “The discussions in Vilnius will focus on strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank, on increasing support for Ukraine, as well as on the need for European Allies to increase investments in defense,” according to a statement from the Presidential Administration of Romania issued before the meeting. Additionally, president Nicu?or Dan will highlight the need to also support the Republic of Moldova, which is exposed to complex risks and threats. According to Euronews Romania , one of the first conclusions of discussions held on Monday was that Romania will host the next Bucharest Nine (B9) summit in 2026. European leaders also agreed on the objective for allies to invest at least 5% of GDP in defense, in order to address the security threats and challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Romanian president traveled to Vilnius onboard a C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft from the Romanian Air Force fleet, according to Boarding Pass . radu@romania-insider.com (Photo source: presidency.ro)";-0,025
German quality meets Romanian lifestyle: Discovering premium living at Pipera EinsIn Bucharest's dynamic residential market, quality of life, sustainability, and comfort are becoming essential factors for homebuyers and investors alike. Heberger Pipera Eins, a flagship residential project in northern Bucharest, epitomizes these values through a unique blend of German precision and Romanian lifestyle, promising a premium living experience that stands apart. German Standards, Local Appeal For many Romanians and expats residing in Bucharest, the aspiration for a premium home is often driven by reliability, design excellence, and durability. Pipera Eins, developed by the German company Heberger, successfully addresses these expectations by implementing rigorous German construction standards combined with an intimate understanding of the Romanian market. Heberger, known internationally for its meticulous engineering and high-quality standards, has brought its reputation for reliability directly into the heart of Bucharest. Pipera Eins boasts superior build quality, innovative design, and eco-friendly features, setting a new benchmark for residential developments in Romania. The buildings exhibit minimalistic yet sophisticated architectural lines, spacious interiors filled with natural light, and materials selected meticulously for durability and elegance. Why Pipera? Location Matters The Pipera neighborhood has increasingly become one of Bucharest's most desirable residential destinations. Strategically positioned in northern Bucharest, Pipera Eins offers proximity to top international schools, vibrant shopping centers, premium dining locations, business hubs, and extensive green spaces. These attributes are particularly attractive for families and young professionals seeking convenience without sacrificing tranquility. Residents of Pipera Eins benefit from reduced commuting times, thanks to the area's well-developed infrastructure and ongoing city investments in connectivity and amenities. This strategic location fosters a balanced lifestyle, making the project not only a perfect home but also a wise investment. Community First: A Harmonious Lifestyle One of the standout aspects of the Pipera Eins development is its intentional focus on creating a vibrant, family-oriented community. Recognizing the importance Romanians place on family and social connections, Heberger has integrated ample communal spaces within the project. Playgrounds, parks, community lounges, and landscaped gardens encourage interaction and community spirit among residents, blending Romanian hospitality with German-inspired organization. Ulli Schuhmacher, Managing Director of Heberger Romania, underscores this aspect, emphasizing that Pipera Eins aims not merely to construct buildings but to foster genuine communities. This philosophy aligns with local values, resonating deeply with prospective residents who seek both personal privacy and meaningful neighborhood interactions. Eco-Friendly and Smart Living Sustainability and innovation are key features of Pipera Eins, distinguishing it from other residential projects in Bucharest. Apartments are built with environmentally friendly materials and designed to minimize energy consumption. High-quality insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and smart home technologies ensure that residents live comfortably while contributing positively to the environment. Smart home integration, a prominent feature in the project, enhances convenience, security, and efficiency. Residents have remote access to home automation systems, controlling everything from lighting to climate control effortlessly through their smartphones or tablets. This integration of technology is not only forward-thinking but aligns with Bucharest residents' growing desire for technologically advanced living spaces. A Proven Legacy of Excellence Heberger's international legacy is characterized by high-profile projects worldwide, a testament to their capability to deliver quality consistently. With Pipera Eins, the company leverages this global expertise while paying close attention to local preferences, creating homes uniquely suited to Romanian expectations. The company's strategic relocation of its Romanian headquarters to Pipera Eins itself is a statement of confidence in their project, illustrating their commitment and belief in the area's potential. This move also underscores the developer's transparency and approachability, further strengthening the trust of Romanian buyers and international investors alike. An Invitation to Premium Living The growing demand for high-quality residential developments in Bucharest reflects a new era for the city's housing market—one driven by quality, community, and sustainability. Pipera Eins rises to meet these aspirations, promising residents more than just a home: it offers a lifestyle marked by German precision, Romanian warmth, and contemporary luxury. As Bucharest continues to evolve, projects like Pipera Eins serve as benchmarks of excellence, setting higher standards for future developments and positively impacting the quality of life within the community. Whether one seeks a modern family home, a smart investment, or simply a better way of living, Pipera Eins is poised to redefine premium living in Romania's vibrant capital. *This is partner content.;0
Russia and Ukraine Begin POW Exchange With Young Soldiers Russia and Ukraine have begun exchanging prisoners of war under a deal reached during last week’s peace talks in Turkey, with Moscow saying the first stage involves the return of younger soldiers. During negotiations in Istanbul last Monday, both sides agreed to release all wounded troops and captured soldiers under the age of 25 — more than 1,000 people on each side. They also pledged to exchange the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers each. “In accordance with Russian-Ukrainian agreements, the first group of Russian servicemen under the age of 25 was returned from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange on X, saying it “will continue in several stages over the coming days.” Russia and Ukraine have begun exchanging prisoners of war under a deal reached during last week’s peace talks in Turkey, with Moscow saying the first stage involves the return of younger soldiers. Neither side disclosed the number of soldiers involved in the initial swap, but Russia said it had returned “a similar number” of Ukrainian troops. Russian lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said Saturday that Moscow had submitted a list of 640 Ukrainian POWs for release. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its returned soldiers are undergoing mental health and medical treatment in Belarus before being sent home for further care. Zelensky described the exchange as “quite complex, with many sensitive details,” adding that negotiations are continuing “virtually every day.” The Kremlin said earlier on Monday it was ready to follow through on the agreements, while accusing Ukraine of failing to meet its obligations. On Saturday, Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Kyiv of not setting a date for the POW swap. Ukraine, in its turn, accused Moscow of “dirty games” and not adhering to the agreed terms. Medinsky claimed Ukraine did not show up to collect the bodies of its fallen soldiers. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said no date had been agreed and that the list of names Russia provided did not match the terms of the agreement.;0
"Armenia Is Breaking Up With Russia – And Putin Can’t Stop It Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin. Valery Sharifulin / TASS For decades, Armenia was one of Russia’s most reliable post-Soviet allies — a small but loyal partner nestled in the volatile South Caucasus. But that marriage of convenience is now rapidly unraveling. Today, Yerevan is no longer whispering discontent. It is shouting it from the rooftops. And Moscow? It is scrambling to salvage the remains of its diminishing influence with soft power schemes and desperate political maneuvers. The writing is now on the wall. Armenia is done waiting for a protector that never arrives. The rupture can be traced most clearly to 2021 and 2022, when Azerbaijani forces launched cross-border attacks on Armenian territory and killed hundreds of Armenian soldiers. A founding member of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Armenia expected solidarity. Instead, it got silence. From Armenia’s perspective, Azerbaijan likely would not have moved on Nagorno-Karabakh if Russia had not invaded Ukraine. The war drained the Kremlin’s resources and attention, leaving a power vacuum in the South Caucasus. Baku seized the moment, knowing Russia was too distracted and weakened to respond. The CSTO's refusal to intervene shattered the illusion that Russia would uphold its end of the bargain. When Nagorno-Karabakh, a region long supported by Armenians, was blockaded and then swiftly captured by Azerbaijan in 2023, Russian peacekeepers stood idly by. To Armenians, this was betrayal. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has already suspended Armenia's participation in CSTO activities and refused to attend recent summits. Senior figures in his government told me last week that Armenia will never become a full participant again and may even leave altogether. Armenia is now rapidly shedding its long-standing dependence on Russia as its primary security guarantor and shifting toward a policy of strategic diversification. No longer content to be a geopolitical satellite, Armenia is pursuing deeper ties with the European Union, strengthening cooperation with the United States, and seeking normalization with Turkey. This pivot is not just symbolic. It is a decisive move to anchor Armenia’s future in a multipolar world where security is not outsourced to a disinterested patron but built through balanced, pragmatic partnerships. opinion ‘I’m Not Leaving Until They Throw Me Out’:  Why 70% of Italian Businesses in Russia Are Still There Read more In late May, I attended the second Yerevan Dialogue, an international forum on peace, security, and cooperation. What stood out was not just who was there, but who was not. There were speakers and senior politicians from India, France, the U.K., Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the U.S., Iran and the EU. But, notably, no one from Russia was there — a clear sign of the region’s shifting geopolitical landscape. Senior figures from Pashinyan’s party confided in me about “Russian-backed actors trying to destabilise Armenia’s democracy.” One even quipped that the only silver lining in Armenia’s relationship with Russia is that they do not share a physical border, limiting Moscow’s direct influence. What once might have been a subtle influence now feels like a Cold War psyop. Moscow is attempting to retake Armenia — not with tanks, but with Telegram channels, paid influencers, and geriatric loyalists. According to Vedomosti, Sergei Kiriyenko, Vladimir Putin’s First Deputy Chief of Staff, has been tasked with reviving Russian influence in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. This will not be easy. Russian sources themselves admit there is now “no one to speak for Russia” in Armenia. Aside from aging ex-presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, both tainted by corruption and nostalgia for authoritarianism, the pro-Russian camp is a virtual ghost town. Kiriyenko’s playbook reportedly begins with ""informational work.” In other words, propaganda. Moscow is also grooming Kremlin-approved opposition figures, quietly flying them to Moscow for consultations. But it is hard to win hearts with empty promises, especially from the country that abandoned you in war. The Armenian public, especially the youth, is more interested in visas to Paris and tech jobs in Silicon Valley than Soviet fairy tales. Armenia is not just drifting away from Russia. It is actively building new bridges. A peace deal with Azerbaijan is inching closer, one that may finally open the closed borders with Turkey and transform Armenia from a landlocked outpost into a regional hub. Yerevan is also deepening ties with the European Union and the United States. Armenia has welcomed a European Union civilian border mission, turning down a similar offer from Russia. This follows last year’s agreement for Russian border guards to withdraw from Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan and key border areas near Azerbaijan, highlighting Armenia’s move away from Moscow’s direct control. European aid, investment and security dialogue are expanding while American diplomats are visiting more frequently. In April 2024, the U.S. and Armenia launched a new Strategic Dialogue focused on democratic reforms and security cooperation. These are not just diplomatic niceties; they are lifelines. opinion How Putin Turned Against Tech and ‘Strangled’ Russia's Silicon Dreams Read more Armenia understands that its future lies not in the shadow of a declining empire but among liberal democracies that value sovereignty and partnership. The country’s public trust in Russia has plummeted. A 2024 poll by the International Republican Institute showed just 31% of Armenians viewed ties with Moscow positively, down from 93% in 2019. In the eyes of most Armenians, France has emerged as their country’s top political ally, with the U.S. close behind. But Putin will not back off so easily. The appointment of Kiriyenko is part of a last-ditch effort to stem the tide, but it's likely too little, too late. Kremlin-friendly voices in Armenia are losing credibility, and the Armenian public is no longer afraid to question Russia’s motives or competence. On the streets of Yerevan, the influx of Russians who arrived post-mobilization has already faded. The majority of the estimated 100,000 Russian exiles have since returned or moved on, disillusioned by limited opportunities. The Russians are not missed. In fact, one Armenian friend complained that her rent almost doubled in a year from 100,000 drams ($250) to 180,000 ($475) due to the spike in housing demand. Armenia may be rethinking its security alliances, but it won’t become a separate planet in the South Caucasus. Geography is destiny. Russia remains a neighbor — even without a shared border — and trade with Moscow is still a key pillar of Armenia’s economy. Russian brands like VTB, Gazprom and Yandex Taxi still mark Moscow’s presence in Armenia. The country also remains heavily dependent on Russia for natural gas and electricity. Even the recent surge in trade, fuelled by sanctions evasion, is seen as temporary. Beneath the surface, Russia’s influence is waning, and even in central Yerevan, many young people no longer speak or understand Russian. Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow for Victory Day on May 9 was a calculated gesture to reassure the Kremlin that Armenia’s Western pivot does not mean cutting Russia off entirely. But in a sign of growing unease in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov traveled to Yerevan last month for talks with Pashinyan — a visit widely seen as an attempt to reassert Russia’s fading influence. The optics were clear: Armenia is no longer looking to Moscow as its default protector. Lavrov arrived not as a trusted ally, but as a messenger from a power whose security guarantees have repeatedly failed. If Russia truly wants to remain relevant in the South Caucasus, it needs to reckon with the fact that coercion no longer works. Armenia has learned the hard way that Moscow’s promises are conditional, unreliable and ultimately self-serving. Now, Yerevan is charting its own course. Russia may still be present, but it is no longer calling the shots. The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the position of The Moscow Times. Jason Corcoran Jason Corcoran is a journalist who writes about economics and politics in Russia and the CIS. @jason_corcoran Jason Corcoran Jason Corcoran is a journalist who writes about economics and politics in Russia and the CIS. @jason_corcoran";0,425
‘Plush Troops’: The Pro-War Children’s Toys Taking Over Russia’s Online Marketplaces“In this strategy game, you lead a battalion aiming to liberate Ukraine from Nazi rule,” reads the description of Russia’s first board game about the war in Ukraine. The game, called “Special Operation on the Outskirts,” sells for about 1,600 rubles ($20) on Russian online marketplaces. Inspired by Monopoly and designed for two to six players, the game challenges participants to occupy as many Ukrainian cities as possible. Instead of Monopoly money, players use a fictional currency featuring the faces of President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and former General Sergei Surovikin. In the fourth year of the full-scale invasion, toys and merchandise featuring the pro-war Z symbol have become increasingly common on Russian marketplaces and social media. The game “Special Operation on the Outskirts.” wildberries.ru Listings include everything from car dashboard decorations to toy soldiers for children. “The plot grabs you from the first minutes. It’s great that part of the proceeds go to support participants of the special military operation. The perfect gift for patriots!” writes Yekaterina, a recent buyer. Other reviewers share that they gave the game to their sons on Defenders of the Fatherland Day. Another board game, “Couch Expert,” promises to educate players about the invasion. Players have 30 seconds to answer questions about the progress of the “special operation.” Questions range from the late ultranationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s position on the war to the roles of figures like Elon Musk and propagandist Olga Skabeyeva in shaping ?overage of the invasion. “I ordered 11 of them for school as gifts for the boys. But I got lucky — the boxes came wrapped in film, so it’s not embarrassing to give them. Thanks,” writes a woman named Natalia in a review. These toys span all price ranges, from an acrylic Z- minion to a roly-poly toy bearing the pro-war slogan “You can’t knock us down.” The latter sells for about 500 rubles ($6). wildberries.ru, ozon.ru “The idea to create a patriotic roly-poly toy came five years ago, when the Russian team was banned from competing under the national flag at the Olympics in Korea,” says Dmitry Zavidov, director of the Kotovsky Roly-Polies company. news In Occupied Ukraine, the Kremlin Is Grooming the Next Generation of Pro-Russian Bloggers Read more On VKontakte, Yulia from Moscow sells “knitted fighters” shaped like a tiger, mouse or dog. Each animal, stitched with a Z or V, costs 1,500 rubles ($18). For an extra 250 rubles, Yulia offers to embroider a soldier’s callsign on the toy’s flak vest. “Any other inscription of your choice is also possible (price depends on the size),” reads the product description. On some marketplaces, similar toys are priced at around 1,100 rubles ($14). ozon.ru Another item on the market is a stuffed raccoon marked with the Z symbol, a reference to the raccoon that Russian troops infamously stole from a zoo during their retreat from the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. Sellers also offer stuffed bears in military uniforms with Z and V insignia. In some cases, the toys are handmade by widows of Russian soldiers. For younger children, “patriotic” coloring books sell for about 300 rubles ($3.73). “My child is four. He liked it,” says one mother in a review. Some parents post videos of their children coloring tanks and other Russian military equipment. For about the same price, sellers also offer a set of toy soldiers called the “Special Operation Recon Soldiers Set.” ozon.ru “Toy figures of the Russian Armed Forces will delight children with their quality and design. They’re perfect for role-playing games and help develop creativity and imagination,” the manufacturer claims. War-related games and toys may hold particular appeal for children, explains psychologist Michael Brandl, a member of the German toy evaluation group Spiel Gut. news ‘A Lot of Devil in This’: Russians Use Tarot Cards to Predict Peace in Ukraine Read more One reason for their appeal, he says, is that they offer positive reinforcement of the media and propaganda messaging that children encounter daily. “From these sources, children form an image of a person they then try to imitate and act out in roleplay. Weapons and how to use them become part of the child’s perceived reality and a key attribute of the supposed image of the ‘ideal’ man,” Brandl wrote . A child psychologist from Russia, whose name has been withheld for safety reasons, voiced a similar view. “This is a protracted war, so the state and Vladimir Putin need boys, even from kindergarten, to already be preparing for the future battlefield,” the psychologist told The Moscow Times. “First, the state turns poor women into mothers who buy these toy soldiers. Then this Z-patriotism is nurtured with a mother’s milk. They’ll buy it without even noticing the Z, especially if it’s on sale.” Marketplaces also offer stuffed cat car decorations in camouflage colors that cost about 500 rubles ($6.20). In addition to a toy with the Russian tricolor and the letter Z, the manufacturer also offers a version bearing the Wagner mercenary group’s skull emblem. wildberries.ru “You sent me a female cat, apparently — no male features and no Z. I specifically needed a male cat with a Z on it! I refused the order at pickup,” complains a buyer named Elena. Other buyers note that the toy’s tail fell off quickly. Even toy robots are marked with the Z symbol. A set of these toys costing 784 rubles ($9.70) includes a robot with a Russian flag and weapons. For an extra 200 rubles, it comes with a glow-in-the-dark Z. “Satisfied with the purchase. Russia will win! Russia always wins!” says Maria, who bought the Z-robot for her son, in her review.;-0,25
Krasnoyarsk Mayor Arrested on Bribery Charges The mayor of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk was arrested on suspicion of accepting a bribe, law enforcement authorities and Russian media reported on Monday. Vladislav Loginov, a member of the ruling United Russia party, has served as mayor since 2022. Local news outlet NGS24 reported that searches were conducted at his home and City Hall, while police sources told the TASS news agency that Loginov was being transferred to Moscow for a pre-trial hearing to determine his detention status. Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said Loginov is suspected of having received more than 180 million rubles ($2.3 million) in bribes from the CEO of a private company between 2018 and 2024 while serving as first vice mayor and then later as mayor. “The bribes came in the form of cash and payment for the construction of a private bathhouse on land owned by Loginov,” Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said. “In exchange, he allegedly ensured the company would win contracts from the Krasnoyarsk municipal agency for road repair, infrastructure and urban development.” The local branch of the right-wing Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) called the arrest “not a surprise” and “the logical outcome of the policies pursued by Loginov and his entourage.” LDPR previously demanded the mayor’s resignation, accusing him of involvement in alleged corruption schemes related to public transit, garbage collection and tree removal. Rumors that Loginov could be facing trouble with law enforcement first surfaced in the spring of 2024. Last summer, Dekard Khanagyan, a businessman linked to a municipal contracting scheme, was arrested on accusations of receiving public roadwork contracts through a kickback arrangement involving city officials close to the mayor. In March, local councilman Vyacheslav Dyukov claimed that officials from City Hall were giving testimony en masse against Loginov and his adviser, Artur Arutyunyan, who was arrested in late February on suspicion of abuse of power. Loginov has held multiple roles in city government since 2012, including deputy head of the municipal economy department, head of two city districts and first vice mayor.;0
Ukrainian Drones Strike Electronics Factory in ChuvashiaWork at an electronics factory in the republic of Chuvashia was briefly suspended Monday after Ukrainian drones crashed into the facility, local officials said. “This morning, Ukrainian attempts to use drones in Chuvashia were detected,” regional head Oleg Nikolayev wrote on Telegram. “There were no victims from the attack.” Two drones crashed on the grounds of the VNIIR plant, one of Russia’s largest producers of electronic components, according to Nikolayev. Production was temporarily suspended “to ensure the safety of employees,” he added. Nikolayev said two other drones fell into nearby fields but did not pose a threat to civilians. “The situation is entirely under control,” he wrote. Work at an electronics factory in the republic of Chuvashia was briefly suspended Monday after Ukrainian drones crashed into the facility, local officials said. The VNIIR plant is located on the south side of the regional capital Cheboksary, around 600 kilometers (373 miles) east of Moscow and 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) northeast of the border with Ukraine. Eyewitness videos of the drone attacks in Chuvashia showed multiple unmaned aircraft crashing into what was said to be the VNIIR plant in Cheboksary, followed by large blasts. A large plume of black smoke could be seen rising above the facility. Across the country, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 49 Ukrainian drones overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported downing dozens of Russian drones over the western Rivne region. The attack prompted neighboring Poland to scramble fighter jets in response to the airspace threat, Warsaw’s Operational Command said in a statement. AFP contributed reporting.;0
"‘The Fight for Souls and Minds’: Alex Jones, George Galloway, Errol Musk and More Attend Far-Right Forum of the Future in Moscow Leading Western far-right personalities have descended on Moscow for the “Forum of the Future,” a two-day event aimed at broadcasting Russia’s state ideology and an ultra-conservative, neo-imperialist vision for its future to audiences abroad. Sessions focused on topics ranging from “The Multipolar World of the 21st Century” and “Broadcasting Values to Generation Beta Through Content,” to “Harmonious Balance 2050. A Date with the Future. A Woman’s View,” “Greater Eurasia 2050” and “Ideology and Traditional Values.” Hosted by the Tsargrad Institute, the event’s speakers include Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, right-wing influencer Jackson Hinkle, American economist Jeffrey Sachs, British politician George Galloway and Elon Musk’s father Errol Musk. The Tsargrad Institute, which was founded by the magnate Konstantin Malofeyev and directed by ideologue Alexander Dugin, bills itself as a think tank for conservative policy prescriptions, blending right-wing political and Orthodox thought. ‘Only under the conditions of autocracy’ The forum coincides with the Tsargrad Institute’s report on its vision for Russia in 2050, which lays out several extreme conservative policy suggestions to set Russia on a course more in line with its worldview. The report opens by claiming that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, marked “a new era of regional world order.” “By launching the Special Military Operation and openly challenging the hegemony of the West, Russia has entered the struggle not only for its sovereignty, but also for the right of every country to its own development, culture and religion,” it continues. The report explicitly states that Russia must be an autocracy if it is to succeed, using its interpretation of the reigns of Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Josef Stalin and other Russian and Soviet leaders to justify this assertion. The Russian idea The Tsargrad Insitute’s report states that Russia is a distinct civilization that has been entrusted by God with a spiritual and historical mission. “The idea of a nation is not what it thinks of itself in time, but what God thinks of it in eternity,” the report says, invoking 19th-century Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov. It invokes the tsarist-era concept of Russia as the “Third Rome” — which is used today to justify Moscow’s geopolitical aspirations for control of the “Russian World” — and calls for the “collection of historically Russian lands,” of which Ukraine is included. The report says that Russia must deconstruct the “artificially created ‘Ukrainian nation’,” and restore its historical memory as an integral part of Russian civilization. A higher purpose “Russian women should see the main purpose of their lives and the highest manifestation of their service in bearing and raising children,” the report says on family policy. In Tsargrad’s ideal future, 85% of children will be born to mothers under the age of 23, the divorce rate is under 10%, less than 3% of children are born outside of wedlock and abortion has been almost completely eliminated. As a part of the policy framework to encourage early childbirth, the report states that women should be exempt from childbirth if they have three or more children. The report cites the example of the Russian Empire, where, according to it, a woman’s main occupation was “marriage, motherhood and housework.” Musk, Galloway, Lavrov and the rest One of the main events on Monday was a panel discussion called “The Multipolar World in the 21st Century.” The panel included speakers like Lavrov, Galloway, Russian state TV presenter Dmitry Symes, former CIA and U.S. State Department analyst Larry Johnson and others. In his address to the assembly ahead of Errol Musk’s speech, Malofeyev thanked Elon Musk for demonstrating to the world that “we can have a common future” based on “what is happening in space.” Malofeyev then ticked through several of Moscow’s typical anti-Western talking points: that the war in Ukraine would end with “a new Yalta” between Moscow and Washington; that the Russian and American peoples had a common future thanks to Donald Trump’s election, that Trump’s re-election prevented a world war; and that only the “corrupt” U.S. Democratic Party benefited from a confrontation between the two countries. Errol Musk, who has previously voiced admiration for Putin, heaped praise on Moscow. “Moscow is like Rome to me, the most beautiful city,” the elder Musk said. “I am extremely surprised that Russia is portrayed as an enemy, even though it is trying to be part of the European community. It is being denied this. Russia saved Europe twice — from Napoleon and from Hitler. How can you continue to paint Russia in a negative light?"" Musk also played down his son’s fallout with the U.S. president, saying that it stemmed from “fundamental disagreements between him and certain White House officials over federal spending.” The forum is set to continue on Tuesday with talks from Jackson Hinkle, George Galloway and Alex Jones.";-0,025
Putin Approves Russia’s First Long-Term Naval Strategy Through 2050 President Vladimir Putin has approved modern Russia’s first long-term strategy for developing its navy through 2050, Kremlin aide Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview published on Monday. The strategy underscores Russia’s ambitions to restore its status as a major maritime power, Patrushev told the pro-government newspaper Argumenty i Fakty, saying the document assesses the global military and political environment, outlines potential conflict scenarios and analyzes the capabilities of leading naval powers. He said it also incorporates lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has suffered significant losses from Ukrainian missile and drone strikes. Patrushev said the development strategy “answers the fundamental question of what Russia’s naval power must look like in order to effectively defend its interests in the world’s oceans.” “A strategic planning document of this scale and scope has been adopted for the first time in modern Russian history,” he added. The full text of the strategy has not been released. Russia’s Defense Ministry drafted the initial version, which was later revised by the Russian Maritime Board — a body Patrushev has chaired since its establishment last August — in coordination with other federal agencies. Putin formally signed off on the strategy on May 30. Putin said in April that 8.4 trillion rubles ($106.3 billion) would be allocated for new naval ships over the next decade. The 2050 strategy follows Russia’s 2022 Naval Doctrine, which labeled the United States and NATO as primary threats and emphasized strengthening the Arctic and Pacific fleets.;-0,275
Suspect in Apparent Assassination of Mariupol Siege Air Commander Arrested in Southern Russia A Russian court has ordered the pre-trial detention of a person suspected of killing a former military officer who commanded air operations during the siege of Mariupol. Major Zaur Gurtsiyev, who was serving as deputy mayor of the southern city of Stavropol at the time of his death, was killed along with an acquaintance, Nikita Penkov, in a bomb blast on May 28. An explosive device is believed to have been in a bag carried by Penkov. Telegram news channels with links to Russian law enforcement authorities claimed that Penkov may not have been aware that a bomb was inside his bag. Friends of Penkov, a former police officer, told BBC Russia that he had shown little interest in politics or the war in Ukraine. On Friday, the Leninsky District Court in Stavropol ordered a suspect identified only as “Kh.” to remain in pre-trial custody until at least July 29. The court did not disclose the full names of the suspect or the victims, referring to them only by their last initials. The suspect faces charges of aggravated murder and illegal trafficking of explosive devices, according to a court statement. The Interfax news agency reported Monday that terrorism is being considered as one of several possible motives behind the attack. Gurtsiyev oversaw air operations during Russia’s devastating siege of the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. According to an official biography, he “implemented best practices in missile guidance technology,” improving strike “accuracy and efficiency.” Human Rights Watch says that at least 8,000 people were killed during the siege of Mariupol, which lasted between March and May 2022. Since claiming military control over the ruined city, Russia has sought to rebuild homes and structures that its army damaged and destroyed. Born in Vladikavkaz in 1990, Gurtsiyev joined the Russian Armed Forces in 2007 and graduated from the S. M. Budyonny Military Academy of the Signal Corps in 2012. He became Stavropol’s first deputy mayor in September 2024.;0,025
Elderly Man Killed in Ukrainian Missile Strike on Kursk Region Recreational CenterA 64-year-old man was killed and five others were injured in a Ukrainian missile strike on a recreational center in southwestern Russia’s Kursk region, authorities said Monday. Acting Kursk region Governor Alexander Khinshtein published video and photos of a burning building in the village of Prigorodnaya Slobodka, located around 75 kilometers (46 miles) north of Ukraine’s Sumy region. “One civilian died near a burning car,” Khinshtein said in the video on his Telegram channel. He said two women were hospitalized with concussions. Three men — the recreational center’s head of maintenance and two security guards — suffered from shrapnel wounds and bone fractures. Khinshtein said the missile strike damaged the building’s roof, facade and windows. Firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze that spread across 400 square meters (4,300 square feet). Civilians in the border areas of both Russia and Ukraine have frequently been killed in drone and artillery attacks since President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At least 621 Russian civilians have been killed in Ukrainian attacks across Russia and annexed Crimea since February 2022, according to authorities. By comparison, the United Nations estimates that more than 13,100 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Putin ordered troops across the border over three years ago.;-0,05
Russia Launched Record 479 Drones in Overnight Attack on Ukraine Russia launched a record 479 drones at Ukraine in overnight air attacks, Ukraine’s air force said Monday, causing damage to buildings across the country. “Enemy air strikes were recorded in 10 locations,” the Ukrainian air force said. There were no immediate reports of deaths or mass casualties. The mayor of Rivne, a city in western Ukraine, called it “the largest attack” on his region since the start of the war. Russia has ramped up its air assaults in recent weeks, with Ukraine accusing Moscow of having no intention of ending the war or engaging earnestly in peace talks. The sustained attacks have raised concerns about the capacity of Ukraine’s increasingly strained air defense systems. Still, Ukrainian forces said they shot down or intercepted 460 of the drones, as well as 19 of the 20 missiles launched during the assault. Ukraine also said it carried out an overnight strike on an electronics factory in Russia that is said to produce components for drones. Local officials in Russia said the plant had to temporarily suspend production following the attack.;0
"Everything you need to know about the immigration protests in Los Angeles The protests have been met with police violence and could trigger a wave of demonstrations across the US Demonstrators smash the windshield of a vehicle next to a burning Waymo car as protesters clash with law enforcement in the streets of Los Angeles during a protest following federal immigration operations, on 8 June 2025 (Ringo Chiu/AFP) By Ben Choucroun Published date: 9 June 2025 21:51 BST | Last update: 2 days 18 hours ago It was a weekend of mayhem in Los Angeles. In the midst of several large-scale raids on immigrant communities, thousands of people took to the streets over the weekend to challenge the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for detaining people said to be undocumented. The protests, which began on Friday, have been met with violent force, as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to deter protests and even intimidate journalists. By Sunday, with protests expanding and tensions escalating, US President Donald Trump mobilised the National Guard without seeking California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authorisation, to try and put an end to the protests. Trump made the deportation of undocumented persons in the US a central plank of his re-election campaign last year and has implemented policies of mass deportation with little regard for due process. Just days before protests erupted in Los Angeles, Trump implemented a new travel ban . California's state attorney general announced on Monday that it is suing the Trump administration. ""Commandeering a state's National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral,"" Newsom said on Sunday, when he declared on X that he intended to take the president to court. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Middle East Eye looks at Trump’s targeting of undocumented people in the US , the protests unfolding in southern California, and the likelihood of the protests spreading to other parts of the country. How did the protests start? Protests began on Friday as ICE and FBI agents attempted to arrest migrant workers in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. Protesters congregated near the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center, where people arrested by ICE were being held . Protesters spray-painted anti-ICE slogans, and federal agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd. As evening fell, the LAPD began advancing on the crowd, firing ""less-lethal"" ammunition and threatening arrests. On Saturday, an ICE raid on a Home Depot store in Paramount sparked further demonstrations. Protestors used shopping carts and cinderblocks to create makeshift barricades, and some threw rocks at ICE vehicles. On Saturday evening local time, protests continued in Compton, south of Los Angeles. These were met with a similar police response. That night, Trump also ordered 2,000 National Guardsmen to be sent to Los Angeles to quell the protests. Despite the deployment, protests continued on Sunday. Demonstrators shut down part of the 101 Freeway while police bombarded protestors with less-lethal ammunition, sometimes at near point-blank range , outside of the detention centre. Also , on Sunday evening, the city of Glendale announced that it had terminated an agreement with ICE to hold detainees. US: Palantir expanding immigrant surveillance tools for ICE to the tune of $30m Read More » During the protests, ICE detainees in a detention centre were seen flashing lights and hitting the walls, in what some protesters took as a signal to demonstrate against ICE on the outside. ICE has a long history of human rights abuses stretching back to its founding in 2003. Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, ICE facilities have been overcrowded and rife with staff misconduct. In some places, detainees are said to be given only one cup of water per day. The protests come after months of rising tensions in immigrant communities, as ICE operations began to escalate. In early February, thousands of high school students in Los Angeles walked out of their classes to protest ICE raids. Last week, the Trump administration set a quota for ICE to arrest 3,000 people per day. On Tuesday, ICE arrested 2,200 people, the most arrests in a single day by the agency. The agency is also said to have used duplicitous tactics to arrest undocumented migrants. On 3 June, for example, ICE sent out mass texts urging people to arrive early to their scheduled immigration appointments, only to arrest them on site. Two days later, ICE arrested a woman while her lawyer was in the bathroom . Protesters clash with law enforcement in the streets surrounding the federal building during a protest in Los Angeles, California, on 8 June 2025 (Ringo Chiu/AFP) How has the city responded? Los Angeles is a sanctuary city, which generally means refusing to cooperate with the federal government’s immigration laws, including working with ICE agents. Still, the LAPD responded to the protests with force. Throughout the weekend, the LAPD attempted to disperse protestors by continuously firing less lethal ammunition into crowds of protestors. LAPD also beat protestors with batons and arrested at least 56 people. The city’s police chief, Jim McDonnell, accused outside agitators of inciting violence. However, several events caught on live television showcase incidents of police brutality that undermine police testimony. In the first incident, LAPD officers beat a protester as he lay on the floor, and appeared to stomp over him with a horse . In another, a demonstrator was knocked over by a van as he tried to hold it back from moving forward. Police were also caught on camera refusing to call an ambulance for a woman they had shot in the head with a rubber bullet. JD Vance's mentor co-founded company that helps Israel generate 'kill lists' of Palestinians in Gaza Read More » Several journalists have also been targeted by the LAPD in the past several days, with some reporting injuries from rubber bullets and tear gas. On Sunday, a clip went viral of an LAPD officer shooting an Australian journalist in the leg with a rubber bullet. Protesters have responded by slashing the tires, spray painting and breaking the windows of police vehicles. In one instance, protesters on an overpass threw Lime scooters at police vehicles parked below. Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass condemned the deployment of the National Guard. However, Bass thanked the LAPD and threatened consequences for those involved in “violence, destruction and vandalism”. Bass did not mention the LAPD's violence. What is the significance of the National Guard being deployed? Typically, a state’s National Guard is only deployed after a request from the state’s governor. On Sunday, Trump deployed the National Guard without the governor’s authorisation for the first time since 1965. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Saturday also threatened to deploy 500 Marines to Los Angeles. California Governor Gavin Newsom requested that Trump rescind the deployment of the National Guard and accused Trump of trying to “manufacture a crisis”. Trump’s willingness to send in the National Guard without authorisation is reminiscent of his actions during the George Floyd protests of 2020, when masked federal agents indiscriminately detained protestors off the streets. However, the LAPD, not the National Guard, was responsible for most of the violence this weekend. What might happen next? In Los Angeles, protests are continuing. ICE raids on a Home Depot on Monday are already being met with resistance. The intensity of the opposition to ICE's presence could make federal authorities reconsider more incursions in Los Angeles. Protests have also spread to New York and San Francisco. In San Francisco, at least 150 protestors were arrested on Sunday evening after police declared an anti-ICE protest unlawful. Protestors spray-painted anti-ICE messages on police vehicles and damaged the windows of a Chase Bank. Earlier, on Saturday, protesters demonstrated against the transfer of undocumented immigrants detained by ICE in New York City. Over 20 people were arrested, with one protester being taken away in an ambulance . There have been several indications that more protests could expand in New York this week. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended US Politics US Secretary of State Rubio terminates all USAID positions abroad: Report US Politics 'Do you think Israel has a right to exist?': NYC mayoral debate question sparks backlash US Politics 'We don't want them': countries facing travel ban to US Read more TV The good Arab immigrant: Ramy Youssef hits his stride with #1 Happy Family USA Human Rights US: Palantir expanding immigrant surveillance tools for ICE to the tune of $30m Guantanamo Trump's Guantanamo plan invokes 'war on terror' to justify inhumane immigration policies Maha Hilal";0,575
"Bank of America says Saudi Arabia preparing for 'long and shallow' oil price war Saudi Arabia is trying to win back market share and punish Opec cheaters, experts say An oil plant in the desert between Riyadh and Haradh in Saudi Arabia, on 14 January 2025 (Valery Hache/AFP) By MEE staff Published date: 9 June 2025 19:20 BST | Last update: 3 days 8 hours ago Saudi Arabia is batting down the hatches for a ""long and shallow” oil price war, in part to clip the wings of US shale energy companies, the Bank of America’s top commodities expert said. “It’s not a price war that is going to be short and steep; rather, it’s going to be a price war that is long and shallow,” Francisco Blanch, the bank’s head of commodities research, told Bloomberg in an interview on Monday. Saudi Arabia led an alliance of energy producers dubbed Opec+ in April to boost supply. The decision was a U-turn for Saudi Arabia, which for years had pushed Opec+ to cut production in a bid to lift energy prices. Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman went so far as to warn market speculators that they would be “ouching like hell” if they doubted his willingness to starve the oil market of supply. However, energy analysts had been warning for more than a year that Saudi Arabia was in an untenable position. The kingdom was doing the heavy lifting to keep supplies low, while other countries were benefiting from higher prices. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Saudi Arabia has also surrendered market share in Asia to Iran and Russia. “They’ve (Saudi Arabia) done this price support already by themselves for three-plus years,” Blanch said. “They’re done with that.” The United Arab Emirates won concessions to lift its production quotas in recent years. Abu Dhabi wants to pump more of its oil faster, with an eye towards a time in the future when energy demand peaks. Why Saudi Arabia can spend more money than it makes, even as oil prices drop Read More » In April, energy analysts also said Saudi Arabia’s decision to boost output was taking aim at Iraq and Kazakhstan, two Opec+ members who were exceeding their Opec+ production quotas. Because Saudi Arabia is richer and is able to quickly extract oil, analysts say it can endure a prolonged slump better than poorer Opec+ members. The Bank of America’s analysis points to another target: the United States. The US has become energy independent thanks to a boom in shale oil production over the last 15 years. The US is not a member of Opec, and American production has surged. Oil and gas production in the US hit a record high in December 2025. Saudi Arabia has been issuing a historic amount of debt to make up for budget shortfalls caused by lower oil prices. The kingdom is already scaling back mega-projects like Neom and tightening its purse strings on consulting firms that have raked up a windfall advising on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda to remake Saudi Arabia’s economy. The worst-case scenario for Saudi Arabia is that oil prices spiral further down, risking a price war like the one that erupted in 2020 between Russia and the kingdom during the coronavirus pandemic. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here .";0
UK avoids condemning Israeli seizure of British-flagged aid boat to Gaza Organisers of flotilla tell MEE that they received no cooperation or contact from London, as Israel intercepted and diverted vessel An image grab from 9 June 2025 shows activists on board the Gaza-bound aid boat Madleen, with their hands in the air, as they are being intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters (AFP/Freedom Flotilla Coalition) By Rayhan Uddin in London Published date: 9 June 2025 18:04 BST | Last update: 3 days 9 hours ago The UK has avoided condemning the Israeli seizure of a British-flagged aid vessel heading towards Gaza in the early hours of Monday morning. The Madleen boat, whose 12-person crew included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French lawmaker Rima Hassan, was intercepted by Israeli naval commandos at 3:02am CEST. The vessel was in international waters at the time of the interception, 40 nautical miles from the Egyptian coast and 120 nautical miles from the nearest point in Gaza, the flotilla’s organisers told Middle East Eye. Asked by MEE if the government condemned the interception of a UK-flagged vessel, the Foreign Office avoided directly answering the question. Instead, it referred to a statement by Downing Street, which said that the UK wanted to see Israel resolve the detention of the vessel “safely with restraint, in line with international humanitarian law”. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters A spokesperson for the prime minister added that more aid must get into Gaza, with “unimpeded entry”. There was no further comment on the raid on a vessel that was flying a British flag. 'Israel had absolutely no authority to attack a UK flagged vessel - a sovereign UK territory in international waters' - Huwaida Arraf, lawyer and activist Under international maritime law, the UK has full jurisdiction over the vessel, and a legal duty to protect the crew of the boat. A spokesperson for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organised the boat, told MEE that the mission had not had any official contact or cooperation from British authorities. “Israel had absolutely no authority to attack a UK flagged vessel - a sovereign UK territory in international waters,” lawyer Huwaida Arraf, of the FFC, told MEE. Arraf added that not only was UK sovereignty violated by the attack, but also the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Court of Justice provisional measures compelling Israel to allow unimpeded aid access into Gaza. “The UK should have spoken up early. It did not,” said Arraf. “The civilians on that UK vessel were actually carrying out the obligations of the United Kingdom, which is the obligations of every country around the world: to act to prevent genocide.” Arraf added that the UK had in fact been colluding with Israel by not cutting off all weapons sales, or other forms of trade. 'There were quadcopters' A protest was held outside the Foreign Office on Monday, demanding that the UK secures the release of the detained crew members. The FFC said that before the vessel was seized, its intention was to sail directly to Gaza City port. That journey would have taken it from international waters directly into the internationally recognised maritime boundaries of Palestine , without entering Israeli waters. Israel claims that all waters around Gaza are its own waters, in contravention of international law. 'They were surrounded by Israeli forces that rammed the ship and then we lost contact' - Huwaida Arraf, lawyer, FFC Arraf said that the coalition’s staff members had lost contact with the crew for over 15 hours. Shortly before communication with the boat was lost, a photo was circulated on social media showing the activists with their hands up in the air, wearing life jackets. “The last that we saw or heard from them, they were under attack. There were quadcopters, there were drones. [The crew] had been sprayed with some kind of unknown chemical,” Arraf said. “They were surrounded by Israeli forces that rammed the ship and then we lost contact. Presumably at that point, the commandos raided the ship.” She said the team had received unofficial word that the detained crew members would arrive on shore between 7 and 8pm local time in Palestine. Greta Thunberg aboard Gaza flotilla: Doing nothing ‘is not an option’ Read More » Israeli authorities have confirmed that the crew members will be taken to the Israeli port city of Ashdod, from where they will be deported. It marks the latest instance of years of Israeli attacks on FFC-organised aid vessels attempting to break Israel’s 18-year air, naval and land blockade on the Palestinian territory. The coalition first came together in 2010, after Israeli forces boarded a Freedom Flotilla mission in May that year and killed 10 activists . Last week, climate activist Thunberg told MEE from abroad the Madleen that while governments had failed Palestinians, it fell “on us to step up and be the adults in the room”. We cannot sit by and allow this to happen. We are watching… a genocide happening, following decades and decades of systematic oppression, ethnic cleansing, occupation,” said Thunberg. “We are just human beings, very concerned about what's happening, and do not accept what is going on.” The aid on board included baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and children’s prosthetics. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza Gaza flotilla: The Madleen shows us the world as it could be Soumaya Ghannoushi Israel's war on Gaza Turkey calls Israel 'terrorist state' over seizure of Gaza aid ship Madleen Israel's war on Gaza Seizure of Madleen is the latest in more than a decade of Israeli attacks on aid flotillas;0,425
"Turkey calls Israel 'terrorist state' over seizure of Gaza aid ship Madleen Turkish foreign ministry says Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound ship is a clear violation of international law An image grab from footage published on the Israeli Foreign Ministry's X account on 9 June 2025 show what the ministry said were passengers of the Madleen Gaza-bound aid boat being given water after the vessel was intercepted by Israel (AFP) By Ragip Soylu in Istanbul Published date: 9 June 2025 11:37 BST | Last update: 3 days 15 hours ago The Turkish government on Monday accused Israel of being a ""terrorist state"" after its forces intercepted the Madleen, a vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters. The ship, which had two Turkish citizens among 12 activists on board, was prevented from reaching the besieged Palestinian enclave in the early hours of Monday. Turkish officials described the incident as a “clear violation of international law,” accusing the Israeli government of jeopardising both maritime security and freedom of navigation. “This heinous attack by the Netanyahu government, which also threatens freedom of navigation and maritime security, has once again proven that Israel is a terrorist state,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. Turkish foreign ministry sources told MEE that Turkey’s Tel Aviv embassy has taken the necessary steps to ensure that Turkish citizens are released as soon as possible. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The two Turkish citizens who had been on board the Madleen are Yasemin Acar, who is a dual German-Turkish national, and Suayb Ordu. Israeli forces seized control of the charity vessel, which was aiming to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, and detained its crew, including activist Greta Thunberg, Israeli officials said. The British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid - including rice and baby formula - to Gaza later on Monday, and to raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there. However, the boat was intercepted in the early hours of Monday before it could reach Gaza, the FFC said on its Telegram account. Israel had vowed to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza, stating that its military would use “any means necessary” to stop it from breaching the naval blockade. Among the activists on the intercepted voyage were Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan- a French member of the European Parliament - and Turkish citizen and activist Suayb Ordu. The FFC reported that quadcopters surrounded the aid ship and sprayed it with a ""white liquid"". Previous attacks This is not the first time Turkey has faced an Israeli interception of an aid ship carrying Turkish citizens bound for Gaza. In 2010, Israel raided a Gaza-bound flotilla transporting activists and humanitarian aid, killing 10 Turkish citizens and arresting dozens of Turkish activists. The incident triggered a major crisis in Turkish-Israeli relations that lasted for years. Israel later apologised and agreed to pay compensation in a US-brokered deal in 2013. Greta Thunberg aboard Gaza flotilla: Doing nothing ‘is not an option’ Read More » Ankara’s statement also accused Israel of “using hunger as a weapon” and reiterated its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. “Israel’s aggressive and lawless attitude will not be able to silence those who defend human values,” it said, adding that the international community’s “justified reaction” to Israel’s “genocidal” policies in Gaza would continue. The incident comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability over alleged war crimes and the prevention of vital humanitarian aid deliveries. Various aid organisations and UN agencies accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Turkish-Israeli relations have deeply deteriorated since then, with Ankara imposing a total trade embargo and joining a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. According to Palestinian health and government officials, since October 2023, at least 54,880 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, of whom 28,000 are women and girls . Among those killed, at least 1,400 are health sector workers, over 300 UN aid workers, and more than 220 journalists . Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Occupation Mavi Marmara survivors condemn Israeli group's interference in ICC probe Gaza Siege Remembering Mavi Marmara: 'We really believed we would reach Gaza' Israel's war on Gaza Israeli forces raid Gaza-bound Madleen aid flotilla, detain activists";0,2375
"Madleen flotilla: Israeli forces raid Gaza-bound aid ship, detain activists Israeli quadcopters spray 12 activists before raiding their ship and detaining them Footage published on the Israeli Foreign Ministry's X account on 9 June, 2025 shows passengers and activists that were onboard the Gaza-bound Madleen boat (AFP/Israeli Foreign Ministry) By Mera Aladam Published date: 9 June 2025 08:37 BST | Last update: 3 days 16 hours ago Israeli forces seized control of a charity vessel aiming to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip and detained its crew of 12 including activist Greta Thunberg, officials said. The British-flagged yacht Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula, to Gaza later on Monday and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there. However, the boat was intercepted in the early hours of Monday before it could reach Gaza, the FFC said on its Telegram account. Israel had vowed to prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza, with defence minister Israel Katz saying on Sunday that Israel's military would use ""any means necessary"" to stop it from breaching the naval blockade of Gaza. Among the 12-strong crew were Swedish climate campaigner Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters ""The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli military in international waters around 2 am,"" Hassan posted on X. Before their arrest, crew aboard the FFC had said that quadcopters surrounded the vessell and sprayed it with a "" white liquid "". Huwaida Arraf, the co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement that is supporting the flotilla, told Al Jazeera that some people ""reported that their eyes were burning."" ""Before that, they were also approached by vessels in a very threatening manner... The last we saw, were able to hear from them, they were surrounded… by Israeli naval commandos and it looked like the commandos were about to take over the vessel.” Contact with the activists was soon cut off, and the crew were ordered to turn of their phones. A photograph showed the crew seated on the boat, all wearing life jackets, with their hands in the air. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention of the activists and stated that they were all safe and had been provided with sandwiches and water. ""The show is over,"" the ministry wrote on X. “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped.” Twelve international activists, including Greta Thunberg, recorded videos before being kidnapped by Israeli forces in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of a Freedom Flotilla.… pic.twitter.com/rsrsYNndsJ — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) June 9, 2025 In a statement, the FFC accused Israel of ""forcibly intercepting"" the Madleen and acting with ""total impunity."" It said in a statement the ship was ""unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo – including baby formula, food and medical supplies – confiscated."" The Palestinian rights organisation Al-Haq also strongly condemned Israel's ""unlawful interception"" of the Madleen in international waters, calling for the ""immediate release of all those detained."" ""Israel has no legal authority to restrict access to Palestine, since such is within the exclusive right of the Palestinian people,"" the Ramallah-based rights organisation said in a statement. ""As people of conscience seek to demonstrate solidarity with and to provide vital support for the Palestinians of Gaza, third states must urgently ensure both that they are protected from the illegal violence of the Israeli state,"" it added. FFC-organised ships have been attempting to break Israel's 18-year land, sea and naval blockade on the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades. In 2010, the Mavi Marmara flotilla mission was attacked by Israeli forces, who boarded the ship and killed ten activists. And last month, another vessel organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the Conscience, failed to continue its journey after being struck by two drones near Maltese waters. 'The mission isn't over' Speaking to Middle East Eye from the aid boat on Tuesday, Thunberg said that governments had failed Palestinians, and so it fell ""on us to step up and be the adults in the room."" ""We cannot sit by and allow this to happen. We are watching… a genocide happening, following decades and decades of systematic oppression, ethnic cleansing, occupation,"" she said. ""We are just human beings, very concerned about what's happening, and do not accept what is going on."" Israel, with Egypt's help, imposed a complete blockade on all humanitarian aid to Gaza for 11 weeks, before partially lifting it on 19 May to allow very limited United Nations aid deliveries, and a US-backed scheme widely panned as unworkable. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, urged other boats on Sunday to challenge the Gaza blockade. ""Madleen's journey may have ended, but the mission isn't over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza,"" she wrote on X. Since reneging on the ceasefire deal, Israeli forces have killed at least 4,000 people in attacks targeting tents, hospitals and school-turned-shelters. According to Palestinian health and government officials, at least 54,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023, including more than 28,000 women and girls. The figure also includes at least 1,400 health sector professionals, 280 UN aid workers - the highest staff death toll in UN history - and nearly 190 journalists, the highest number of media workers killed in conflict since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began recording data in 1992. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza What is the Gaza freedom flotilla? Israel's war on Gaza War on Gaza: How Israel is replicating Nazi starvation tactics Soumaya Ghannoushi Israel's war on Gaza Greta Thunberg aboard Gaza flotilla: Doing nothing ‘is not an option’";0,475
"UK: Palestine and climate activists urge government to secure release of Madleen crew A coalition of Palestinian solidarity and climate justice groups held an “emergency demonstration” outside the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to demand the government secures the release of the detained crew aboard a charity vessel which was carrying aid to Gaza. The Madleen, whose 12-strong crew includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, was delivering a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula, to Gaza with the intention of breaking Israel’s siege on the territory. It was intercepted by Israeli forces at around 3am on Monday, who detained the crew. The protest was organised by a broad coalition of Palestinian and climate groups, including Fossil Free London , and calls on the UK government to push for the release of the activists. They argue that the raid was illegal as the boat was sailing in international waters and that, under international maritime law, the UK has full jurisdiction over the vessel and a legal duty to protect the crew as the boat is British flagged. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters “The boat was flying a British flag and was sailing in international waters, 110 nautical miles off the coast of Palestine,” James Godfrey, a FFC spokesperson told Middle East Eye. “We were due to sail from international waters in Palestinian territorial waters, so Israel has no right to interfere anywhere, its acts are illegal.” For Godfrey the interception came as no surprise - the coalition had sailed many ships previously which were met with greater violence. In 2010, Israeli forces open-fired at the crew of another FFC boat, the Mavi Marmara , killing nine people. Glyn Secker, national secretary of the Jewish Voice for Labour, was the captain of a ship bound for Gaza carrying eight Jewish activists . It set sail shortly after the Mavi Marmara. According to Secker, the Israeli forces who intercepted the boat “tried to kill two people”. He described how the soldiers held a taser gun to one of the crew members' chests. “Luckily, his heart withstood the 30,000 volt shock - he survived,” Secker told MEE, adding that another crew member was dragged into a rib boat where soldiers “pushed their thumbs on his carotid artery”. Secker was also unsurprised by the lack of response from the UK government regarding the incident. After his boat was attacked in 2010, the UK authorities said there was nothing they could do, and instructed them to contact the British embassy in Jerusalem. Whereabouts remain unknown The coalition said they are “urgently” trying to locate the crew. “They’ve cut all signals, they’ve abducted people. They’re held incommunicado. They've been denied their rights of contact with lawyers, with the outside world. This is not a peaceful takeover. It's a violent attack in international waters,” Godfrey said. FFC press officer Hay Sha Wiya reported that the group has still not heard from the crew, and that their ""whereabouts remain unknown"". Seizure of Madleen is the latest in more than a decade of Israeli attacks on aid flotillas Read More » The Israeli authorities have confirmed it will deport the activists and that the Madleen is en route to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Wiya reported that, according to the Israeli immigration authority, the crew are not currently being held in Israeli custody, adding that rights group Adalah has repeatedly contacted Israeli military officials but has yet to receive any response to its inquiries or letters since the early hours of the morning. Shortly before communication with the boat was lost, a photo was circulated on social media showing the activists with their hands up in the air, wearing life jackets. Before their arrest, crew aboard the FFC said that quadcopters surrounded the aid ship and sprayed it with a "" white liquid "". A series of pre-recorded messages by the activists were also released. “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces,” Thunberg said. Huwaida Arraf, the co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement that is supporting the flotilla, said that Israel has ""no legal authority"" to detain the Madleen crew. “These volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalised for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade - their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately,"" Arraf said in a statement. ‘We’ll continue to sail’ According to Godfrey, the FFC are already preparing to launch fresh boats. “We’re looking at buying more boats. We’ll continue to sail and we’re  planning to sail very soon,” he told MEE. “There are people ready right now to sail. So nothing’s going to stop us”. “People are being illegally detained at the moment, but we'll continue to get on board boats, long as governments aren't doing the job for us”. Greta Thunberg aboard Gaza flotilla: Doing nothing ‘is not an option’ Read More » While French President Emmanuel Macron requested that the French nationals aboard the boat be “allowed to return to France as soon as possible,” and Turkey condemned the interception as a “heinous attack,” the UK government has yet to comment. UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese joined calls on the UK government to ""urgently seek full clarification"" and ""secure the immediate release of the vessel and its crew"". She also called for “every Mediterranean port” to “send boats with aid, solidarity and humanity to Gaza”. “Breaking the siege is a legal duty for states, and a moral imperative for all of us,"" she said in a post on X. Despite the silence from Downing Street, Godfrey is convinced that the UK government will be forced to act. “People are lobbying and demanding their governments to do better,” he said. ""It's not good enough. Times will change. The British government will act. ""The Israeli state will be made to end the illegal blockade of Gaza. It will be treated as a pariah state, as the South African government was a few decades ago, and then eventually, after this very, very long night, the day will come and Palestinians will be able to gain their freedom."" Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza Turkey calls Israel 'terrorist state' over seizure of Gaza aid ship Madleen Israel's war on Gaza Israeli forces raid Gaza-bound Madleen aid flotilla, detain activists Israel's war on Gaza Israel orders military to stop aid boat with Greta Thunberg reaching Gaza";0,65
"North African 'resilience convoy' heads to Gaza, aiming to break Israel's siege Land convoy to travel thousands of kilometres across North Africa to raise international awareness over Gaza war and deliver life-saving aid Tunisians gather at a meeting point in Tunisian capital Tunis ahead of the departure of a land convoy aiming to break Israel's siege on Gaza, on 9 June 2025 (Fathi Belaid/AFP) By MEE staff Published date: 9 June 2025 17:59 BST | Last update: 2 days 17 hours ago A grassroots land convoy is travelling thousands of kilometres from the Tunisian capital to Gaza on Monday, in the hopes of breaking Israel's debilitating 18-year siege on the war-battered Palestinian enclave. Thousands of volunteers from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia left the Tunisian capital in a 100-vehicle convoy to raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and deliver life-saving aid, organisers said. The United Nations has described Gaza as the ""hungriest place on Earth"", with nearly half a million people in a catastrophic situation of hunger, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness and death. ""The convoy will express solidarity with the Palestinian people under siege and deliver humanitarian aid to them,"" the coordination group said in a statement. ""Participants in the convoy will head to the Ras Jedir crossing on the Tunisian-Libyan border, and travel along the Libyan coastal road to Cairo, then to the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian-Palestinian border, to deliver messages of solidarity and aid to the Palestinians in Gaza,"" it added. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The ""Soumoud"" convoy, which means resilience and steadfastness in Arabic, is reported to include trade union and political figures, as well as human rights activists, athletes, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and members of youth organisations. It remains unclear, however, whether the convoy will actually reach the besieged Gaza Strip, as Egyptian officials have yet to authorise the convoy's entry into North Sinai. ""This is a message to the people of Gaza: You are not alone,"" Sheikh Yahya Sari, a member of the Algerian Association of Muslim Scholars, said in a Facebook post. ""We share your pain, and this is a form of public pressure against the occupier in the face of international failure to stop the massacres."" Earlier on Monday, Israeli forces seized control of a charity vessel aiming to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip and detained its crew of 12, including activist Greta Thunberg. Gaza flotilla: The Madleen shows us the world as it could be Read More » The British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula, to Gaza later on Monday. However, the boat was intercepted in the early hours of Monday, hours after Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, said that Israel's military would use ""any means necessary"" to stop it from breaching the naval blockade of Gaza. In recent years, several ships have attempted to break Israel's land, sea and naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, but have repeatedly been pushed back by Israeli forces. In 2010, the Mavi Marmara flotilla mission was attacked by Israeli forces who boarded the ship and killed ten activists. And last month, another vessel organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Conscience, failed to continue its journey to Gaza after being struck by two drones near Maltese waters. Since October 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Palestinian health and government officials, including more than 28,000 women and girls. The figure also includes at least 1,400 health sector professionals, 280 UN aid workers - the highest staff death toll in UN history - and at least 227 journalists, the highest number of media workers killed in conflict since the Committee to Protect Journalists began recording data in 1992. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza The Gaza genocide is not a 'bug' - it is the logic of Israel's system Abed Abou Shhadeh Israel's war on Gaza Seizure of Madleen is the latest in more than a decade of Israeli attacks on aid flotillas Israel's war on Gaza Turkey calls Israel 'terrorist state' over seizure of Gaza aid ship Madleen";0,65
"Gaza flotilla: The Madleen shows us the world as it could be What if thousands set sail, from every Mediterranean port? What if fishers, sailors, students and parents rose to say: not in our name? People take part in a protest in solidarity with the crew of the Gaza flotilla’s Madleen on 9 June 2025 in central London (Benjamin Cremel/AFP) In the dead of night, Israeli speedboats encircled the Madleen. Drones loomed above. A strange white substance was sprayed across the deck. Then, in international waters, armed forces stormed the boat. One by one, the passengers - 12 unarmed civilians , from Brazil to Sweden - were captured and led away. There were no weapons aboard - only food, medicine and conscience. The Madleen’s mission was simple yet profound: to deliver aid and solidarity to Gaza’s starving population. Amid Israel’s siege of Gaza, power speaks, morality is silenced, and even the open sea is not safe. The Madleen was not merely a boat. It was a message carved into waves. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Its name honoured Madleen Kulab , Gaza’s first and only female fisher. At 13, she took her father’s place and forged alone into a world of blockade and threat. She later became a small business owner - employing others, offering boat tours under a purple canopy, building a future in a place where hope was scarce. “I am brave and have good will,” she once said . Her courage sailed under her name. 'It falls on us' The Madleen followed a history already soaked in violence. In 2010, Israeli forces boarded the Mavi Marmara , killing nine. Other flotillas have been blocked, detained, humiliated. Yet still, they sailed. Those on board the Madleen declared, by their very presence, that Palestine is no longer the cause of a region; it has become the conscience of the world. Among the passengers was Greta Thunberg , once the darling of western progressives, now vilified for refusing to stay silent. From the deck of the Madleen, she declared: “When our complicit governments fail to step up, it falls on us … to do so.” Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war Portrayed as a threat to the establishment, she has been smeared by mainstream media as part of a “woke elite” for standing with Gaza. Even US Senator Lindsey Graham joined the ugly chorus, sneering: “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” - gleefully contemplating the drowning of a young woman and her civilian companions in open waters. Greta’s response was calm, unflinching: “We can swim very well.” Nothing illustrates Israel’s moral unravelling more than its reaction to this small civilian boat. Not just the threats, but the tone: rabid, delusional, utterly divorced from human reality. Palestine is no longer the cause of a region; it has become the conscience of the world Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz labelled Thunberg an “antisemitic Hamas propagandist” and ordered the army to use “any means necessary” to stop the Madleen - a threat of military force against civilians, against a boat named after a fisherwoman. In one grotesque video, Israeli children warned Thunberg: “We’re coming to get you!” Instead of grieving the dead or praying for peace, Israelis were celebrating the pursuit of an unarmed girl with a conscience. Even Uri Geller - the spoon-bending illusionist - joined the frenzy, claiming he had sent “psychic” protection to Israeli forces and warning Greta not to underestimate the power of his mind. At any other time, it would be absurd. Today, it is pathological. This is not the voice of a confident democracy. This is a settler colony at the edge of its own delusion: armed, enraged and spiralling. Arab silence But amid the noise came a voice of moral clarity. Gabor Mate , a Jewish Holocaust survivor and world-renowned trauma expert, recorded a message to the flotilla from Poland, where he had just visited the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising memorial. With quiet conviction, he said: “Today you represent those fighters. Today you represent that small group that’s willing to stand up against one of the most murderous militaries in the world, supported by all the world’s great powers. “You are carrying all of humanity with you … all human beings whose hearts are open, who believe in justice, who believe in freedom, and who support and are moved by and full of admiration for what you’re doing,” Mate added. Seizure of Madleen is the latest in more than a decade of Israeli attacks on aid flotillas Read More » The boat set sail not from Tangier, Latakia or Alexandria, but from Italy. A damning silence echoes from the Arab shores of the Mediterranean. Egypt watches from across the water. Holidaymakers cheer the boat’s passing with videos and Eid greetings, but none board. Gaza, it seems, is nearer to a young Swede than to its own neighbours. Egypt has sealed the Rafah crossing, guarding it with soldiers as Palestinians starve metres away. Palestine is no longer the concern of governments, especially not those ruled by despots. It is the cause of the free, of those with conscience - of those who refuse to bow to silence, dictatorship or despair. The Madleen is not a miracle, but a model. It is a whisper of what could be done if humanity dared to act. What if this wasn’t the only boat? What if thousands set sail, from every Mediterranean port? What if fishers, sailors, students and parents rose to say: not in our name, not on our watch? What if the sea became a corridor of conscience? Global inaction Remember Dunkirk . In 1940, civilian boats crossed the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers. No orders, no permission. Just courage. And history remembers. What if Gaza had its own Dunkirk? What if people everywhere refused to stand by while a people is starved, slaughtered and erased? And remember this too: Sunday marked 58 years since Israel attacked the USS Liberty , a US naval intelligence ship in international waters. Israeli fighter jets and torpedo boats killed 34 crew members and wounded 171. Though Israel said it was a mistake, some still believe it was deliberate . Today, the same sea that ran red with American blood now receives the Madleen - a boat of unarmed civilians carrying food. And again, Israel, ever-backed by the US, threatens force. Israel wages this war emboldened by global inaction. It bulldozes international law, burns refugees in tents, starves children, bombs hospitals, flattens schools, executes medics, shoots children fetching bread. And it shrugs, confident nothing will happen. It has US bombs, a US veto, a complicit Europe, silent Arab regimes, and a hollowed-out Palestinian elite. But we, the people, are not powerless. We are not condemned to be spectators. We are not fated to live in a world where the strong devour the weak while the rest scroll by. Moral direction What is at stake is not only the survival of a people. It is the moral direction of civilisation. Do we want a world where law is meaningless, where genocide is rebranded as self-defence, where starvation is a military strategy and truth a liability? The Madleen is a mirror. It shows us the world as it is - and the world as it could be. Liberation is not a gift from the powerful. It is a project of the powerless. 'We think we are liberating Palestine. But it is Palestine that liberates us' - French politician Rima Hassan As French politician Rima Hassan , aboard the Madleen, wrote: “When they arrest us, I will look at them as Larbi Ben M’Hidi looked at the colonisers of his land - calm, assured of liberation … We think we are liberating Palestine. But it is Palestine that liberates us.” Hassan continued: “I accuse western colonial complicity. I accuse Arab cowardice. I accuse the corruption of the Palestinian elite. And I stand with the resisters, the rebels, the dreamers, the undisciplined, those who refuse the disorder of this world.” She went on to quote Ben M’Hidi, who once said: “Throw the revolution into the street - the people will pick it up.” Today, it has been thrown into the sea. Will we follow? The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. Soumaya Ghannoushi is a British Tunisian writer and expert in Middle East politics. Her journalistic work has appeared in The Guardian, The Independent, Corriere della Sera, aljazeera.net and Al Quds. A selection of her writings may be found at: soumayaghannoushi.com and she tweets @SMGhannoushi. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza What is the Gaza freedom flotilla? Occupation 'His blood was on the floor': The night Israeli forces stormed our Freedom flotilla and kidnapped us Dr Ang Swee Chai Israel's war on Gaza Greta Thunberg aboard Gaza flotilla: Doing nothing ‘is not an option’";0,85
"How big tech and populism are upending 'western values' From the US to Europe, the rules of the electoral game are in flux amid an epochal shift Protesters hold placards denouncing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during a demonstration in Widnes, northwestern England, on 1 May 2025 (Oli Scarff/AFP) The highly tense and polarised situation within the US and EU raises unprecedented challenges, especially amid the ongoing shifting of the global order from a unipolar to a multipolar one. Since the beginning the of the 21st century, the world has been embroiled in a series of crises: the war on terror, the global financial crisis, intensifying climate change, a worldwide pandemic, and a renewed great-power competition. This uneasy landscape has been further complicated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, of which artificial intelligence is the most compelling and pervasive example, alongside the crisis of globalisation, the rise of China and the start of the second Trump administration. On the latter point, US President Donald Trump is now contesting, if not repudiating, the same world order that Washington created, managed and enforced over the past eight decades. His administration is wielding its new army of big tech companies in an alleged pursuit of a political, economic, cultural and social metamorphosis of humankind. It is not yet clear whether these big tech players will be a tool in the hands of Trump’s “America First” vision, or vice versa. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters As the late former secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, remarked seven years ago: “Trump may be one of those figures in history who appears from time to time to mark the end of an era and to force it to give up its old pretences. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he knows this, or that he is considering any great alternative. It could just be an accident.” New words have emerged in the current lexicon to explain this epochal change, such as techno-feudalism , techno-optimism and “ Dark Enlightenment ”. A cast of characters from big tech - somewhere between CEOs and gurus - are now influencing politics, economics and the relationship between humans and technology to an unprecedented degree. 'Shadow empire' Some of these figures are in the spotlight daily, such as Tesla’s Elon Musk, Open AI’s Sam Altman and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, while others seem more comfortable leading from behind the scenes. Some are perceived as the vanguard of “reactionary acceleration”, while others , like Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel, who mentored Vice President JD Vance , portrays this period as the “ dusky final weeks of our interregnum” - or, if you prefer, the last days of an ancien regime; a sort of twilight, or worse, an apocalypse. It may be that change of era of which the late Pope Francis warned five years ago in his astute encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” (All Brothers). Both European and American liberal-democratic establishments believe this change brings a fundamental threat to democracy and western societies, along with the “values” upon which they are built. Who ultimately has the right to decide who's in and who's out? In normal times, this power would be in the hands of the electors They seem terrified by the possible rise of what has been described brilliantly, but disturbingly, as a “ shadow empire ” driven by big tech magnates. At the same time, the rise of far-right movements in the US and Europe is seen as a clear and present danger that requires a “whatever it takes” approach to keep these parties out of power. These widespread fears could explain some unprecedented developments in recent months in France , Germany and Romania. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally made significant gains in last year’s legislative elections, despite a massive mobilisation against the party - but now a criminal conviction could derail her future political prospects. In Germany, a similar mobilisation occurred against the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD), but the party still managed to double its vote share in February elections . Yet it now risks being banned after Germany’s spy agency classified AfD as “extremist”, allowing for increased state monitoring. Populists on the rise The most stunning event, however, was in Romania, where presidential elections were cancelled by the country’s constitutional court last December after the first round was won by far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, amid allegations of Russian interference. Among the evidence cited in the declassified Romanian intelligence documents used to justify this decision was a coordinated TikTok campaign - but an investigative report later revealed that the centre-right National Liberal Party had paid for the campaign, which was hijacked to benefit Georgescu, who was subsequently banned from standing in the new election . Paris, Berlin and Bucharest have thus provided compelling examples of what “whatever it takes” might mean. Amusingly, such behaviour drew criticism from Vance - not exactly a champion in the observance of democratic values - during his recent speech at the Munich Security Conference. The new fascism: Israel is the template for Trump and Europe’s war on freedom Read More » “For years, we’ve been told that everything we fund and support is in the name of our shared democratic values. Everything from our Ukraine policy to digital censorship is billed as a defence of democracy,” Vance said. “But when we see European courts cancelling elections and senior officials threatening to cancel others, we ought to ask whether we’re holding ourselves to an appropriately high standard.” The bare facts, however, are that some of these populist forces are already in power, from Trump and his Maga supporters in the US; to Giorgia Meloni, now into her third year as Italy’s prime minister; to the relaxed Viktor Orban who rules Hungary; to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has already survived an assassination attempt . Similar political forces appear to be on the rise in other countries. Some polls show a commanding lead for Reform UK , led by Nigel Farage. In Poland, an EU sceptic has just been elected president. Curiously, there is not much pushback over the questionable tactics and techniques being employed across Europe in efforts to keep far-right contenders out of power. Are such moves justifiable to bar from office allegedly undemocratic political figures and movements? Who ultimately has the right to decide who’s in and who’s out? In normal times, this power would be in the hands of the electors - but these do not seem to be normal times. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. Marco Carnelos is a former Italian diplomat. He has been assigned to Somalia, Australia and the United Nations. He served in the foreign policy staff of three Italian prime ministers between 1995 and 2011. More recently he has been Middle East peace process coordinator special envoy for Syria for the Italian government and, until November 2017, Italy's ambassador to Iraq.";0,35
"For Palestinians, to exist is to resist Israel's war of annihilation | Middle East Eye For Palestinians, to exist is to resist Israel's war of annihilation Ammiel Alcalay Published date: 6 June 2025 12:19 BST | Last update: 6 days 15 hours ago From algorithmic kill lists to occupation prisons, Israel's genocide targets Palestinian resistance in all its forms - treating daily life itself as an act to be punished or eliminated A hungry child cries as Palestinians queue for food at a distribution point in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza, on 24 May 2025 (Eyad Baba/AFP) In a speech to the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brandished a map in which the occupied Palestinian territories were no longer distinguishable from Israel, as he threatened Iran while touting the future glories of artificial intelligence (AI) and a world in which Israel would lead the region into a limitlessly bright future. Less than a month later, Israeli AI-driven technologies such as Lavender, Gospel, and Where's Your Daddy - developed in partnership with US corporate giants like Microsoft, Google and Amazon - exponentially boosted target banks, resulting in the murder of tens of thousands of Palestinian men, women and children, wiping out entire families in one fell swoop. The following year, at the 27 September 2024 General Assembly, Netanyahu doubled down on his earlier claims, further amplifying his division of the world: ""As Israel defends itself against Iran in this seven-front war, the lines separating the 'blessing' and the 'curse' could not be more clear."" By then, at least 41,000 Palestinians had already been killed in Gaza by Israeli air, naval, artillery and ground attacks. This against a people - needless to say, but still needing to be said - with no air force, air defences, navy, or mechanised units, not to mention bomb shelters or, most of the time, electricity. What is finally becoming clear to more and more people is that, as far as Israel is concerned, Palestinian resistance begins with simply existing. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters This resistance through ""being"" then extends to all other human activities: breathing, sleeping, eating, walking, farming, giving birth, and on, ad infinitum, to everything a person might do in life. Thus, every Palestinian, by virtue of their very existence, is considered a ""legitimate"" target. Carceral geography Since the inception of Zionism, colonisation in Palestine has exerted every possible effort to erase, usurp and fragment the land and its indigenous people into ever-smaller and less contiguous areas and communities. We have now reached a point where, in addition to the wholesale destruction in Gaza , there are towns and cities in the occupied territories where Palestinian residents must pass through checkpoints simply to exit their own homes. In some towns, Palestinians must pass through checkpoints just to exit their own homes. This extreme spatial fragmentation has been replicated inside Israel's vast prison system - at least until the more recent mass kidnappings and torture of Palestinian hostages, primarily from Gaza but also from the West Bank. Netanyahu's brazen display at the UN in 2023, his aim to expand the Abraham Accords at the expense of any possibility of Palestinian self-determination, the relentless atomisation of Palestinian land and society, and mass incarceration without charge, trial or hope of release - are all elements of the incendiary mix that exploded in Operation al-Aqsa Flood on 7 October 2023. No matter one's opinion of it, the stated aim of the operation was to unify a deeply fragmented Palestinian population under the banner of resistance - with the support of other resistance movements - while capturing prisoners of war and hostages to exchange for Palestinians held hostage in occupation prisons. The sentiments expressed by prisoners in the first exchanges between Israel and Hamas are so distant from western conceptions of individual personhood as to seem almost incomprehensible. Follow Middle East Eye's live coverage of the Israel-Palestine war Muhammed al-Arda, understanding all too well the enormity of the collective sacrifice involved, declared: ""If you gathered all the poems, elegies, proverbs and sayings of the land, they would not do justice to Gaza."" Another said: ""Our freedom was paid for by the blood of the martyrs of Gaza. We owe them a debt that can never be repaid."" Narrowing the frame The propaganda of so-called liberal democracies narrows the horizons of thought, severely limiting our ability to make sense of what is actually happening. When the official 9/11 Commission recommended the need to "" bureaucratise imagination "", it was not forecasting some future Orwellian dystopia, but describing the world we were already living in. With all the terminology used in discussing Israel and Palestine - genocide, apartheid, settler colonialism, anti-Zionism, and more - the key missing words remain ""imperialism"" and ""national liberation"". Trump's Middle East moves revive the question of who's in charge Read More » We cannot, for instance, even speak about Palestinian armed resistance - their political or military strategies, successes or failures - without first making a disclaimer of some kind. Under the standards his administration has set for ordinary civilians, it would seem that President Donald Trump's own team should be charged with consorting with ""terrorists"", as they negotiated the release of dual US-Israeli citizen and soldier Edan Alexander . The absurdities abound and multiply, as does the impunity: mere hours after Alexander's release, the Israelis assassinated journalist Hassan Eslaih, reducing to rubble the hospital where he was being treated after a previous assassination attempt. They went on to execute 12-year-old Mohammed Bardawil, the sole surviving witness to the actions of Major Nikolai Ashurov and Israeli tanks during the execution of UN field security supervisor Kamal Shatout, during the massacre of 15 Palestinian paramedics and other civilians on 23 March 2025. Since Alexander's release, the litany of new weapons tests, executions, forced displacement to new kill zones, systematic hospital destruction, and the use of starvation as a tool of genocide has continued apace. Breaking the spell As the "" two-state solution "" fades further into fantasy in the minds of western leaders - buying time for Israel to steal more Palestinian land, destroy more homes, and displace and kill more people - it might be time to open the floodgates of imagination. While many credit student movements and public opinion with ending the US war in Vietnam, the more decisive factor - rarely acknowledged - was the insubordination of US soldiers. Urban uprisings also pulled the National Guard away from overseas deployment. How many more generations will be enslaved to guard the imperial front of US interests, upholding a totalitarian, colonial ideology that dominates their lives? In Vietnam, whole units were known to refuse orders, sabotage operations, and refuse to engage in combat. ""Fragging"" - the use of fragmentation grenades against overzealous officers - was not limited to a few isolated cases. One book alone, Fragging: Why US Soldiers Assaulted Their Officers in Vietnam , documents 500 such incidents. We have become so accustomed to self-incriminating social media posts by Israeli soldiers - cheering the demolition of homes, mosques, hospitals, schools and universities; prancing around in women's clothing in vandalised and destroyed homes - that it is almost impossible to conjure anything else. But can we even imagine these same soldiers refusing orders, let alone bearing arms against their commanding officers or staging a revolt? How many ""existential"" wars will they be expected to fight? How many more generations will be enslaved to guard the imperial front of US interests, upholding a totalitarian, colonial ideology that dominates nearly every aspect of their lives - and every aspect of Palestinian life? Once there was ""denazification""; then came ""de-Baathification"". Did they work? What about ""de-Zionisation""? Could it work? Could we even imagine a democratic Palestine, from the river to the sea? Is this genocide yet another attempt to forestall that inevitability - by etching irreversible traumas into bodies and minds? From Balfour to the present As we travel down the road of Sykes-Picot 2.0 - with Syria' s newly installed regime negotiating with Israel, and Lebanon on the path to becoming a protectorate - we are witnessing the culmination of processes set in motion by the 1917 Balfour Declaration. These processes were vividly imagined in Abdelrahman Munif's Cities of Salt , and most cogently analysed in Ghassan Kanafani's The Revolution of 1936–1939 in Palestine , written in the shadow of the Naksa, the 1967 ""setback"" and what has come to be known as Black September. Kanafani's text, as Palestinian editor and educator Hazem Jamjoum has noted , ""has everything to do with the imperialist victory over the Arab and internationalist liberation movements in the 1970-1971 war in Jordan."" As if written today, Kanafani notes in his introduction: ""In the years 1936–39, the Palestinian revolutionary movement was dealt a devastating blow by the three formations that have since evolved to become the major forces working against the people of Palestine: reactionary Palestinian leaders, Arab regimes surrounding Palestine, and the alliance between Zionism and imperialism."" As the US shores up support among Gulf oil and other Arab regimes while silencing dissent on imperial policies regarding genocide and famine in Gaza, and as Mahmoud Abbas's collaboration forces repress uprisings in the West Bank , what has actually changed? We are at a crossroads. The forces arrayed against justice in and for Palestine remain largely the same, though their firepower and technological reach have expanded dramatically, as shown by the entourage of CEOs accompanying Trump to Saudi Arabia , including Palantir's openly genocidal Alex Karp . But Palestinian resistance must not only be further understood, it must be embraced by anyone who hopes to retain earthly and spiritual value while rejecting the despair and nihilism spreading across the political and cultural spectrum. Israel and its western allies have made their choice unmistakably clear: total destruction, mass population transfer, genocide, and full compliance with their agenda. Most Arab regimes have also chosen to lavish Trump with gifts while offering not a single loaf of bread for Gaza. As the lines are drawn, the question remains: who else will join the struggle for justice, and what form will it take? The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. Ammiel Alcalay is a poet, novelist, translator, essayist, critic and scholar. He is the author of more than 25 books, most recently Controlled Demolition: a work in four books, and his co-translation of Nasser Rabah’s Gaza: The Poem Said Its Piece. He is Distinguished Professor at Queens College, CUNY, and the CUNY Graduate Center in New York. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here . Recommended Israel's war on Gaza Why Gaza genocide denial should be criminalised worldwide Hamid Dabashi Israel's war on Gaza Genocide happens when Israelis believe they're above the law, Holocaust scholar says Israel's war on Gaza Egypt slammed for its treatment of foreign nationals doing Global March for Gaza Read more Israel's war on Gaza Palestinian resistance can always survive without outside support. Can Israel? Joseph Massad Israel's war on Gaza War on Gaza: Decades of colonialism led to Israel's genocidal moment Emile Badarin Israel's war on Gaza Why must Palestinians condemn themselves for daring to fight back? Nicki Kattoura";0,4625
"Trump deploys National Guard over LA immigration protests Law enforcement clash with demonstrators during a protest following federal immigration operations, in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, California early on Sunday (AFP photo) By AFP | 15:24 June 8, 2025 | Share Story Share Story Copy Link X Whatsapp Facebook Print LOS ANGELES, United States — Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday in what the White House said was an effort to quell ""lawlessness"" after sometimes-violent protests erupted over immigration enforcement raids. The US president took federal control of California's state military to push soldiers into the country's second-biggest city, where they could face off against demonstrators. It is a rare move that Governor Gavin Newsom said was ""purposefully inflammatory"". The development came after two days of confrontations that had seen federal agents shoot flash-bang grenades and tear gas towards crowds angry at the arrests of dozens of migrants in a city with a large Latino population. Footage showed a car that had been set alight at a busy intersection, while in video circulating on social media a man in a motorbike helmet can be seen throwing rocks at speeding federal vehicles. In other scenes, demonstrators threw fireworks at lines of local law enforcement who had been called in to try to keep the peace. ""President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,"" White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, blaming what she called California's ""feckless"" Democratic leaders. ""The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs."" 'Purposefully inflammatory' The National Guard -- a reserve military -- is frequently used in natural disasters, like in the aftermath of the LA fires, and occasionally in instances of civil unrest, but almost always with the consent of local politicians. That was not the case on Saturday. Newsom, a frequent foil for Trump and a long-time foe of the Republican, took to social media to decry Saturday's White House order. ""That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,"" he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ""The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles - not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle. Don't give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully."" US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said guardsmen would be in place ""within the next 24 hours."" Trump's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to ramp up tensions further, warning that nearby regular military forces could get involved. ""If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized -- they are on high alert,"" he wrote on social media. Law professor Jessica Levinson said Hegseth's intervention appeared symbolic because of the general legal restriction on the use of the US military as a domestic policing force in the absence of an insurrection. ""At this moment, it's not using the Insurrection Act,"" she said, rather Trump was relying on what is known as Title 10. ""The National Guard will be able to do [no] more than provide logistical [and] personnel support."" Arrests Since taking office in January, Trump has delivered on a promise to crack down hard on the entry and presence of undocumented migrants -- who he has likened to ""monsters"" and ""animals"". The Department for Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles this week had resulted in the arrest of ""118 aliens, including five gang members"". Saturday's standoff took place in the suburb of Paramount, where demonstrators converged on a reported federal facility, which the local mayor said was being used as a staging post by agents. On Friday, masked and armed immigration agents carried out high-profile workplace raids in separate parts of Los Angeles, attracting angry crowds and setting off hours-long standoffs. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged that some city residents were ""feeling fear"" following the federal immigration enforcement actions. ""Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable,"" she said on X. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said multiple arrests had been made following Friday's clashes. ""You bring chaos, and we'll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail,"" he said on X. On Saturday, amid chants for ICE agents to get out, some protesters waved Mexican flags while others set a US flag on fire, the Los Angeles Times reported. Cement blocks and overturned shopping carts served as crude roadblocks. The White House has taken a hard line against the protests, with deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller calling them ""an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States.""";-0,575
"Lula urges UN to take lead role in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts Lula urges UN to take lead role in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts By AFP | 18:39 June 7, 2025 | PARIS — Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday called on the United Nations to assemble a group of countries tasked with seeking a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The initiative, which Lula made at a news conference during a visit to France, comes after French President Emmanuel Macron this week said Brazil had ""a very important role to play"" in the resolution of the conflict. A second round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine opened this week in Istanbul, after a first round failed to secure a pause in more than three years of fighting. ""The UN can become a protagonist in this matter again,"" Lula said, calling UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ""a good man"". The UN chief should ""propose a group of friends"" to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who would then ""talk with them both, listen to their respective truths and then build an alternative"", Lula said. ""What I am proposing is the creation of a commission consisting of countries that are not involved in the war to talk with Zelensky and Putin,"" he said. Neither side would ""get what they want but they can get what is possible"", he said. ""Neither 100 percent of Zelensky's position, nor 100 percent of Putin's position."" In contrast to most European countries, Lula maintains friendly relations with Moscow and has observed a position of neutrality towards the conflict in Ukraine. Lula, who in July is to host the next summit of the BRICS group of nations in Rio de Janeiro, said that Putin was invited to the meeting despite a warrant for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Russia on Saturday accused Ukraine of postponing a large-scale exchange of captured soldiers, a charge denied by Kyiv.";0,225
"Ukraine claims 'successful' night-time strikes on two Russian airfields Kyiv said on Friday that it had launched ""successful"" strikes on two military airfields inside Russia that Kyiv said were used to stage aerial attacks on Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian bombardments have escalated in recent weeks despite a flurry of diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the United States aimed at halting Moscow's more than three-year invasion. The announcement came just after Russia pummelled Ukraine with dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones in apparent retaliation for an audacious Ukrainian drone assault on several other airfields deep inside Russia last week. The Ukrainian military said it had attacked the Engels airfield in the Saratov region that lies hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine, calling the facility ""a place of concentration of enemy aircraft."" It also said it had struck the Dyagilevo airfield near Moscow where ""refuelling and escort"" jets are based that aid Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine. Kyiv additionally claimed it had hit ""at least three fuel and oil tanks"" in Saratov, and vowed to continue attacks on military targets until Moscow's invasion is ""completely stopped."" Saratov governor Roman Busargin said drone strikes had damaged a residential building in the city of Engels, adding there were no civilian casualties. Unverified footage on social media showed a high-rise building on fire and a large blaze at what local media reported was an oil depot. Ukraine has struck targets inside Russia throughout the invasion and last week damaged nuclear-capable planes at air bases deep inside the country, including in Siberia.";0,1
"Trump administration ramps up attack on Harvard, Columbia Harvard has been at the forefront of Trump's campaign against top universities after it defied his demands (AFP photo) By JT | 13:21 June 5, 2025 | Share Story Share Story Copy Link X Whatsapp Facebook Print WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ramped up his campaign against top US universities Wednesday, banning visas for all foreign students coming to attend Harvard and threatening to strip Columbia of its academic accreditation. Trump is seeking to bring the universities to heel with claims their international students pose a national security threat, and that they ignored anti-Semitism on campus, and perpetuate liberal bias. A proclamation issued by the White House late Wednesday declared that the entrance of international students to begin a course at Harvard would be ""suspended and limited"" for six months, and that existing overseas enrollees could have their visas terminated. ""Harvard's conduct has rendered it an unsuitable destination for foreign students and researchers,"" said the order. ""I'm trembling. This is outrageous,"" Karl Molden, a Harvard government and classics student from Austria, told AFP. ""He is abusing his executive power to harm Harvard as much as he can."" ""My god!"" said another international student at Harvard, who declined to be named for fear of retribution, on learning of the executive order. ""This is such a disgrace."" 'Retaliatory' The announcement came after the Trump administration's earlier efforts to terminate Harvard's right to enroll and host foreign students were stalled by a judge. The government already cut around $3.2 billion of federal grants and contracts benefiting Harvard and pledged to exclude the Cambridge, Massachusetts institution from any future federal funding. Harvard has been at the forefront of Trump's campaign against top universities after it defied his calls to submit to oversight of its curriculum, staffing, student recruitment and ""viewpoint diversity."" Trump has also singled out international students at Harvard, who in the 2024-2025 academic year accounted for 27 percent of total enrollment, and a major source of income. ""This is yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard's First Amendment rights,"" a university spokesman said. ""Harvard will continue to protect its international students."" The latest sweeping action against Harvard came as Trump's education secretary threatened Wednesday to strip Columbia University of its accreditation. The Republican has targeted the New York Ivy League institution for allegedly ignoring harassment of Jewish students, throwing all of its federal funding into doubt. Unlike Harvard, several top institutions, including Columbia, have already bowed to far-reaching demands from the Trump administration, which claims that the educational elite is too left-wing. 'Combating anti-Semitism' But Wednesday's official action suggested it was not enough for Trump. ""Columbia University looked the other way as Jewish students faced harassment,"" US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said on X. She accused the school of breaking rules prohibiting recipients of federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin. ""After Hamas' October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia University's leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus,"" McMahon said in a statement. ""This is not only immoral, but also unlawful."" In the statement, the US Education Department said its civil rights office had contacted Columbia's accreditation body about the alleged violation. Withdrawing Columbia's accreditation would see it lose access to all federal funding , a very significant proportion of the university's income. Students attending the university would also not be able to receive federal grants and loans towards tuition. Critics accuse the Trump administration of using allegations of anti-Semitism to target educational elites and bring universities to their knees. The administration has already put $400 million of Columbia's funding under review, prompting the university in March to announce a package of concessions to the government around defining anti-Semitism, policing protests and conducting oversight for specific academic departments. Following Wednesday's announcement, a Columbia spokesperson said the university ""aware of the concerns"" raised by the government with its accreditation body. ""We have addressed those concerns directly with Middle States,"" the spokesperson said, adding that ""Columbia is deeply committed to combating anti-Semitism on our campus."" ""We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it.""";0,075
"Putin discussed Ukraine conflict with Pope Leo- KremlinPutin discussed Ukraine conflict with Pope Leo- KremlinMOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the war in Ukraine with Pope Leo in a telephone call on Wednesday, claiming he wanted peace through diplomacy, the Kremlin said. Putin however also claimed ""the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out of acts of sabotage against civil infrastructure on Russian territory,"" it said in a statement. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Leo has reportedly said he is willing to host peace talks between the two countries.";-0,125
"Trump talks with Putin on Ukraine, Iran This combination of pictures created on June 04, 2025 shows, L/R, US President Donald Trump in Morristown, New Jersey, May 23, 2025, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 28, 2025 (AFP photo) By AFP | 21:44 June 4, 2025 | Share Story Share Story Copy Link X Whatsapp Facebook Print WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said he spoke to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Wednesday about Ukraine and Iran, warning that the Kremlin leader had ""very strongly"" pledged to respond to Kyiv's stunning drone attack on Russian bombers. Trump said that there was no ""immediate peace"" on the horizon in Ukraine , which Russia invaded in 2022, following what he described as a one hour and 15 minute call with the Russian president. On Iran, Trump said that Putin had offered to ""participate"" in talks on Tehran's nuclear program, as Trump accused the Islamic republic of ""slowwalking"" its response to Washington's offer of a deal. The call came three days after Ukraine conducted a massive, daring drone attack against Russian military airbases, saying it had destroyed several Russian nuclear-capable bombers worth billions of dollars. Trump said that he and Putin had ""discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides."" ""It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace. President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,"" Trump said in his post. Trump did not say whether he had warned Putin off any such retaliation against Ukraine, which Washington has supported to the tune of billions of dollars in its fight against Russia. 'Definitive answer' The Republican has repeatedly alarmed Kyiv and Western allies by appearing to side with Putin over the war, and had a blazing Oval Office row with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But Trump has also showed growing frustration with Putin as Russia has so far derailed the US president's efforts to honor a campaign pledge to end the war within 24 hours, even if he never explained how this could be achieved. The call between Trump and Putin did however show that Washington and Moscow may be eying cooperation on another key global issue, Iran. Trump said he believed they were both ""in agreement"" that Iran could not have a nuclear weapon, and that time was running out for Tehran to respond to US offers of a deal. ""President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion,"" Trump said. The US president added: ""It is my opinion that Iran has been slowwalking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!"" Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow was ready to help advance talks on a nuclear deal, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. But Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said earlier Wednesday that Washington's proposal was against Tehran's national interest, amid sharp differences over whether Tehran can continue to enrich uranium.";-0,125
"Russia, Ukraine ready to exchange 500 POWs this weekend- Zelensky A man stands in a damaged building following an air-attack in Kharkiv on June 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine (AFP photo) By AFP | 18:24 June 4, 2025 | Share Story Share Story Copy Link X Whatsapp Facebook Print KYIV/Brussels — President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that Ukraine and Russia were prepared to exchange captured military personnel this weekend, following an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv brokered in Turkey this week. ""The Russian side has passed on information that this weekend -- on Saturday and Sunday ,they will be able to transfer 500 people, 500 of our military,"" Zelensky told reporters including AFP journalists at a press conference in Kyiv. ""We will be ready to exchange the relevant number"" of prisoners of war, he added. Meanwhile the European Commission proposed Wednesday that Ukrainian refugees be allowed to stay in the EU another year to March 2027, while for the first time stating clearly that their protected status will at some point end. Some 4.3 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees across the European Union, with Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic hosting the largest communities. The 27-nation bloc granted Ukrainians temporary protections in the weeks after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of its neighbour, a measure rolled over several times and currently set to expire next March. With Russian attacks continuing unabated and the situation in Ukraine still ""volatile"", the commission recommended that member states extend the right to stay for another year, until March 4, 2027. But at the same time it called for them to begin ""paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection once the necessary conditions are met"", a formulation making no explicit reference to the end of the conflict. ""Since 2022 we have provided protection for those fleeing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and we continue to do so,"" Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. ""And together with Ukraine we pave the way for people to be able to return and rebuild their homes once it is safe."" People benefitting from temporary protection enjoy the same rights across the EU, including a residence permit, access to the labour market and housing, medical assistance, social welfare and access to education. The commission's proposal, which is expected to be endorsed by member states at a meeting of EU home affairs ministers next week, spells out two main scenarios for Ukrainians once protections end: One would be transitioning into other national or EU legal statuses, receiving residence permits based on employment, study or research activities. Another would be a gradual reintegration in their home country, with ""voluntary return"" programmes set up by member states, and help for people to travel home on reconnaissance trips to assess the war damage.";0,175
"Trump says Iran deal would not allow 'any' uranium enrichment US President Donald Trump speaks to the press in the rain after landing on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, May 30, 2025, after traveling to Pennsylvania to visit a US Steel plant (AFP photo) By AFP | 12:19 June 3, 2025 | WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Monday ruled out allowing Iran to enrich uranium under any nuclear deal between the foes -- as Tehran defended what it said was its ""peaceful"" pursuit of fuel for power generation. Uranium enrichment has remained a key point of contention in five rounds of talks since April to ink a new accord to replace the deal with major powers that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018. ""Under our potential Agreement - WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!"" Trump said on his Truth Social network after the Axios news outlet said Washington's offer would let Tehran enrich some of the nuclear fuel. Republican Trump also blamed predecessor Joe Biden for the impasse, saying the Democrat ""should have stopped Iran a long time ago from 'enriching.'"" Axios said the latest proposal that Washington had sent Tehran on Saturday would allow limited low-level uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, for an amount of time that has yet to be determined. Iran has insisted that Iran has ""nothing to hide"" on its nuclear program. Speaking in Cairo, where he met the UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: ""If the goal is to deprive Iran of its peaceful activities, then certainly no agreement will be reached."" The remarks came after Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday called for more transparency from Iran following a leaked report that showed Tehran had stepped up uranium enrichment. ‘Need for more transparency' The IAEA report showed that Iran has ramped up production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent -- close to the roughly 90 percent level needed for atomic weapons. ""There is a need for more transparency -- this is very, very clear -- in Iran, and nothing will bring us to this confidence (besides) full explanations of a number of activities,"" Grossi said ahead of meeting Araghchi. Grossi added that some of the report's findings ""may be uncomfortable for some, and we are... used to being criticized"". Iran has rejected the report, warning it would retaliate if European powers that have threatened to reimpose nuclear sanctions ""exploit"" it. ""Some countries are trying to abuse this agency to pave the way for escalation with Iran. I hope that this agency does not fall into this trap,"" Araghchi said of the IAEA. Iran meanwhile pushed for the United States to drop sanctions that have crippled its economy as a condition for a nuclear agreement with Trump's administration. Araghchi said on Saturday that he had received ""elements"" of the US proposal for a nuclear deal following the five rounds of talks, mediated by Oman. ‘With or without a deal' Both Araghchi and Grossi met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who praised the US-Iran talks and called for ""de-escalation in order to prevent a slide into a full-fledged regional war"". On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told a news conference: ""We want to guarantee that the sanctions are effectively lifted."" ""So far, the American side has not wanted to clarify this issue,"" he said. The US envoy in the nuclear talks said last month that Trump's administration would oppose any Iranian enrichment. ""An enrichment program can never exist in the state of Iran ever again. That's our red line. No enrichment,"" Steve Witkoff told Breitbart News. Following a phone call with Witkoff the day before about the ongoing nuclear talks, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged a peaceful solution and a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East, saying in Monday's press conference that ""the region is already experiencing enough problems and crises"". He warned that military confrontation would create ""a state of chaos from which no one will be spared"". Iran has vowed to keep enriching uranium ""with or without a deal"" on its nuclear program. The United States has sent Iran a proposal for a nuclear deal that the White House called ""acceptable"" and in Tehran's ""best interest"" to accept, US media reported on Saturday. The New York Times, citing officials familiar with the diplomatic exchanges, said the proposal calls on Iran to stop all enrichment and suggests creating a regional grouping to produce nuclear power.";-0,175
"Poland far-right leader congratulates nationalist on presidency winWARSAW — Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen on Monday congratulated nationalist Karol Nawrocki on winning the country's presidential election, and said his supporters expected him to prioritise Poland's interests above neighbouring Ukraine's.""Congratulations to President-elect Karol Nawrocki!"" said Mentzen, urging him to remember the far-right Confederation party supporters who voted for him in Sunday's runoff. He said they expected Nawrocki to ""not put Ukraine's interests on a par with ours"".Confederation co-leader Mentzen, a eurosceptic who is against abortion and migration, scored nearly 15 percent of votes in round one of the election and came in third.He then took on the role of kingmaker and invited the runoff candidates to join him for separate interviews and to sign an eight-point pledge.They both appeared but only Nawrocki approved the declaration, pledging not to sign any legislation that would raise taxes, ratify Ukraine's potential NATO membership or limit free speech.""I am more critical of Ukraine"" than outgoing President Andrzej Duda, Nawrocki told Mentzen at the time.Mentzen told Nawrocki on Monday: ""I am really counting on you not forgetting those millions of voters who did not vote for you in the first round but did yesterday. These people wanted change.""""They wanted something to finally change in Poland,"" he said on X.Many far-right voters had said they were dissatisfied that for years Poland has been dominated by two political groups: the ruling Civic Coalition that supported Trzaskowski and the right-wing Law and Justice party that backed Nawrocki.";-0,475
"Massive plume of ash, gas spews from Italy's Mount EtnaMassive plume of ash, gas spews from Italy's Mount Etna Smoke rises from the crater of the Etna volcano as it erupts, on Mount Etna near Catania on June 2, 2025 (AFP photo) By AFP | 20:30 June 2, 2025 | Share Story Share Story Copy Link X Whatsapp Facebook Print ROME — huge plume of ash, gas and rock spewed forth Monday from Italy's Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, after a portion of its southeastern crater likely collapsed, authorities said.??Images showed a massive grey cloud billow forth from the volcano on the island of Sicily, beginning about 11:24 am local time , according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology [INGV].??Surveillance cameras showed ""a pyroclastic flow probably produced by a collapse of material from the northern flank of the Southeast Crater"", the agency said.??A pyroclastic flow occurs when volcanic rock, ash and hot gasses surge from volcanos. They are extremely dangerous.??The explosive activity ""had transitioned to a lava fountain"", INGV said, with the plume of ash expected to dissipate towards the southwest.??A red alert issued for aviation authorities said the height of the volcanic cloud was estimated at 6.5 kilometres .??The nearby Catania airport was still in operation.";0
Newly released abduction video shows hostage Matan Angrest manhandled by Gazans | The Times of IsraelIn a full video of his abduction aired Monday, hostage soldier Matan Angrest can be seen wounded and shirtless, being manhandled by several Hamas gunmen before being dropped to a crowd from the top of a tank during the October 7, 2023, onslaught. Angrest’s family allowed media outlets to air the full video of the kidnapping by Hamas terrorists to raise pressure on the government to sign a deal for his release. The 21-year-old was taken from a tank at the Nahal Oz military base during the battle there. In April, Channel 12 news published a shorter version of the same clip and several still images from the video, as well as his subsequent interrogation in Gaza. Angrest’s serious medical condition was also detailed by Channel 12 on Monday, citing evidence received by the family and a medical analysis of the information. According to some reported medical opinions, his poor health puts him at risk of death. The report said Angrest has been subjected to torture with car batteries and electric paddles until losing consciousness. He suffers from chronic asthma attacks, particularly after the violent interrogations. He has suffered severe injuries to his hands, including severe burns to the nerves and untreated infections. As such, he can no longer move some of his fingers, the report said. ?????? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ??????' ???? ?????? ?-7.10 @yaelsharet_ pic.twitter.com/785Af65uKE — ??? (@GLZRadio) June 9, 2025 “I just ask, why do we deserve this? Why have they [the government] left Matan in his situation, while knowing his difficult situation?” Anat Angrest, Matan’s mother, told Channel 12 shortly after the video was released, adding that the family continues to receive information about his state in captivity. “What else needs to happen for the government to wake up and fight for all the hostages, and for them to release [hostage] soldiers?” she asked. Both Anat and Matan’s father, Hagai, said their son was in “immediate life-threatening danger.” Hagai told Channel 12 that he believed some of the information collected by the Israeli intelligence apparatus on his son’s condition was not properly passed on to the prime minister and the committee that decides which hostages should be released under deals. Anat Angrest speaks at a press conference in Tel Aviv, marking 600 days of the hostages’ captivity, May 28, 2025 (Miriam Alster/Flash90) “This is the big oversight that kept Matan in captivity,” Hagai said. “After our meeting with the prime minister, we realized he didn’t know that Matan was injured .” He said he was sure the government would have demanded Angrest’s release in the January ceasefire if the sharing of that information was more orderly, and vowed that any new information the family received would be shared “immediately” with the public. Under the January agreement, Hamas released 30 hostages — 20 Israeli civilians, five soldiers, and five Thai nationals — and the bodies of eight slain Israeli captives during a ceasefire between January and March. However, no soldiers were freed under the deal. Hamas issued a propaganda video of Angrest in March, less than a week after his family published the first photo of him in captivity, a still captured from a previous video received from the terror group. Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are holding 55 hostages, including 54 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023. Hostage Matan Angrest in a first image released by his family from Hamas captivity, March 3, 2025. (Courtesy) They include the bodies of at least 33 confirmed dead by the IDF, and 20 who are believed to be alive. There are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said. After the January ceasefire collapsed, Hamas freed an additional hostage, a dual American-Israeli citizen, Edan Alexander, in May, as a “gesture” to the United States. The terror group freed 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November 2023, and four hostages were released before that in the early weeks of the war. In exchange, Israel has freed some 2,000 jailed Palestinian terrorists, security prisoners, and Gazan terror suspects detained during the war. Eight hostages have been rescued from captivity by troops alive, and the bodies of 44 have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the Israeli military as they tried to escape their captors, and the body of a soldier who was killed in 2014. The body of another soldier killed in 2014 is still being held by Hamas and is counted among the 55 hostages.;-0,075
"Thunberg's Gaza-bound boat towed to Ashdod; Katz says activists refuse to watch Oct. 7 footageThe activist boat that tried to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and was intercepted by the Israeli Navy early on Monday morning reached the Ashdod Port Monday evening. The Foreign Ministry published photos of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila as they disembarked from the Madleen boat. The detained activists, including Thunberg, would be handed over to police to be deported, and the small amount of aid they brought will be sent into Gaza, Israeli officials have said. “The ‘Selfie Yacht’ docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago. The passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health,” the Foreign Ministry said. Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier that he instructed the military to screen a video showing atrocities committed by the Hamas terror group on October 7, 2023, to the detained activists once they had safely arrived at the port. But, he said later, they refused to watch the footage. The harrowing 43-minute video produced by the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson’s office shows uncensored, difficult-to-watch footage of people being massacred and bodies mutilated during the Hamas-led onslaught, much of it taken from terrorists’ bodycams. “Greta [Thunberg] and her flotilla companions were taken into a room upon their arrival for a screening of the horror film of the October 7 massacre, and when they saw what it was about, they refused to continue watching,” Katz later said in a statement. “The antisemitic flotilla members are turning a blind eye to the truth and have proven once again that they prefer the murderers to the murdered and continue to ignore the atrocities committed by Hamas against Jewish and Israeli women, adults, and children,” he added. The ‘Selfie Yacht’ docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago. The passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health. Israeli forces took control of the Gaza-bound boat Madleen early Monday and detained the group of 12 activists who were on board, following repeated warnings to the activists against attempting to sail to the Gaza coast, which is under a strict maritime blockade. The activist mission organized by the pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel Freedom Flotilla Coalition had sought to challenge the blockade and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis created by the 20-month-old war between Israel and Hamas. It had planned to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to the war-torn enclave. The group of activists also included French-Palestinian European Parliament Member Rima Hassan. The vessel had defied repeated warnings issued by Israel to turn around since departing Sicily last Sunday. The last reported location of the vessel was at 1:15 a.m. local time, just north of Egypt’s Port Said, around 55 nautical miles from Israeli-administered waters. At around 3 a.m. Monday, as it approached Gaza, it was intercepted by the Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit and the Snapir harbor security unit, a military official told The Times of Israel. Before it was boarded, it was given a final opportunity to change course, both by the Foreign Ministry and the Navy, but again refused. A video then showed an Israeli Navy soldier communicating with the boat over the loudspeaker, telling them that the maritime zone around Gaza was closed, but that the humanitarian aid could be delivered to the Strip via Ashdod Port. Israel confirmed that it had taken control of the boat and was towing it toward Ashdod port in a statement released via the Foreign Ministry, which said that the “selfie yacht” was “safely making its way to the shores of Israel.” Israel has said the activists will be deported. “The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” the Foreign Ministry statement added.";-0,125
"Tunisia activists launch overland Gaza-bound bus convoy to 'break the siege'A convoy of buses and private cars departed for Gaza from Tunisia’s capital Monday, seeking to “break the siege” on the Palestinian territory, activists said. The overland effort — organized independently but moved up to coincide with the high-profile maritime flotilla that was seized by the Israeli Navy Monday — is made up of activists, lawyers, and medical professionals from North Africa. It plans to traverse Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt before reaching Rafah, the border crossing with Egypt that has remained largely closed since Israel’s military took control of the Gaza side in May 2024. The Tunisian civil society groups behind the convoy said they aim to demand “the immediate lifting of the unjust siege on the Strip.” They asserted that Arab governments haven’t pushed enough to end the 20-month war between Israel and Hamas. The war was sparked by the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Terrorists slaughtered 1,200 people and abducted 251; 55 hostages are still held in Gaza, 20 of them believed to be alive. Organizers said they were not bringing aid into Gaza, but rather aimed at carrying out a “symbolic act” by breaking the blockade on the territory, tightened by Israel since the Hamas invasion and slaughter. After a two-and-a-half-month blockade of Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing the hostages and relinquishing power, Israel started allowing in some basic aid last month, while a US- and Israeli-backed aid group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, began separately distributing aid from three sites. Experts, however, have warned of famine in the territory of over 2 million people unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive, though previous assessments were found to have been exaggerated and based on flawed data. The convoy set off as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an aid ship that set sail from Sicily earlier this month, was intercepted by Israeli forces after being repeatedly warned not to approach Gaza and towed into Ashdod port. Those aboard, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained ahead of deportation. The overland convoy drew widespread attention in Tunisia and Algeria, where it began Sunday, with some people waving Palestinian flags and chanting in support of the people of Gaza. “This convoy speaks directly to our people in Gaza and says, ‘You are not alone. We share your pain and suffering,'” Yahia Sarri, one of the convoy’s Algerian organizers, wrote on social media. The “Soumoud” convoy, meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic, includes doctors and aims to arrive in Rafah “by the end of the week,” activist Jawaher Channa told AFP. It is set to pass through Libya and Egypt, although Cairo has yet to provide passage permits, she added. “We are about a thousand people, and we will have more join us along the way,” said Channa, spokeswoman of the Tunisian Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine, the group organizing the caravan. “Egypt has not yet given us permission to cross its borders, but we will see what happens when we get there,” she said. Channa said the convoy was not set to face issues crossing Libya, “whose people have historically supported the Palestinian cause,” despite recent deadly clashes in the country that remains divided between two governments. The North African activists do not expect their convoy to be allowed into Gaza. Regardless, it provides “a message of challenge and will,” said Saher al-Masri, a Tunis-based Palestinian activist.";0,45
IAEA chief says information stolen by Iran refers to Israeli nuclear research site | The Times of IsraelThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Monday that the information Iran claimed it seized regarding Israel’s nuclear program “seems to refer” to the country’s Soreq Nuclear Research Center, the first acknowledgment outside of Tehran of the theft. The Prime Minister’s Office had no immediate response to the remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who spoke during a news conference in Vienna. The alleged theft comes at a time of renewed tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, which enriches uranium a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels and looks poised to reject a US proposal over a possible deal on its atomic program. “We have seen some reports in the press. We haven’t had any official communication about this,” Grossi told reporters. “In any case, this seems to refer to Soreq, which is a research facility which we inspect by the way. We don’t inspect other strategic parts of the program, but this part of the program we do inspect.” He did not elaborate on where he received his information, though the IAEA maintains a confidential reporting system for nations to report security incidents involving their nuclear programs. Soreq, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Tel Aviv, is a national laboratory for nuclear science established in Israel in 1958, engaged in nuclear science, radiation safety and applied physics. The IAEA has so-called item-specific safeguards agreements with Israel, Pakistan and India, all countries that are not party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Under Israel’s agreement, the IAEA monitors Soreq but has no access to Israel’s nuclear facility at Dimona, believed to provide the fuel for the country’s undeclared nuclear weapons program. Over the weekend, Iranian state television and later the country’s intelligence minister claimed without offering evidence that Tehran seized an “important treasury” of information regarding Israel’s nuclear program. Israel, whose undeclared atomic weapons program makes it the only country in the Mideast with nuclear bombs, has not acknowledged any such Iranian operation targeting it. According to Tasnim, a semi-official Iranian media outlet closely affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the intelligence was gathered and transferred by Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias, two Israelis arrested by Israeli police in May on suspicion of collecting intelligence on behalf of Iran. Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib claimed thousands of pages of documents had been obtained and would be made public soon. Among them were documents related to the US, Europe and other countries, which, he claimed, had been obtained through “infiltration” and “access to the sources.” He did not elaborate on the methods used. However, Khatib, a Shiite cleric, was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 over directing “cyber espionage and ransomware attacks in support of Iran’s political goals.” For Iran, the claim may be designed to show the public that the theocracy was able to respond to a 2018 Israeli operation that spirited out what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a “half ton” of documents related to Iran’s program. That Israeli announcement came just before US President Donald Trump, in his first term, unilaterally withdrew America from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which greatly limited its program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. This week, Western nations are expected to go before the IAEA’s Board of Governors with a proposal to find Iran in noncompliance with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. It could be the first time in decades, and likely would kick the issue to the UN Security Council. That could see one of the Western countries involved in the 2015 nuclear deal invoke the so-called snapback of UN sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The authority to restore those sanctions by the complaint of any member of the original 2015 nuclear deal expires in October, putting the West on a clock to exert pressure on Tehran over its program before losing that power.;0
Zohran Mamdani says Israel wouldn't let him visit if he came as New York mayor | The Times of IsraelZohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist mounting a strong campaign in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, has consistently declined to say he would visit Israel if elected, setting the stage for a 75-year-old tradition to potentially come to an end. On Sunday night, at a mayoral forum organized by an array of progressive Jewish groups held at an Upper West Side synagogue, Mamdani added a new detail to his demurrals. Responding to a question about whether he would visit Israel, he said he thought his past support for boycotting Israel would render him inadmissible. The Knesset approved a travel ban on non-citizens who support the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement in 2017 and strengthened that ban in February, subsequently barring elected officials from France and the European Parliament under the statute. “I’m not even sure if I would be allowed to enter Israel, because I think that there’s legislation that prohibits the entry of anyone who supports that legislation,” Mamdani said. “So it is both a question for me, but also were the answer to be different, I think the result would be the same.” Mamdani has previously called for boycotting Israel but has been evasive on the campaign trail when asked whether he would seek to have the city join the boycott. During the forum on Sunday, he explained his past support for BDS but did not clearly answer a direct question about whether he would continue to support the boycott if he were elected mayor. “I am someone for whom at the core of my politics is the belief in non-violence, and having seen the efficacy of non-violent movements in creating compliance with international law, specifically with South Africa, that’s what brought me to support BDS,” he said. Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo, far left, and Zohran Mamdani, second from right, argue as Whitney Tilson, second from left, and Michael Blake look on during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, June 4, 2025, in New York. The candidate, Mamdani, is trailing former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who issued an executive order in 2016 barring New York state agencies and departments from investing in organizations that boycott Israel. Every mayor elected since Israel’s founding in 1948 has visited, in a nod to New York’s major Jewish community, the largest outside of Israel. The current mayor, Eric Adams, visited shortly before Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught and met with both government officials and anti-government protesters. Adams is running for reelection as an independent. Other candidates at the Sunday night forum, organized by the New York Jewish Agenda and held at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, said they would aim to visit Israel if they are elected. Mamdani said, as he has before, that he does not believe visiting Israel is crucial to being able to represent the roughly 1 million Jews who would be his constituents if he is elected. His positions on Israel have earned him vociferous opposition from some in the Jewish community, even as his progressive policy platform has also generated support from other Jewish New Yorkers. “And what I’ve said is that one need not visit Israel to stand up for Jewish New Yorkers,” Mamdani said. “I believe that to stand up for Jewish New Yorkers means that you actually meet Jewish New Yorkers wherever they may be, be it at their synagogues and temples or their homes or on the subway platform or at a park, wherever it may be.”;0,45
GHF says aid site closed due to crowd 'chaos,' as Hamas authorities claim 6 killed | The Times of IsraelThe US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said Monday it was forced to close one of its aid distribution sites due to “chaos,” as Hamas authorities claimed Israeli forces and allied local gunmen fired at Palestinians heading to the facility. The GHF on Monday opened three distribution points — one in Wadi Gaza and two in Rafah’s Tel Sultan — but said it was forced to later close one of the Tel Sultan centers due to the “chaos of the crowds.” A GHF spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. The Hamas-run health ministry announced that six people were killed. Witnesses told the Associated Press that the gunmen appeared to have been allied with the Israeli military, operating in close proximity to troops and retreating into an Israeli military zone in the southern city of Rafah after the crowd hurled stones at them. Heba Joda, who was in the crowd Monday, said gunfire broke out at a roundabout where previous shootings have occurred, around a kilometer (half a mile) from the aid site. She said the shots came from the “dangerous zone” where Israeli troops and their allies are stationed. She said she saw men from a local militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab trying to organize the crowds into lines on the road. When people pushed forward, the gunmen opened fire. People then hurled stones at them, forcing them to withdraw toward the Israeli positions, she said. The Abu Shabab group, which calls itself the Popular Forces, says it is guarding the surroundings of the GHF centers in southern Gaza. Aid workers say it has a long history of looting UN aid trucks. GHF has said it does not work with the Abu Shabab group. Defense sources confirmed on Thursday that Israel was arming the group, which has been linked in the past to smuggling operations with Egyptian jihadist groups. Hussein Shamimi, who was also in the crowd, said his 14-year-old cousin was among those killed. “There was an ambush… the Israelis from one side and Abu Shabab from another,” he said. Mohamed Kabaga, a Palestinian displaced from northern Gaza, said he saw masked men firing toward the crowds after trying to organize them. “They fired at us directly,” he said while being treated at Nasser Hospital, in the nearby city of Khan Younis. He had been shot in the neck, as had three other people seen by an AP journalist at the hospital. Kabaga said he saw around 50 masked men with 4×4 vehicles in the area around the roundabout, close to Israeli military lines. “We didn’t receive anything,” he said. “They shot us.” Nasser Hospital said several men had been shot in the upper body, some in the head. Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Hamas-run health ministry’s records department, said six people were killed and more than 99 wounded, some of them at another GHF center in central Gaza. The GHF, in a statement released overnight, slammed Hamas’s “explicit threats” against its staff and those who accept the aid it distributes. “At the same time, Hamas endorsed the United Nations, an organization it has routinely stolen from, as the only legitimate providers of aid,” it said. “The contrast is telling. After delivering over 10 million meals, GHF has built a system that delivers aid directly to the people who actually need it. Despite these threats, we will continue to deliver urgent humanitarian relief with resolve and purpose. “The international community, including the United Nations and other aid groups, must immediately and unequivocally condemn Hamas’s threats against both aid workers and civilians. There is no justification for targeting aid workers or the civilians they serve, or for silence from those who know better. Hamas must understand its actions are unacceptable, and the world is watching,” it added. On Sunday, GHF said it delivered 11 trucks’ worth of aid to community leaders for distribution in northern Rafah, as part of a pilot program that will see supplies delivered directly to Gazans instead of forcing them to walk long distances and cross IDF lines in order to receive aid. The agency has faced heavy scrutiny from other aid bodies, as well as the UN and foreign countries, which say that it does not sufficiently address the humanitarian needs in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Critics have also accused GHF of putting aid seekers in harm’s way, with operations beset by deadly incidents for multiple days in a row. The first mass casualty event occurred last Sunday as hundreds of Gazans made their way to an aid distribution compound in Rafah — the only one open that day — after the partial easing of the more than two-month blockade on aid into the Strip. Hamas-controlled health authorities in the war-torn enclave reported that 31 people were killed and nearly 200 were wounded in the predawn shooting last Sunday near the distribution center, for which the IDF largely denied responsibility. The death toll could not be verified, nor could the subsequent Hamas-issued tolls of three killed last Monday and 27 killed on Tuesday in similar incidents. Though the UN has continued to distribute aid in the Strip while GHF finds its footing, it has complained that it has been unable to deliver much of its humanitarian supplies due to IDF restrictions on movements and because roads that the military designates for its trucks to use are unsafe and vulnerable to looters. Israel and the United States accuse Hamas of stealing aid, while the UN denies there is any systematic diversion away from civilians. The UN says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs and allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and by forcing people to relocate to where the aid sites are positioned. IDF: Troops destroy mile-long tunnel, kill 15 terrorists As Israel pressed on with its renewed offensive against Hamas in Gaza, the military said Monday that it recently demolished a kilometer-and-a-half-long (1 mile) tunnel in Khan Younis in the Strip’s south. The Paratroopers Brigade and Yahalom combat engineering unit operating in the area located and demolished the tunnel, which was used by Hamas operatives as a hideout, and dozens of weapons were found inside, the Israel Defense Forces said. Additionally, the troops, with support from the Israeli Air Force, destroyed dozens of buildings that had been booby-trapped by Hamas, and a weapons depot, the army said. “The buildings were rigged with numerous explosives weighing some five tons,” the IDF added. Separately, during operations of the 98th Division in Khan Younis in the past day, the IDF said troops eliminated at least 10 terror operatives who were identified near the forces. The troops killed the operatives with sniper fire and tank shells, the military said. In northern Gaza, the IDF said the 252nd Division directed an airstrike against a cell of five operatives spotted near the forces. Dozens more targets, including tunnels and operatives, were hit in airstrikes in the past day across Gaza, the military added. In all, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run health ministry said. The ministry says more than 54,000 people in the Strip have been killed or are presumed dead in the fighting so far, though the toll cannot be verified and does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. Israel says it has killed some 20,000 combatants in battle as of January and another 1,600 terrorists inside Israel during the October 7, 2023, onslaught. Israel launched its war in Gaza following the Hamas assault on southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people and saw another 251 taken hostage. Terror groups in Gaza continue to hold 55 hostages, including the bodies of at least 33 confirmed dead by the IDF, and 20 who are believed to be alive. There are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said. Israel has said it seeks to minimize civilian fatalities and stresses that Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields, fighting from civilian areas including homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques. Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip stands at 429.;-0,1
Mayors Morero and Nasiphi laugh off possibility of Zille becoming Joburg mayor Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero and his Tshwane counterpart, Nasiphi Moya, have laughed off suggestions that Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Helen Zille is being considered to run for Johannesburg mayor in the 2026 local government elections. Reports have emerged that some DA members have asked Zille to avail herself for the position on the party’s internal leadership list. On 18 March, Zille announced that the DA had opened the first round of applications for candidates wanting to be considered for mayoral candidates in the upcoming local government elections in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Mangaung. The application window closed on 31 March. In a statement in March, Zille said the party is seeking the best candidates for these positions. “The applicants will be interviewed and scored, with questions posed to them randomly drawn from a pre-approved bank of questions to ensure the integrity of the process. The successful candidate must thereafter be approved by the federal executive,” she said. “The DA is seeking passionate, committed and skilled individuals, with excellent local government knowledge, and the willingness to do everything they can to rescue these metros from corruption and the collapse of services.” It is not known whether Zille has applied for any position in the metros. Speaking at a press briefing in Tshwane House on Monday, Morero suggested that Zille’s potential inclusion on the list for Johannesburg mayor could indicate the DA’s acknowledgment that the party in the region is not up to the task. He added that he would wait for the DA’s list processes to commence. Morero also speculated that the statement might have been prompted by the DA recognising the efforts of the ANC and its coalition partners to address issues in Johannesburg. “We have assembled a team of Joburgers, many of whom have served as city managers in Johannesburg and Tshwane, to help us turn around Johannesburg,” he said. “We have extended the invitation to some among their ranks, and perhaps [the DA is] realising that something is being done to turn around Johannesburg. We are making progress, and we are beginning to see results.” Moya said it was interesting that the DA is considering Zille, who is in Western Cape, as a mayoral candidate in Johannesburg. Moya’s deputy, Eugene Modise, said he viewed Zille’s potential consideration as a sign of the DA’s lack of confidence in its leadership in Johannesburg and Gauteng. Last week, Morero announced the deployment of what he termed the “bomb squad” to address issues in Johannesburg. Its mandate is to identify problem areas and intervene in support of responsible units to ensure the municipality delivers efficient services. The leader of the “bomb squad,” Snuki Zikalala, said at a media briefing last week that the group could not remain passive while the city collapsed. Zikalala emphasised that the group’s main goal is to restore stability to the city. “We come from parties that have a stronghold, and we want our councillors to take responsibility so that the needs of our people are met,” he said. “Our people deserve to live in a clean and secure environment and to feel that they are integral citizens of South Africa. We cannot sit back and allow things to collapse.” Last month, the DA in Johannesburg submitted motions of no confidence in Morero and the speaker, Nobuhle Mthembu. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser Echeozonjoku said that between the two of them, the council had turned into a political playground, while residents suffered the consequences of poor governance. Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the DA will not stand by while Johannesburg is hijacked by narrow political interests. She said the party owes it to every resident to fight for a council that works, a mayor who leads and a speaker who upholds the rules with fairness and impartiality. “We urge all councillors, irrespective of party affiliation, to support the DA’s motions and join us in fighting for a city that works for all its people,” she urged. At the briefing on Monday, Morero said the coalitions in Tshwane and Johannesburg have been stable. He acknowledged the problems in Johannesburg and said they were being addressed.;-0,025
"Malema: Zuma’s MK party wants to undermine EFF under the guise of ‘black unity’ Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has accused former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party of being disingenuous and trying to undermine the EFF under the guise of promoting a “black unity” agenda among opposition parties. Zuma has been advocating for the unification of so-called black parties to challenge the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) and previously said the proliferation of “black parties” has hindered the country’s progress and what he called the total liberation of black people. On Wednesday Malema said Zuma was being hypocritical, given that his own MK party was founded quite recently (in December 2023). “If you wanted to call for unity of people, you should have joined the EFF and not formed a parallel organisation,” Malema said outside the home of Presley Chweneyagae , where he had gone to pay his condolences following the actor’s death last week. Malema questioned why the EFF was often the target of such calls for the unification of “black parties”. “Why is this unity of black parties only directed at the EFF? They never complain that the ANC does not want to unite with them; they never complain that the Patriotic Alliance does not want to unite with them,” he said. “Every time it’s the EFF. We are not going to allow that. You can see it’s not black unity; it’s an agenda to destroy the EFF. Why are they not giving you a report about black unity with the United Democratic Front or all these black formations that are there? We don’t buy into that story because it’s not genuine.” Parties such as Xiluva , led by now MK party head of elections Bongani Baloyi , and the South African Rainbow Alliance , led by MK party parliamentary chief whip Colleen Makhubele , have dissolved and fallen under Zuma’s leadership. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has also agreed to form a unity or working relationship with the MK party ahead of next year’s elections. The relationship between the two parties soured last year over the defection to the MK party of former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu , former national chair Dali Mpufu and Mzwanele Manyi. The exodus was all the more galling for the Red Berets, coming soon after the MK party, just months old at the time, had knocked the EFF from its position as South Africa’s third largest party in May 2024 general elections. On Wednesday Malema said he would not work with Shivambu and did not want to involve himself in his problems, referring to the latter’s sacking on Tuesday as MK party secretary general over an unsanctioned trip to Malawi to visit fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. Shivambu has been redeployed to parliament as an MP. “Where was he going? He is not our problem. We are in parliament, we are working in parliament. If he comes into parliament, he will find us rolling,” Malema said of his former second-in-command’s fate. “The parliament now is run by young people; young people are running that thing. If he comes there and thinks he can impose himself on them, they are already ready for him. You can be rest assured that he will not do anything to undermine the superior logic of the EFF in that parliament.” Malema said his party would not be intimidated by the experience Shivambu brings to parliament for the MK party. “If you are saying this person is going to be a holy spirit and be in every committee and boost the MK’s presence in those committees, it’s practically impossible,” he said. “We do our work not because we want to outshine everyone but because we genuinely believe in this work and put a lot of effort into researching what we are going to speak about [in parliament].”";0,55
Zuma sacks Shivambu as MK secretary-generaluMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party president Jacob Zuma has stripped secretary general Floyd Shivambu of his position and redeployed him to parliament over his unsanctioned trip to Malawi where he attended a church service conducted by fugitive Shepherd Bushiri. In a statement issued by the party on Tuesday, Zuma said the decision was taken after consultations with national officials at the weekend, adding that after reviewing the internal state of the organisation, it had found Shivambu’s actions to be in breach of its constitution. The party cited Section 3(j) under “Offences” which prohibits members from undertaking international trips and engaging in activities that conflict with the agenda of the MK party or its allied organisations. “The trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the president, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party,” the statement read. Zuma said the national officials found that Shivambu’s visit to Malawi contradicted the values and prescripts of MK and had implications for its image and principles. In March, Malawi’s chief resident magistrate granted South Africa’s request to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary, who face charges in the country after skipping bail in 2020. Tuesday’s statement confirmed that the MK party had received concerns from civil society regarding Shivambu’s conduct. “The president and the national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly in addressing this matter,” it said. The decision comes amid growing internal pressure within the party to remove Shivambu from his position, a move his supporters said was driven by tribalism . In recent weeks, multiple senior party members and provincial leaders had raised concerns about his leadership style, decision-making, and perceived unilateral actions. Some criticised what they described as a lack of consultation on key organisational matters, while others accused him of prioritising personal political manoeuvring over the collective interest of the party. These tensions had been building since April and intensified after news of his Malawi visit surfaced. The jaunt was viewed by some as the final act of defiance, prompting calls from within the party’s national working committees for immediate action. Despite his instrumental role in building the party’s mobilisation structures during its early stages, Shivambu’s relationship with sections of the leadership had deteriorated. Last week a letter from the party was leaked by his opposers regarding his removal as secretary general. Shivambu will now serve in the National Assembly. The statement said his redeployment is aimed at strengthening the MK party caucus in parliament, where it serves as the official opposition. This move has been viewed by some as “strategic”, with Shivambu expected to strengthen the party in parliament after the removal of Mzwanele Manyi as chief whip last week. Shivambu, a former member of parliament and deputy president for the Economic Freedom Fighters, joined the MK party last year and was later appointed national organiser and then secretary general. Zuma acknowledged Shivambu’s contribution to the party and said discussions were held with him regarding the redeployment. Shivambu has accepted the decision. “The national officials have come to a decision to redeploy Commander Floyd Shivambu as the secretary general of the party, and redeploy him to the National Assembly,” the statement said. The party did not announce who would replace Shivambu as secretary general.;0,15
"‘Trump was misled on white genocide claims,’ says his adviser, Mark Burns – The Mail & GuardianAfrican American televangelist Mark Burns, in an interview with the Mail & Guardian , challenged the “white genocide” narrative about South Africa and decried the country’s foreign policy ambivalence towards the dollar. He is a minister of Harvest Worship Center in South Carolina and a Republican who ran for state governor. He served as a board member of Pastors for Trump. An early supporter of Donald Trump in 2016, Time magazine named Burns one of the US president’s top advisers. Burns’ visit to South Africa follows months of strained relations between South Africa and the United States, which culminated in 49 Afrikaners being granted refugee status in the US and the awkward bilateral trade reset meeting at the White House in May where President Cyril Ramaphosa was confronted with genocide claims by Trump. M&G: What has been your experience of South Africa thus far? Burns: “I’ve been to Africa many times, the continent, first time ever in South Africa. I feel like I’m in America. I’m going to be honest with you. There’s so many similarities. From architecture to your transportation, your roads, your highways. Literally, I’m thinking I’m back at home in South Carolina, with the exception that we drive on different sides of the roads.” M&G: In terms of the religious situation in South Africa and churches, and also the political scene, how are you finding it? Mark Burns: “Obviously, the elephant in the room is the conversation with your president [Cyril Ramaphosa] and my president [Donald Trump] in the Oval Office; how there’s been a conversation or a belief system that there is a white genocide that is happening in South Africa and that white farmers are being targeted and having their land stolen. Just based on the conversations that I’ve been having with Afrikaners and black, coloured, Asian South Africans, I’m shocked to discover that most, not all of them, are shocked to believe that was something that was even spoken about in their country.” M&G: Do you think the personal experience of President Trump possibly being here in South Africa might change his opinion on white genocide? Mark Burns: “Well, absolutely. I mean, again, President Trump is a man of peace. His goal is to bring peace and bring prosperity to all nations. That’s why he is doing things that traditional presidents didn’t do, like talk with Iran, like have conversations with Syria … Maybe [white genocide] is absolutely true because [media] are presenting evidence that we don’t know the truth of. We just know what’s been shown to us and that these white farmers who are here in the United States of America in fear of their life are being hunted down by black people. And so if that’s true, as a black man, I stand on what’s right and not what’s popular.” M&G: What were some of the key takeaways from your conversations with members of the Afrikaner community? Mark Burns: “There’s a crime problem. Out of the 5,200 and so murders that took place in the last quarter of 2024, 12 of them were farmers. Out of those 12, only three of them were white. And so this is the realistic numbers that are coming from white Afrikaners who are here in South Africa and represent 70% of the farms. I just had a wonderful meeting with them, and I’m getting all this new information first hand from leaders who, again, are white. If I was in a room full of black folks, I would probably say, you know what? You’re probably painting a different narrative to make yourself look innocent. […] Do they want more protection from legal law enforcement officers? Absolutely. Do they believe that there’s a crime problem? Absolutely. Do they believe that they themselves are endangered because they’re a white farmer? No, they do not.” M&G: With South Africa hosting the G20 this year and handing over to the US in November, how can these two presidents, with Ramaphosa preferring quiet diplomacy and Trump’s confrontational style, find each other among the issues they differ on — from Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, and the tariffs? Mark Burns: “Well, I can tell you, just to clarify, you know, the Palestinian-Israeli War and the Ukrainian-Russian War are not United States wars, let’s be clear. I understand that the president and the United States carry significant weight, but these are not President Trump’s wars. President Trump has inherited these conflicts. You mentioned his brash personality. That’s why America voted for him so overwhelmingly, because we’re tired of being taken advantage of by the rest of the world. It’s the United States versus the rest of the world. And I think your president could do what he did earlier [at the White House], continue to ask the president to come and play golf, come to the G20, come to South Africa, see for yourself. But again, a challenge, and I could just say this, a challenge is Brics. Brics is a big challenge .” M&G: Please expand on the Brics issue? Mark Burns: “I understand that some are under the opinion that Brics carries little teeth or little weight, but to understand Brics symbolises Brazil, Russia, India, China and the s symbolises South Africa. And for these organisations, these governments to come together, with the ideal, whether it’s strong or weak, with the ideal to create a separate currency to directly attack , as what President Trump says, the almighty US dollar, that’s no good. And that’s no good for negotiations. It’s not good for trade. And ultimately, I could tell you the heartbeat of President Trump is to bring wealth to everybody, for all nations to succeed, and that includes South Africa.” M&G: Do you see President Trump attending the G20 summit in November? Mark Burns: “I can’t speak for him. He’ll speak for himself. But if it was up to me, I would advise the president to come to the G20 … And the president is a smart and wise individual that when receiving the right information, he begins to question the validity of information that was given to him the first time.”";-0,3
"‘You have not abandoned me,’ Maphisa-Nqakula tells uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association Former parliamentary speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Thursday thanked the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association ( MKMVA ) for allowing her to speak at a public ANC event for the first time since her arrest last year.By being criminally charged, Mapisa-Nqakula was subjected to the ANC’s step-aside rule , which prohibits party members from speaking at any of its public gatherings, attending rallies and public meetings or holding any government position.She is facing 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering for receiving R2.5 million from December 2016 to July 2019 from a former South African National Defence Force contractor, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.This occurred during her nine-year tenure as defence minister, which ended in 2021.She was speaking in Gauteng at the memorial lecture of Gertrude Shope — struggle stalwart, member of parliament and the first president of the ANC Women’s League after it was relaunched in 1990 — on behalf of the veteran’s association.Mapisa-Nqakula said: “I want to thank you for that because you have not abandoned me, and at least you haven’t judged me.”She also expressed her disappointment at some ANC leaders who left the party to join the uMkhonto (MK) weSizwe party led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma .Mapisa-Nqakula said she was “very sad” to see that some of her comrades had decided to join the MK party, including one of her commanders in uMkhoto weSizwe, the military wing of the ANC during apartheid.“I’m concerned; my view is that comrades, not everybody is there because they want to be there,” she said.“There are generals there; don’t give up on the many comrades who have gone to the MK party because they don’t belong there; uMkhonto is here in the ANC.”Despite her problems in the ANC, she vowed to remain a member until her death.“Even in my house, they know, Comrade SG [party secretary general Fikile Mbalula ], you will bury me, and on my coffin will be green, black and gold. “Whatever I may be, my coffin must be draped in green, black and gold.I fought for this country, and I fought because I believe in what the ANC stands for.”Mbalula warned ANC members not to focus on those who have left the party and joined the MK party, accusing them of being people who “don’t exist and who stole our thing”.The MK party takes its name from the now-disbanded armed wing of the ANC, which had also accused the MK party of copyright infringement.Last year in March, the ANC failed in a legal bid to stop the MK party from contesting the 24 May elections after it argued that Zuma’s party had not met the official registration criteria.This was dismissed by the electoral court but the ANC was granted an appeal.Mbalula said the more the ANC speaks about the MK party, the more they build it.“Let’s talk about what we do; uMkhonto weSizwe is not dead; it’s still alive; let it show that it’s alive.We must fix what needs to be fixed for war veterans of our uMkhonto weSizwe.”He said those people who had left the ANC to join the MK party would soon regret their decision.“Let it be clear that we are leading the government, and we are not being led.Let it be clear that we are leading to improve the lives of our war veterans.”The ANC received 16.99% of the votes in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2024 elections, down from 54.22% in the 2019 general elections.Because of Zuma’s popularity and support from traditional ANC voters, the MK party scored 45.35% of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal.ANC Veterans League deputy president Mavuso Msimang said it was hurtful to see the party drop from 54% to 17%, saying this had everything to do with what his party had neglected.“That quantity moved across to form this thing, Zuma’s party.Why did we allow this thing to be formed?”, stating also that the MK name should not be associated with the likes of Zuma.The veterans league and MKMVA are separate organisations.ANC Women’s League president Sisisi Tolashe also indirectly condemned Zuma’s party, saying it is the generation that never went into exile yet they wear military-style outfits, which “insult and spit on the graves of real fighters” who gave their lives.“Today we have to bear with liars, people who are not thankful, and today we are being insulted and called names because there are people who thought this movement was for them and their children.”";0,375
Transformation Fund a ‘looting scheme’, says DA The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the Transformation Fund proposed by the ANC as a sophisticated mechanism of ‘looting’ and economic capture that will only benefit the politically-connected elite. DA spokesperson for trade Toby Chance on Thursday said the party rejected the fund as another of the ANC’s “failed” broad-based black economic empowerment (broad-based BEE) schemes that “enrich elites, not workers”. He told a media briefing that the DA’S submission to the department of trade, industry and competition presented an alternative vision of economic empowerment that transcends racial boundaries. The draft concept document released by the department on 19 March, proposes the establishment of a R100 billion Transformation Fund anchored in broad-based BEE policy. It is framed as a flagship initiative to accelerate transformation and support black-owned businesses, particularly small, medium and micro enterprises. The fund will see the 3% of net after-tax profits that companies are required to spend on enterprise and supplier development under broad-based BEE codes of good practice diverted to the central fund for disbursement to black businesses. The ANC says its black empowerment drive aims to reverse the economic imbalances which favoured whites. On Thursday, Chance argued that the transformation fund would block growth by focusing on race and not on investment or job creation and that the DA backed “real empowerment” through economic growth and striving to reach the United Nation’s sustainable development goal targets. “The department’s concept document has attracted much attention, in terms of impracticality. Organised business and think tanks have all been vocal against the fund, as it will not deliver economic growth and job creation,” he said. He added that a recent survey showed South Africans were against the government continuing with broad-based BEE after years of failed implementation. He said the fund was a “continuation of broad-based BEE policies which have failed to bring disadvantaged South Africans into the economic mainstream and have left eight million people unemployed, up from five million people in 10 years, while enriching a small elite”. The fund would not address barriers to foreign investment inherent in broad-based BBEE and “other heavy-handed government policies”. “Over a period of 20 years, the narrative and the orthodoxy around transformation has been corrupted. It’s not real transformation. It’s actually seizure of assets to the benefit of a small number of people”. DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau described the fund as “an activated looting scheme”. “Funnelling money to a select few in the name of transformation, is not transformation. In fact … it is an activated looting scheme that is always available for evil ones to manipulate,” she said. “Prioritising funding for the same politically connected people or elites in the name of being pro black is not transformation. That is corruption, and that’s what we need to be able to crack the whip on here, and that’s why we’re anti this, this whole idea that such funds are supposed to work. “You take a Karabo, and on the basis of Karabo being black, you give her an opportunity for funding. She gets her success. And instead of moving on to [other candidates] …you take the same Karabo again, and you make her the same dipper of the same system. “And then Karabo becomes loyal to you and your organisation in how she manipulates her tenders, in how she trades and who her trade partners are and she becomes a tycoon of a system that is only focused on one person, while black, coloured and Indian people who are supposed to be empowered … fall behind the line.” DA deputy spokesperson on trade Mlondi Mdluli said empowerment and redress were “deep issues” that were sensitive and should be broached with “compassion, clarity and effectiveness”. He argued that existing state-supported funds such as the Black Business Supplier Development Programme and the National Empowerment Fund had failed to address systemic economic challenges. Chance said the DA’s alternative vision to the fund detailed in its submission emphasised creating an environment where “everybody can grow”, regardless of race. This includes investing in quality education, skills development, cutting bureaucratic red tape and fostering an inclusive economic growth strategy. True empowerment comes through growing the economy, not through redistributive mechanisms, he argued. Responding to a question on the narrative that the DA was anti-transformation, and whether the issue could destabilise the government of national unity, DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp said ANC governments of the past had not empowered the majority of black people. “Their policies were not pro black because it did not empower the largest amount of black people in this country,” he said. “When the DA entered this government of national unity, we said that we’ve got two main aims. The one is to grow our economy, and the second one is to create jobs. And in everything we do, we ask ourselves whether what we are doing will contribute towards that, and if it’s not, we won’t do it. “But we did not agree to be co-opted by the ANC, the Democratic Alliance is a party in our own right, and we will remain so. In most of the issues that come up in the GNU we do agree with each other, but where we disagree, we will not be a rubber stamp to just say yay and amen into whatever it is that the ANC does that we might differ with.”;-0,675
"DA slams Joburg’s R89.4bn budget as politically motivated – The Mail & GuardianThe Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the ruling coalition in the City of Johannesburg of allocating its budget to areas where it is most likely to get votes. “It’s a political budget and it is just to ensure that they are putting money in areas where they know they are going to get more votes [going] to the current ruling coalition at the moment,” said the DA’s Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Echeozonjoku. On Wednesday, Johannesburg Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds tabled a budget of R89.4 billion for the 2025–26 financial year, describing it as a “fully funded, pro-poor and pro-growth budget”. The capital budget of R8.7 billion (R26.2 billion over the medium term) intentionally targets regions that were affected by spatial planning during apartheid, according to the statement. This includes Alexandra, Diepsloot, Kaalfontein, Orange Farm and Lenasia South. Echeozonjoku said one of the concerns for the DA was that huge amounts were being allocated to Region E, under which Alexandra township falls, but not much improvement had taken place there. “Massive money is spent in Alex, you go to Alex today, do you see any of that money making a difference? We do not see where the money is going,” she said. Speaking to journalists after the council seating, Arnolds said: “The budget reflects our resolve to drive infrastructure led-growth, accelerated service delivery and restore long-term financial sustainability; with a projected operating surplus of R4.1 billion and a capital allocation of R8.7 billion for this year alone [and] growing to R26.2 billion over the next three years. “We are focusing our capital investment where they are needed most: revitalising the inner city … but also in different regions where we are deployed as MMC.” The key revenue drivers for this year include electricity, for which R25.6 billion is allocated, R20 billion for water and wastewater, R18.1 billion for property rates, R3.3 billion for refuse removal and R4.57 billion for the national fuel levy, according to budget documents. Referring to the underdeveloped regions, Arnolds said: We’ve had lots of service backlogs, it’s historical, and in the underserved areas. We know that Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Lenasia South and Kaalfontein are basically the step-children of the City of Johannesburg and we are going to fix that.” Echeozonjoku said the city is allocating money to townships or informal settlements without saying what their plan is to formalise those settlements. “It means you are throwing money into an area that is not formalised. Are you able to see the stand number? Are you able to collect revenue for prepaid meters and things like that? “How are you going to be able to collect from those areas? You are opening the city up to challenges of illegal connection once again if you are not formalising those informal settlements. “We are not happy with the allocations that have been done without a proper plan on how to actually collect revenue.” She added that a lot of money has been taken from transport and the DA. “We are not happy with that either. The tariffs increase; we felt that there’s a lot of money that could have been redirected as well.” A sum of R400 million has been set aside for the Johannesburg Roads Agency to resurface roads.";-0,075
Racial redress is not stunting growth – The Mail & GuardianRacial redress is not a hindrance to economic growth , but an essential step towards broadening black participation in the economy to spur growth, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in the National Assembly on Tuesday. Ramaphosa told Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder he failed to understand how those who questioned affirmative action could not see the real problem is black people do not own a big enough share of the means of economic production in the country. “I am rather surprised and taken aback when I hear that policies of black economic empowerment militate against the growth of our economy. That, I find quite surprising because I work from the starting point that our economy was held back over many years by the racist policies of the past,” he said. Apartheid prevented the majority of South Africans from playing a meaningful role in the economy, he continued. “Black people were brought in as hewers and wood and drawers of water and they were just brought in as labourers. They were not even seen as consumers. They were not seen as active players in the economic landscape of our country.” Mulder had suggested that the government should rewrite economic policy to create growth, and in that process abandon affirmative action and the concept of expropriation without compensation because it was not serving the country. Ramaphosa countered that the reality of apartheid, including the wholesale exclusion of black South Africans from the economy, could not be forgotten as if it were merely “a bad dream”. “You would never see a black person being made to advertise either soap or milk or anything. Today every advert you look at has got black people because it is now being realised that it is black people who are the consumers.” But, he added, there must be a realisation that black South Africans must moreover command the levers of the economy to reduce inequality and poverty. “So I am really baffled, I am baffled by people who still hanker for policies of the past and to have you, Sir, say black economic empowerment is holding our economy back,” he said. “It is the partial and exclusive ownership of the means of production in our country that is holding this economy from growing. “Why can’t black people be made to own productive aspects of our economy, why can’t they be rich as well?” The national debate about affirmative action has been revived by the narrative of racial persecution in South Africa put forth by the United States government in the four months since Donald Trump has taken office. The Democratic Alliance’s court challenges to the Expropriation Act and the Employment Equity Amendment Act has forced the ANC to defend the legality of policy decisions on redress amid the backdrop of the diplomatic fallout with Washington that is threatening trade with the second biggest destination for South African exports. In Tuesday’s question session, MPs from the Patriotic Alliance (PA), uMkhonto weSiswe party and African Christian Democratic Party challenged the president about the racial classification in South Africa 30 years after the end of apartheid. The PA’s Marlon Daniels demanded to know why coloured, Indian, Khoisan and white South Africans were not deemed African. Ramaphosa said it was regrettable that racial classification endured, but that the very aim of redress was creating a society where it no longer had any place. “It is most unfortunate that the classifications that we have inherited from apartheid have tended to continue and our clear intent that we should see those classifications of our people withering away because we are all Africans, we are all South Africans. “To rid ourselves of that form of classification we do need to take steps to say this group, and that group and that group were previously disadvantaged and we therefore have to take steps to ensure they are put in a better position.” It did not imply discrimination, he said. “There should never be a sense that there is any group that is more special than any other, we are all equal. As we move forward, our objective is to consolidate the unity of our people as one people, as Africans.” He said those who argued against affirmative action were trying to put a plaster on the deep wound inflicted by apartheid. “That sore does need to be lanced, it needs to be properly repaired and to repair it you need to go to the depth of it … you’ve got to name everything for what it is because unless you do so, you will never be able to rid our country of the legacy of the past.”;0,7
Mbalula: No longer a need to chant ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’The ANC believes there is no longer a justification for chanting the anti-apartheid slogan   “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” but will also “not water it down to kiss the boer”, the party’s secretary general Fikile Mbalala said on Friday. “The focus for us now is transformation and transformation of the economy for the best interest of others,” he said on the sidelines of the party’s national executive committee ( NEC ) meeting in Boksburg. The meeting was expected to discuss, among other issues, the national budget, as well as the country’s deteriorating relationship with the United States, partly over what the Trump administration has characterised as the persecution of white South Africans. “We can not prescribe to other political parties what they must sing, what they must chant and what they can not chant and that’s where we stand in that matter,” Mbalula said. He spoke a day after the constitutional court dismissed an application by right-wing Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum for leave to appeal previous rulings that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader president Julius Malema ‘s public chanting of “Kill the Boer” did not amount to hate speech. In 2022, the equality court dismissed AfriForum’s complaint against the EFF and Malema for singing the chant on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2019. Malema had previously testified that the chants against white apartheid rule “should not be interpreted literally, but within the context of the struggle and the political message that it sought to agitate”. In its ruling on Thursday, the constitutional court said it had concluded that Afriforum’s latest application “should be dismissed as it bears no reasonable prospects of success”. On Friday Mbalula said the decision of the court should be respected, adding: “As the ANC, we are not chanting ‘kill the boer, kill the farmer’ because we don’t believe it is relevant at the present moment, but we would not stop others from chanting”. “It is not illegal as it is now defined by the constitutional court. As the ANC, we wouldn’t chant that slogan — nor would we water it down to ‘kiss the boer’ — because when we chanted that slogan, it had a particular meaning.” Mbalula also addressed ongoing discussions in the government of national unity about the recently tabled national budget, which coalition partners such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and opposition parties like the EFF have vowed to vote down in parliament, over a proposed hike in VAT. This is despite Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 12 March scaling back his proposed VAT increase to one percentage point to be applied over two financial years, half of what he had initially sought in his abandoned initial budget review in February. On Friday, Godongwana told finance committees in parliament that the DA had previously written a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa accepting the VAT increase in exchange for the scrapping of recently passed controversial laws such as the Expropriation Act . Asked for comment on this , DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau accused Godongwana of negotiating in bad faith. “It is not a secret that the DA has been negotiating with the ANC over measures to remove obstacles to the creation of economic growth and jobs and create an enabling environment to move us off the high debt, low growth trajectory and onto a path to prosperity,” she said. “We have demanded a series of growth enhancing reforms and a plan to lower taxes over the next three years. That’s the only thing that can work to bring relief for tax. “It is a pity that the finance minister, who made a hack job of the process in the first place, is now trying to negotiate in bad faith through the media when we are doing so in good faith through the channels created for this without being honest about the fact that we called for the reduction of tax in the next three years.” Asked for his comment on the negotiations, Mbalula said the DA had not written to the ANC, but added that it was possible the letter had been sent to Ramaphosa. “I can confirm that there have been engagements on the question of the budget at the level of parliament between the ANC and other parties that will include the DA,” he said. “At the end of this, we will assert the matter guided by the NEC. Should anything arise from the NEC from its wisdom in terms of the budget issue, we will communicate that. It is absolutely important that the budget must be passed.”;0,275
EFF to use ‘kill the boer’ as part of 2026 election strategy – The Mail & GuardianThe Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has said it will use the controversial struggle song “Dubul’ iBhunu (Kill the Boer)” as a central feature of the political identity and campaign strategy ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party’s stance has drawn criticism from civil society, political opponents and international leaders after party leader Julius Malema said he believes the attention he received from the White House last week will boost the EFF’s support ahead of the municipal elections next year. Last week, United States president Donald Trump, in a bilateral meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, used a video montage of Malema chanting the song as evidence of white genocide in South Africa. Ramaphosa rejected the accusation, stating that the South African government does not support violence or racism, but the implications of the video drew criticism from international viewers and experts. The president said the country’s land reform process was being pursued within constitutional parameters, and reiterated that there was no state-sanctioned targeting of white farmers. Despite the discord, Malema has since leaned into the international attention, describing the incident as proof of the party’s global relevance. “The EFF is more powerful now. Everybody said the EFF is dead and irrelevant, only to find it in the Oval Office,” he said. “Even Donald Trump is watching us.” Malema also criticised Ramaphosa’s comments on South African crime levels during the US meeting. “If you say it there, they will no longer come to South Africa as tourists,” he said in the Free State. EFF campaign strategists have said the Oval Office moment will feature prominently in the party’s outreach efforts over the next year. “We’ve turned Washington into our campaign platform,” a party organiser said in Johannesburg. After the White House exchange, the chant has come under renewed scrutiny from legal experts, agricultural bodies and political parties. Former president Thabo Mbeki has defended the song, saying it is a symbolic struggle chant from the apartheid era and not a literal call to violence. He said that such songs are part of African oral traditions and were meant to motivate, not incite. Mbeki said the ANC never supported the killing of civilians and denied that uMkhonto weSizwe targeted farmers, he told the SABC on Monday. The Democratic Alliance (DA) wrote to President Ramaphosa after the chant’s renewed circulation, stating that such rhetoric deepens racial mistrust. DA leader John Steenhuisen said it contributed to a climate of fear, particularly in rural communities affected by farm attacks and violent crime. The South African Human Rights Commission has urged political leaders to avoid using language that could be perceived as inflammatory. Legal scholars have warned that the slogan’s use in campaign settings could test the limits of constitutional protections for free expression. Constitutional law professor Pierre de Vos said the legal acceptability of the chant depends heavily on context. “If the words amount to incitement to cause harm, or can reasonably be interpreted as such, then it could cross the line into hate speech,” he said. AfriForum, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) have condemned the use of the song, saying it promotes division and threatens national reconciliation. IRR analyst Herman Pretorius said the chant, while historically rooted, risks normalising rhetoric that can fuel polarisation and alienation. He said farmers face volatile weather, shifting prices, rising input costs and crime. “They should not also shoulder the risk that their land, often their single greatest asset, can be seized tomorrow for a political slogan labelled ‘public interest’.” In 2022, the Equality Court ruled that the chant did not constitute hate speech after AfriForum approached the court seeking a ban. The judgment found that the lyrics may be offensive to some, but they did not meet the legal definition of hate speech under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. The constitutional court also dismissed AfriForum’s application to appeal a supreme court of appeal ruling to have the song declared hate speech. Malema has previously argued that the term “boer” is not a reference to white South Africans, but a symbol of the apartheid system and was not intended to incite violence. “We are not going to apologise for singing a song of struggle,” he said in July 2023 at the party’s 10th anniversary celebrations at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. “It carries our pain and our defiance.”;0,2
LA protests: Trump says California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested as 700 Marines deployed Marines deployed to LA as Trump says California governor should be arrested Washington: The US military is sending 700 Marines to Los Angeles to help “restore order”, and President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of another 2000 members of the National Guard, as immigration-related protests spread to other American cities, including San Francisco and Dallas. The extraordinary decision to deploy active duty personnel to the streets of the US’s second-largest city was immediately condemned as “un-American” by California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, whose arrest Trump had earlier advocated. A convoy of buses moves along Interstate Highway 10 after leaving the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, California. Credit: AP US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday (AEST) that “due to increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings, approximately 700 active-duty US Marines from Camp Pendleton are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order”. “We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers – even if Gavin Newsom will not,” he said. But the Trump administration has not yet moved to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to directly participate in law enforcement against civilians. Newsom said the Marines were heroes who had served their country defending democracy. “They shouldn’t be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfil the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president.” As tensions rose before sunset in Los Angeles on Monday, California time, local police slowly moved throngs of protesters away from a federal detention centre, firing “less lethal” munitions such as gas canisters, while the National Guard formed a human barricade along the building’s perimeter. Meanwhile, protesters also clashed with police on the streets of Dallas and Austin, Texas, late on Monday night. Footage from local TV networks showed long lines of riot police encircling demonstrators at a Dallas intersection just after 10pm local time. In Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a post on X that more than a dozen protesters were arrested. Advertisement Trump authorised a doubling of the National Guard deployment to LA, though the additional troops were not expected to arrive in the city immediately. Late on Monday (Tuesday AEST), California sued the Trump administration to block the deployment of both the National Guard and the Marines, arguing it violated federal law and state sovereignty. Los Angeles police in riot gear form a skirmish line and push protesters down a street away from a federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. Credit: AP “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And Disrespectful to our troops,” Newsom posted on X in response to the additional National Guard troops. Trump hadn’t raised the possibility that he would order the National Guard to quell protests during a 40-minute phone call on Friday, Newsom told The New York Times . Earlier, LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the department had not been given any “formal notification” the Marines would be coming to the city. He said the police department was confident in its ability to handle large-scale demonstrations and that the Marines’ arrival without co-ordinating with the Los Angeles Police Department would present “a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city”. The LAPD said some protesters had started throwing objects at officers, adding in an X post: “Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort.” A Los Angeles police officer uses a baton to push back a protester offering them a flower in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. Credit: AP The LA Times reported that at least 74 people had been arrested over the weekend on suspicion of vandalism, looting and violence, citing the LAPD. It said 21 people were arrested in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, alleging attempted murder with a Molotov cocktail, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, looting, failure to disperse and other crimes. Amid the fallout from the ongoing incident, Trump endorsed arresting Newsom. The California governor had dared Trump’s “border tsar” Tom Homan to arrest him after Homan said anyone who obstructed immigration police from doing their job was liable to be detained, including Newsom and the mayor of LA. “Come after me, arrest me, let’s just get it over with, tough guy. I don’t give a damn,” Newsom had said. Arriving at the White House from the president’s retreat at Camp David on Monday morning, Trump supported the idea of arresting the Democratic governor. “I would do it if I were Tom [Homan], I think it’s great,” he said. “Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.” Trump went on to say he liked Newsom, but that he was grossly incompetent, citing California’s beleaguered high-speed rail project. He claimed the Los Angeles protesters were “professional agitators, they’re insurrectionists, they’re bad people. They should be in jail”. Trump took no further questions, including about Nine News journalist Lauren Tomasi, who was shot with a rubber bullet by police while covering the protests. The White House referred questions about the incident to the LAPD, which said it would issue a statement. Nine, which also owns this masthead, later reported that the LAPD would conduct an investigation. Nine News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot by police with a rubber bullet while covering the protest. Credit: Nine News At a later event, when asked what crime Newsom had committed to warrant his arrest, Trump said the governor had the “wrong philosophy”. “I think his primary crime is running for governor because he’s done such a bad job,” Trump said. “What he’s done to that state is like what Biden did to this country.” Newsom said Trump’s threat crossed a line. “This is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” he said. Trump continued to defend his controversial decision to usurp Newsom’s authority by deploying the California National Guard. On social media, he claimed Los Angeles would otherwise have been “completely obliterated” and that LA mayor Karen Bass and Newsom – whom he again called “Newscum” – should be thanking him. The 700 Marines are being deployed from their base in the Southern California desert. Credit: @USNorthernCmd/X By contrast, Newsom and Democratic allies argued the decision inflamed tensions and turned what was a relatively small, controllable protest into clashes in which dozens were arrested. Speaking on condition of anonymity to detail military operations, US officials said about 1000 National Guard members were in the city under federal orders by midday Monday, LA time. The full 2000 members initially authorised by Trump were expected to be on the ground by the end of the day. The 700 Marines, meanwhile, were being deployed from their base at Twentynine Palms in the Southern California desert. US Marines have been deployed domestically for major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11, 2001, attacks. They are known for being “first in, last out” in US military interventions abroad, but it is extremely rare for American soldiers to be used for domestic policing matters. National Guard members stand outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on Monday. Credit: Bloomberg The last time the military was used for direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the California governor at the time asked then-president George H.W. Bush for aid in response to the Los Angeles riots over the acquittal of police officers who beat black motorist Rodney King. Trump could deploy Marines under certain conditions of law or under his authority as commander-in-chief. Without invoking the Insurrection Act, the Marines, like the National Guard, would still be subject to a legal prohibition that prevents them from directly enforcing civilian laws and would likely be limited to protecting federal personnel and property. Even if only as a support role, using Marines in the context of a police matter is certain to raise further objections from Democrats, who have accused Trump of unnecessarily escalating tensions in LA. Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to carry out even more operations to round up suspected immigration violators, extending a crackdown that provoked the protests. Other protests took shape on Monday afternoon (Tuesday AEST) across LA County, as confirmed reports of federal immigration agents in the cities of Whittier and Huntington Park, south of LA, spurred anger from activists. In Santa Ana, a spokesperson for the city’s police department said the National Guard had arrived in the city to secure federal buildings. Protesters confront Los Angeles police department personnel in riot gear on Monday. Credit: AP Protests also spread north to San Francisco, where about 60 people were arrested on Sunday night, local time, including some children. The San Antonio Police Department said buildings and a police car were vandalised, while two officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Additional rallies were also planned in more than a dozen cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and New York City. In Los Angeles and other cities on Tuesday (AEST), union members marched to demand the release of David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union in California. Huerta was arrested on Friday as part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that prompted the protests. He was hurt in the arrest and taken briefly to a local hospital. Union members protest in Washington, DC, calling for the release of union leader David Huerta, who was arrested in Los Angeles on Friday. Credit: Michael Koziol He was later released from custody on a $US50,000 ($77,000) bond. “This fight is ours, it’s our community’s, but it belongs to everyone,” Huerta said in Spanish outside the federal courthouse after his bond hearing. “We all have to fight for them.” Loading In Washington on Monday, about 300 people marched past the Department of Justice and FBI headquarters, carrying banners that said: “Tyranny or revolution”, “Is the Constitution dead yet?” and “They blame immigrants so you won’t blame billionaires”. With Reuters, AP;-0,025
"LA protests: Trump was spoiling for another street war. Now he’s got one Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to conduct the biggest deportation program of illegal immigrants in American history. He has a mandate to do just that. The man he appointed to be deputy director of the FBI, former Fox News conspiracy peddler Dan Bongino, warned the Los Angeles protesters on the weekend that they would be arrested for obstructing deportations: “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs.” But does Trump have a mandate to start a war on American soil? “The deportation wars begin,” ran the headline on The Wall Street Journal’s editorial. The confrontations on the streets of LA are not episodic or random. They are likely the opening scenes of a new phase in US history. The problem is not the principle of deporting illegal immigrants. That’s the law. All administrations have followed it, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. The problem is the manner in which Trump is doing it. With an enthusiasm verging on bloodlust. A series of federal sweeps to detain some 100 immigrants over the preceding week brought small numbers of protesters, in their hundreds, to the streets of America’s second most populous city. It was exactly the sort of situation that the police exist to manage. The LA police had a field team on the streets 38 minutes after the first request was received, according to its chief, Jim McDonnell. Only 12 people were arrested on day one in protests which largely were peaceful. The city’s elected mayor, Democrat Karen Bass, says that the chaos actually was made in Washington: “President Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles. Deploying federalised troops on the heels of these [immigration] raids is a chaotic escalation.” What can 2000 National Guard troopers achieve that the 8000 officers of the local police force can’t? A spectacle. A political spectacle as Trump dispatched the troopers over the head of the governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, who asked the president to withdraw them in vain. And a street spectacle. Build it and they will come. And the crowds came as Trump whipped up the rhetoric and his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, threatened to order US Marines onto the streets of LA. Trump inflamed the scene. “Violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents,” he wrote. He was determined to “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion”. It’s a Trump political attack on the Democrat stronghold through the proxy of deportation and immigration. Asked if he would order the arrest of Californian officials who tried to interfere with the immigrant round-up, Trump replied: “Officials who stand in the way of law and order, yeah, they will face judges.” Newsom’s response: “Arrest me, let’s go.” And Trump a little later: “We’re gonna have troops everywhere,” he told reporters. Despite the pleas of the governor and the mayor to ask that protesters remain peaceful, by Monday afternoon (Australian time) the streets had turned decidedly violent. “This violence I’ve seen is disgusting. It’s escalated now,” said LAPD’s McDonnell. “We are overwhelmed as far as the number of people out there engaged in this type of activity.” The Trump provocation worked. He’s been spoiling for a fight. For years. In his first term, he asked the country’s most senior military officer to shoot unarmed civilian protesters in the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley, refused. In 2020, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to justify ordering the military to shoot civilians. According to a book by former Wall Street Journal and now New York Times reporter Michael Bender, Milley pointed to a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the president who led the Union in the Civil War, and told Trump: “That guy had an insurrection. What we have, Mr President, is a protest.” Trump stayed his hand then; he’s intent on playing now. “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” he wrote on Monday afternoon (Australian time). Hegseth said that 500 Marines were preparing to deploy. Soldiers who had enlisted, trained and, in many cases, fought to protect the US, its Constitution and its people from foreign enemies, were to be brought into action against civilians on the streets of a major US city. Which had been calm just three days earlier. There’s been much commentary on Trump’s use of a particular legal authority to support sending in the militia and also the military, which he justifies because the protests “constitute a form of rebellion against the authority of the government”. But perhaps the most telling point of Trump’s executive order is its unconditional breadth. It is not specific to Los Angeles or to California. It is generic. It could be applied to the entire country. And it is not limited in duration. The length of any deployment is at the discretion of the defence secretary. Trump gave himself the scope to deploy the militia and/or the military “where protests against these [federal] functions are occurring or are likely to occur”. Likely to occur? He once claimed to be a very stable genius, but now, apparently, he is also clairvoyant. In addition, says his order, “the secretary of defence may employ any other members of the regular Armed Forces as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property in any number determined appropriate in his discretion”. It’s not difficult to see how this could be used as the basis for an authoritarian takeover attempt of the US. Asked a couple of weeks ago whether it was his job to uphold the US Constitution, Trump answered: “I don’t know.” His deportation program will prove harmful to investment, growth and stability. The US economy has always relied on millions of undocumented immigrants to do the low-wage work that locals will not touch. As Bass, the LA mayor, says: “You can’t terrify the workforce and expect the job to get done.” Trump’s power grab, his wanton authorisation of the use of armed force on American soil and his autocratic tendencies all suggest that the FBI’s Bongino was only half right. More accurately, “We bring the chaos and we bring the handcuffs.”";0,6
Judge’s warning to police after predatory cop grooms abuse victims ‘It’s not 1985’: Judge’s warning to police after predatory cop grooms abuse victims A disgraced former policeman has avoided prison despite misusing his police position to target domestic violence victims for sexual relationships, in which he would allegedly become controlling and possessive. Dylan Bartolo, previously based in a family violence unit in Melbourne’s west, was sentenced in the County Court on Friday to a three-year community corrections order after pleading guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office. Dylan Bartolo was sentenced to a three-year community corrections order. Credit: Getty Images Bartolo had intimate relationships with two women who had been in abusive relationships, after they approached him for help at Melton and Caroline Springs police stations, according to a prosecution summary. He also targeted another vulnerable woman between June and November 2018, after she had pleaded for protection from her abusive partner. Bartolo, 32, groomed the three women by following up on their initial complaints with phone calls and offers of coffee at cafes, where he would console, reassure and flatter them. One victim was sent a 14-page letter which he signed “Love Constable Bartolo”. However, the relationships soon turned toxic, with Bartolo “exhibiting controlling and possessive behaviours”, the court heard. County Court judge Paul Higham said Bartolo’s misconduct had the potential to erode public confidence in police. Credit: Darrian Traynor Judge Paul Higham said Bartolo’s misconduct had the potential to erode public confidence in Victoria Police. “Both [victims] placed their trust in you and looked for refuge. They were not seeking an intimate relationship. Your communications and interactions were persistent, and they were improper. Your professional obligations to both these women were, quite simply, abandoned,” Higham told Bartolo. Loading The judge also issued a stern warning to other police officers. “A clear message needs to be sent to Victoria Police, in particular, that such behaviour represents a gross breach of the trust that the community has placed in you,” he said. “This is 2025, not 1985.” Bartolo, who was a constable, resigned from the force in 2019 before charges were eventually laid in 2023. The Age has spoken with another woman who was approached by detectives from the then Salus taskforce, which is now known as the Professional Standards Command sexual offences and family violence unit, but Bartolo was never charged over his interactions with her. Rebecca (not her real name) first came in contact with Bartolo in March 2018, when she reported a stalker outside her family home in Melbourne’s western suburbs. It was a complaint the single mother would regret and which has upended her life. Bartolo immediately provided Rebecca with his Victoria Police email address, before urging her to contact him on his private email account and then asking her out for coffee. She tentatively began a relationship with Bartolo, but alarm bells quickly sounded. Rebecca said Bartolo told her he had used the force’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database to locate the father of her children, before using it again to find registration details of cars parked near her property. He had also looked up private information of other relatives and male friends. “On night shifts, he would drive past my house and send me police codes on Snapchat saying, ‘All clear and correct’,” Rebecca told The Age . Lawyer Jeremy King. Credit: Eddie Jim She said his predatory behaviour escalated when he was assigned to the family violence unit at Caroline Springs police station in August 2018. “It got markedly worse and became more controlling with that change in role. Once he did the training, he had extra tools to manipulate, and gaslight, and cause chaos in my life,” she said. Bartolo was not charged over his interactions with Rebecca. The woman is set to launch civil court proceedings against the state government over Bartolo’s behaviour. Robinson Gill lawyer Jeremy King, acting on behalf of Rebecca, warned about the ongoing misuse of the LEAP database by rogue officers. “Without commenting on any individual case, the problematic and unlawful access of the LEAP database by police officers has been going on for decades,” King said. “There has been review after review after review by just about every oversight department in Victoria, which has found the LEAP system wanting. “There needs to be an overhaul of LEAP to ensure that there are proactive safeguards to stop police using it as their own personal Rolodex.”;0,2
Thomas Matthew Crooks: The quiet unravelling of the man who almost killed Donald Trump The quiet unravelling of the man who almost killed TrumpThomas Crooks was acting strangely. Sometimes he danced around his bedroom late into the night. Other times, he talked to himself with his hands waving around. These unusual behaviours intensified last US summer, after he graduated with high honours from a community college. He also visited a shooting range, grew out his thin brown hair and searched online for “major depressive disorder” and “depression crisis”. His father noticed the shift – mental health problems ran in the family. On the afternoon of July 13, Crooks told his parents he was heading to the range and left home with a rifle. Hours later, he mounted a roof at a presidential campaign rally in western Pennsylvania and tried to assassinate Donald Trump. Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Credit: AP That scene has been etched into American history. After a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, he lifted his blood-streaked face, pumped his fist and shouted the words: “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Trump has said that God saved him in order to save America, and the White House recently unveiled a statue in the Oval Office commemorating the moment. The near miss revealed alarming security lapses that allowed an amateur marksman barely out of his teens to fire at a former president less than 150 metres away. And it galvanised support for Trump, inspiring voters who saw him as a righteous hero triumphing in the face of smear campaigns, relentless prosecutions and even an attempt on his life. Now, nearly a year later, with Trump in his second presidential term, much of the world has forgotten about the 20-year-old who set out to murder him. Crooks – who also killed a bystander and wounded two others before being shot dead by the Secret Service – had kept to himself and seemed to leave little behind. His motive was a mystery, and remains the source of many conspiracy theories. Advertisement A New York Times examination of the last years of the young man’s life found that he went through a gradual and largely hidden transformation, from a meek engineering student critical of political polarisation to a focused killer who tried to build bombs. For months, he operated in secret, using aliases and encrypted networks, all while showing hints of a mental illness that may have caused his mind to unravel to an extent not previously reported. Loading This account offers the fullest picture yet of Crooks’ life. Although many aspects of his background and mental health are still unknown, the Times’ reporting is based on thousands of pages of his school assignments, emails and logs of his internet activity, as well as text messages, government reports and interviews with dozens of people who knew him or were familiar with the case. Crooks followed his dark path with seemingly little notice from those closest to him. He stockpiled explosive materials in the small house he shared with his parents in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. When his face was plastered across the news, his classmates couldn’t believe it. Investigators later found a crude homemade bomb inside his bedroom, not far from where his parents slept. His parents, Matthew and Mary Crooks, did not respond to interview requests, and their lawyers declined to comment. But on the night of the shooting, Matthew Crooks told federal agents that he had been concerned about his son’s visits to the gun club. “I should have known better,” Matthew Crooks said, one of the agents later told congressional investigators. Advertisement ‘A really intelligent kid’ Before his deadly assault, Thomas Crooks’ only record of trouble was a lunch detention in middle school for chewing gum. In high school, he earned a top score on the SAT – 1530 out of a possible 1600 – and received perfect marks on three Advanced Placement exams, according to his academic records. He did not socialise much, but came out of his shell in a technology program in which he built computers. His teacher, Xavier Harmon, nicknamed him “Muscles” – an ironic nod to his slight frame – which made him laugh. One high school classmate said Crooks enjoyed talking about the economy and cryptocurrencies, encouraging others to invest. On the rare occasions when the conversation turned to politics, he seemed to be in the middle of the road. Thomas Matthew Crooks in a 2021 school photo. Credit: AP On former president Joe Biden’s inauguration day in January 2021, Crooks donated $US15 to a committee backing Democrats. But when he turned 18 that autumn, he registered as a Republican. His family’s political affiliations were as diverse as the swing state they lived in: his older sister, Katherine, and his father were registered as Libertarians, and his mother was a Democrat. Crooks enrolled in the Community College of Allegheny County. He was the kind of student others sought out for help, and a regular member of a maths book club, though he didn’t appear to hang out with friends outside school. He endeared himself to his professors not just with high marks but also for showing up at office hours and trading emails about how to improve his work. Advertisement “He seemed like a really intelligent kid – I thought he would be able to do whatever he wanted,” said Trish Thompson, who taught Crooks engineering. In her class, he designed a chessboard for visually impaired people like his mother. Crooks was close with his immediate family, according to a video he recorded in the autumn of 2022 for an oral communication class. He described preparing Thanksgiving turkey with his father and baking Christmas cookies with his mother, saying, “I don’t think there’s any better way to spend time with family than cooking meals together”. Another assignment in that class required him to speak in front of five adults. He asked the professor for an exception, as he had only his parents and possibly his sister. “I do not have access to any other adults,” he wrote. In April 2023, Crooks showed a glimpse of his frustration with American politics. In an essay arguing for ranked-choice voting, he lamented “divisive and incendiary campaigns which are pulling the country apart”. “As we move closer to the 2024 elections, we should consider carefully the means by which we elect our officials,” Crooks wrote. “We need an election system that promotes kindness and co-operation instead of division and anger.” Around the time he wrote the essay, he began using an alias to buy from online firearms vendors, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He would make at least 25 gun-related purchases before the fateful rally. Advertisement Declining mental health Crooks bought a membership in August 2023 to the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting range about 30 minutes from his home. This was not unusual in his community, and his father was a gun enthusiast. By the end of the year, he was visiting the range roughly once a week, including on Christmas Day. Through a public records request, the Times obtained logs of Crooks’ internet activity while he was signed in to the community college network. The records are somewhat limited: they show website domains rather than specific pages, and Crooks often used an encrypted connection to obscure his online footprint. Loading Still, the digital trail suggests he was focused on Trump, the news and guns. On December 6, 2023, about seven months before the shooting, he rapidly cycled through about a dozen news websites, including CNN, The New York Times and Fox News, before visiting the Trump administration’s archives, the logs show. Minutes later, he visited seven gun websites, including one focused on the AR-15, similar to the rifle he would use in the attack. Later that day, he paid a visit to the shooting range. The next month, he placed a $US101.91 ($156.97) order online for more than 7.5 litres of nitro methane, a fuel additive that can be used in explosives, giving his home address for delivery. The package did not arrive promptly. Advertisement “I have not received any updates of the order shipping out yet,” he wrote to the seller on January 31, 2024. He used his community college email account, but included a screenshot of his order confirmation showing he had provided an encrypted email address. “I was wondering if you still have it and when I can expect it to come.” On February 26, a couple of hours before a physics class, he visited a series of websites, including an ammunition manufacturer, the Trump campaign site and NBC News, as well as YouTube, Reddit, Spotify and a site for Xbox users. Interviews with his teachers, friends and co-workers suggest that many people who interacted with him regularly did not know he was troubled, let alone capable of premeditated murder. He had worked for years as a part-time dietary aide at the Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre. Employees said Crooks was punctual and dependable, though he didn’t talk much. He showed up for work in the weeks before the shooting and nothing seemed amiss. A screen grab from a video shot by a bystander and sourced by celebrity website TMZ shows the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Credit: Backgrid/TMZ “What I heard from people in his department is that there was no clear indications of changes in his behaviour or routine,” said Reggie Brown, a former human resources manager at the centre. After back-to-back semesters on the dean’s list, he earned his associate degree in engineering and was set to transfer to Robert Morris University. He had told classmates he hoped to have a career in aerospace or robotics. His father noticed his mental health declining in the year before the shooting, and particularly in the months after graduation. He later told investigators that he had seen his son talking to himself and dancing around his bedroom late at night, and that his family had a history of mental health and addiction issues, according to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police, parts of which were shared with the Times. The younger Crooks was also making the depression-related queries online, investigators found. Republican congressman Clay Higgins, who worked on a congressional task force on the shooting, told the Times that he learnt worrisome information about Crooks’ mental health while investigating the case on a trip to Pennsylvania. He was “having conversations with someone that wasn’t there”, Higgins said, adding that many questions remained unanswered. “There was a mysteriousness to Thomas Crooks’ descent into madness.” This image provided by the FBI shows Thomas Matthew Crooks’ rifle broken down, probably done for transport, and the backpack recovered at the scene of the shooting. Credit: AP In the final month before the shooting, Crooks conducted more than 60 searches related to Trump and Biden, the FBI said. And yet there were hints that he hadn’t fully committed to an attack. “When can I expect the diploma to be mailed?” he wrote to his college registrar. About a week before the shooting, Crooks’ internet searches became especially focused, the FBI said. On July 6, he registered for Trump’s rally at the fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, and searched, “How far was Oswald from Kennedy?” In his remaining days, he looked up where Trump would be speaking on the site. Just after 6pm on July 13, Crooks fired eight bullets towards Trump. Investigators later found two explosive devices in the trunk of the car that he had driven there. Loading As word spread the next day that he was the gunman, one of his few friends from community college reached out. “Hey Thomas, you weren’t the person who tried to shoot Trump and then got killed right?” texted the friend, who was interviewed by the Times but requested anonymity because he feared being associated with Crooks. “I really liked you as a friend and I desperately don’t want you to be dead.” A homemade explosive Shortly before 11pm on the night of the shooting, Crooks’ father called 911, saying he had not seen his son since that afternoon. “We’ve gotten no contact from him, no text messages, nothing’s been returned, and he’s not home yet,” Matthew Crooks told the operator. “That’s totally not like him,” he added. “So we’re kind of worried, not really sure what we should do.” Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had begun surveilling the 93-square-metre house, according to a transcript of agent testimony provided to Congress. Loading About 11.40pm, the agents approached the house. Matthew Crooks opened the screen door and asked, “Is it true?” They entered and noticed Mary Crooks sitting with the family cat in the living room, television on. The agents swept the house for potential dangers. Down a short hallway was the young Crooks’ bedroom, door open. The room was fairly organised, with a made bed and large 3D printer. An empty pistol belt and holster lay on the floor. At the room’s threshold, an agent looked down and saw a .50-calibre, military-grade ammunition can “with a white wire coming out”, according to the testimony. The agent also observed a jug labelled “nitro methane” in the closet. The agents immediately evacuated. While they waited for the bomb squad, they interviewed Matthew and Mary Crooks outside late into the night, asking about their family and what made their son “tick”. The parents were calm and polite. They said Thomas loved building things, like computers, and visiting the gun range. They didn’t think he had any friends or girlfriends. His father said he didn’t “know anything” about his son, according to the testimony. On the subject of politics, Matthew Crooks said his son would “go back and forth and kind of argue both sides”, an agent testified. The father said Thomas would talk about Trump and Biden, but “never really indicated that he liked one or the other more”. Mary Crooks, who had been mostly quiet, spoke up to ask if her son was really dead. The agent told her yes, and she began to cry. Her husband “put his hand out and said, you know, ‘It’s OK. It’s not true until we see the body’”, the agent testified. Donald Trump is covered by US Secret Service agents at the campaign rally in Pennyslvania. Credit: AP The couple has kept a low profile since the shooting. This spring, Crooks left the job she had held for 27 years – as a rehabilitation therapist for the visually impaired at a state agency – because of the shooting, according to a resignation letter obtained by the Times. “Certain circumstances have left me with no other option,” she wrote. Matthew Crooks had been in social services for more than two decades, first working with spina bifida patients and later managing the medical care of patients in a Pittsburgh health system. The health system declined to say whether he still worked there. Madeleine Frizzi, the mother of Mary Crooks, was short when asked about her daughter and son-in-law. “I do not have any contact with them – whatsoever,” she said, declining to elaborate. A cloud of conspiracy theories The FBI has led the investigation into Crooks, working with the ATF and the Pennsylvania State Police. In the weeks after the shooting, the FBI released preliminary findings based on details gleaned from interviews and Crooks’ devices suggesting he had been planning an attack for over a year. Two FBI investigators scan the roof of the building from which shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at Donald Trump. Credit: Getty Images In a news conference late last July, FBI officials said they had not found evidence of mental health treatment, institutionalisation or medications. The next month, the agency said Crooks had begun searching online about how to make explosives as early as 2019, when he was 16, but did not elaborate on the timeline. Investigators said they had not uncovered a motive or any co-conspirators. In the absence of new information, conspiracy theories about Crooks have grown. Some have claimed he had an accomplice, or that he was an agent of the so-called deep state. Kelly Little, who lives across the street from the Crooks’ house, said another theory floating around claimed she and other neighbours had built underground tunnels to aid the shooter. “Why do we still know nothing about that guy in Butler?” Elon Musk asked in February in front of a large crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington. “Kash is going to get to the bottom of it,” he added, referring to Trump’s FBI director, Kash Patel. The crowd cheered. Loading But in a recent interview on Fox News, Patel at his side, Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, said there was simply no “big, explosive there there”. He added, “If it was there, we would have told you.” Helen Comperatore, an avid Trump supporter whose husband, Corey, was killed by Crooks, still wants to know more. She told the Times she had not received any official updates from investigators in months and felt she was owed a fuller explanation of what had happened. “I am praying the president gets to the bottom of it and keeps working on this case for me – and him,” she said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Trump's America Donald Trump For subscribers Crime FBI USA Loading;0,025
LA riots: Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi hit by rubber bullet after Trump deploys National Guard in Los Angeles Nine reporter caught up in LA protests as governor hits out at Trump Los Angeles: Law enforcement officers have fired tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets at protesters in Los Angeles – hitting a Nine News reporter in the process – after thousands of people took to the streets in response to US President Donald Trump’s extraordinary deployment of the California National Guard. Sunday (Monday AEST) was the third and most intense day of demonstrations against Trump’s immigration crackdown in LA, with the arrival of around 300 Guard troops spurring anger and fear among many residents. Protesters blocked off a major freeway and set self-driving cars on fire as local law enforcement tried to control the crowd. Nine News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was reporting in a situation she said was rapidly deteriorating when she was shot in the leg by a rubber bullet, as Los Angeles police, some on horseback, moved in on protesters. She was not injured in the incident, which was captured on camera. Speaking to Nine News, Tomasi confirmed she was safe. “I’m okay, my cameraman Jimmy and I are both safe. This is just one of the unfortunate realities of reporting on these kinds of incidents,” she said. “It has been a really volatile day on the streets of LA … There have been a lot of tempers flaring here today and certainly tonight there is a lot of anger in the City of Angels.” Elsewhere, officers wearing riot gear lined up behind the National Guard deployed to protect federal facilities, including a downtown detention centre where some immigrants were taken after sweeping raids in the city that triggered protests on Friday and Saturday and prompted Trump’s decision to send in the state-based military force, which can be placed under federal command in certain circumstances. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the order to send in 2000 National Guard troops was unlawful, and he had requested that the Trump administration withdraw it. He accused Trump of trying to manufacture a crisis and violating California’s state sovereignty. The last time a National Guard was activated without a governor’s permission was in 1965, when president Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect a civil rights march in Alabama, according to the Brennan Centre for Justice. “These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,” Newsom posted on X. “The federal government is sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not the way any civilised country behaves.” The White House disputed Newsom’s characterisation, saying in a statement that “everyone saw the chaos, violence and lawlessness”. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed Newsom’s comments. “What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration,” she said in an afternoon press conference. “This is about another agenda, this isn’t about public safety.” Their admonishments did not deter the administration. “It’s a bald-faced lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. The protests began on Friday in downtown LA before spreading on Saturday to Paramount, a heavily Latino city south of the city, and neighbouring Compton. Federal agents arrested immigrants in LA’s fashion district, in a Home Depot parking lot and at several other locations on Friday. The next day, they were staging at a Department of Homeland Security office near another Home Depot in Paramount, which drew out protesters who suspected another raid. By midday on Sunday, hundreds of people had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, chanting “shame” and “go home” to members of the National Guard, who stood shoulder to shoulder, carrying long guns and riot shields. After some protesters closely approached the guard members, a different set of uniformed officers advanced, shooting smoke-filled canisters into the street. Minutes later, the Los Angeles Police Department fired rounds of crowd-control munitions to disperse the protesters. Police declared an unlawful assembly, and by early evening many people had left. But those who remained grabbed chairs from a nearby public park to form a makeshift barrier, throwing objects at police on the other side. Others standing above the closed southbound 101 Freeway threw chunks of concrete, rocks, electric scooters and fireworks at highway patrol officers. Video footage showed the National Guard troops were largely refraining from clashing with the demonstrators, The New York Times reported. Trump called the demonstrators “violent, insurrectionist mobs” in a social media post on Sunday and said he was directing his cabinet officers “to take all such action necessary” to stop what he described as “riots”. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, he threatened violence against demonstrators who spit on police or National Guard troops, saying, “They spit, we hit”. He did not cite any specific incidents. “If we see danger to our country and to our citizens, it will be very, very strong in terms of law and order,” Trump said as he headed to Camp David. “We’re going to have troops everywhere, we’re not going to let this happen to our country. “Last night in Los Angeles, we watched it very closely, there was a lot of violence there – there was a lot of violence, and it could have gotten much worse.” Why did Trump send in the National Guard? Trump border tsar Tom Homan told NBC News that Newsom and Bass, the mayor, should be thanking the president for helping restore order, and warned the leaders they could be arrested if they obstructed immigration enforcement efforts. Trump’s decision to send in troops and bypass Newsom keeps with promises he made during last year’s election campaign to deploy the military more aggressively in the nation’s cities. During his first term of office, in the summer of 2020, Trump pushed to send active-duty military troops to quell racial protests across the US, former defence secretary Mark Esper told a House committee years later. Esper said that he and others had to convince Trump there was no predicate for that use of the military. At the time, Trump felt that the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota made the US look weak, Esper told the committee. During an election campaign event in Iowa in 2023, Trump labelled several big cities “crime dens” and said he had previously held back from sending in the military. “You’re supposed to not be involved in that – you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in. The next time, I’m not waiting,” Trump said at the Iowa event. To deploy the National Guard, Trump invoked a legal provision that allows him to deploy federal service members when there is “a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States”. The White House cited what Trump described as credible threats of violence that could obstruct enforcement efforts and “constitute a form of rebellion” against the US government. But the legal basis for the decision could face challenges. Federal law strictly limits the deployment of federal troops within US borders. The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, along with amendments and supporting regulations, generally bars the use of the active-duty US military – the army, navy, air force and marines – from carrying out domestic law enforcement. The law doesn’t apply to state-controlled National Guard forces. Trump directed US Northern Command to assume control of the National Guard and dispatch 2000 soldiers to the area “for 60 days or at the discretion of the secretary of defence”, the White House said in a statement. About 300 soldiers have since been deployed to three locations in greater Los Angeles, according to US Northern Command. The deployed troops are part of the California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, primarily a combat unit, although it has previously been called up to support civilian authorities, and a unit that most recently responded to the wildfires in LA this year. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday (Sunday AEST) that Marines could be sent next if protests intensified. Newsom called Hegseth’s suggestion of deploying the Marines from nearby Camp Pendleton “deranged”. Hegseth countered overnight that Newsom had allowed violence to get out of hand. “Deranged = allowing your city to burn & law enforcement to be attacked,” Hegseth said in a post on X. “There is plenty of room for peaceful protest, but ZERO tolerance for attacking federal agents who are doing their job.” Vermont senator Bernie Sanders said the order by Trump to deploy the Guard reflected “a president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism” and “usurping the powers of the United States Congress”. LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell has stressed that his officers are not working with federal agents on civil immigration enforcement and the department follows a long-standing policy that bars officers from stopping people solely to determine their immigration status. “Everyone has the right to peacefully assemble and voice their opinions,” the department said in a statement on X. “However, vandalising property and attempting to seriously injure officers, whether Federal or LAPD, is not peaceful.” What is ICE? Facing mounting pressure from the White House, US agency ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement – has ramped up immigration arrests in recent weeks, averaging about 2000 detentions a day nationwide, but still falling short of the administration’s goal of at least 3000 daily arrests. The stepped-up enforcement is part of Trump’s vow to carry out the largest deportation campaign in US history. In the Los Angeles area, ICE reported 118 arrests last week, though the agency had not released updated figures on Sunday morning. Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, a Democrat whose district includes Paramount and other parts of Los Angeles County, said ICE agents were stopping “anybody at a bus stop that’s going to shop” and she had been warned to expect 30 days of stepped-up enforcement. She accused the Trump administration of using federal troops to suppress dissent and said by the time the more violent skirmishes broke out on Saturday night, the original protesters had already cleared out, and the “unruly folks” had arrived. “It’s going to escalate the situation,” she said on CNN’s State of the Union overnight. “People are going to protest because they’re angry about the situation. And we have to just reiterate, [to] the people to do it peacefully.”;0
Madleen tracker: Gaza Flotilla carrying Greta Thunberg boarded by IDF Israeli forces have boarded the Gaza-bound aid boat Madleen and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists on board, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the war with Hamas. Footage posted by activist group the Freedom Flotilla Coalition showed a chaotic scene as the crew, wearing orange life jackets, sat with their hands up while someone shouted, “Ditch the phones. Phones in the water, please”. Searchlights shone from outside, and a loudspeaker could be heard. In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’” was “safely making its way to the shores of Israel” and that those onboard were “expected to return to their home countries”. It said the humanitarian aid aboard the boat, which was reportedly off the coast of Egypt, would be transferred to Gaza through established channels. The ministry later circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists. In an Instagram update, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said its “peaceful volunteers were rammed and intercepted before Israeli forces boarded the vessel. We lost all contact with them seconds later”. “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo – including baby formula, food and medical supplies – confiscated,” it said in a further statement. Greta Thunberg with part of the crew of the ship Madleen, shortly before the departure for Gaza. Credit: Getty Images In a pre-recorded video message, Thunberg said she and the crew had been “intercepted and kidnapped in international waters”. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she said in the video. ‘You should turn back’ On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the boat to be stopped and that no one would be allowed to break the naval blockade of Gaza, which he said was aimed at preventing Hamas from importing arms. “To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propagandists, I will say this clearly: ‘You should turn back because you will not make it to Gaza’,” Katz said in a statement. The British-flagged vessel left Sicily a week ago with 12 people on board, including Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European parliament who is of Palestinian descent. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure of the boat, which it said was carrying Turkish citizens among its crew, calling the move a “clear violation of international law”. It said the intervention threatened maritime security and “once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terror state”. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said its aim was to break the blockade and deliver a token amount of aid, while raising awareness over the growing humanitarian crisis 20 months into the Israel-Hamas war. After an 11-week blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel began to allow some basic aid into Gaza last month and set up a new distribution system using a controversial new aid group, but humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive. On Sunday, the Israeli Army said it had recovered the body of Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander who was killed in a May 13 airstrike at a Gaza hospital. Sinwar’s remains were found in a tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Israeli military. Additional bodies were found at the site and were being examined, the military said. Hamas has yet to acknowledge the death of Sinwar, the brother and successor of deceased Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. Israeli forces killed Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said at least 12 people were killed and others wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza on Sunday as they headed towards two aid distribution points. Israel’s military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new aid hubs where thousands of Palestinians, desperate after 20 months of war, are being directed to collect food. An image released by the Israeli military shows what Israel says is the entrance to tunnels running underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Credit: Getty Images In all, at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the territory’s Health Ministry said. Israel’s military said it had struck dozens of militant targets over the past day. Hamas-led militants killed about 1200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages, more than half of whom have since been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Hamas is still holding 55 hostages, more than half of them believed to be dead. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which has said women and children make up most of the dead. It doesn’t say whether those killed are civilians or combatants. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced about 90 per cent of the territory’s population, leaving people there almost completely dependent on international aid. AP, Reuters, Bloomberg;0,25
Sex drops and whiskey packets: The bizarre market built around a barbed wire fenceMae Sot, Thailand: It is a most peculiar market. Here vendors sell “sex drops” and whiskey in squeeze packets. Vapes, illegal now in Thailand, are plentiful. Hard liquor costs a few bucks – and not just the obscure, bootlegged stuff, but the name brands too. So say the labels, at least. The most unusual thing about this 150-metre row of stalls on the edge of the dry riverbank, though, is the thigh-high barbed wire fence separating seller from customer. A man tends his market stall on a sandbar in the middle of the Moei River on the Thai- Myanmar border between Mae Sot and Myawaddy, Myanmar. Credit: Kate Geraghty Why would a market adorn itself in such a way? The wire, in fact, is the border. On one side is the Thai town of Mae Sot, a six- or seven-hour drive north-west of Bangkok and one of the main crossing points to and from Myanmar. On the other side, where the vendors are working, is ... nowhere, technically. “It is No Man’s Land,” one stallholder says, rows of Myanmar smokes stacked behind her. “There are still arguments between Thailand and Myanmar about who takes responsibility for this land.” You can see Myanmar through the gaps in the wooden stalls on the other side of the Moei River, about 50 metres away. That’s where the vendors live, in the town of Myawaddy , mostly. Even when fighting ripped through Myawaddy last year – resistance groups fighting the military junta temporarily controlled the town – these vendors still came to work to flog their knock-off booze, tobacco and aphrodisiacs (the sex drops). Advertisement “No bosses here,” one man says. “We are the boss.” The reason they sell here is that the Thai Baht delivers a better profit, maybe THB300 ($14) a day, he says. “Some days we make a profit, some days we make a loss. The life here is very good.” In the middle of No Man’s Land – on the Moei riverbank – are ramshackle structures. They are temporary homes. None of the ethnic Karen residents who live there seem to be stallholders, a privilege somewhat controversially now almost exclusively enjoyed by Muslims. And the residents don’t wish to speak on the record because apparently they are not supposed to live in No Man’s Land, not that anyone of official authority can really tell them otherwise. Every year, however, the rising river washes the buildings away, forcing them elsewhere until the dry returns, they say. We meet an off-duty Thai police officer and, trying to wrap our heads around how it all works, ask him what happens if there is a murder in No Man’s Land. Who comes to help? Loading “Thailand can’t do anything,” he says. “Here is the barbed wire, and beyond that is not Thailand.” This is why the stallholders can sell whatever they please to Thais over the barbed wire: Thailand’s laws do not apply, and neither do Myanmar’s. The fence is neither high, nor is it rigidly patrolled. Vendors hop back and forth from No Man’s Land to Thailand in the course of their duties, covering sections of the sharp wire with cardboard to make it a little easier. But they can’t stay long or stray too far. If they wish to do so, they must ask permission from the Thai police. This appears to be the only hard-and-fast rule. Loading During our visit, one woman tries to test the rule. She is not a stallholder but one of the residents in the middle. Angry shouting ensues: if people break the rules, who’s to say the Thai authorities won’t find a way to shut them all down, border be damned, one of the shouters explains. Thai police quickly descend on the woman and whisk her around the corner to someplace unknown. It is a most peculiar market. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article World politics Thailand Myanmar Myanmar coup For subscribers Alcohol Analysis Zach Hope is South-East Asia correspondent. He is a former reporter at the Brisbane Times. Connect via email . Loading From our partners Advertisement;0
Putin declares it’s an unshakeable friendship. But his spies say China is ‘the enemy’In public, President Vladimir Putin of Russia says his country’s growing friendship with China is unshakeable – a strategic military and economic collaboration that has entered a golden era. But in the corridors of Lubyanka, the headquarters of Russia’s domestic security agency, known as the FSB, a secretive intelligence unit refers to the Chinese as “the enemy”. This unit, which has not previously been disclosed, has warned that China is a serious threat to Russian security. Its officers say that Beijing is increasingly trying to recruit Russian spies and get its hands on sensitive military technology, at times by luring disaffected Russian scientists. China’s servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9. Credit: AP The intelligence officers say that China is spying on the Russian military’s operations in Ukraine to learn about Western weapons and warfare. They fear that Chinese academics are laying the groundwork to make claims on Russian territory. And they have warned that Chinese intelligence agents are carrying out espionage in the Arctic using mining firms and university research centres as cover. The threats are laid out in an eight-page internal FSB planning document, obtained by The New York Times, that sets priorities for fending off Chinese espionage. The document is undated, raising the possibility that it is a draft, though it appears from context to have been written in late 2023 or early 2024. Ares Leaks, a cybercrime group, obtained the document but did not say how it did so. That makes definitive authentication impossible, but the Times shared the report with six Western intelligence agencies, all of which assessed it to be authentic. The document gives the most detailed behind-the-scenes view to date of Russian counterintelligence’s thinking about China. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow’s new bond with Beijing has shifted the global balance of power. The rapidly expanding partnership is one of the most consequential, and opaque, relationships in modern geopolitics. Russia has survived years of Western financial sanctions following the invasion, proving wrong the many politicians and experts who predicted the collapse of the country’s economy. That survival is in no small part due to China. Advertisement China is the largest customer for Russian oil and provides essential computer chips, software and military components. When Western companies fled Russia, Chinese brands stepped in to replace them. The two countries say they want to collaborate in a vast number of areas, including making movies and building a base on the moon. Loading Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are doggedly pursuing what they call a partnership with “no limits”. But the top-secret FSB memo shows there are, in fact, limits. “You have the political leadership, and these guys are all for rapprochement with China,” Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russia’s intelligence services who lives in exile in Britain, said. He viewed the document at the request of the Times. “You have the intelligence and security services, and they are very suspicious.” Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the document. The Russian document describes a “tense and dynamically developing” intelligence battle in the shadows between the two outwardly friendly nations. Three days before Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022, the FSB approved a new counterintelligence program called “Entente-4”, the document reveals. The code name, an apparent tongue-in-cheek reference to Moscow’s growing friendship with Beijing, belied the initiative’s real intent: to prevent Chinese spies from undermining Russian interests. Advertisement The timing almost certainly was not accidental. Russia was diverting nearly all of its military and spy resources to Ukraine, more than 6000 kilometres from its border with China, and most likely worried that Beijing could try to capitalise on this distraction. Since then, according to the document, the FSB observed China doing just that. Chinese intelligence agents stepped up efforts to recruit Russian officials, experts, journalists and businesspeople close to power in Moscow, the document says. To counter this, the FSB instructed its officers to intercept the “threat” and “prevent the transfer of important strategic information to the Chinese”. Officers were ordered to conduct in-person meetings with Russian citizens who work closely with China and warn them that Beijing was trying to take advantage of Russia and obtain advanced scientific research, according to the document. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in May. Credit: AP The FSB ordered “the constant accumulation of information about users” on Chinese messaging app WeChat. That included hacking phones of espionage targets and analysing the data in a special software tool held by a unit of the FSB, the document says. The possible long-term alignment of two authoritarian governments, with a combined population of nearly 1.6 billion people and armed with some 6000 nuclear warheads, has stoked deep concern in the United States. Some members of the Trump administration believe that, through outreach to Putin, Washington can begin to peel Russia away from China and avoid what US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called “two nuclear powers aligned against the United States”. Advertisement “I’m going to have to un-unite them, and I think I can do that too,” Donald Trump said shortly before his election in November. “I have to un-unite them.” Read one way, the FSB document lends credence to the theory that, with the right approach, Russia can be cleaved away from China. The document describes mistrust and suspicion on both sides of the relationship. China is conducting polygraphs on its agents as soon as they return home, tightening scrutiny of the 20,000 Russian students in China, and trying to recruit Russians with Chinese spouses as potential spies, the document says. Loading But another reading of the document leads to the opposite conclusion. The fact that Putin is apparently well aware of the risks of a closer relationship with China and has decided to push ahead anyway could suggest little opportunity for the United States to get Russia to change course. “Putin believes that he can go much deeper into this Chinese embrace, and it’s not risk-free, but it is worth it,” Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, said. He also reviewed the document at the request of the Times. “But we also see there are people within the system who are sceptical of that approach.” Putin has courted Xi for years, in more than 40 personal meetings, and has cemented a far deeper partnership with China since invading Ukraine. The two countries have a natural economic synergy, with Russia being one of the world’s largest energy producers and China the world’s largest energy consumer. That poses a delicate challenge for Russian counterintelligence agents. The document shows them trying to contain the risks posed by Chinese intelligence without causing “negative consequences for bilateral relations”. Officers were warned to avoid any public “mention of the Chinese intelligence services as a potential enemy”. Advertisement Most likely written for circulation to FSB field offices, the directive offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of one of the most powerful parts of the Russian intelligence establishment: the FSB’s Department for Counterintelligence Operations, known as the DKRO. The document was written by the DKRO’s 7th Service, which is responsible for countering espionage from China and other parts of Asia. Anxiety about Russia’s susceptibility to an increasingly powerful Beijing dominates the memo. But it is unclear how common those worries are across the Russian establishment, beyond the counterintelligence unit. Even allied nations regularly spy on one another. “To go back to the old adage, there is no such thing as friendly intel services,” said Paul Kolbe, a senior fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs, who served for 25 years in the CIA Directorate of Operations, including in Russia. “You don’t have to scratch very deep in any Russian military or intel official to get deep suspicion of China. In the long run, China is, in spite of the unlimited partnership and how useful they are, also a potential threat.” China targets Russia’s war secrets and scientists Soon after Russian troops pushed across the border into Ukraine, officials from Chinese defence firms and institutes tied to Chinese intelligence began flooding into Russia. Their goal, according to the FSB document, was to better understand the war. Loading China has world-class scientists, but its military has not fought a war since a month-long conflict with Vietnam in 1979. The result is anxiety in China about how its military would perform against Western weapons in a conflict over Taiwan or the South China Sea. Chinese intelligence officials are eager to understand Russia’s fight against an army backed by the West. Advertisement “Of particular interest to Beijing is information about combat methods using drones, modernisation of their software and methods for countering new types of Western weapons,” the FSB document says, adding that Beijing believes the war in Ukraine will become drawn-out. The conflict has revolutionised warfare technology and tactics. China has long lagged Russia in its aviation expertise, and the document says that Beijing has made that a priority target. China is targeting military pilots and researchers in aerohydrodynamics, control systems and aeroelasticity. Also being sought out, according to the document, are Russian specialists who worked on the discontinued ekranoplan, a hovercraft-type warship first deployed by the Soviet Union. “Priority recruitment is given to former employees of aircraft factories and research institutes, as well as current employees who are dissatisfied with the closure of the ekranoplan development program by the Russian Ministry of Defence, or who are experiencing financial difficulties,” the report says. The ekranoplan, as illustrated in 1973, was desribed as a flying river bus that was said to be Russia’s answer to the Hovercraft. Credit: AP Wirephoto It is not clear from the document whether those recruitment efforts are limited to hiring Russian specialists for Chinese ventures or also extend to recruiting them as spies. The document also shows that Russia is very concerned about how China views the war in Ukraine and is trying to feed Beijing’s spies with positive information about Russian operations. And it commands Russian counterintelligence operatives to prepare a report for the Kremlin about any possible changes in Beijing’s policy. Western leaders have accused China of providing Russia with essential weapons components and working to conceal it. The FSB document lends support to that claim, stating that Beijing had proposed establishing supply chains to Moscow that circumvent Western sanctions and had offered to participate in the production of drones and other unspecified high-tech military equipment. The document does not say whether those proposals were carried out, though China has supplied Russia with drones. The FSB memo also hints at Chinese interest in the Wagner mercenary group, a Russia-backed paramilitary group that propped up governments in Africa for years and fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. “The Chinese plan to use the experience of Wagner fighters in their own armed forces and private military companies operating in the countries of South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America,” the directive says. The wording of the report does not indicate whether the FSB believes that China wants to recruit former Wagner fighters for its own formations or simply wants to learn from their experience. Moscow worries Beijing is trying to encroach on its territory Russia has long feared encroachment by China along their shared 4208-kilometre border. And Chinese nationalists for years have taken issue with 19th-century treaties in which Russia annexed large portions of land, including modern-day Vladivostok. That issue is now of key concern, with Russia weakened by the war and economic sanctions and less able than ever to push back against Beijing. The FSB report raises concerns that some academics in China have been promoting territorial claims against Russia. China is searching for traces of “ancient Chinese peoples” in the Russian Far East, possibly to influence local opinion that is favourable to Chinese claims, the document says. In 2023, China published an official map that included historical Chinese names for cities and areas within Russia. The FSB ordered officers to expose such “revanchist” activities, as well as attempts by China to use Russian scientists and archival funds for research aimed at attaching a historical affiliation to borderlands. “Conduct preventative work with respect to Russian citizens involved in the said activities,” the memo orders. “Restrict entry into our country for foreigners as a measure of influence.” China is unnerving Russia in Central Asia and the Arctic The concerns about China expanding its reach are not limited to Russia’s Far East borderlands. Central Asian countries answered to Moscow during the Soviet era. Today, the FSB reports, Beijing has developed a “new strategy” to promote Chinese soft power in the region. China began rolling out that strategy in Uzbekistan, according to the document. The details of the strategy are not included in the document other than to say it involves humanitarian exchange. Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries are important to Putin, who sees restoring the Soviet sphere of influence as part of his legacy. The report also highlights China’s interest in Russia’s vast territory in the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, which hugs Russia’s northern coast. Historically, those waters have been too icy for reliable shipping, but they are expected to become increasingly busy because of climate change. Nuclear icebreaker Yakutiya sails through the Galerny fairway of Kanonersky Island during sea trials. The ship was designed to ensure shipping in the Arctic and the development of the Northern Sea Route. Credit: Sipa USA via AP The route slashes shipping time between Asia and Europe. Developing that route would make it easier for China to sell its goods. Russia historically tried to maintain strict control over Chinese activity in the Arctic. But Beijing believes that Western sanctions will force Russia to turn to China to maintain its “ageing Arctic infrastructure”, according to the FSB document. Already, Russian gas giant Novatek has relied on China to salvage its Arctic liquefied natural gas project, after previously using the American oil services firm Baker Hughes. Loading The FSB asserts that Chinese spies are active in the Arctic as well. The report says Chinese intelligence is trying to obtain information about Russia’s development of the Arctic, using institutions of higher education and mining companies in particular. But despite all of these vulnerabilities, the FSB report makes clear that jeopardising the support of China would be worse. The document squarely warns officers that they must receive approval from the highest echelons of the Russian security establishment before taking any sensitive action at all. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save Log in, register or subscribe to save articles for later. China Russia For subscribers Russia-Ukraine war China's Spy Secrets China relations Loading;-0,05
Donald Trump’s war on International Criminal Court ramping up as out-of-control White House dismantles justice As a judge, I’m sounding the alarm: The out-of-control White House is dismantling justiceFor 18 years, I have been a criminal trial judge. I believe in the rule of law and independent and impartial justice in both domestic and international criminal law. The present US administration does not hold to those principles, and is now doing all it can to undermine them. In the case of international criminal law, the International Criminal Court derives from the legacy of Nuremberg, where, in 1945, an International Military Tribunal established by the allied forces tried 22 leading German officials for war crimes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump. Credit: Bloomberg Controversial though it was, the International Military Tribunal demonstrated that justice beyond borders in the form of international criminal law could be real and effective in dealing with the most horrific war crimes, and perhaps be a means of preventing them thereafter. The Nuremberg experience testified to the truth of what many, including Dr Martin Luther King Jr. had said, that “there can be no peace without justice, and there can be no justice without peace”. In 1998, the signing of the Rome Statute for the establishment of the ICC reaffirmed the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. It meant that all UN member states would refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the UN. These are uncontroversial and necessary international principles. And so, pretty much without fear or favour, in 2002 the ICC went to work. As with all courts, an important foundation of the ICC was judicial independence and the application of the rule of law. Given the gravity of the court’s work, it had to be real and impartial justice – no matter who was accused of serious crimes. The judges needed to be able to conduct investigations and trials free from any form of governmental interference. Loading Now, that is no longer guaranteed. Nor is the court’s future. The Rome Statute states that “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” is a war crime. On November 21, 2024, the pre-trial chamber of the court issued warrants for the arrest of Hamas commander Mohammed Deif (this warrant was cancelled in January following confirmation of his death), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The latter two face allegations of being responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, and of intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population. Charges also allege that from at least October 8, 2023, until at least May 20, 2024, Netanyahu and Gallant were responsible for crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts . The process, if it is allowed to be completed, will tell the world whether those allegations are proven beyond reasonable doubt. Advertisement Though US President Donald Trump always vilified the ICC, in a recent escalation, on February 6, a presidential executive order purported to sanction the court and, specifically, the prosecutor following a coincident visit from Netanyahu to Washington. Loading Then, last Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US would sanction four judges of the court for what it has called the court’s “illegitimate actions” targeting the US and Israel. This is another step in the Trump war on the ICC designed to disable it. Why the actions of the judges who were following the procedures of the court were “illegitimate” is not explained in any logical manner. Two of the judges authorised the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, and the other two authorised an ICC investigation into abuses by US personnel in Afghanistan. So, we now see a clear attempt by an authoritarian US president and his administration to hobble an international court (and its individual judges) established to dispense justice to those who would commit war crimes. The announced sanctions target the liberty of these judges, their personal assets and their ability to carry out their duties, even to the extent of disabling their email. This is happening because an interfering president is sympathetic to those being investigated and considers his authority to be akin to monarchical absolutism. Those of us who believe in the independence of the judiciary in all its forms and the application of the rule of law see those principles crumbling under the weight of an out-of-control White House. God help all of us. Lex Lasry was a criminal lawyer at the Victorian Bar from 1973 to 2007 and a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2024. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article US politics Agricultural Land Trust United Nations Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Crime More… Lex Lasry was a criminal lawyer at the Victorian Bar from 1973 to 2007 and a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2024. He was Van Nguyen’s Australian counsel leading Julian McMahon. Loading From our partners;0,1
"Whose side is the U.S. on? Doubts strain alliancesMilitary solidarity and trade wars don’t mix Amid growing global tensions and military rearmament, allies in Europe and Asia increasingly fear that under Donald Trump, the U.S. has become an unreliable partner — undermining trust, unity and the foundation of the postwar international order. | REUTERS By Max Hastings Bloomberg SHARE/SAVE X Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Threads Email Print Copy link Jun 9, 2025 Winston Churchill told a story of an 1895 encounter, as a young cavalry officer, with the statesman William Harcourt. After some discussion of great issues, Churchill asked eagerly: ""What will happen then?” Harcourt replied, with Victorian complacency: ""My dear Winston, the experiences of a long life have convinced me that nothing ever happens.” Few people 130 years later could succumb to any similar delusion in a world that seems to have consigned itself to perpetual turmoil. Most recently, Poland has frightened European capitals by electing a right-wing, anti-European Union president. The British government published a long-awaited strategic defense review, which proposes rearmament to bring about ""war-fighting readiness,” according to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as Ukraine launched stunning drone strikes against bomber bases deep inside Russia. There is more. At a conference in Singapore recently, France’s president warned of dire consequences for democracies if Russia prevails in Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian nations to stand up tall against Chinese aggression as Australia’s defense minister challenged China to justify its huge military and naval buildup. His Philippines counterpart said China has been ""absolutely irresponsible and reckless in appropriating most, if not all of the South China Sea, and the world cannot tolerate this.” In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ WHAT’S TRENDING Editors' Picks U.S. intel chief warns ‘warmongers’ fomenting nuclear war after Hiroshima visit How long can Koizumi stay frenemies with the agriculture lobby? Cultural anxiety and Japan's immigration pains Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Search for answers begins in Air India crash that killed 241 Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Pride and prose: Novels that illuminate queer lives in Japan Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer ‘Kokuho’ finds riveting drama on and off the kabuki stage Junto Nakatani remains on collision course with Naoya Inoue after latest win Our Planet China is eroding Japan's LNG dominance. How does that affect Japanese buyers? By Nithin Coca Podcast Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’ Longform How Japan's youth are slowly changing the country's work ethic By Alex K.T. Martin SUSTAINABLE JAPAN Muji has been sustainable from the beginning SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. ???????????????????? Read more SUPPLEMENTS BINDER Bridges by SMS Global Insight GMI Post World Eye Reports Latest News Ishiba pledges cash handout for all citizens ahead of election 52 mins ago Trial of suspect in murder of ex-PM Abe set to begin in October 1 hour ago Wage growth a focus of this year's honebuto no h?shin 2 hours ago Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote 3 hours ago Foreign students scrub social media as U.S. expands visa vetting 3 hours ago";0,1
"Secret Russian intelligence document shows deep suspicion of China Officials and government leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin (center right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (center left) attend a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Victory Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow on May 9. | REUTERS By Paul Sonne , Anton Troianovski and Jacob Judah The New York Times Jun 9, 2025 In public, President Vladimir Putin of Russia says his country’s growing friendship with China is unshakable — a strategic military and economic collaboration that has entered a golden era. But in the corridors of Lubyanka, the headquarters of Russia’s domestic security agency, known as the FSB, a secretive intelligence unit refers to the Chinese as ""the enemy.” This unit, which has not previously been disclosed, has warned that China is a serious threat to Russian security. Its officers say that Beijing is increasingly trying to recruit Russian spies and get its hands on sensitive military technology, at times by luring disaffected Russian scientists. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ WHAT’S TRENDING Editors' Picks U.S. intel chief warns ‘warmongers’ fomenting nuclear war after Hiroshima visit How long can Koizumi stay frenemies with the agriculture lobby? Cultural anxiety and Japan's immigration pains Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Search for answers begins in Air India crash that killed 241 Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Pride and prose: Novels that illuminate queer lives in Japan Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer ‘Kokuho’ finds riveting drama on and off the kabuki stage Junto Nakatani remains on collision course with Naoya Inoue after latest win Our Planet China is eroding Japan's LNG dominance. How does that affect Japanese buyers? By Nithin Coca Podcast Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’ Longform How Japan's youth are slowly changing the country's work ethic By Alex K.T. Martin SUSTAINABLE JAPAN Looking ahead to Yokohama’s Green × Expo 2027 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. ???????????????????? Read more SUPPLEMENTS BINDER Bridges by SMS Global Insight GMI Post World Eye Reports Latest News Ishiba pledges cash handout for all citizens ahead of election 52 mins ago Trial of suspect in murder of ex-PM Abe set to begin in October 1 hour ago Wage growth a focus of this year's honebuto no h?shin 2 hours ago Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote 3 hours ago Foreign students scrub social media as U.S. expands visa vetting 3 hours ago";-0,125
"U.S. says Russia response to Ukraine drone attack not over and to expect more strikes Washington – The United States believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin's threatened retaliation against Ukraine over its drone attack last weekend has not happened yet in earnest and is likely to be a significant, multi-pronged strike, U.S. officials said. The timing of the full Russian response was unclear, with one source saying it was expected within days. A second U.S. official said the retaliation was likely to include different kinds of air capabilities, including missiles and drones. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity. They did not detail Russia's expected targets nor elaborate on intelligence matters. The first official said Moscow's attack would be ""asymmetrical,"" meaning that its approach and targeting would not mirror Ukraine's strike last weekend against Russian warplanes. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ";0
"Ukraine denies postponing prisoner swaps as Russian strike on Kharkiv kills fourA young woman holds placards depicting Ukrainian prisoners of war during a rally calling to speed up their exchange, at Independence Square in Kyiv on Saturday. | AFP-JIJI By Pavel Polityuk and Vitalii Hnidyi Reuters SHARE/SAVE X Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Threads Email Print Copy link Jun 8, 2025 Ukraine denied Russian allegations on Saturday that it had indefinitely postponed prisoner swaps, accusing Moscow of ""playing dirty games"" after overnight Russian missile and bomb strikes on Kharkiv left three people dead and 22 injured. Later on Saturday, Russian aircraft carried out another bombing raid on Kharkiv, killing one civilian and injuring more than 40, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called ""another brutal murder"". Separately, Russian officials said a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region wounded two people. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ WHAT’S TRENDING Editors' Picks U.S. intel chief warns ‘warmongers’ fomenting nuclear war after Hiroshima visit How long can Koizumi stay frenemies with the agriculture lobby? Cultural anxiety and Japan's immigration pains Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Search for answers begins in Air India crash that killed 241 Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Pride and prose: Novels that illuminate queer lives in Japan Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer ‘Kokuho’ finds riveting drama on and off the kabuki stage Junto Nakatani remains on collision course with Naoya Inoue after latest win Our Planet China is eroding Japan's LNG dominance. How does that affect Japanese buyers? By Nithin Coca Podcast Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’ Longform How Japan's youth are slowly changing the country's work ethic By Alex K.T. Martin SUSTAINABLE JAPAN Muji has been sustainable from the beginning SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. ???????????????????? Read more SUPPLEMENTS BINDER Bridges by SMS Global Insight GMI Post World Eye Reports Latest News Ishiba pledges cash handout for all citizens ahead of election 52 mins ago Trial of suspect in murder of ex-PM Abe set to begin in October 1 hour ago Wage growth a focus of this year's honebuto no h?shin 2 hours ago Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote 3 hours ago Foreign students scrub social media as U.S. expands visa vetting 3 hours ago";0,175
Japanese professor given Ukrainian award for humanitarian efforts Professor Yoshihiko Okabe of Kobe Gakuin University receives the “Golden Heart” award in Kyiv on Friday. | Jiji Jiji Kobe Gakuin University professor Yoshihiko Okabe was given the Golden Heart award by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday for making great contributions for humanitarian aid in Ukraine under Russia's invasion. Okabe, an expert on Ukraine issues, and others, received the award in an event in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, according to the presidential office. The professor has published several books on Ukraine. He also gives lectures about the country. Last year, Ukraine's Honorary Consulate in Kobe was set up at the university for cultural and academic exchanges with the country, and Okabe became Ukraine's honorary consul in the city. The other awardees included Veronique Bertholle, deputy mayor of Strasbourg, France, and Marc Cools, president of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The Golden Heart award was established in 2022. KEYWORDS Kobe Gakuin University , Yoshihiko Okabe , Russia-Ukraine war , Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Ukraine;0,05
Ukraine hits out at Europe's payout from frozen Russian cashUkraine's government has criticized a decision to take billions of euros of Russian wealth frozen in Europe and hand it to Western investors, warning that it weakened Europe's stand against Moscow. The criticism follows a move last month by Belgium's Euroclear to take €3 billion ($3.4 billion) of Russian investor cash held at the clearing firm to pay Westerners who lost out when Moscow seized their money held in Russia. Now Ukraine has warned that it sends a wrong signal and threatens to weaken Europe's hand when dealing with Russia, while it debates using the entire $300 billion of Russian wealth stranded in Europe to rebuild and defend the battered country. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ;0,2
No-confidence motion against Ishiba Cabinet could lead to double election Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at an Upper House session in Tokyo on Monday. | JIJI By Eric Johnston staff writer Jun 9, 2025 With the current parliamentary session set to end in about two weeks, political tugs-of-war within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan are intensifying over the question of a snap Lower House election on the same day as next month’s scheduled Upper House poll. While CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda has not yet declared whether his party would back a no-confidence motion and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has not publicly stated he will dissolve the Lower House if one is submitted, a double election could result in more political stability if either party manages to capture both chambers, or continued instability if neither holds a majority, even in a coalition. If the opposition parties in the Lower House, which hold a majority, pass a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, Ishiba and his Cabinet must resign en masse. A new prime minister can be chosen and form a new Cabinet, unless the Lower House is dissolved within 10 days, according to Article 69 of the Constitution. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ;0
Los Angeles police order immigration protesters in downtown to go homeLos Angeles police declared all of downtown Los Angeles to be an unlawful assembly area and ordered protesters to go home on Sunday night after a third day of violence hit demonstrations against U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policy. U.S. National Guard troops — deployed by Trump over the weekend to help quell the protests in a move that California Gov. Gavin Newsom called unlawful — guarded federal government buildings on Sunday. The unrest in Los Angeles has become a major flash point in Trump's signature effort to clamp down on illegal immigration. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ;0,025
Explosion at U.S. air base in Okinawa injures fourAn explosion occurred at a facility of the Self-Defense Forces within the U.S. military's Kadena air base in Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, injuring four members, according to SDF sources. An emergency call was made around 11:15 a.m. reporting that a small-scale explosion occurred at a storage depot for unexploded shells in the village of Yomitan in the prefecture. Four Ground SDF members were injured in the incident, but none of them are in critical condition, Defense Ministry officials said. KEYWORDS U.S. bases , Kadena , SDF , Okinawa , Yomitan In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ WHAT’S TRENDING Editors' Picks U.S. intel chief warns ‘warmongers’ fomenting nuclear war after Hiroshima visit How long can Koizumi stay frenemies with the agriculture lobby? Cultural anxiety and Japan's immigration pains Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Search for answers begins in Air India crash that killed 241 Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam' Pride and prose: Novels that illuminate queer lives in Japan Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer ‘Kokuho’ finds riveting drama on and off the kabuki stage Junto Nakatani remains on collision course with Naoya Inoue after latest win Our Planet China is eroding Japan's LNG dominance. How does that affect Japanese buyers? By Nithin Coca Podcast Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’ Longform How Japan's youth are slowly changing the country's work ethic By Alex K.T. Martin SUSTAINABLE JAPAN Ishii Iron Works remakes self for workers, new energy SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. ???????????????????? Read more SUPPLEMENTS BINDER Bridges by SMS Global Insight GMI Post World Eye Reports Latest News Ishiba pledges cash handout for all citizens ahead of election 53 mins ago Trial of suspect in murder of ex-PM Abe set to begin in October 1 hour ago Wage growth a focus of this year's honebuto no h?shin 2 hours ago Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote 3 hours ago Foreign students scrub social media as U.S. expands visa vetting 3 hours ago;0
How Japan's youth are slowly changing the country's work ethic A dwindling pool of labor is quietly trying to reshape office culture into something more flexible — and uncertain After the asset-price bubble crash of the early 1990s, employment at a Japanese company was no longer necessarily for life. As a result, a new generation is less willing to endure a toxic work culture —life’s too short, after all. | JOHAN BROOKS By Alex K.T. Martin Staff writer Jun 2, 2025 In line with Japan’s annual hiring calendar, Seria Ganeko began job hunting during the tail end of her third year in college. Having been raised and educated on the southern island of Okinawa, she wanted to get out of her comfort zone and challenge herself in a new environment: Mobile phone agencies, sales rep positions and staffing firms were among the nearly two dozen job openings she looked at. “I explored all kinds of work and industries without limiting myself,” the 24-year-old says. “Regardless of the job type, I focused on companies whose management philosophy I could relate to — places where my effort would lead to meaningful growth.” She also wanted to improve her English skills. After graduating, she joined the Tokyo branch of a taxi and chauffeur service company in April as a driver, following several months of interning there. The firm offers its employees free weekly English conversation classes with a native instructor, Ganeko says, and with the recent surge in inbound tourism, she often serves international clients — giving her regular opportunities to use English on the job. Having three days off each week was another welcome bonus. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right. SUBSCRIBE NOW With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page. Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ;0,15
"How Russia fueled and weaponized a 2014 Odesa fire that left over 40 dead A scene from deadly clashes between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian activists that led to a fire in the Trade Unions Building in Odesa, Ukraine, on May 2, 2014. Over 40 people were killed that day, two pro-Ukrainian activists from gun shots, and more than 30 in the fire. (Maksym Voytenko/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) Explaining Ukraine , Odesa Oblast , Ukraine , Russia , Russian propaganda , EuroMaidan , Viktor Yanukovych , Donbas , War by Natalia Yermak May 3, 2025 6:20 PM 5 min read Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email This audio is created with AI assistance On May 2, 2014, a tragic incident occurred in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, becoming one of the most widely exploited narratives in Russian propaganda. That day, as more than 1,000 Ukrainian activists gathered in the city to show support for the Ukrainian government, a group of pro-Russian protestors showed up to meet them — many armed with clubs, axes, and guns. They began violently attacking the Ukrainian activists, two of whom were shot and killed as the events unfolded. The activists and those outraged by the attack began to fight back. ""It began with them throwing cobblestones at us,"" Victoria Sybir, a former secretary of a volunteer civilian defense group formed in Odesa to repel attacks on protesters, told the Kyiv Independent, recalling the events back then. ""We fought back as we could, but then two (Ukrainian activists) were killed after being shot,"" she said. As tensions mounted, the Ukrainian activists dismantled a tent encampment set up by the other side, forcing the pro-Russian group to barricade themselves in Odesa's Soviet-era Trade Unions Building. It was from there that the pro-Russian protestors began throwing Molotov cocktails and explosives to fight off those standing outside, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found in an investigation following the event. The activists began launching Molotov cocktails at the building in response. The building caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 42 people, most of them pro-Russian protestors. Another six people were killed that day during the clashes. Since the fire, Russia has continued to use the tragic events in its propaganda. From the start, Russian media alleged that the real number of casualties in the fire was much higher, and many conspiracy theories were circulated to exploit the tragedy, a 2014 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) committee report found. The events of May 2, 2014, also figure in Russia's justification for its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, falsely portraying the events as a ""massacre, during which aggressive 'Ukrainian Nazis' had locked peaceful pro-federalists in the Trade Union Building and had burnt them alive,"" the European court said in its findings of the events. A scene from the deadly clashes between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian activists in Odesa, Ukraine, on May 2, 2014. (Maksym Voytenko/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) A common refrain in Russian propaganda used to legitimize its aggression against Ukraine is the baseless and fabricated notion that Ukrainians are ""Nazis"" and that the Ukrainian government is a ""Nazi regime."" The scene — while a flashpoint in the political chaos in Ukraine at the time — was no isolated event. As Ukraine's EuroMaidan Revolution evolved from a small protest movement to a full-blown uprising from late 2013 through the early months of 2014, Russia seized on the tense moment to sow unrest in the country. From the outset of the revolution, the Russian-linked violent groups that would become known as the ""AntiMaidan"" began appearing at protests, both in Kyiv, the epicenter of the EuroMaidan, and in other cities across Ukraine, including Odesa, the eastern cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, and the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Russia was found to be behind some of the AntiMaidan groups around the country, according to a PACE fact-finding mission in 2014. The revolution reached a bloody climax in February 2014, when security forces backing pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych opened fire on protestors, killing over 100 people. Yanukovych shortly thereafter fled to Russia, and Moscow quickly capitalized on the power vacuum by annexing Crimea and arming Russian-controlled proxy forces in Ukraine's eastern Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. Russia similarly tried to foment anti-government, Russia-sympathetic protest movements in Kharkiv and Odesa in the months after the revolution, but to little avail. Local activists formed civil defense groups that fought back against — at times violently — Russia's moves to recreate its success in Donetsk and Luhansk with the help of proxies and local collaborators. Moscow's attempts in Odesa were not insignificant. The Kremlin had deployed its agents to undermine local authorities, backed street clashes, and fueled the spread of disinformation about the revolution. At the time, roughly 30% of Odesa's population identified as ethnic Russians. Some local officials also held sympathetic views toward Russia. In an interview with Radio Svoboda , Serhii Dibrov, a Ukrainian reporter and expert from the public organization "" The May 2 group ,"" said the Russian consulate in Odesa was one of the biggest in the world, used as a getaway for Russian money lobbying its interests in the oblast through local political parties, media, and NGOs. The European Court of Human Rights concluded in a 2025 ruling that pro-Russian activists in Odesa were aided by some local authorities and police during the attack on the rally. The role of the local government in the day's events During the clashes in Odesa on May 2, dozens of policemen were found to have stood idly by in a line with their backs to the attackers, enabling them to pull out firearms freely, the court ruled.. Some police even ignored the fact that protestors had been shot. ""A pro-Russian activist wearing a balaclava, who was standing behind and, at times, next to the police, was seen firing numerous shots in the direction of pro-unity supporters"" around the time when the first pro-Ukrainian activist was shot, according to the ECHR investigation. After the fires in the building started, the local State Emergency Service department ignored numerous calls to the building for about half an hour per their chief's order, who was present at the scene. Instead of waiting for first responders to arrive at the scene of the fire, some activists jumped out of the building's windows. Others were evacuated with the help of activists outside. After the fire was extinguished, the local police arrested sixty-three people who were still in the building. Two days later, on May 4, several hundred pro-Russian activists stormed the local police building where the arrested protesters were held. The acting regional police chief, who helped the pro-Russian movement and subsequently fled to Russia, ordered their immediate release. International observers found that Ukrainian authorities, many of whom were part of Yanukovych's pro-Russian Party of Regions, did little at the time to investigate the events and prosecute those responsible, partly explained by Ukraine's tumultuous transition after the revolution. The ECHR ruled on March 13, 2025, that the Ukrainian government failed to prevent and properly investigate the deaths of 48 people in the clashes. The court found that there was not enough conclusive evidence to prove that Russia had orchestrated the clashes — ""especially given the covert nature of the alleged involvement."" It acknowledged, however, Russia's involvement in instigating the violence through information warfare and, possibly, Russian-controlled saboteurs on the ground. ""The relevant (Ukrainian) authorities failed to show sufficient thoroughness and diligence in initiating and/or pursuing the investigations (of the clashes),"" said a 2015 report of the International Advisory Panel of the Council of Europe cited by the court. Could Ukraine have stopped Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014? Amid reports that a U.S. peace proposal might include recognizing Moscow’s illegal annexation of Crimea, President Donald Trump denied Ukraine was being pressured to accept the move — while also asserting Ukraine had given up the peninsula in 2014 “without firing a shot.” “Nobody is asking (President Volodymyr) Zelensky to";0,525
"Could Ukraine have stopped Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014?Could Ukraine have stopped Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014? by Kateryna Hodunova May 2, 2025 8:41 PM 8 min read People hold a huge flag, a combination of Ukrainian, Crimean, and Tatar flags, on Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 23, 2014 following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) Explaining Ukraine , Crimea , Ukraine , Russia , EuroMaidan , Viktor Yanukovych , Vladimir Putin , War by Kateryna Hodunova May 2, 2025 8:41 PM 8 min read Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email This audio is created with AI assistance Amid reports that a U.S. peace proposal might include recognizing Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea, President Donald Trump denied Ukraine was being pressured to accept the move — while also asserting Ukraine had given up the peninsula in 2014 ""without firing a shot."" ""Nobody is asking (President Volodymyr) Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea , why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on April 23. The claim that Ukraine simply handed over Crimea when Russia illegally annexed the peninsula in February 2014 ignores years of Moscow's military buildup in the region and the volatile political crisis occurring in Ukraine at the time that left Kyiv ill-equipped to mount a defense. Russia’s annexation of Crimea coincided with the Euromaidan Revolution , widely considered the single most consequential political event in Ukraine's independent history that ended with the ousting of then pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych . Protesters clash with riot police during the EuroMaidan Revolution in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2014. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) After Yanukovych ordered his security forces to open fire on protestors, killing around 100 people, he fled the country to Russia on Feb. 21, 2014. In the power vacuum left by his departure, Moscow moved to take over Crimea. The Kremlin had been amassing troops in Crimea for years thanks to agreements that had allowed it to station its Black Sea Fleet on the peninsula. This military presence enabled Moscow to take swift control over Crimea in less than a month. Russian special forces without insignia seized the building of the Supreme Council and the Crimean Ministers Council overnight on Feb. 27, 2014. A few weeks later, Russian soldiers took control of airports, Ukrainian military units, and the navy. While the takeover was largely without armed resistance, Ukrainian troops stationed at the Balbek Air Base did put up a fight against Russian troops. Ukrainian soldiers stand inside the gate of a military base as unidentified heavily armed soldiers stand outside in Perevalne, Crimea, Ukraine, on March 3, 2014. (Sean Gallup / Getty Images) A total of 103 cadets, 2,239 soldiers and sailors, and 1,649 officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces held out for almost a month in a complete Russian encirclement in Crimea, then-acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov wrote recently on his personal website on April 14 in response to claims that the Ukrainian soldiers stationed in Crimea had not been commanded to defend their positions. Meanwhile, the U.S. and the U.K. — signatories of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which pledged to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity in exchange for Kyiv surrendering its nuclear arsenal — did not come to Ukraine's defense. The agreement has been widely criticized for its vague political guarantees rather than firm commitments to protect Ukraine in the case of armed aggression. “They explained that they didn't want to irritate Vladimir Putin or provoke a full-scale war in the heart of Europe. Ukraine wasn't given a single bullet,” Turchynov recalled. Russia's long-term plan Russia began taking its first steps toward its future occupation of Crimea long before 2014, helped along by the government of Yanukovych. The Kharkiv agreements, signed by Yanukovych and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on April 21, 2010, extended Russia's lease to station its Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol until 2042. The agreements signed that year also lifted any restrictions on Russian troops ' movements around the peninsula, ""creating all the necessary prerequisites for occupation,"" Turchynov wrote. Russian special forces storm the Ukrainian Belbek Airbase near Belbek, Crimea, Ukraine, on March 22, 2014. (Oleg Klimov / Epsilon / Getty Images) The increase in the Russian fleet's presence, whose troops and military equipment exceeded that of Ukraine's in Crimea , was supposed to be in exchange for cheaper Russian gas for Ukraine by applying a discount in the form of canceling customs duties. The deal, however, threatened Ukraine's sovereignty. ""This was a threat, because at any time, this group (of forces) could have launched wider-scale actions against our country,"" Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in 2021. Between 2010 and 2014, Russia began covertly bringing in modernized or refurbished equipment into Crimea to strengthen its military forces, according to Ukrainian intelligence (HUR). The agency also recorded incidents when Russia seized Ukrainian navigation equipment in 2011 and 2012. Russian troops were also actively forming new brigades on the Crimean peninsula. At the same time, the Ukrainian army had been experiencing long-lasting funding cuts. An ongoing reform of the army resulted in the disbanding of the 32nd Army Corps and the withdrawal of the 3rd Separate Special Forces Regiment, both of which were stationed in Crimea. Under the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko from 2005-2010, the issue of the Ukrainian military's combat capability and potential NATO membership was regularly raised. These discussions came to a standstill under Yanukovych. Toward the end of his presidential term, Yushchenko said in 2009 that the Ukrainian army had become a ""victim of political intrigue,"" hinting that disagreements within the government had led to the impoverishment of the military. Viktor Yushchenko leaves the Trade Union House in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he voted on Dec. 26, 2004. (Graeme Robertson / Getty Images) The situation around the peninsula heated up even more in late 2013. On the eve of the Olympic Games in Sochi, a city on the Black Sea coast, Russia announced the need to conduct additional security measures in the water to ensure safety during the sporting event. ""Using this legend, the Russian military practiced blocking maritime waters, as well as the airspace, and conducted various reconnaissance operations. They used reconnaissance and long-range radar detection aircraft. They also conducted aggressive reconnaissance activities against Ukraine ,"" Skibitskyi told RFE/RL. In late February 2014, Russian airborne troops from regions including Tula, Ryazan, and Kubinka were reportedly put on high alert and began movement toward the Black Sea coast. Ukraine had little capability to respond at that point. Losing precious time The Kremlin began its occupation of Crimea while Kyiv was in chaos after Yanukovych fled to Rostov-on-Don following the EuroMaidan. Instead of organizing the defense of Crimea, pro-Russian associates of the former president were also busy fleeing Ukraine. ""The entire policy of Yanukovych started to fall into place: it weakened the Ukrainian state, paving the way for both the forthcoming annexation of Crimea and the attempt to separate the eastern and southern oblasts from the rest of the country,"" a report by the Warsaw Institute published in 2018 read. Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine's eastern regions with the use of proxies after it annexed Crimea, and attempted to sow instability in the south. After an interim government was set up in Kyiv, a secret meeting of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council was held on Feb. 28, 2014, almost a week after Russian forces began their operation on the peninsula. The participants decided to put the Ukrainian Armed Forces on full combat alert, appeal to the Budapest Memorandum guarantor countries, strengthen the defense of critical infrastructure, and create an operational headquarters for responding to the situation in Crimea. The decisions did little to drive Russia off the peninsula. Ukrainian admiral Denys Berezovskyi took over the Ukrainian Navy on March 1, 2014. The next day, he refused to comply with the Ukrainian authorities' orders, issuing one himself to subordinate units in Crimea military personnel to hand over their weapons to the warehouses and return military equipment to storage facilities. According to a transcript of the Feb. 28, 2014 NSDC meeting, then-Defense Minister Ihor Teniukh claimed that Ukraine had 15,000 soldiers on the peninsula at the end of February 2014. Turchynov later said that since the beginning of the occupation, 70% of Ukrainian soldiers betrayed their military oath, bringing their number down to 4,000. However, according to Teniukh, only up to 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers were combat ready. Ukrainian protesters wave Ukrainian flags and call for the removal of Russian forces from Russian-occupied Crimea in Simferopol, Ukraine, on March 8, 2014. (Sean Gallup / Getty Images) Pro-Russian men armed with clubs gather outside the Crimea regional parliament building after parliamentarians voted on an illegal referendum on Crimea's autonomy earlier in the day, in Simferopol, Ukraine, on Feb. 27, 2014. (Sean Gallup / Getty Images) During his presidency, Yanukovych's party, the Party of Regions, in cooperation with Russian intelligence services kept close watch over Crimea, even preparing the ground for the upcoming invasion, according to the Warsaw Institute. In particular, Ukrainian military units, police, and Security Service officers were infiltrated and captured by Moscow agents, the Warsaw Institute. ""Political disorientation, low morale, poor financial and logistical support, as well as the systematic work of Russian agents in the leadership of the security forces led to mass desertion and defection to the aggressor of most Ukrainian soldiers and officers stationed in occupied Crimea,"" Turchynov said. ""Viktor Yanukovych surrendered Crimea deliberately. There was no pressure on him from the Russian Federation."" ""Most of the remnants of our military units, surrounded and scattered across the peninsula, were not even able to fulfill orders and basic requirements of military regulations, ensuring the defense of their positions with weapons,"" Turchynov added. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (L) attend a Russian-Ukrainian summit in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 17, 2013. (Sasha Mordovets / Getty Images) Following the forcible seizure of Crimea, the Russian government held a referendum on the status of peninsula without international observers and with armed Russian soldiers present at polling locations. Russia soon after declared Crimea a part of Russia, cementing its illegal annexation on March 21, 2014. Most countries do not recognize the results of the referendum. ""Viktor Yanukovych surrendered Crimea deliberately. There was no pressure on him from the Russian Federation,"" Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, the former head of Ukraine's Security Service, said during Yanukovych's trial in absentia in 2018. The surrender of Crimea to Russia had been planned since 2010, when fugitive President Yanukovych came to office, he added. On March 24, 2014, Turchynov signed a decree enacting a decision of the NSDC to relocate military units and law enforcement agencies from Crimea to other regions of Ukraine. Within less than a month, Russia had moved to invade and partially occupy parts of eastern Ukraine . The origins of the 2014 war in Donbas There is a reason why Ukrainians insist the world refers to Russia’s assault against Ukraine in 2022 as a “full-scale” invasion. Russia’s war against Ukraine did not begin on Feb. 24, 2022, but in 2014, with both the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine’s eastern";0,35
"What were the Minsk Agreements and why did they fail to bring peace in Ukraine?Ten years after Kyiv and Moscow first negotiated a ceasefire to end the fighting in Ukraine’s east, the two sides may once again find themselves around the negotiating table to reach a truce on the battlefield. This time around, Kyiv insists that any ceasefire alone will not be enough to guarantee Ukraine’s security if Russia’s full-scale invasion is brought to an end through peace negotiations. After Russia invaded Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts with the use of proxy forces in the spring of 2014 , multiple truces were negotiated between 2014 and 2015 as part of what became known as the Minsk Process, named for the city in the neighboring Belarus where the talks took place. France, Germany, and OSCE acted as mediators in negotiations between the Ukrainian government and the self-proclaimed independent ""republics,"" set up and financed by Russia in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts . Russia, a signatory to the agreements, positioned itself as a neutral broker, while in fact being a party and the instigator of the conflict. But following both rounds of negotiations, referred to as Minsk-1 and 2, Russian-backed militants in the area violated the various ceasefires dozens of times. Still, Russia has continuously blamed Ukraine for failing to perform the Minsk agreements . In 2022, Russia pronounced that the agreements “no longer existed” and used it as one of the pretexts to launch the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over the years, observers have argued that Ukraine, under pressure from its international partners and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield, was forced to sign an unfavorable deal in 2014 and an even worse one in 2015. Needing financial support from the West and time to build up its military, Ukraine felt it had no choice but to sign the agreements. The thinking at the time was, according to then-Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, “If we don’t sign (the agreements), then what are we going to do?” With fresh memories of this failed peace process, President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated Ukraine would not accept a negotiated end to the invasion that does not contain firm security guarantees from partners. The origins of the 2014 war in Donbas There is a reason why Ukrainians insist the world refers to Russia’s assault against Ukraine in 2022 as a “full-scale” invasion. Russia’s war against Ukraine did not begin on Feb. 24, 2022, but in 2014, with both the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine’s eastern The Kyiv Independent Anastasiia Lapatina Minsk-1: First attempt to sign a deal The invasion of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by Russian forces began in April 2014, when several dozen armed people led by Igor Girkin, also known by his alias ""Igor Strelkov,"" a retired Federal Security Service's (FSB) colonel, seized administrative buildings in the city of Sloviansk. Ukraine lost control of the Russian-Ukrainian border in Luhansk Oblast, through which Moscow supplied weapons and equipment. Russia, which annexed Crimea earlier the same year, claimed that the armed conflict in Donbas was an internal political affair of Ukraine caused by the discontent of residents. International and Ukrainian monitoring bodies, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), found evidence suggesting otherwise. Russian-backed militants received significant reinforcements in August 2014, when the regular Russian army joined them in the area of Ilovaisk and helped to surround Ukrainian troops. Their encirclement ended in what is now known as the “ Ilovaisk Tragedy ” when Russian forces fired upon evacuating Ukrainian troops, despite the Russian side agreeing to a “green corridor” to ensure their safe passage. Three hundred sixty Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the onslaught. Amid heavy territorial and personnel losses, less than two weeks later, on Sept. 5, 2014, Kyiv was forced to sit down at the negotiating table within the Trilateral Contact Group, consisting of Ukraine, Russia, and OSCE officials. Those talks led to the conclusion of the Minsk Protocol, also known as Minsk-1, a 12-point document aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Donbas. Former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma, representative of Russian-backed militants in Donetsk Oblast Alexander Zakharchenko, OSCE envoy Heidi Tagliavini, Russian Ambassador to the Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov, representative of Russian-backed militants in Luhansk Oblast Igor Plotnitsky in Minsk, Belarus on Sept. 5, 2014. (Vasily Maximov / AFP via Getty Images) The protocol included an immediate bilateral cessation of the use of weapons, ensuring OSCE monitoring, the release of all hostages, the withdrawal of armed groups from Ukraine, and the adoption of a law on the special status of the occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts and the holding of early local elections there. The document was signed by the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Heidi Tagliavini, Ukraine's second President Leonid Kuchma, and then-Ambassador of Russia to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov. Russian proxies Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky, who represented the militants in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, also signed the protocol. During an additional round of talks on Sept. 19, the parties also agreed on a nine-point memorandum that specified the truce terms, including a ban on military aircraft flights over the agreed security zone, the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, among other obligations. ""Maybe 1% of me believed that the Minsk Agreements would work. At the same time, 99% were sure that they would not."" While the agreement led to reduced fighting, it failed to bring an end to hostilities, forcing the parties back to the negotiating table. ""Maybe 1% of me believed that the Minsk Agreements would work. At the same time, 99% were sure that they would not,"" then-reconnaissance platoon commander Ruslan with the callsign ""Spasatel"" (""the savior"" in English), who served near Shyrokyne in Donetsk Oblast at that time, told the Kyiv Independent. He is identified only by his first name and callsign for security reasons. Russia’s history of violating ceasefire agreements in Ukraine As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, fears are mounting that Kyiv could be forced to accept a peace deal on unfavorable terms, and that will leave it vulnerable to future Russian attacks. The fears aren’t unfounded. After Russia The Kyiv Independent Kateryna Hodunova Minsk-2 agreement: Ukraine forced to sign a worse deal In early 2015, Russian-backed troops from Donetsk Oblast captured the Donetsk Airport after months of extremely heavy fighting. Following its takeover, Russian-backed militants along with regular Russian troops launched an assault on the strategically important city of Debaltseve, sitting between Donetsk and Luhansk Ukraine, once again finding itself in a weaker position on the battlefield and under pressure from its European partners, agreed to a second round of talks in Minsk. Ukraine and Russia met for the second time on Feb. 11-12, 2015. This time, the talks included a long meeting of the Normandy Format, represented by then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko , German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and Russian President Vladimir Putin . For the first time, the countries' leaders met in Minsk — previously, the negotiations in Belarus had been held at a lower level. ""For them, it was a way of making us fundamentally dependent (on Russia)."" The talks lasted nearly 16 hours. Following the negotiations, the leaders agreed on a 13-point Package of Measures for implementing the new agreements. The Trilateral Contact Group signed it, and the Minsk-2 agreement was officially born. Russian President Vladimir Putin, then-French President Francois Hollande, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Minsk, Belarus, on Feb. 11, 2015. (Mykola Lazarenko / Pool / AFP via Getty Images) According to Minsk-2, a comprehensive ceasefire had to be declared at the front line starting at midnight on Feb. 15, 2015. Unlike the Minsk-1 agreements that created a buffer zone on the Russia-Ukraine border, under Minsk-2, the OSCE was supposed to monitor the disengagement of weapons at the contact line, but access was limited. Minsk-2 also included a point on the self-governance of the Russian-occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Russia pushed for their recognition as autonomous regions to be enshrined in Ukraine’s constitution. ""For them, it was a way of making us fundamentally dependent (on Russia),"" Klimkin, Ukraine’s foreign minister at the time, told the Kyiv Independent. Minsk agreement immediately breaks Within minutes of the declaration of a comprehensive ceasefire on Feb. 15, the OSCE recorded shelling of Ukrainian positions. Three days later, over 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers were forced to withdraw from Debaltseve. According to Ukraine's Defense Ministry, 110 soldiers were killed, 270 wounded, seven were captured, and 18 went missing in Debaltseve from Jan. 15 until Feb. 18. ""The attacks did not stop. They just became less intense,"" then-reconnaissance platoon commander Ruslan, with the callsign ""Spasatel,"" said. In the end, Minsk Agreements failed to stop the war, leaving the conflict mostly frozen. The documents signed in Minsk also were never ratified by any parliament, giving them no real legal weight. Even during the years between the Minsk Agreements and the full-scale invasion, the fighting never fully stopped. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were killed during this period, including some 65 soldiers in 2021. Recalling the agreements in 2022, Poroshenko said that the most important thing then was to buy time for Ukraine and slow down Russia's advance in the east. ‘Conditions for Ukraine’s surrender’ — Why Putin’s demands for ceasefire make no sense Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions for a ceasefire are unrealistic and tantamount to demanding that Ukraine disarm itself and surrender, analysts say. Putin said on March 13 that Russia was ready to agree to the U.S.-backed 30-day-long ceasefire in Ukraine but then followed by listing a… The Kyiv Independent Oleg Sukhov ""Our task was, first, to avert the threat or at least delay the war. To get eight years to restore economic growth and build the strength of the Armed Forces,"" Poroshenko said. ""It was achieved."" The OSCE, which was supposed to record ceasefire violations and war crimes, was often refused access to Russian-occupied territory by the Kremlin-backed militants. Ruslan, the Ukrainian soldier with the call sign ""Spasatel,"" recalled this peacekeeping mission as ""absolutely useless"" because it operated mainly on the territory controlled by Ukraine. Paris and Berlin, meanwhile, were more preoccupied with avoiding any escalation with the Kremlin and deepening economic ties with Russia. ""Merkel launched the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in 2015. Despite discussions with Ukraine and the EU, she kept repeating that it was just 'an economic project’,"" Klimkin said. ""The logic then was: 'Let's stop (this war where it is) and try to settle down.' And much of the West believed in this logic,"" Klimkin added. Later negotiations that took place under the Normandy Format in 2019, which facilitated a “comprehensive” ceasefire signed on July 18, 2019, were equally unsuccessful at curtailing Russia’s aggression. The last meeting of the format took place on Feb. 10, 2022, just two weeks before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. “The Power Within” — order the Kyiv Independent’s first-ever magazine now. pre-order now";0,35
"Kyiv, not Kiev — How Ukraine reclaimed its capital's nameKyiv, not Kiev — How Ukrainians reclaimed their capital's name by Anna Belokur March 3, 2025 1:24 PM (Updated: March 4, 2025 9:00 AM ) 5 min read The shift from ""Kiev"" to ""Kyiv"" reflects Ukraine’s struggle for cultural and linguistic sovereignty, breaking from Russian imperial influence. (Masha Ektova / The Kyiv Independent) Explaining Ukraine , Culture , Kyiv , Russian Empire , Soviet Union , Ukraine , Russification , History by Anna Belokur March 3, 2025 1:24 PM (Updated: March 4, 2025 9:00 AM ) 5 min read Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email This audio is created with AI assistance For decades, if not more, English speakers the world over referred to Ukraine’s capital as Kiev, pronouncing it kee-yev . Few people knew they were using the Russian name for the city. The city is pronounced keeiv in Ukrainian and is transliterated correctly into English as Kyiv. In fact, until recently, the names of almost all Ukrainian places and people were transliterated according to their Russian versions . After gaining independence in 1991 , Ukrainians lobbied the international community to adopt native transliterations when speaking and writing about Ukrainian cities. Their efforts were largely ignored for several decades as Ukraine struggled to shake its reputation as a former part of Russia. The needle began to move slightly in 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine’s east and annexed Crimea . With the outset of the full-scale invasion in 2022 , the world seemed to get the message. Most major news outlets, academic publications, and government bodies now refer to Ukrainian place names by their Ukrainian transliterations. There are still some hold-outs, however, most notably among media outlets that often parrot Kremlin narratives . The Russian spelling and pronunciation of Kyiv throughout the ages was no accident. While the name gets its origin from an empire that predates Russia, a series of policies by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union that sought to Russify Ukraine and the Ukrainian language distorted its roots. Sign up for our newsletter sign up What does the name Kyiv mean? Kyiv, located on the Dnipro River, was officially founded in 482 A.D., although archeological evidence suggests there has been a settlement on the site for about 2,000 years. Various theories about its founding exist — with the founders being said to be Goths, Huns, and Turks, among others — but the most popular legend credits four royal siblings of an Eastern Slavic tribe with establishing the city in the 5th century. Kyiv is thus said to be named after the eldest sibling, Kyi, similar to how the mythical Romulus inspired the name Rome. In the 9th century, Kyiv became the capital and cultural center of Kyivan Rus , a medieval state spanning eastern and northern Europe, from which modern Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus all trace their origins. During the “Golden Age” of Kyivan Rus, Kyiv emerged as a political, cultural, and religious center, with landmarks like Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and the Pechersk Lavra monastery complex reflecting its importance and prosperity. View from The Bell Tower of Saint-Sophia ?athedral in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 23, 2024. (Oleh Tymoshenko / The Kyiv Independent) Moscow, founded at the tail end of Kyivan rule in 1147 A.D., is more than 600 years younger than Kyiv. Over the eight centuries that followed the breakup of Kyivan Rus, Kyiv was controlled by the Mongols, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland, the Russian Empire, and lastly the Soviet Union before becoming the capital of independent Ukraine. Both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union drew their national identity from the legacy of Kyivan Rus. Authors of Russian history and the Russian state, including President Vladimir Putin , have envisioned their control over the city as a prerequisite for reuniting a long-lost empire. This imperial preoccupation also underpins current Russian narratives; in Putin’s view, Kyiv is the mother city of a great Slavic kingdom that is destined to be reunified . The origins of ‘Slava Ukraini’ In early March 2023, a video surfaced online showing the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war. The unarmed soldier’s last words were “Slava Ukraini” – a Ukrainian national salute that means “Glory to Ukraine” – before he was shot multiple times and collapsed to his death. Ukrainian officials… The Kyiv Independent Kate Tsurkan Why not ‘Kiev’? Under the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, Russian cities, including Saint Petersburg and Moscow , dictated official language policies. In Soviet times, Moscow required all 15 member republics of the Soviet Union to adopt Russian as their official language. The result was that over the last century, Westerners came to know Ukrainian cities by their official Russian-language transliterations: Kiev as opposed to Kyiv , Kharkov as opposed to Kharkiv , Lvov as opposed to Lviv , and Odessa as opposed to Odesa . This lack of international awareness and recognition of the languages and cultures of individual Soviet member states meant “Russian” became a commonplace blanket term for all things Soviet. This legacy carried on past the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Many foreign governments and media outlets continued to refer to Ukrainian cities by their Russian transliterations , bolstered by and contributing to the widespread stereotypes that “everyone in Ukraine speaks Russian” and the factually incorrect “Ukraine is a former part of Russia.” After the 2014 EuroMaidan revolution and Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and invasion of Donbas, more institutions in the West began acknowledging Ukraine’s political and linguistic sovereignty. People participated in the Euromaidan protests at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2014. ( Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) By 2019, many diplomatic missions and English-language news outlets had switched to using Ukrainian spellings of Ukrainian proper names out of respect for the country. Social media has also played a pivotal role in encouraging foreigners to switch to using Ukrainian names. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the #ReformUA campaign in the late 2010s, with hashtags such as #KyivNotKiev, #LvivNotLvov, and #KharkivNotKharkov. The effort also discouraged referring to Ukraine as “the Ukraine” — which insinuates that it is a region in a larger nation, rather than an individual state in its own right. Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 brought global attention to Ukraine and its capital city, prompting widespread adoption of “Ukrainian” spellings — or rather, since Ukrainian uses a Cyrillic alphabet, Latin alphabet transliterations that better reflect the Ukrainian pronunciation of names. “The Power Within” — order the Kyiv Independent’s first-ever magazine now. pre-order now Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Anna Belokur Social Media Manager, Video Host Anna Belokur is a social media manager at the Kyiv Independent. She has worked as a writer and strategist for various newsrooms and non-profits, recently serving as a digital strategist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Originally from the U.S., she is now based in Kyiv. Read more Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go? Become a member Most popular 1 . 'Russian bombers are burning en masse' — Ukraine's SBU drones hit 'more than 40' aircraft in mass attack, source says 2 . 'Nothing secret left' — Ukraine hacks Russia's Tupolev bomber producer, source claims 3 . After 3 days of consecutive attacks on Ukraine, Russia calls UN meeting over alleged European 'threats to peace' 4 . 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"The downing of MH17, and Russia’s responsibilityMalaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine near the village of Hrabove in Donetsk Oblast by Russian proxy forces, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board. (Daria Filipova) Explaining Ukraine , MH17 , The Hague , Ukraine , Russia , Donbas , War by Elsa Court July 17, 2024 9:18 PM 9 min read Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email This audio is created with AI assistance Two plaques are displayed in the entrance hall of the Dutch Embassy in Kyiv. One commemorates the opening of the building, while the other is simply inscribed with the words “MH17 - July 17, 2014.” At 12:31 on July 17, 2014, flight MH17 departed from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, set to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport around 12 hours later. Three hours into the flight, Russian proxy forces used a Buk surface-to-air missile to down the Boeing-777 above Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board, among them 196 Dutch citizens. Relative to population, more Dutch were killed on that day than Americans were killed on 9/11. In a prosperous country that has remained largely unscathed by terrorism, war, or natural disasters for at least a few generations, the event prompted the country’s first day of national mourning since the 1960s. Memorial services are held every year on July 17. At best, Russia never claimed responsibility for the crime, and at worst, spread vicious disinformation that blamed Ukraine for the downing. Ten years later, Russia’s refusal to cooperate with the international investigation means that none of those deemed responsible have ever been brought to justice. How was the crash investigated? Three weeks after the crash, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was established under the leadership of the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, together with investigators from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Belgium, and Ukraine. The countries conducted a joint investigation to guarantee independence. Ukraine was represented in the JIT, while Russia was not as the crime was committed on Ukrainian territory. Members of the team constantly validated the evidence and results “so that these cannot be questioned on an international level,” the JIT said . A team of Australian and Dutch investigators was also permanently stationed in a field office in Ukraine until the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kees Klompenhouwer , the Dutch ambassador to Kyiv at the time, recently recollected that it was unclear in the immediate aftermath which country or agency should be in charge of the investigation. Members of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service search for bodies in a field near the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 near the village of Hrabove, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 26, 2014. (Bulent Kilic / AFP via Getty Images) Debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is shown smoldering in a field in Hrabove, Ukraine, on July 17, 2014. (Pierre Crom/Getty Images) The Dutch embassy initially asked the OSCE’s monitoring mission in Ukraine to visit the scene of the crash. The OSCE’s deputy chief monitor arrived at the site, which was under the control of Russian proxy forces, the next day. As the owner of Malaysian Airlines, the Malaysian government was the first party to be considered to lead the investigation due to civil aviation rules. However, Klompenhouwer said he soon “learned from a reliable source that, with Moscow's approval, Malaysian special forces had collected the black boxes and vital wreckage that could have clarified the circumstances from the crash site.” The fact that Malaysia had cooperated with Russian proxies “led to great anger in Kyiv,” Klompenhouwer said. Malaysia then offered the Netherlands to take the lead in the mission to recover the bodies and investigate the crash. The origins of the 2014 war in Donbas There is a reason why Ukrainians insist the world refers to Russia’s assault against Ukraine in 2022 as a “full-scale” invasion. Russia’s war against Ukraine did not begin on Feb. 24, 2022, but in 2014, with both the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine’s eastern The Kyiv Independent Anastasiia Lapatina Klompenhower said he accepted the offer from Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifa Aman on July 21 and Malaysia handed MH17’s black boxes to the Netherlands the next day. “From the outset, the Dutch government had intuitively made the only right choice, namely, to seek cooperation with the legitimate authority, Ukraine,” Klompenhower said, while the OSCE was able to negotiate with Russian proxy fighters on behalf of the Netherlands to gain access to the crash site. Once the JIT was established, the painstaking work of piecing together the evidence began. The JIT assessed all human remains, passengers’ belongings, aircraft wreckage, radar and satellite images, and telecom data, including intercepted phone calls. The JIT also heard from witnesses and used expert testimonies. In May 2018, the JIT announced that it had concluded the Buk missile that shot down MH17 came from Russia’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, based in Kursk Oblast. The Buk system had been transported to a field near Pervomaiske in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast. After the crash, the system was transported back to Russia days later with a missing missile. Who shot down flight MH17? The JIT has so far been unable to determine who exactly fired the missile that shot down MH17. However, three men have been held responsible for the decision to fire the system at the civilian aircraft. On Nov. 17, 2022, The Hague District Court declared three people guilty in absentia of downing MH17 — Russian warlord Igor Girkin , his subordinate Sergey Dubinsky, and Leonid Kharchenko, a Ukrainian who joined Russian proxy forces. A fourth suspect, Russian citizen Oleg Puvlatov, was acquitted due to a lack of evidence about his role. Igor Girkin (Strelkov), the former commander of Russia's proxies in occupied Donetsk Oblast delivers a press conference in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on July 28, 2014. (Bulent Kilic/AFP via Getty Images) The judicial process took place in the Netherlands due to an earlier decision by the JIT to prosecute the suspects under Dutch law. The Netherlands and Ukraine concluded an agreement on international legal cooperation in July 2017, to enable this proceeding. Girkin was the highest-ranking military commander of Russian proxy forces in Donbas, and “as such held final responsibility for the deployment of military equipment,” the court ruled. He had proclaimed himself the ""defense minister"" of Russia's proxy forces in Donetsk Oblast in May 2014. “Intercepted conversations reveal that Girkin maintained very regular contacts with Moscow concerning equipment and obtaining actual military support, including anti-aircraft artillery with trained specialists,” the court said. The Hague court ruled that Dubinsky, a military commander of Russian proxy forces in Donbas, was directly responsible for coordinating the transport of the Buk missile system from Russia. Kharchenko, who was junior to Dubinsky, was responsible for escorting the Buk system from Donetsk to a field in the village of Pervomaiske, where the missile was launched. Kharchenko was also responsible for ensuring that the Buk system was protected at the launch site and followed instructions from his superior Dubinsky. The court considered him to be a “collaborating foreman in essential actions that contributed to the actual firing of the Buk missile.” Lawyers attend the judges' inspection of the reconstruction of the MH17 wreckage, as part of the murder trial ahead of the beginning of a critical stage in Reijen, Netherlands on May 26, 2021. (Piroschka van de Wouw - Pool/Getty Images) Girkin, Dubinsky, and Kharchenko were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 298 people and ordered to pay 16 million euros ($17.5 million today) in compensation to the victims' relatives. The JIT said that in addition to these three men, more people were likely involved in the downing of the flight but there is a lack of evidence to prove their identity. In February 2023, the JIT announced it was suspending its work since “all leads have been exhausted.” The JIT concluded that although there were “strong indications” that Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to supply the Buk system, there was not enough evidence to implicate him fully. 10 years of war: A timeline of Russia’s decade-long aggression against Ukraine Almost immediately following the end of the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine in February 2014, Russia swiftly moved to annex and occupy the Crimean Peninsula. Within a couple of months, unrest erupted in eastern Ukraine followed by Russian-backed militias taking over administrative buildings. The… The Kyiv Independent Kateryna Denisova “Putin, of course, enjoys immunity as president of his country, but we know from other cases that you have to persevere. In the end, you will get there,” Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister at the time, said in response to the JIT’s findings. MH17’s victims Although the majority of the victims were Dutch, among the dead were also 43 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians, and 10 people from the U.K.. Four Belgians, four Germans, three Filipinos, one New Zealander, and one Canadian were also killed. Among the Dutch victims was Joep Lange, one of the world’s most prominent AIDS researchers, and his wife Jacqueline van Tongeren, an influential AIDS campaigner in her own right. The couple was traveling via Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference. Four others, Pim de Kuijer, Lucie van Mens, Maria Adriana de Schutter, and Glenn Thomas, were also on board to travel to the same event. Family of the crew members of MH17 pay their respect during a vigil in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 22, 2014. (Rahman Roslan/Getty Images) Mourners attend a memorial service held for a family of five killed in the flight MH17 disaster in the suburb of Eynesbury in Melbourne, Australia, on July 20, 2014. (Paul Jeffers/Getty Images) Relatives attend the unveiling of the National Monument for the MH17 victims in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands on July 17, 2017. (Remko de Waal / ANP / AFP via Getty Images) Entire families were also killed. Among the victims were a Dutch family consisting of 17-year-old Brett, 15-year-old Jinte, 12-year-old Amel, and 9-year-old Solenn, who were on board with their parents Jeroen and Nicole to start their vacation in Malaysia. Fifteen-year-old Piers, 12-year-old Marnix, and 8-year-old Margaux were killed along with their parents, Shaliza Zain Dewa and Johannes van den Hende, as they traveled home to Australia. Among the Australian victims were also Nick Norris and his three grandchildren, 12-year-old Mo, 10-year-old Evie, and 8-year-old Otis. Their parents had stayed in Amsterdam for a few days while their grandfather was accompanying them back to Australia for the start of school. In total, 80 of the flight’s passengers were children. Why was flight MH17 shot down? Since the full identities of the Buk crew have never been proven, “it cannot be ascertained why they fired a Buk missile at MH17,” the JIT said in February 2023. The most plausible theory is that MH17 was mistaken for a Ukrainian military aircraft. The plane was downed weeks after Russian proxy forces asked the Kremlin for longer-range air defense systems in their fight against the Ukrainian military. Evidence shows this request was granted, the JIT noted . Girkin claimed on the day of the crash that his forces had downed a military aircraft. “We just downed a plane, an (Antonov) AN-26,” Girkin wrote in a post on Russian social media site VK. “We have issued warnings not to fly in our airspace. We have video confirming. The bird fell on a waste heap. Residential areas were not hit. Civilians were not injured,” Girkin said. He later deleted the post and denied any involvement in downing MH17. Igor Girkin ended up imprisoned in Russia in January 2024. He was arrested in July 2023 over his Telegram posts, considered by Russian authorities as ""extremist” after airing his criticism of the Kremlin’s conduct of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A piece of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is pictured in a field near the village of Hrabove, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 20, 2014. (Bulent Kilic /AFP via Getty Images) Russian propaganda claimed that Ukraine downed the plane or that the entire crash was staged, a tactic used by Russia in other cases, such as after it was discovered Russian forces had killed hundreds of civilians in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha in 2022. Moscow later claimed the JIT used fake evidence and was ignoring evidence provided by Russia. “The JIT has investigated everything it can without the cooperation of the Russian authorities,” Andy Kraag, head of the Dutch National Criminal Investigation Department said in February 2023 when the suspension of the investigation was announced. “Any further evidence must be sought in the Russian Federation. And for this, the JIT is dependent on the cooperation of the Russian authorities or Russian (insider) witnesses,” Kraag said. “Our door remains open for them.” Russia’s annexation of Crimea Russia invaded Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in February 2014 amid the deadliest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution that eventually ousted pro-Russian ex-President Viktor Yanukovych. While Yanukovych’s pro-Russian regime was murdering protesters in downtown Kyiv, around 30,000 Russian troops crossed i… The Kyiv Independent Lucy Minicozzi-Wheeland Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Elsa Court Audience Development Manager Elsa Court is the audience development manager at the Kyiv Independent. She previously worked as a news editor at the Kyiv Independent and was an intern at the Kyiv Post in 2018. She has a Master’s in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from Utrecht University. Elsa is originally from the UK. Read more Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go? Become a member";-0,025
"Pereiaslav, the treaty that started modern Russo-Ukrainian historyPereiaslav, the treaty that started modern Russo-Ukrainian history by Martin Fornusek May 14, 2024 5:35 PM 11 min read The Pereiaslav Agreement of January 18, 1654, was a pivotal treaty in Russo-Ukrainian history. (Daria Filipova) Explaining Ukraine , Pereiaslav Treaty , Cossacks , Kyivan Rus , Crimean Tatars , History by Martin Fornusek May 14, 2024 5:35 PM 11 min read Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email This audio is created with AI assistance In late April 2024, in central Kyiv, heavy cranes began dismantling a sculpture erected to commemorate 17th-century Pereiaslav Treaty between the Cossacks and Muscovites, symbolically closing a chapter of a shared history. It was the very same agreement lauded by Russian President Vladimir Putin as supposed evidence of Ukraine's historical subservience to Moscow in a piece he penned months before launching the full-scale invasion. What is the story behind the Pereiaslav Treaty, and why does it carry such a different meaning for both nations? In January 1654, in the town of Pereiaslav in modern-day Ukraine, leaders of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks pledged allegiance to Muscovite (Russian) Tsar Alexei I in exchange for his protection against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. While Soviet and Russian historiography has presented the event as the ""reunification of the Rus"" and proof of perpetual affinity between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy takes a wholly different view. The Zaporozhzhian Cossacks. From a private collection. Artist Brandt, Jozef (1841-1915). (Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images) In his book on Ukraine’s history, “The Gates of Europe,” he writes that with the signing of the treaty, “The long and complex history of Russo-Ukrainian relations had begun.” Pereiaslav's impact has rippled through centuries, representing a very different legacy for both nations. For Russia, the treaty has played a crucial role in its imperial narratives about the Russo-Ukrainian ""historical unity."" Plokhy retorts, however, that rather than a unification of one “Rus nation,” it was the beginning of the shared history of Ukrainians and the Russians, two separate peoples that have, since the fall of Kyivan Rus , evolved in a wholly different political and cultural milieu. For Ukraine, it was the start of a painful story that ended in Ukraine's subjugation by Moscow. What began as a pragmatic alliance against Poland ended up in Russia completely dissolving the hetmanate a century later. The Cossacks and the Muscovites Looking more closely at the world in which the Pereiaslav Treaty, sometimes referred to as the Pereiaslav Council, was born, the narrative about the “reunification” of one people begins to waver. While both can claim the legacy of the Kyivan Rus, the fate of what we today see as Russia and Ukraine diverged heavily after that medieval polity fell to the Mongol armies. Muscovy’s early history flowed mostly separately from European events. In turn, much of today's Ukraine was incorporated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, opening the door to various cultural influences from the continent. This led to the development of different languages (famously, the two parties at the Pereiaslav Council needed translators ), political values, religious thought, and even architecture, with the baroque style entering Ukraine much earlier than Russia. The Polish rule over Ukraine was far from peaceful, however. The Cossacks , a mostly Orthodox people from the Ukrainian steppe with a strong militaristic and egalitarian tradition, led numerous revolts against their Catholic rules. Portrait of the Cossack Hetman of Ukraine Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1595-1657). From a private collection. (Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images) The largest one was launched by the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks under Hetman Khmelnytskyi in 1648. While initially scoring major victories and establishing himself as an effective ruler of much of today's Ukraine, the hetman was aware that he could not stand against Poland on his own for too long. He needed allies. The Cossacks first joined forces with the Crimean Tatars , but the Crimean khan proved more interested in perpetual conflict and spoils of war rather than in a decisive victory of one side. Khmelnytskyi’s overtures to the khan’s masters, the Ottoman Empire, also did not bring the desired results, as the sultan was occupied elsewhere. How Russia steals and rewrites Ukrainian history to justify its claims in Ukraine Appropriating and rewriting foreign history has been a key aspect of Russia’s imperialist narratives. This is especially true about the history of Ukraine, which Russia has sought to subjugate for centuries. Crediting Russia as being the sole successor of the medieval Kyivan Rus and laying claims… The Kyiv Independent Oleg Sukhov When the Cossack host turned to Moscow for aid, there were clear, pragmatic reasons. However, the shared Rus legacy and the common Orthodox faith may have made the tsar appear even more as a suitable candidate. “We have convened a council open to the whole people so that you, together with us, might choose a sovereign for yourselves out of four… the first is the Turkish (sultan)... the second is the Crimean khan, the third is the Polish king who, if we wish, may still take us into his former favor, the fourth is the Orthodox sovereign of Great Rus, the tsar, Grand Prince Alexei Mikhailovich, the eastern sovereign of all Rus,” reads the transcription of Khmelnytskyi’s speech to Cossack officers. The response was overwhelming support for the Orthodox tsar. Religious affinity may have indeed been an important factor in their decision. The wars of the 17th century were often fought along religious lines. The Cossacks' Reply to the Sultan (Zaporozhtsy)', circa 1890, (1939). 'Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of Turkey', also known as 'Cossacks of Saporog Are Drafting a Manifesto', 19th-century imagining of a supposed historical event of 1676, based on the legend of Cossacks sending an apparently rude and insulting reply to an ultimatum from Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire. 'On the right is Taras Bulba (in a white cap), the hero of Gogol's tale of the same name; on the left is Andrei, Taras Bulba's son; almost in the centre sits Ataman (Chief) Serko with a pipe in his mouth'. (The Print Collector/Getty Images) According to Plokhy, the actual decision was made before the hetman's theatrical exchange with his followers. The historian lists clear reasons why the other potential allies were unsuitable. The Crimean Tatars were unreliable, the Ottomans were too distant, and Poland had proven averse to granting the Cossacks the privileges they sought. We can assume that Moscow was the most practical choice after eliminating all the other competitors. Plokhy also warned against overestimating the sense of shared religious or historical legacy among the Muscovites and Ukrainians. ""The tradition of Kyivan Rus' as represented by historical memory and religious belief still existed, but it was embodied only in a few handwritten chronicles,"" Plokhy writes. ""Four centuries of existence in different political conditions… had strengthened long-standing linguistic and cultural differences,"" he adds. Furthermore, the suggestion in Putin's 2021 article ""“On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians” that the Cossacks saw themselves as ""Russian"" is even more doubtful. The 17th-century Muscovy claimed the legacy of old Rus but was a very different state from what we today understand as Russia. That was established by Peter I decades later. In the archival photo, Vladimir Putin looks at the crown of Peter the Great during the ceremony of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Kremlin Museums in Moscow, Russia, March 7, 2006. (Yuri Kadobnov/AFP via Getty Images) The modern-day idea of a Russian nation came into existence even later in the 19th century. The first probes into a possible alliance between the two states began already in 1648. Five years later, Moscow's parliamentary assembly, the Zemsky Sobor, sanctioned taking the hetmanate under the tsardom's patronage and launching a war against Poland-Lithuania despite the standing peace treaty. A Muscovite delegation led by nobleman Vasiliy Buturin was dispatched to Pereiaslav, with the council itself taking place on Jan. 18, 1654. Dealings with the tsar's envoy revealed a cultural and political divide between the two parties. Buturin refused to discuss the terms of the agreement or to swear an oath to uphold the tsar's side of the treaty. The hetman, accustomed to negotiating directly with Polish royal envoys, was taken aback, but the necessities of the situation made him accept the terms. ""Khmelnytskyi, who wanted Muscovite troops in battle as soon as possible, agreed to swear allegiance to the tsar with no reciprocal oath,"" Plokhy writes. Nevertheless, Tsar Alexei stood by his words — at first. Moscow recognized certain privileges to the Cossacks that the Polish king refused to grant, and its forces joined the fray against the Commonwealth armies. The Cossacks and the Muscovites achieved success, with Khmelnytskyi's host besieging Lviv and the Muscovites entering Vilnius, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. As a matter of fact, this success was too great for the tsar, who feared that the Polish-Lithuanian state might actually fall apart and disrupt the balance in the region in favor of another power, Sweden. In 1656, Moscow violated their agreement with the Cossacks and signed a separate peace deal with Poland, enraging Khmelnytskyi. Feeling betrayed by the tsar, the old hetman was ready to switch to another ally. But as he was planning overtures to the Swedish king, Khmelnytskyi died in August 1657, leaving his plans unfinished. Russia’s many attempts to erase Ukrainian language, culture Russia has not only killed tens of thousands of Ukrainians and ruined much of the country’s infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion. It aimed at destroying the core of Ukrainian identity — language, and culture — in the territories it occupied. The Kyiv Independent Olena Makarenko The tsar's decision and the hetman's outrage originated from their very different understanding of the treaty. Moscow's ruler believed he was simply gaining another obedient subject to whom, as an autocrat, he was bound by no obligations. Khmelnytskyi, while acknowledging the tsar as his superior, expected a reciprocal relationship. For the tsars, the Pereiaslav Treaty meant that Ukraine had become their patrimony even after Khmelnytskyi's death. The rest of the 17th century saw the Cossacks divided and fighting among themselves, with Moscow aptly using the conflict to eventually gain control over the entire hetmanate. With much of modern-day Ukraine safely within their grasp, the Muscovites would gradually take away the Cossacks' rights and privileges, crush any revolt that tried to halt the process, and eventually dissolve the Cossack Hetmanate completely in 1764. The Pereiaslav Council, seen by Khmelnytskyi as a means to protect his fledgling state against Poland, has become a tool for Moscow to take over and destroy it completely. The result of the Council started the red line that would permeate the rest of Russo-Ukrainian history. Pereiaslav in Russian imperial narratives “When I was asked about Russian-Ukrainian relations, I said that Russians and Ukrainians were one people — a single whole,” Putin wrote in his aforementioned 2021 article. “Bohdan Khmelnytsky then made appeals to Moscow… (for aid). In January 1654, the Pereiaslav Council confirmed that decision. Subsequently, the ambassadors of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Moscow visited dozens of cities, including (Kyiv), whose populations swore allegiance to the Russian tsar,” Putin wrote. In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Vladimir Putin gives an interview to US talk show host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russi on Feb. 6, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov / POOL /AFP via Getty Images) “In a letter to Moscow in 1654, Bohdan Khmelnytsky thanked Tsar Alexei Mikhaylovich for taking ‘the whole Zaporizhian Host and the whole Russian Orthodox world under the strong and high hand of the Tsar.’ It means that… the Cossacks referred to and defined themselves as Russian Orthodox people.” This argument was meant to serve as one of the justifications for Russia’s subsequent full-scale invasion that has murdered thousands of Ukrainians . Putin argues that he is returning Ukraine to its historical, rightful place. Let’s not give him too much credit, though, as he did not come up with the idea himself. Instead, he borrows heavily from Soviet historiography, which, in turn, was inspired by 19th-century imperial narratives. Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, the same man who unleashed the Holodomor famine against the Ukrainian people, realized the benefits of reviving the memory of the shared Russo-Ukrainian history once Nazi Germany invaded the USSR. The town of Pereiaslav was renamed ""Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi"" to honor the hetman seen by the Soviet authorities and their court historians as “Ukraine’s unifier with Russia.” Municipal service workers, under the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, dismantle a granite monument with a multi-figure group, dedicated to the Pereiaslav Council in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 30, 2024. (Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) As Canadian-Ukrainian historian Serhy Yekelchyk writes, the Pereiaslav Council was cast as Ukraine’s “unbreakable union with the fraternal Russian people.” A rather modest celebration of the treaty’s 290th anniversary in 1944 “reinstalled… the renewed cult of Pereiaslav (that) symbolized the dominant presence of the Russian elder brother,” Yekelchyk says in his book titled “Stalin's Empire of Memory.” This was followed by a much grander celebration of the “Union of Russia and Ukraine Tercentenary” in 1954, already in the era of Stalin’s successor, Nikita Khrushchev. The all-union event was accompanied by the publishing of a body of documents called the “Reunification of Ukraine with Russia” that were meant to testify to the “eternal union” between the two peoples… with Russia in the superior position, of course. In 1982, the Soviet authorities opened a monument complex called Peoples' Friendship Arch in central Kyiv to celebrate the Russo-Ukrainian unity. It was dedicated to several historical events, including the 1,500th anniversary of the city's founding, the 60th anniversary of the USSR, and the Pereiaslav Council. A part of the complex was a granite stele depicting participants of the council, dressed in historical Russian and Cossack garbs. Municipal service workers under the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People finish dismantling a granite monument with a multi-figure group dedicated to the Pereiaslav Council in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 1, 2024. (Zinchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) The statue remained there after Ukraine gained its independence in 1991 and even after the post-EuroMaidan government launched a large-scale decommunization and de-Sovietization process in 2015. It was only after the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022 that the arch complex began to be taken apart. The first part of the composition — a bronze statue of a Russian and Ukrainian worker — was removed in 2022. In April 2024, the Culture Ministry abolished the landmark's status as a historic site. Finally, on April 30, the dismantling of the Council statue itself finalized the divorce from the Kremlin-established Pereiaslav narrative. Holodomor: Soviet Union’s man-made famine in Ukraine Editor’s Note: This article contains graphic photos and descriptions. The Holodomor, which means “murder by starvation” in Ukrainian, is widely considered to be one of Ukraine’s most devastating national tragedies. A man-made famine brought on by the agricultural collectivization policies and acti… The Kyiv Independent Alexandra Keeler Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Martin Fornusek Senior News Editor Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies. Read more Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go? Become a member";0,375
"Russia makes a year's worth of NATO ammunition in 3 months, Rutte saysRussia produces as much ammunition in three months as NATO does in a year, posing serious risks for the alliance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 9 at Chatham House in London. ""The capabilities of (Vladimir) Putin's war machine are speeding up, not slowing down,"" Rutte said. ""Russia is reconstituting its forces with Chinese technology and producing more weapons faster than we thought."" Rutte's statement comes amid mounting tensions between the alliance and Russia and an increasingly uncertain U.S. commitment to European security. According to Rutte, Russia is restoring its military potential with the help of China, Iran, and North Korea. This year, the Russian industrial complex is expected to roll out 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armored vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles, NATO chief said. ""Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,"" Rutte said. ""Let's not kid ourselves."" ""We are all on the eastern flank now. The new generation of Russian missiles travels at the speed of sound. The distance between European capitals is only a matter of minutes. There is no longer east or west. There is just NATO,"" he added. When asked whether a long-term truce in Ukraine's war against Russia would allow the latter to stockpile even more weapons and increase the risks to NATO, Rutte said: ""That's a statement of fact."" ""Our assumption at the moment is that even whilst the war against Ukraine is continuing, they (Russian forces) are still able to increase stockpiles slightly, but that's debatable,"" Rutte added. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted European countries to hike defense spending in order to revive their military capabilities , which atrophied after decades of disarmament following the Cold War. The matter gained more urgency after signals that the U.S., the most powerful military in NATO , plans to scale down its presence in Europe as President Donald Trump shifts strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region. Ukrainian foreign intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko recently warned that Russia will be able to replenish its forces between two and four years after the war in Ukraine, allowing it to launch aggression against Europe. ‘Find and destroy’ – how Ukraine’s own Peaky Blinders mastered the art of bomber drones Editor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only. DONETSK OBLAST – From the moment the vehicles duck into pre-prepared positions in the leafy treeline to the first dead Russian soldiers, less than twenty The Kyiv Independent Francis Farrell Authors: Kateryna Hodunova , The Kyiv Independent news desk Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go? Become a member";-0,175
"Ukraine reinvented Trojan Horse with Operation Spiderweb, NATO admiral saysA Russian bomber ablaze at the Belaya military airfield in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, after Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb drone attack on June 1, 2025. (Screenshot / Security Service of Ukraine) This audio is created with AI assistance Ukraine has reinvented the Trojan Horse tactic during Operation Spiderweb inside Russia, NATO Admiral Pierre Vandier said in an interview with AFP on June 9. Kyiv's operation , conducted overnight on June 1, involved hiding first-person view (FPV) drones in trucks deep inside Russia before the attack. The operation damaged 41 aircraft , including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers — two of Russia's primary platforms for missile attacks against Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. It caused approximately $7 billion in damage and disabled one-third of Russia's cruise missile bombers, according to a source in the Security Service of Ukraine. ""What the Ukrainians did in Russia was a Trojan Horse — and the Trojan Horse was thousands of years ago,"" Vandier , NATO's supreme allied commander transformation, said. ""Today, we see this kind of tactic being reinvented by technical and industrial creativity."" Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Vandier said that NATO needs to act quickly to master new technologies in time, considering the looming Russian threat. But the admiral added that while drones are indispensable in modern warfare, they are not omnipotent. ""No one in the military sphere will tell you that we can do without what we'll call traditional equipment,"" Vandier said. ""However, we are certain we need new equipment to complement it."" ""Today, you won't cross the Atlantic with a 10-meter-long (33-foot-long) drone. You won't easily locate submarines with such tools,"" he added. ""If they accompany your large platforms, you'll be able to achieve much better results at much lower costs."" Ukraine has pioneered drone technology during Russia's full-scale war, introducing various ground-, air-, and sea-based models for combat and reconnaissance missions. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 30 that Ukrainian soldiers hit and destroyed in May more than 89,000 Russian targets using drones of various types. Ukraine is working to scale up domestic production . Kyiv has also developed long-range missile-drone hybrids, including the Palianytsia and Peklo models, which use turbojet engines as cruise missile alternatives. By the end of 2024, Ukraine had developed a total of 324 new types of weapons, according to the Ministry of Strategic Industries. Author: Kateryna Hodunova Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go?";0,3
"Russians are too weak' — Orban questions Moscow's ability to attack NATOHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has questioned Russia's ability to attack NATO countries, as it is not ""even capable of defeating Ukraine,"" he said in an interview with French TV channel LCI on June 8. ""The Russians are too weak for that,"" Orban said. ""They're not even capable of defeating Ukraine, so they're incapable of really attacking NATO."" Over three years into its full-scale war, Russia has failed to achieve Ukraine's surrender or at least the complete occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, which was reportedly among the Kremlin's demands in Russia's first peace proposal in 2022. Russian troops have recently intensified their offensive, moving deeper into Sumy Oblast, as well as closing in on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast . Russian propaganda has for years insisted that NATO and its further expansion pose a threat to Moscow. The Kremlin has also claimed that Ukraine's ambition to join NATO was a major trigger for its invasion, although in 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and started the war in the Donbas region, Ukraine's chances and desires of joining the alliance were low. Orban, widely regarded as the European Union's most pro-Russian leader, said that it is not in the interests of the EU, including Hungary, to have ""a direct conflict with Russia"" or ""a threat of war,"" so Ukraine must not join NATO. ""Europe must be strengthened in the long term, and there must be a strategic agreement with Russia,"" Orban said, adding that sanctions against Russia are ""destroying Hungary and the whole of Europe."" Under the Orban regime, Hungary has become widely regarded as the most Kremlin-friendly state in the EU. Budapest has been blocking the opening of EU accession negotiation clusters with Kyiv and signaled further obstruction in recent weeks after Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said it had uncovered a Hungarian spy network in western Ukraine. Orban also encouraged Hungarians to vote in a non-binding national poll on Ukraine's EU bid that the government launched in early March. The poll has garnered criticism for low turnout and manipulative questions, written to encourage citizens to reject Ukraine's accession. Key to Russia’s potential defeat lies in its economy As the war in Ukraine grinds on, attention remains fixed on the battlefield. But Russia’s most vulnerable flank is not in the trenches — it’s in the treasury. The West, and especially the United States, holds economic levers that could push Vladimir Putin toward serious negotiations or even collapse The Kyiv Independent Wojciech Jakóbik Author: Kateryna Hodunova Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall. We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all. More than 20,000 people chose to stand behind us. We’re deeply grateful and overwhelmed with your support. Thank you for making it possible. Let´s see how far we can go? Become a member";0,275
"What UK's Strategic Defense Review means for UkraineBritain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 2 that the United Kingdom is moving to ""warfighting readiness,"" in large part in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the threat Russia poses to Europe. He made the comment as his government unveiled its latest Strategic Defense Review , which U.K. General Richard Barrons, one of the review's authors, described as the ""most profound"" change in U.K. defense in 150 years. The review sets out ambitious new targets , including at least 12 new attack submarines, fleets of drones and autonomous vehicles, as well as 7,000 new long-range weapons. Yet it also comes with urgent warnings. The review reveals that the U.K.'s Armed Forces are currently unprepared to fight adversaries such as Russia or China, nor could they conduct high-intensity warfare in a war like that in Ukraine. Insufficient munition stockpiles , low troop numbers, and ageing equipment are just a few of the weaknesses underpinning its assessment. ""The speed of development in Ukraine is so far ahead of what countries like the U.K. is capable of."" But as well as committing to bolstering its own defense capabilities, the U.K. must also manage the commitments already made to Kyiv, which it has vowed to support with a "" 100-year partnership ."" The U.K. has been one of Kyiv’s closest supporters since the start of the full-scale invasion, and the review reiterates long-term support for Ukraine, committing 3 billion pounds ($4.06 billion) annually in military aid. ""The bottom line is that all of this is about defending the U.K. after the conflict moves on from Ukraine primarily,"" Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, a U.K.-based think tank, told the Kyiv Independent. ""Whether it's positive, negative, or catastrophic, either way, that's when the U.K. and its allies need to be ready for Russia's next move."" Lessons learned from Ukraine The U.K. wants to create a more flexible procurement process, as demonstrated by that developed by Ukraine throughout the full-scale invasion, a dynamic it says would be vital should the U.K. deploy troops in support of a ceasefire. The review urges deeper defense industrial collaboration, including joint ventures and helping Ukraine access global markets, as well as rebuilding and sustaining its defense sector. This could include helping Ukraine service Soviet-era equipment still used abroad. The U.K. also aims to learn from Ukraine’s experience in modern warfare, particularly in land combat, drones, and hybrid threats. However, the review highlights challenges — U.K. stockpiles of weapons such as Storm Shadow long-range missiles have been depleted through its support to Ukraine, and years of underinvestment have weakened domestic defense capacity. The U.K. has announced that it will build six new munition factories. This indicates a significant attempt to address one of the key criticisms of European defense, which is its lack of industrial base and reliance on U.S. support. While U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey has said that ""we should expect to see new factories opening very soon,"" it is not clear how quickly this will translate into meaningful battlefield assistance for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. ""The speed of development in Ukraine is so far ahead of what countries like the U.K. are capable of, the best-case outcome for Ukraine would just be sending the money there to build stuff,"" Giles said. When asked how Ukraine could be best supported outside of the recommendations in the review, Giles said the ""maximum support"" should be given to Ukraine, without the hesitancy about doing damage to Russia.""";0,05
Work permits and laughing gas: What changes in Sweden this summer?Sweden slows down over the summer, but there's still a lot going on as far as new laws are concerned. June The salary threshold for work permits was originally set to be raised to 100 percent of the median salary on June 1st. As readers will have realised by now, that didn't happen. Sweden’s Migration Minister Johan Forssell told The Local in May that “no formal decision” has been made on where the final salary threshold will actually end up. What we do know, though, is that the government in February asked the Migration Agency to present a list of which professions should be exempt from the salary threshold by August 1st, suggesting that the original plan to roll out the new threshold on June 1st will be postponed until at least the autumn. Staying on the topic of work permits, Statistics Sweden is set to release new figures on June 17th. This may not sound like a big deal, but these are the figures which affect the salary threshold for work permit applicants in Sweden. The most recent figures from June last year put the median salary at 35,600 kronor, meaning that work permit holders applying for a new permit or an extension need to earn 80 percent of this – 28,480 kronor – to qualify for a permit. This was a hike of over a thousand kronor compared with the year before. Once the new median salary figure has been released, the work permit salary requirement will (almost certainly) rise. This will only apply to applications submitted from that date – the threshold is determined by the most recent salary figures at the time of application, not at the time a decision is made. The Riksbank central bank is also set to make a decision on whether or not to cut Sweden’s key interest rate on June 18th. A number of Swedish banks, among them Handelsbanken and Swedbank, predict a cut in June, due in part to lower than expected inflation in May. There will also be interest rate announcements in July and August. There are a couple of political events this month – Järvaveckan on June 11th-14th in Stockholm and Almedalen on Gotland between June 23rd and 27th. Midsummer falls on June 20th – and it’s the last public holiday of the year (until Christmas at least), so make the most of it. July A lot of new laws usually come into force in Sweden on July 1st. Sweden’s former government introduced a flight tax in 2018 to lower the impact of flights on the climate. That will be abolished from July 1st, which the current government and the Sweden Democrats expect will shave 80 kronor off the price of domestic and European flights. Flights outside Europe are expected to be around 325 kronor cheaper. The sale of laughing gas will also be banned from July 1st in cases where there is a suspicion it will be used for recreational purposes. There will also be a ban on selling it to minors and a limit on the amount which can be purchased at one time, set at 18 grams. Sellers found breaking the new law risk a fine or a prison sentence of up to six months. A new law making it easy to change legal gender is also set to come into force from July 1st. The law would allow qualified doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists and healthcare counsellors ( kurator ) to write up a document for patients wishing to change gender, which would then be processed by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). If the request to change legal gender is granted, the Tax Agency would be responsible for changing their gender in the population register, as well as altering the second-to-last number in the applicants’ personal number – women have even numbers while men have odd numbers. Tax on beer will also be cut from the beginning of July for small independent breweries – defined as breweries producing a maximum of three million litres of beer per year. The size of the tax cut is determined by the breweries’ yearly production, with a maximum cut of 50 percent. If you got your final tax bill at the beginning of April, you’ll have to pay any arrears by July 14th. August The Migration Agency is set to present its list of exceptions to the work permit salary threshold to the government by August 1st. That doesn’t mean that they will come into force on that date, but it does mean that we should at least have more information about which professions could be included. Swedes start heading back to the office after their summer holidays, with Monday July 28th and Monday August 4th likely to be the big return days this year. The majority of workers take at least a couple of weeks off during July, with many taking three or even four. This means that replies to all those unanswered emails you've sent over the last month will start ticking into your inbox as Sweden's workers return to their desks. The autumn semester in schools and universities gets under way in August and early September, although the exact date depends on where in Sweden you live. There are a couple of festivals happening this month – music festival Way out West in Gothenburg from August 7th-9th, and Malmöfestivalen between August 8th and 15th. Unfortunately there are no public holidays in August, although this doesn't mean there's nothing to celebrate. The crayfish season officially starts on August 7th this year, so be prepared for crayfish-themed decorations to start popping up in your local supermarket, and find some friends (preferably with access to a summer house) to hold your very own kräftskiva (crayfish party). As with most Swedish celebrations, expect drinking songs, lots of snaps, crispbread, cheese, and most likely some sort of västerbottenpaj – a quiche featuring Sweden's favourite cheese, västerbottensost. Here's our guide to six essential Swedish drinking songs for crayfish party season.;0
"Le Pen and Orban lambast EU at far-right rally in France French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday launched scathing attacks on the EU at a rally in France aimed at flaunting the unity and strength of the anti-immigration wing of European politics. Aimed at marking one year since Le Pen's National Rally (RN) crushed opponents to win their best-ever vote share in European elections, the get-together, dubbed the Victory Festival, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson south of Paris brought together far-right leaders from across Europe. The mood was buoyant and confident in the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House earlier this year and strong election results across the continent. Orban, revelling in his self-proclaimed status as the ""black sheep of the EU"" and ""Brussels' nightmare"", likened European migration policy to ""an organised exchange of populations to replace the cultural base"" of the continent. Boasting of having been able to ""push back migrants"" in his country, even if it meant incurring sanctions from Brussels, Orban told the several thousands present: ""We will not let them destroy our cities, rape our girls and women, kill peaceful citizens."" 'Finish the game' Le Pen, in her speech, described the European Union as a ""graveyard of politically unfulfilled promises"" and termed it ""woke and ultra-liberal"". ""We don't want to leave the table. We want to finish the game and win, to take power in France and in Europe and give it back to the people,"" she said. Her party previously backed France's exit from the EU. But now it preaches European reform while remaining a member as Le Pen seeks to make the party electable and shake off the legacy of her late father Jean-Marie Le Pen. Other attendees included Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party Matteo Salvini, the leader of Spain's Vox party Santiago Abascal and former Czech premier Andrej Babis. They are all part of the Patriots for Europe faction in the European parliament, one of no less than three competing far-right factions in the chamber. Salvini meanwhile described migration as a ""threat"" to Europe. ""The threat to our children is an invasion of illegal immigrants, mainly Islamists, financed and organised in the silence of Brussels,"" he affirmed from the podium, calling on European ""patriots"" to ""work together"" to ""take back control of the destiny and future of Europe."" In a sign of the controversy over the meeting, some 4,000 people from the left, hard left and trade unions protested in the nearby town of Montargis, according to organisers, vowing to ""build resistance"" and proclaiming the far-right leaders were ""not welcome"". ""You have here the worst of the racist and xenophobic European far right that we know only too well,"" said French hard-left MEP Manon Aubry. 'Brussels guillotine' The meeting also comes less than two years ahead of watershed presidential elections in France where President Emmanuel Macron, who has long promoted himself as a bulwark against the far right, cannot stand again and the RN sees its best ever chance of taking power. But it is far from certain if Le Pen will stand for a fourth time as her conviction earlier this year in a fake jobs scandal disqualifies her from standing from public office. She has appealed. But waiting in the wings is her protege and RN party leader Jordan Bardella, 29, who would stand if Le Pen was ineligible. Bardella, who polls have shown would still be set to win the first round of presidential elections if he stands, is taking care to project his image including a long TV interview with star anchor Karine Le Marchand aimed at showing his softer side. ""We reject the Europe of Ursula von der Leyen,"" Bardella told the rally, referring to the chief of the EU Commission. ""We reject the Europe of Macron... We represent the rebirth of a true Europe."" As well as Le Pen's legal limbo, the contours of the French 2027 presidential election remain largely unclear, with centre-right former prime minister Edouard Philippe the only major player to clearly state he will stand. Orban urged the RN to emerge triumphant from the elections. ""Without you, we will not be able to occupy Brussels (...) We will not be able to save Hungary from the Brussels guillotine,"" said Orban.";-0,875
COMPARE: Is it cheaper to fill your fuel tank in Germany or across the border?Fuel prices vary between European countries, so drivers headed out from Germany may want to consider the most cost-effective place to refill. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Kahnert If you are driving abroad from Germany it might be worth waiting until you cross the border before you fill up on fuel. But it depends where you are going. If you're planning a road trip from Germany, you can save yourself some money by being strategic about where you fuel up. Especially if you'll be crossing international boundaries, it's worth taking a moment to consider refuelling before or after certain borders. Price differences across Europe are primarily the result of different taxes and duties. Fluctuations in oil prices, on the other hand, usually affect all countries. Here's an overview of where drivers coming from Germany can save the most on fuel, depending on where you're going -- according to recent fuel price data from the EU Commission. Heading south Gasoline in Austria is 22 cents cheaper than in Germany on average, and diesel fuel is six cents cheaper. So it's generally better to refill your tank on the other side of the border. However, if you're merely passing through Austria on the way, the most cost effective place to refuel depends on your destination: in Italy, fuel is more expensive than in Austria, but in Slovenia, Croatia or Hungary it's cheaper. In Slovakia, gasoline and diesel are slightly cheaper than in Austria. Switzerland is not a cheap country for refuelling. There are no figures from the EU Commission, but according to information from the Touring Club Switzerland, fuel is more expensive there than in Germany, Italy or France. Any diesel drivers with plans to cross Switzerland to Italy would be advised to fill up the tank before leaving Germany, because diesel is cheaper in Germany than either of the other countries. READ ALSO: Switzerland suspends Deutsche Bahn trains due to chronic delays Heading west Fuel in France is almost on a par with Germany. But if you're driving through to Spain, you can save significantly by holding off on your refill until then. Belgium has significantly cheaper gasoline - by 16 cents per litre - but diesel is 7 cents more expensive than in Germany. In the Netherlands, it is 17 and 7 cents more expensive than in Germany, respectively. Luxembourg has the cheapest fuel in the West, with gasoline that is 24 cents less than in Germany and diesel that is 16 cents less. To the East If you're headed eastward, you'll naturally benefit from some of the cheapest gasoline prices within driving distance of Germany. In both Poland and the Czech Republic, drivers can save around 35 cents per litre. Diesel is also cheaper here, at about 18 and 22 cents less, respectively. Continuing in the direction of the Baltic States, fuel is still cheaper than in Germany, but more expensive than in Poland. The same is true in Hungary or Slovakia in comparison with the Czech Republic. In all these cases, you can save a bit on your return journey by topping up before the border before entering Poland or the Czech Republic. Northbound If you're headed to Denmark, it's cheaper to fill up beforehand. Premium gasoline is 23 cents more expensive there than in Germany, and diesel is 14 cents more. If you continue on to Sweden, however, fuel becomes cheaper: Super is 28 cents cheaper there than in Germany, and diesel is 9 cents less. READ ALSO: Five 'coolcation' spots you can reach by train from Germany Other tips Prices also vary between individual petrol stations, and depending on the time, region and whether you fill up on the motorway or a country road. Also, differences between countries are often lower directly before and after the border. Generally, you are better off refuelling late in the evening, or at least outside commuter hours. You might consider filling up the evening before departure when fuel tends to be a few cents cheaper than in the morning, for instance. Planning your fuel stops for strategic points on your route may help you save a bit on transport costs, but driving out of your way for cheaper gas usually won't. With reporting by DPA. More #Driving #Fuel Comments (1) Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at news@thelocal.com . Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved. Please log in here to leave a comment. Christian 2025/06/06 11:38 This really needs to be shown in a table at the end. See Also;0
"Inside Spain: Catalonia backs ban on foreign residents buying homes In this week’s Inside Spain we look at how the Catalan Parliament has voted in favour of  preventing temporary residents who've lived in the country for under five years from buying homes. Restrictions on foreign property ownership appear to be at the forefront of national and regional political agendas in Spain currently. Most recently, we’ve had Pedro Sánchez’s ruling party push forward with the idea of a new 100 percent tax which would double the property price for non-residents of the EU . FACT CHECK: Yes, Spain's proposed 100% tax doubles property price But there are those who want to take it one step further and restrict actual foreign residents in Spain from buying homes. The plenary session of the Catalan Parliament on Thursday supported a motion by separatist party the Republican Left (ERC) calling on the government to limit the purchase of temporary residents to ""curb speculation."" ERC is the party which already tried to get the Spanish Congress to do this, but the proposal was rejected . Now they’re attempting to do the same but just in Catalonia, where 45 percent of 25 to 40-year-old residents are foreign born. The legal text specifies that only foreigners who have ""permanent residency"" - those who have officially resided in Spain for five years - should be able to purchase a property, and that they would to prove this residency period first to the region's housing department before being able to buy. The premise for this is that there has to be limits for property purchases from overseas which aren’t for “habitual and permanent residence”. The initiative received the approval of the Catalan Socialists-Units parliamentary group and ERC, Comuns and CUP, while right-wing parties Junts, PP, Vox and Aliança Catalana rejected it. A similar left-right political divide has been seen on a national level vis-à-vis the 100 percent property tax. At one point, far-right party Vox referred to such proposals as “xenophobic”. READ ALSO: Foreigners could avoid Spain's 100% tax by buying new builds The Catalan Parliament's green-lighted document also stipulates that a supplementary tax could be introduced on the transfer of real estate to non-EU residents, in line with what Spain’s ruling Socialists have proposed, although it’s unclear if this would be exactly the same. Furthermore, a ""differentiated regime"" could be established for legal entities from other EU states wishing to acquire a property for commercial use. The Catalan Parliament has also approved a restriction on foreign investment in real estate development if for commercial purposes. Interestingly, what was rejected was a proposal to reduce the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) on the purchase of a first home for residents. Crucially, even though the Catalan Parliament has voted in favour of this motion, it remains a declaration of intent with no immediate effect. In other words, foreigners - regardless of their nationality or residency - can continue to buy properties in Catalonia as this is not a law that’s in force. What the motion and vote does require is that Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Catalan leader, Socialist Salvador Illa, take action to create a “legal framework” to make these limits on foreign property ownership a reality. Whether this actually occurs will remain to be seen, subject as well to the possibility that such measures may contravene EU legislation on the free movement of capital from within and outside of the bloc. INTERVIEW: 'Spain's 100% tax on foreign buyers will end up in EU courts' What does seem to be clear is that hardly a week goes by in Spain currently without a new proposal from a political party or a region hard hit by the housing crisis - usually those with large foreign populations as well - suggesting foreigners should be limited from buying Spanish property. As with every war of attrition, it may just be that one side caves in eventually, and that some legislation affecting foreign home ownership in Spain does pass. People doubted the cancellation of the golden visa scheme - which gave Spanish residency to non-EU nationals who bought property worth €500,000 - would ever happen. But after a year of legal rigmarole, the residency scheme for wealthy foreigners did get scrapped. More #Property #Inside Spain";0,425
"Inside Denmark: Why burqa ban is back after seven years A photo from the 2018 Copenhagen Fashion Week, which took place a week after the country introduce a ban on full-face veils in public places. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix From the return of the burqa ban to the political agenda after seven years, to information sharing with the US and revocable citizenships. Our weekly column Inside Denmark looks at some of the stories we’ve been talking about this week. Denmark’s ‘burqa ban’ could be set for expansion One of the most divisive policies of the Danish government back in 2018 was its decision to introduce a ban on the use of full-face covering veils in public places. It imposed a fine of 1,000 kroner for first offences on individuals wearing garments which cover the face. The ban could, in theory, apply to wearing balaclavas or motorcycle helmets, but was primarily targeted at the Islamic veil and became referred to as the ‘burqa ban’. This term was both accurate, because it refers to religious Islamic veils as being banned, while also being a slight misnomer because the niqab, a black veil with a small slit for the wearer’s eyes, is the name of the full-face veil worn by a tiny minority of Muslims in Denmark. The burqa, the full-length veil through which the wearer looks through a mesh, meaning their eyes are covered, is thought to be extremely rare in the Nordic country. READ ALSO: 'From one day to another, we're criminals': Muslim women speak against Denmark's burqa ban (2018) The introduction of the law on August 1st 2018 saw public protests against it, while statistics released in subsequent years showed it had been enforced rarely . It has been largely out of the public spotlight for some time, until this week. It is now set for a new round of public debate after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that it should be extended to schools and universities. The PM also said she wanted to see an end to prayer rooms at universities but stopped short of calling for an outright ban. ""God has to step aside. You have the right to your faith and to practice your religion but democracy takes precedence,"" Frederiksen, who was in opposition when the original law was passed, told news agency Ritzau. Human rights campaigners and religious groups have criticised the existing ban as discriminatory and as a violation of both freedom of religion and women's freedom of choice. Supporters argue it enables Muslims of immigrant backgrounds to better integrate into Danish society, and prevents “social control” forcing women to adhere to practices they might otherwise choose not to. Frederiksen said her government would start talks with universities to have them removed. ""It's not a discussion about whether we want them or not,"" she said. Frederiksen said she did not know how widespread the phenomenon of social control is. ""For me, it's not just the scale that matters. I'm the prime minister of Denmark. I'm also a woman. And I can't tolerate the oppression of women,"" she said. Left wing party wants end to information sharing deal with US Denmark's controversial arrangement with the US by which it shares information from its own communications cables must be brought to an end sooner rather than later, the far-left party Red Green Alliance said this week. “We believe the cable cooperation should be terminated immediately. It has always been problematic, but with [US President Donald] Trump in the White House, we believe it has gone from being problematic to outright dangerous,” the party’s senior political spokesperson Pelle Dragsted said to Ritzau. Denmark and the US have, since the 1990s, had an agreement allowing the US security agency NSA to tap information from Danish cables. The agreement between the NSA and the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) was not officially confirmed for many years. Former defence minister Claus Hjort Frederiksen confirmed its existence in 2020 before reports the following year revealed the NSA had used it to spy on top politicians in France, Germany, Norway and Sweden . Dragsted’s comments might also be viewed in the context of more recent reports the current US administration wants to spy on Denmark and Greenland as part of its ambition to take control of the latter territory. Convicted ex-minister's calls for conditional citizenship lack self-awareness Danish citizenship should be subject to a ten-year probationary period after it is granted via naturalisation, ex-immigration minister Inger Støjberg, now leader of the national conservative Denmark Democrats, said this week. The proposal would allow authorities to revoke someone’s citizenship if the new citizen commits a serious crime during the probationary period. In a video published on the Denmark Democrats Facebook page, Støjberg said that citizenship should be revoked in the first ten years for crimes which “would otherwise have meant that citizenship would not have been granted”. READ ALSO: Danish ex-minister wants probation period for citizenship The proposal is likely to have some sympathy from other parties on the right wing as well as from the governing Social Democrats. While it would not be possible to implement the proposal without violating international rights convention s, there is plenty of political support for giving authorities greater power to revoke citizenships from convicted criminals. The concept of stripping someone of citizenship for wrongdoings is not unheard of elsewhere in Europe – in France, for instance – and even Denmark itself has already revoked citizenships in a few rare cases. But the ex-minister seemed to gloss over her own past indiscretions as she railed against naturalised Danes. “Far too many new Danish citizens commit crimes and thereby celebrate their new Danish citizenship by going out and doing something criminal,” Støjberg claimed in the video. The former minister received a 60-day prison sentence and was expelled from parliament in 2021 for issuing an illegal directive while immigration minister. She served the sentence with an electronic ankle tag before later founding the Denmark Democrats and being re-elected to parliament. Under Danish citizenship rules, anyone who has received a criminal sentence, either conditional or unconditional, cannot become a Danish citizen. Milder punishments such as fines can result in a suspension from applying for a period of at least four and a half years. The ex-minister's past conviction therefore means she would not pass Danish citizenship criteria if applying, and would lose it under her proposed rules if she was a naturalised citizen. More #Inside Denmark";-0,1
"Inside Italy: Rome’s angry taxi drivers and the newest tourist hotspot in the southRome's taxi drivers have been in the news again, and they're not happy about being described as ""aggressive"" drivers. In this week's Inside Italy review, we look at whether it's fair to say Rome's taxi drivers favour an ""aggressive"" driving style and why more tourism could be a good thing for one Italian city in particular. Inside Italy is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip from Italy that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox, by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article. We’ll take a break from discussing the upcoming citizenship referendum in this weekend’s newsletter (although if you’re interested, you can find all our coverage here , and my thoughts on it here .) Instead, I wanted to look at a couple of stories from southern Italy that got us talking at The Local over the past week. Road rage in Rome? No one likes a lazy cliché. And clichés abound when it comes to Italy, and Italians. Most of the time, they’re inaccurate and insulting. But after eight years of living in Italy, I have to admit that some of the stereotypes, while obviously they won’t apply to the entire population, occasionally have a grain of truth in them. This week, we saw taxi drivers in Rome complain that it was a “banal cliché” to describe their driving as “aggressive”. Anyone who lives in the capital, or has ever taken a cab there, will probably have an opinion as to whether or not that’s a fair description. The drivers hit out at comparisons with F1 driver Max Verstappen, who was in trouble after crashing into George Russell’s Mercedes during the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. When talking to journalists about the crash, Mercedes F1 head Toto Wolff had called it “road rage, like the taxi drivers in Rome or Naples.” “There’s a lot of aggression in the centre of Rome and Naples, without rules.” Rome taxi drivers quickly went on the defensive, attacking Wolff over the comments in the Italian press. One driver called the comments “a banal cliché”, adding that ""we’re the first to try to avoid getting into accidents – otherwise, we would lose a day of work.” And a representative of the city’s taxi drivers’ union said: “We drive like a Mercedes since it only does 30 kilometres an hour, just like us. I won’t comment on the speed issue, since I find traffic in central Rome is usually so jammed that this is the least of the passenger’s worries. As for driving style, it’s not just the tassisti . Roman, and Italian, drivers in general are often criticised by non-Italians for perceived aggression and an apparent lack of regard for the road rules. This is often a topic of discussion at home. My husband, not unlike the taxi drivers, argues passionately that his very Italian driving style is excellent and extremely safe. I’m not totally convinced. But I also know that, on the roads of southern Italy, my own polite, stereotypically British driving style (including a propensity to give way and follow the speed limit) is probably even more hazardous, since no-one is expecting it. When in Rome… All aboard for Bari Another story that hit, literally, close to home for me was about Bari, the capital city of the Puglia region, where I’ve lived for the past five years. Puglia, especially the far southern end, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the past decade or so, both for Italian and international visitors. But most people skip Bari or, at most, spend a day in the old town after flying in to the city’s airport, before heading straight for the beaches and luxury resorts further south. That’s all apparently set to change now, as Milan-based airline Neos has launched the first ever direct flights between Bari and New York , citing enormous interest from the US market. This has triggered a flurry of articles about Bari in travel media. The New York Times hailed the city recently as the place to go this summer. At The Local, we’ve also seen a lot of interest in our own recent articles about Bari and the new flight route. Personally, I'm glad to see it. Not only because I may now be able to persuade friends in New York to visit, but because I’m convinced that more tourism is a good thing for the city overall. Not everyone agrees. We often tend to associate increased tourism only with the negatives: the noisy crowds, the litter, the infamously disrespectful behaviour from a minority. Bari's local newspapers have published a lot of alarmist headlines lately about a rising number of tourist rentals which are said to be pushing up long-term rental costs, while a proliferation of restaurants catering for international tastes is supposedly pushing out traditional cuisine. Most recently, there was an article in La Repubblica lamenting the “smell of English breakfasts” wafting through the streets of Bari’s old town at dawn. Some local businesses have caught on to demand for savoury alternatives to the ubiquitous cornetto and cappuccino. But Benidorm, it is not. Nor is it Florence or Venice. For a long time this city, like many other parts of the south, has had serious problems with poverty and organised crime. The old town was, until quite recently, notoriously rundown and dangerous. Today it’s mostly clean and safe, and that’s in large part because of the impact of the growing tourism industry. Traditional stone houses in the old town are being renovated as tourist rentals, very often by the younger generations that inherit them but prefer to live somewhere more modern. Several owners have told me that they wouldn't have bothered renovating for long-term rental, which they say brings too much risk and too little return. Without tourism, these properties would no doubt join the countless other unwanted old homes standing derelict across the country . Many of these young local people might otherwise be moving away in search of a job . Bari is still in the early days of its transformation into a tourist hotspot. The big developers and international investors have not yet taken over, and the city retains its character. In years to come, maybe Bari, too, will become overrun with tour groups, lockboxes and kebabberie . But for now the city has an opportunity to do things differently, and to learn from the mistakes of overtouristed cities in Italy and beyond. We can hope. My advice? Visit as soon as you can. Inside Italy is our weekly look at some of the news and talking points in Italy that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.";0,05
How countries in Europe are pushing for curbs on children's social media use From dangerous diet tips to disinformation, cyberbullying to hate speech, the glut of online content harmful to children grows every day. But several European countries now want to limit minors’ access to social media. The European Union already has some of the world’s most stringent digital rules to rein in Big Tech, with multiple probes ongoing into how platforms protect children – or not. There are now demands for the EU to go further as a rising body of evidence shows the negative effects of social media on children’s mental and physical health. Backed by France and Spain, Greece has spearheaded a proposal for how the EU should limit children’s use of online platforms as fears mount over their addictive nature. They will present the plan on Friday to EU counterparts in Luxembourg, “so that Europe can take the appropriate action as soon as possible,” Greek Digital Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said. The proposal includes setting an age of digital adulthood across the 27-country EU, meaning children will not be able to access social media without parental consent. Since the proposal was published last month, other countries have expressed support including Denmark – which takes over the rotating EU presidency in July – and Cyprus. Danish officials say the issue will be a priority during their six-month presidency. France has led the way in cracking down on platforms, passing a 2023 law requiring them to obtain parental consent for users under the age of 15. But the measure has not received the EU green light it needs to come into force. France also gradually introduced requirements this year for all adult websites to have users confirm their age to prevent children accessing porn – with three major platforms going dark this week in anger over the move. Also under pressure from the French government, TikTok on Sunday banned the #SkinnyTok hashtag, part of a trend promoting extreme thinness on the platform. Greece says its aim is to protect children from the risks of excessive internet use. The proposal does not say at what age digital adulthood should begin but Papastergiou said platforms should know users’ real ages “so as not to serve inappropriate content to minors”. France, Greece and Spain expressed concern about the algorithmic design of digital platforms increasing children’s exposure to addictive and harmful content – with the risk of worsening anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. The proposal also blames excessive screen time at a young age for hindering the development of minors’ critical and relationship skills. They demand “an EU-wide application that supports parental control mechanisms, allows for proper age verification and limits the use of certain applications by minors”. The goal would be for devices such as smartphones to have in-built age verification. The European Commission, the EU’s digital watchdog, wants to launch an age-verification app next month, insisting it can be done without disclosing personal details. The EU last month published draft guidelines for platforms to protect minors, to be finalised once a public consultation ends this month, including setting children’s accounts to private by default, and making it easier to block and mute users. Those guidelines are non-binding, but the bloc is clamping down in other ways. It is currently investigating Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok under its mammoth content moderation law, the Digital Services Act (DSA), fearing the platforms are failing to do enough to prevent children accessing harmful content. In the Meta probe, the EU fears the platform’s age-verification tools may not be effective. And last week, it launched an investigation into four pornographic platforms over suspicions they are failing to stop children accessing adult content. Separately, the EU has been in long-running negotiations on a law to combat child sexual abuse material, but the proposal has been mired in uncertainty, with worries from some countries that it would allow authorities to access encrypted communications. The legal proposal has pitted proponents of privacy against those working to protect children. Despite repeated attempts, it has failed to get EU states’ approval.;0,4
"Which European countries now offer a 'digital nomad' visa?Several European nations now offer ;Digital Nomad' visas for remote workers. With the world of work rapidly changing, digital nomad visas are now in high demand as a way to experience life in another country while continuing to work remotely. Here are the European countries that you can obtain one for, and what’s involved. Many countries have introduced digital nomad visas as a means to attract visitors and boost their economy. Generally, to obtain one, those applying need to be able to conduct their work online, to have a contract with a company based outside the country they’re applying to, and to meet a monthly salary level. Additionally, applicants will need to prove that they have a minimum level of health insurance, means to support themselves and accommodation organised. It’s also important to note that if you are a citizen of an EEA/Schengen country, you may not be able to apply for these visas - you already have the right to live and work in these countries. Germany , Austria , Sweden and Switzerland do not currently have offer a 'digital nomad visa, although there are alternatives. Denmark also has options for those wanting to work remotely and The Local has a whole section for those who are interested in knowing the rules and consequences of remote working in France. Several European countries, however, now do offer these visas. Albania Albania’s new Unique Permit scheme allows digital nomads to apply for a Type D visa, which is valid for a year, and which can be renewed for up to five years. While there are no explicit requirements for a monthly or yearly salary, it has been suggested that a minimum yearly income of €9.024,33 would result in an approval. Applications can take up to twelve weeks, and the costs for the visa will vary, based on your country of origin. Croatia Croatia introduced their Digital Nomad Residence Permit in 2021, and it is becoming a popular option for remote workers. This visa is valid for a year, and can be renewed - although you’ll have to leave the country for six months before you can reapply. A minimum monthly salary of €2.446,69 is required for a successful application. The cost of this visa will vary, depending on the country from which you apply. Cyprus Cyprus has an appealing Digital Nomad Visa program , albeit one that is capped - only 500 are available per year. Applicants will need to be able to prove a minimum monthly income of €3,500 to receive a visa, and it is valid for one year - renewable for a further two. Applicants will need to pay €140 - €70 for the application fee, and €70 for the Alien Registration Certificate. Estonia A trailblazer in attracting remote workers, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of Europe’s most desirable. This is due to the country’s excellent online infrastructure and support for remote workers, through its E-Residency Card program. Applicants can also expect a response to their application within a month - a much shorter waiting period than for several other countries. Applicants must pay a €60 application fee, and be able to show evidence of a €4,500 monthly salary. Greece Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is valid for two years, renewable for another two years. It costs €75, and you’ll need to be making at least €3,500 a month to be successful when applying. Hungary Hungary’s ‘ White Card ’ was introduced in 2021 to attract remote workers to the central European country. The ‘White Card’ is valid for one year, and can be extended once for a further year. Applicants need to be able to show that they’re earning the equivalent of €3,000 a month, and costs €110 to apply for. Iceland Iceland also has a digital nomad visa, although it’s slightly different to many others. The country’s Long-term visa for Remote Work is only valid for up to 180 days, although it can be applied for again 90 days after leaving the Schengen zone. It costs €80.96 to apply, and you will need to be making at least €6.636,13 a month to be successful. Italy Italy’s digital nomad visa is Europe’s newest, effective from April 4th. The initial visa is valid for a year, and there is no upper limit on renewals, as long as the applicant still meets the criteria. It’s important to know that applicants will need to be earning €28,000 a year to be successful. The visa must be applied for at the nearest consulate, and costs €116. Malta Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed a further three times, for a maximum stay of four years. Applicants need to show that they are making at least €42,000 a year and the application fee is €300. Norway Norway’s digital nomad visa offering is rather unique. First, the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for up to two years, and can be reapplied for. Applicants must show an annual income of €35,719 and the application costs €600. Then there’s the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa. While it has much the same requirements as the regular digital nomad visa, successful applicants must also reside within the Svalbard archipelago, within the Arctic Circle. Amazingly, there is no expiry date for the Svalbard visa  - it has a lifetime duration. However, you will have to pay Norwegian taxes. Both of these visas can be applied for through the official Norwegian government website . Spain Although it was only introduced last year, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa programme has already proved successful. The initial visa is valid for one year, and it can be renewed for up to five years. It costs €80 to apply, and applicants need to show that they’re making a minimum of €2,762 a month . Portugal Portugal’s digital nomad visa program is one of Europe’s most well-known. Two specific visas specifically cater towards digital nomads. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for three months and can be renewed up to four times - the maximum stay being a year. This visa costs €75 to apply for, and applicants have to show a monthly salary of €3,280. The Residency Visa is valid for four months, after which it can be reapplied for, lasting two years. It costs €80 to apply for, and the income threshold is increased to €3,304. Family members can accompany those on a Residency Visa, while on a Temporary Stay visa, they cannot.";0
"US moves a step closer to closing consulates in Germany US residents and visitors in certain parts of Germany may soon be stripped of quick access to essential services as Washington moved a step closer to closing three consulates in the country. First announced in late April, plans to overhaul the State Department were formally presented to Congress by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, reigniting fears that thousands of US residents and visitors in the country may soon be stripped of quick access to essential services including emergency assistance in the event of natural disasters and hospitalisations. According to initial reporting in Politico, consulates slated for closure in Germany – as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping plans to downsize the US State Department, slash costs, and improve efficiency – include Dusseldorf, Leipzig, and Hamburg. READ ALSO: Trump administration 'plans to axe US consulates in Germany' If the closures go ahead, US nationals in Germany would need to travel one of the country’s other consulates in Frankfurt or Munich or the Embassy in Berlin to access help. Although it has been reported that staff could also be cut at the consulate offices in Frankfurt and Munich, as well as the Embassy in Berlin. In a statement, Rubio said that the plan submitted to Congress was the result of thoughtful and deliberative work by senior Department leadership. “The reorganisation plan will result in a more agile Department, better equipped to promote America’s interests and keep Americans safe across the world,” he said. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Berlin previously told The Local: ""The State Department continues to assess our global posture to ensure we are best positioned to address modern challenges on behalf of the American people."" The State Department has a workforce of around 75,000 employees, and about two-thirds of these employees are local hires, such as German citizens hired for roles at the US consulates in Germany. These foreign nationals are more likely to be let go than US civil and Foreign Service officers, but workers across the board may be affected. As reported by The Local in March , critics suggest the reorganisation could have the opposite effect, reducing vital functions, hindering efforts to boost American influence abroad, and effectively allowing US adversaries to increase their influence around the world. As well as the plan to close consulates in Germany the US is also reportedly planning to close one in Italy (Florence) and four in France (Rennes, Lyon, Strasbourg and Bordeaux). What services do consulates provide? For US citizens living abroad, consulates are the go-to resource for renewing passports, acquiring birth or death certificates, and accessing federal programs like social security, veterans affairs, and the federal voting assistance program. Consulate staff also help US citizens who lose their passports, who are the victims of crime, or are suspected of having committed a crime. They can provide emergency financial assistance when necessary, and offer valuable information on finding services in English in Germany - including translators, tax advisors, international schools, and funeral homes. READ ALSO: How US consulates help American citizens living in Germany If you're dealing with an issue and you're not sure if your consulate can help, try the citizen services navigator tool on the US embassy in Germany website. More #Politics #Germany and the US Comments (1) Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at news@thelocal.com . Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved. Please log in here to leave a comment. sevy singh 2025/06/04 10:58 Losing the consulates will hinder US intelligence  data gathering  from locally based assets and will be one of unplanned downsides that the current administration are either ignorant of or wish to silence because the data filtering back does not agree with the administration’s set view of the world. See Also";-0,3
"Germany plans tax cuts to boost stagnant economyGerman government is planning to push through imminent tax cuts to help kick-start growth, a spokesman announced on Monday. The German government is planning tax cuts to help kick-start growth. The government is looking at new tax credits for research, investment and electric company cars as well as cuts to corporation tax of one percent a year for five years from 2028 onwards, finance ministry spokesman Maximilian Kall told reporters. ""Everybody's aim... is to boost the economy now,"" Kall said. ""Everybody's goal is to stimulate the economy, secure jobs, support companies and mobilise investment."" Germany's economy is struggling to emerge from a persistent slump, hit by high energy and labour costs at home as well as increasingly fierce Chinese competition and new trade barriers imposed by US President Donald Trump. The government officially forecasts zero GDP growth for this year after the economy shrank slightly in 2023 and 2024. The government would look to get the measures passed as quickly as possible, Kall said, indicating that the cabinet would consider a draft bill on Wednesday. ""Intensive discussions"" were underway with the aim of getting them passed by parliament before the summer break, Kall said. On Saturday, the Handelsblatt business newspaper reported that the government estimated the cost of the measures at €17billion a year by 2029. Local governments will suffer The proposed changes were met with criticism from some opposition politicians. ""This will break the neck of many municipalities in Germany,"" deputy Green Party chairman Andreas Audretsch told RTL. He said that while he was in favour of investment, he feared the companies would use the billions in tax cuts to pay dividends instead. Robin Winkler, Chief Germany Economist at Deutsche Bank, said the plan would provide ""a welcome short-term stimulus for the manufacturing sector"" without being a silver bullet. ""Its impact on facilitating the broader structural transformation of the German economy is likely to be limited,"" he said in a research note. Germany's new government under conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz also plans to spend €500billion over the next 12 years to upgrade Germany's creaking infrastructure and give the economy a further boost. But some economists have warned that the bumper spending package might not boost long-term growth by itself, saying it will also be necessary to pass reforms and to spend the money wisely.";-0,125
"US, China trade talks to stretch into second day United States and Chinese officials are set to meet Tuesday, June 10, for a second day of trade talks in London, seeking to shore up a shaky tariff truce in a spat further strained by export curbs. The gathering of key officials from the world's two biggest economies began Monday in the historic Lancaster House, run by the UK Foreign Office, following an earlier round of talks in Geneva last month. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng was again heading the team in London, which included Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and China International Trade Representative Li Chenggang. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are leading the US delegation. The London meeting came after Washington accused Beijing of violating their Geneva deal to de-escalate staggeringly high tariffs. A key sticking point was the export of rare earths from China. ""In Geneva, we had agreed to lower tariffs on them, and they had agreed to release the magnets and rare earths that we need throughout the economy,"" Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, told CNBC on Monday. Read more Subscribers only Rare earths: China's magnet war threatens global industry But even though Beijing was releasing some supplies, ""it was going a lot slower than some companies believed was optimal,"" Hassett added. This issue was raised last week in US President Donald Trump's first publicly announced telephone talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping since the Republican's return to the White House. Trump said on his Truth Social platform that Thursday's long-awaited call reached a ""very positive conclusion."" 'China is not easy' On Monday, the US leader told reporters that he was ""only getting good reports"" on the trade talks, adding: ""We are doing well with China. China is not easy."" US official Hassett said he expected ""a big, strong handshake"" at the trade negotiations. ""Our expectation is that after the handshake,"" Hassett said. ""Any export controls from the US will be eased, and the rare earths will be released in volume."" Both sides can then ""go back to negotiating smaller matters,"" he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent walks at the White House, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ALEX BRANDON / AP Tensions between Washington and Beijing have soared since Trump took office, with both countries engaging in a tariffs war that took duties on each other's exports to three figures – an effective trade embargo. The Geneva pact to cool tensions temporarily brought new US tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, and Chinese countermeasures from 125% to 10%. But Trump recently said China ""totally violated"" the deal. A key issue was Beijing's shipments of rare earths, crucial to goods including electric vehicle batteries. Partner service Learn French with Gymglish Thanks to a daily lesson, an original story and a personalized correction, in 15 minutes per day. Try for free ""Rare earth shipments from China to the US have slowed since President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs in April,"" said Kathleen Brooks, research director at trading group XTB. Brooks was referring to when Trump slapped sweeping levies of 10% on friend and foe alike, and threatened steeper rates on dozens of economies. ""The US wants these shipments to be reinstated, while China wants the US to rethink immigration curbs on students, restrictions on access to advanced technology including microchips, and to make it easier for Chinese tech providers to access US consumers,"" Brooks added. Read more Subscribers only US and Europe insist tariff negotiations are making progress Hassett's statement signaled the Trump administration might be willing to ease some recent curbs on tech exports. 'Green channel' Throughout its talks with Washington, China has also launched discussions with other trading partners – including Japan and South Korea – to try to build a united front to counter Trump's tariffs. On Thursday, Beijing and Canada agreed to regularise their channels of communication after strained ties. Beijing has also proposed establishing a ""green channel"" to ease exports of rare earths to the European Union, and fast-tracking approval of some export licenses. China is expected to host a summit with the EU in July, marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties. According to a UK government spokesperson, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves took advantage of the London talks to meet with her US counterpart Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He on Sunday. Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. 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"Trump and Xi reopen dialogue in first direct call since tariff escalation US President Donald Trump held a long-awaited phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, June 5, as the leaders of the world's two biggest economies tried to avoid an all-out trade war. Trump said that the call reached a ""very positive conclusion"" and that they agreed to meet in person – but Beijing issued a more muted readout saying that Xi spoke of a need to ""correct the course"" of ties. The call – the first to be publicly announced since Trump returned to power in January – comes after Beijing and Washington had accused each other of jeopardizing a trade war truce agreed last month in Geneva. ""The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries,"" Trump said on Truth Social, adding that US and Chinese trade teams would hold a new meeting ""shortly."" ""President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing,"" Trump added. Trump said they would announce the time and place of the ""soon to be meeting"" later. The two leaders did not, however, discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump said, despite long-standing US hopes that Beijing could exert influence on Moscow to end the war. ""The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE,"" said Trump, adding that they hoped to have resolved issues over crucial rare earth minerals used in tech products. Relations between superpower rivals Beijing and Washington have been fraught ever since Trump introduced sweeping worldwide tariffs in April that targeted China most heavily of all. At one point the United States hit China with additional levies of 145% on its goods as both sides engaged in tit-for-tat escalation. China's countermeasures on US goods reached 125%. Trump had accused Xi as recently as Wednesday of being ""extremely hard to make a deal with."" Chinese state media said Trump had requested the call. There was no immediate confirmation from the White House. 'Correcting the course' In its more restrained readout, Beijing said that relations needed more work. ""Correcting the course of the big ship of Sino-US relations requires us to steer well and set the direction, especially to eliminate all kinds of interference and even destruction, which is particularly important,"" Xi told Trump, according to state news agency Xinhua. It said Xi told Trump he was welcome to visit China again, following an earlier visit during his first term in 2017. Until Thursday, the two leaders had not had any confirmed contact for more than five months since the Republican returned to power, despite frequent claims by the US president that such a call was imminent. Trump said in a Time magazine interview in April that Xi had called him – but Beijing insisted that there had been no call recently. Beijing and Washington agreed in Geneva last month to slash their staggeringly high tariffs for 90 days, but the two sides have since traded blame for derailing the deal. Trump argued last week that China had ""totally violated"" the agreement, without providing further details. China's commerce ministry hit back this week, saying the Trump administration had since introduced ""discriminatory restrictive measures,"" including revoking Chinese student visas in the United States. Trump then dialed up tensions this week. ""I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!"" he posted Wednesday on his Truth Social platform. Washington has meanwhile targeted Chinese nationals who entered the US both legally and illegally, with the president vowing to aggressively revoke Chinese student visas. Trump has separately ramped up tensions with other trade partners, including the European Union, by vowing to double global tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% from Wednesday.";-0,15
"South Korea: Liberal Lee Jae-myung wins presidency South Korea's Lee Jae-myung has defeated conservative rival Kim Moon-soo and won the country's presidential election, official figures from the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday, June 3. With 96.74% of total ballots counted, it is now mathematically impossible for Kim to win enough votes to beat Lee, official figures showed. Speaking after the exit polls, Lee hailed voters' ""great decision"" and vowed not to ""disappoint."" ""I will do my utmost to fulfil the great responsibility and mission entrusted to me, so as not to disappoint the expectations of our people,"" Lee told reporters outside his home. The result comes six months to the day after ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol plunged the country into crisis with his disastrous declaration of martial law. After months of turmoil and a revolving door of lame-duck acting leaders, many South Koreans were eager for the country to move forward, with major polls for weeks putting Lee well ahead of Kim. South Korea's next leader will take office almost immediately – as soon as the National Election Commission finishes counting the votes and validates the result, likely early Wednesday. He will face a bulging in-tray, including global trade vicissitudes chafing the export-driven economy, some of the world's lowest birth rates and an emboldened North Korea rapidly expanding its military arsenal. But the fallout from Yoon's martial law declaration, which has left South Korea effectively leaderless for the first months of US President Donald Trump's tumultuous second term, was the decisive factor in the election, experts said. After Lee's win, Trump's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, was swift to offer his congratulations and voice hope for working with Lee, who previously has sought greater distance from the United States. Washington's alliance with Seoul was ""ironclad,"" the US secretary of state said in a statement, citing ""shared values and deep economic ties."" Read more Subscribers only South Korean voters weary of political crisis are poised to return progressives to power Right-wing vote split Conservative candidate Kim – Yoon's labor minister – failed to convince a third-party candidate, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, to unify and avoid splitting the right-wing vote. Yoon's impeachment over his martial law bid, which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament, made him the second straight conservative president to be stripped of office after Park Geun-hye in 2017. At the National Assembly, Democratic Party officials were gathered in a situation room, with a row of televisions set up to watch exit polls and vote counting. Applause and cheers filled the room when exit polls were announced, placing Lee far ahead of rival Kim, with chants of ""Lee Jae-myung"" immediately breaking out and echoing through the room. Help us improve Le Monde in English Dear reader, We’d love to hear your thoughts on Le Monde in English! Take this quick survey to help us improve it for you. Take the survey Turnout was high, running at around 77.8% by late afternoon, officials said – the highest in nearly two decades, as many South Koreans sought to draw a line under the six months of martial law-linked turmoil. Ballot counting stations swung into action after polls closed at 8 pm local time, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporters saw, with boxes of ballots arriving at the Seoul National University Gymnasium in Gwanak-gu district. On election day, Seoul streets were peaceful as people made the most of good weather and a public holiday, but police issued the highest level of alert and deployed thousands of officers to ensure the election and inauguration Wednesday proceed smoothly. The DP's Lee – who survived an assassination attempt last year – has been campaigning in a bullet-proof vest and delivering speeches behind a glass protective shield. South Korean presidents serve a single five-year term. Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";0,425
"Mongolia's prime minister resigns after losing a vote of confidence in parliament Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned on Tuesday, June 3, a parliamentary statement said, after losing a confidence vote among lawmakers. The secret ballot followed days of protests in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, against alleged corruption. Oyun-Erdene will remain as caretaker prime minister until his successor is appointed within 30 days, the statement said. Mongolia, a landlocked democracy in northern Asia, has battled deep-seated corruption for decades. Many in the country believe that the country's wealthy elite are hoarding the profits of a years-long coal mining boom at the expense of the general population. Since Oyun-Erdene took power in 2021, Mongolia has plummeted in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. The country has seen frequent protests and unrest, and hundreds of young people turned out in Ulaanbaatar last week calling for his resignation. Fueling public outrage are accusations that members of the prime minister's family are enjoying lavish lifestyles far beyond what a civil servant on the public dime could afford. In a statement to AFP last month, the prime minister's office said it ""vehemently"" denied the allegations, describing them as a ""smear."" Concerns over the economy and rising living costs have also stoked the unrest. Some counter-protesters – overwhelmingly older than their pro-opposition counterparts – also turned out to support the prime minister. Mongolia has been ruled by a three-way coalition government since elections last year resulted in a significantly reduced majority for Oyun-Erdene's Mongolian People's Party (MPP). But the MPP evicted the second-largest group, the Democratic Party (DP), from the coalition agreement last month after some younger DP lawmakers backed calls for Oyun-Erdene's resignation. Interview Subscribers only 'Religious freedom is real in Mongolia, despite an alliance between Buddhism and the government' The move pushed the country's political scene into further uncertainty. Some 82 lawmakers participated in the secret ballot, with 44 voting for retaining confidence in Oyun-Erdene, and 38 against. The ballot did not reach the 64-vote threshold required from the 126-seat parliament, prompting Oyun-Erdene to stand down. Le Monde with AP and AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";0,05
"Trump orders thousands more troops to Los Angeles as governor calls deployment 'illegal' This picture taken on June 8, 2025 shows a protestor raising their fist while holding a Mexican flag in front of a Waymo vehicle that was set on fire during demonstration following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles. BLAKE FAGAN / AFP President Donald Trump's administration said Monday, June 9, it was sending 700 US Marines and thousands more National Guard troops to Los Angeles, sparking a furious response from California's governor over the ""deranged"" deployment. Trump had already mobilized 2,000 National Guard members to the country's second most populous city on Saturday, with some 300 taking up positions protecting federal buildings and officers on Sunday. On Monday – the fourth day of protests against immigration raids in the city that have seen some scuffles with law enforcement – the Trump administration announced the mobilization of the 700 Marines as well as an ""additional"" 2,000 National Guard. Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Mayor Karen Bass and Californian Governor Gavin Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth. They say he is putting public safety at risk by adding military personnel even though police say they don’t need the help. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement he was confident in the police department’s ability to handle large-scale demonstrations and that the Marines' arrival without coordinating with the police department would present a ""significant logistical and operational challenge"" for them. Newsom called the deployments reckless and ""disrespectful to our troops"" in a post on the social platform X. ""This isn’t about public safety,"" Newsom said. ""It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego."" 'Bad people, they should be in jail' Trump on Monday accused protesters of insurrection as police patrolled central Los Angeles after a weekend of clashes triggered by immigration raids. Residents were ordered not to gather in the city's downtown where demonstrators had torched cars and security forces fired tear gas in violence that local officials stressed remained localized. The president posted that he had deployed National Guard troops ""to deal with the violent, instigated riots"" and ""if we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated."" ""The people are causing the problems are professional agitators and insurrectionists,"" he told reporters in Washington. ""They're bad people, they should be in jail,"" he added when asked about the clashes occurring in parts of the second biggest US city. Newsom accused the president of deliberately stoking tensions by using the National Guard, a reserve military force usually controlled by state governors. ""This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted,"" Newsom said. ""He flamed the fires."" California officials planned to file a lawsuit Monday against Trump in response. Attorney General Rob Bonta said the deployment ""trampled"" the state's sovereignty. He planned to seek a court order declaring that Trump’s use of the Guard was unlawful and ask for a restraining order to halt the deployment. Bonta said the suit will be filed later Monday. ""Commandeering a state’s National Guard without consulting the governor of that state is illegal and immoral,"" Newsom told MSNBC on Sunday. Read more Subscribers only Los Angeles sees another tense day of protests under surveillance of National Guard The protests in Los Angeles, home to a large Latino population, were triggered by raids and dozens of arrests of what authorities say are illegal migrants and gang members. On Monday morning, a heavy police presence stood watch over mostly deserted streets. A few protesters had remained overnight, with some lobbing projectiles and fireworks. Trump's border Tom Homan denied the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency had conducted any raids, describing them as arrests linked to cartels in Mexico and Colombia. ""It wasn't an immigration raid,"" he told MSNBC, saying it was an investigation into money laundering, tax evasion and customs fraud. 'What was the point?' But Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told CNN that despite Trump's rhetoric, ""this is not citywide civil unrest."" The immigration raids were designed to stir tensions, she said, while the troop deployment was ""a recipe for pandemonium."" ""It wasn't a drug den. It was a Home Depot. It was places where people are working. So what was the point of doing this?"" The United Nations warned against ""further militarization"" of the situation, in remarks likely to anger the White House. At least five self-driving Waymo cars were torched on Sunday, and local law enforcement used tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse protesters. An Australian reporter was hit in the leg with a rubber bullet fired by a police officer on live television but was unharmed. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers kept demonstrators separated from armed National Guardsmen from the 79 th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in helmets and camouflage gear. At least 56 people were arrested over two days and three officers suffered minor injuries. Police in San Francisco said about 60 people had been arrested in similar protests in the northern Californian city. Read more Subscribers only How Trump is exploiting tensions in Los Angeles to toughen his immigration policy Asked on Sunday about invoking the Insurrection Act – which would allow the military to be used as a domestic police force – Trump said: ""We're looking at troops everywhere. We're not going to let this happen to our country."" About 500 Marines were officially put in ""a prepared-to-deploy status."" The National Guard is frequently used in natural disasters, and occasionally in civil unrest, but almost always with the consent of local authorities. Trump's deployment of the force – the first over the head of a state governor since 1965 at the height of the civil rights movement – was criticized by Democrats, including Kamala Harris. The former vice president and Trump's opponent in the 2024 election called it ""a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos."" Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday condemned the violence, while calling on the United States to respect migrant rights. Sheinbaum urged Mexicans living in the United States ""to act peacefully and not give in to provocations."" Le Monde with AP and AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. 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"Trump administration travel ban comes into effect A plane prepares to land at Newark Liberty International Airport behind the Statue of Liberty, in New York City, on June 8, 2025. ADAM GRAY / AFP President Donald Trump's sweeping new travel ban came into effect early on Monday, June 9, immediately after midnight, barring citizens from a dozen nations from entering the United States and reviving a divisive measure from his first term. The move is expected to disrupt refugee pathways and further restrict immigration as the Trump administration expands its crackdown on illegal entries. Many of the nations covered by the restrictions have adversarial relations with the US, such as Iran and Afghanistan, while others face severe crises, like Haiti and Libya. In announcing his restrictions last week, Trump said the new measure was spurred by a recent ""terrorist attack"" on Jews in Colorado. The group had been protesting in solidarity with hostages held in Gaza when they were assaulted by a man the White House said had overstayed his visa. That attack, Trump said, ""underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted"" or who overstay their visas. Read more Subscribers only Trump, struggling to pass budget, brings back travel ban and renews Harvard attacks The move bans all travel to the US by nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, according to the White House. Trump also imposed a partial ban on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Some temporary work visas from those countries will be allowed. New countries could be added, Trump warned, ""as threats emerge around the world."" World Cup, Olympics, diplomats excluded The ban will not apply to athletes competing in the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, or in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Trump's order said. Nor will it apply to diplomats from the targeted countries. United Nations rights chief Volker Turk warned that ""the broad and sweeping nature of the new travel ban raises concerns from the perspective of international law."" Read more Subscribers only Ahead of Trump's inauguration, fear spreads among undocumented farm workers in California US Democratic lawmakers and elected officials blasted the ban as draconian and unconstitutional. ""I know the pain that Trump's cruel and xenophobic travel bans inflict because my family has felt it firsthand,"" congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, who is Iranian-American, posted Sunday on X. ""We will fight this ban with everything we have."" Fallout from the attack in Colorado Rumors of a new travel ban had circulated following the Colorado attack, with Trump's administration vowing to pursue ""terrorists"" living in the US on visas. Help us improve Le Monde in English Dear reader, We’d love to hear your thoughts on Le Monde in English! Take this quick survey to help us improve it for you. Take the survey US officials said the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national according to court documents, was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa, but that he had applied for asylum in September 2022. Trump's new travel ban notably does not include Egypt. Read more Subscribers only Donald Trump's selective 'travel ban' targets African countries His proclamation said Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and war-torn Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen lacked ""competent"" central authorities for processing passports and vetting. Iran was included because it is a ""state sponsor of terrorism,"" the order said. For the other countries, Trump's order cited an above-average likelihood that people would overstay their visas. Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";-0,35
"Tensions escalate in Los Angeles as Trump deploys National Guard Tensions in Los Angeles escalated on Sunday, June 8, as thousands of protesters took to the streets in response to President Donald Trump's extraordinary deployment of the National Guard, blocking off a major freeway and setting self-driving cars on fire as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs to control the crowd. Many protesters dispersed as evening fell and police declared an unlawful assembly, a precursor to officers moving in and making arrests of people who don't leave. Some of those remaining threw objects at police from behind a makeshift barrier that spanned the width of a street and others hurled chunks of concrete, rocks, electric scooters and fireworks at California Highway Patrol officers and their vehicles parked on the closed southbound 101 Freeway. Officers ran under an overpass to take cover. Sunday's protests in Los Angeles, a sprawling city of four million people, were centered in several blocks of downtown. It was the third and most intense day of demonstrations against Trump's immigration crackdown in the region, as the arrival of around 300 Guard troops spurred anger and fear among many residents. Opponents say Trump, who has made clamping down on illegal migration a key plank of his second term, was deliberately stoking tensions with his deployment of California's National Guard, a stand-by military usually controlled by the state's governor, Gavin Newsom. ""We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved,"" Newsom wrote on X. ""This is a serious breach of state sovereignty ? inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California,"" he added. The Guard was deployed specifically to protect federal buildings, including the downtown detention center where protesters concentrated. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said officers were ""overwhelmed"" by the remaining protesters. He said they included regular agitators who show up at demonstrations to cause trouble. Several dozen people were arrested throughout the weekend of protest. One was detained Sunday for throwing a Molotov cocktail at police, and another for ramming a motorcycle into a line of officers. After a limited early confrontation between federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security and a few dozen protestors at a detention center, the clashes all involved local law enforcement. By early afternoon, LAPD officers established containment lines some distance from federal buildings, preventing contact between angry demonstrators and the scores of armed National Guardsmen from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who had gathered in helmets and camouflage gear. Read more Subscribers only Delaney Hall: The New Jersey prison epitomizing Trump's deportation campaign Deployment follows days of protest The deployment followed two days of protests that began Friday in downtown Los Angeles before spreading on Saturday to Paramount, a heavily Latino city south of the city, and neighboring Compton. As federal agents set up a staging area Saturday near a Home Depot in Paramount, demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles, with some hurling rocks and chunks of cement. In response, agents in riot gear unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls. Help us improve Le Monde in English Dear reader, We’d love to hear your thoughts on Le Monde in English! Take this quick survey to help us improve it for you. Take the survey Tensions were high after a series of sweeps by immigration authorities the previous day, as the weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the city climbed above 100. A prominent union leader was arrested while protesting and accused of impeding law enforcement. The deployment of the National Guard came over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused Trump of a ""complete overreaction"" designed to create a spectacle of force. Trump has framed the move as a necessary response to Newsom's and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's failure to swiftly contain the unrest. In a directive Saturday, Trump invoked a legal provision allowing him to deploy federal service members when there is ""a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States."" He said he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 members of the National Guard. Trump told reporters as he prepared to board Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Sunday that there were ""violent people"" in Los Angeles ""and they're not gonna get away with it."" He said there will be ""very strong law and order."" Trump was asked if he plans to send US troops to Los Angeles, and he said, ""We're gonna have troops everywhere. We're not going to let this happen to our country. We're not going to let our country be torn apart like it was under Biden."" Trump didn't elaborate. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said the order by Trump reflected ""a president moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism"" and ""usurping the powers of the United States Congress."" Le Monde with AP and AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";0,325
"Macron calls Gaza humanitarian blockade a 'scandal' Participants gather during a rally to show their support for activists aboard a boat stopped by Israeli forces enroute to deliver aid to Gaza, during a rally in Lyon, France on June 9, 2025. ALEX MARTIN / AFP French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday, June 9, that the humanitarian blockade of Gaza was a ""scandal"" and ""shameful,"" calling for the reopening of humanitarian supply routes. Macron also called for a truce in the besieged Palestinian territory as tens of thousands of people staged rallies across France after Israel stopped a boat, carrying a dozen activists, including Greta Thunberg, from reaching Gaza. The rallies in Paris and at least five other cities were called by left wing parties. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, called the seizure of the Gaza boat by the Israeli military ""piracy."" Read more Subscribers only EU stands up against Netanyahu: From a change in tone to possible sanctions Macron meanwhile urged the immediate liberation of French nationals among the 12 activists on the vessel. He ""requested that the six French nationals be allowed to return to France as soon as possible,"" his office said. France was ""vigilant"" and ""stands by all its nationals when they are in danger,"" he added. The French government called on Israel to ensure the ""protection"" of the activists, and also called the humanitarian blockade of Gaza ""a scandal"" and a ""disgrace."" Read more Subscribers only Israel is backing a militia known for looting aid in Gaza Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";0,475
"Israel diverts Gaza-bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat on Monday, preventing the activists on board – including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg – from reaching the blockaded Palestinian territory. The Madleen set sail from Italy on June 1 to raise awareness of food shortages in Gaza, which the United Nations has called the ""hungriest place on Earth."" After 21 months of war, the UN warns the entire population is at risk of famine. At around 4:02 am, Israeli troops ""forcibly intercepted"" the vessel in international waters as it approached Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said. ""If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters,"" Thunberg said in pre-recorded footage shared by the coalition. Video from the group shows the activists with their hands up as Israeli forces boarded the vessel, with one of them saying nobody was injured prior to the interception. Israel's foreign ministry, in a post on social media, said ""all the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed,"" adding it expected the activists to return to their home countries. Turkey's foreign ministry said there were Turkish nationals among those on board, with FFC's website indicating there were 12 people from seven countries, including Turkey. Two of them hold Turkish passports. Turkey condemned the interception as a ""heinous attack"" in international waters. Iran also denounced it as ""a form of piracy,"" citing the same grounds. In May, another Freedom Flotilla ship, the Conscience, reported it was struck by drones in an attack the group blamed on Israel. In 2010, a commando raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a similar attempt to breach Israel's naval blockade, left 10 civilians dead. On Sunday, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the blockade, in place since years before the Israel-Hamas war, was needed to prevent Palestinian militants from importing weapons. The Madleen was intercepted about 185 kilometers west of the coast of Gaza, according to coordinates from the coalition. President Emmanuel Macron requested that the six French nationals aboard the boat ""be allowed to return to France as soon as possible,"" a presidential official said. Israel is facing mounting pressure to allow more aid into Gaza to alleviate widespread shortages of food and basic supplies. It recently allowed some deliveries to resume after barring them for more than two months and began working with the newly formed, US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. But humanitarian agencies have criticized the GHF and the United Nations refuses to work with it, citing concerns over its practices and neutrality. Dozens of people have been killed near GHF distribution points since late May, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. It said Israeli attacks killed at least 10 people on Sunday, including five civilians hit by gunfire near an aid distribution center. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal and witnesses said the civilians had been heading to a GHF-run site west of Rafah, in southern Gaza. The Israeli military said it fired on people who ""continued advancing in a way that endangered the soldiers"" despite warnings.";0,3
"Gaza rescuers say Israeli forces killed 36, six of them in shooting near aid centerGaza's civil defense agency said on Saturday, June 7, that Israeli forces had killed at least 36 Palestinians, six of them in a shooting near a US-backed aid distribution centre. The Israeli military told AFP that troops had fired ""warning shots"" at individuals it said were ""advancing in a way that endangered the troops"". The shooting deaths were the latest reported near the aid centre run by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) in the southern district of Rafah, and came after it resumed distributions following a brief suspension in the wake of similar deaths earlier this week. Read more Subscribers only The foreseeable break-down of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid system Meanwhile, an aid boat with 12 activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was nearing Gaza in a bid to highlight the plight of Palestinians in the face of an Israeli blockade that has only been partially eased. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that at around 7 am (0400 GMT), ""six people were killed and several others wounded by the forces of the Israeli occupation near the Al-Alam roundabout"", where they had gathered to seek humanitarian aid from the distribution centre around a kilometer away. AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls compiled by the civil defense agency or the circumstances of the deaths it reports. Samir Abu Hadid, who was there early Saturday, told AFP that thousands of people had gathered near the roundabout. ""As soon as some people tried to advance towards the aid centre, the Israeli occupation forces opened fire from armoured vehicles stationed near the centre, firing into the air and then at civilians,"" Abu Hadid said. The GHF said in a statement it had not distributed aid on Saturday because of ""direct threats"" from Hamas. Later Saturday, the Israeli army said an operation in Gaza City resulted in the killing of Asaad Abu Sharia, reportedly head of the Mujahideen Brigades. The armed group is close to Hamas ally Islamic Jihad that Israel has also accused over deaths of hostages seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border. The army said he had taken part in the bloody attack on Nir Oz when Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It said he was ""directly implicated"" in the killings of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, a family who became a symbol of seized hostages for many in Israel. Climate activist Greta Thunberg stands near a Palestinian flag after boarding the Madleen boat and before setting sail for Gaza along with activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departing from Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025. SALVATORE CAVALLI / AP Activist boat nears Gaza The GHF, officially a private effort with opaque funding, began operations in late May as Israel partially eased a more than two-month-long aid blockade. UN agencies and major aid groups have declined to work with it, citing concerns it serves Israeli military goals. Partner service Learn French with Gymglish Thanks to a daily lesson, an original story and a personalized correction, in 15 minutes per day. Try for free On Saturday, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that the overall toll for the Gaza war had reached 54,772, the majority civilians. The UN considers these figures reliable. The war was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the UN warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine. The aid boat Madleen, organised by an international activist coalition, was sailing towards Gaza on Saturday, aiming to breach Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to the territory, organizers said. ""We are now sailing off the Egyptian coast,"" German human rights activist Yasemin Acar told AFP, saying they expected to reach Gaza by Monday. The Palestinian territory was under Israeli naval blockade even before Hamas's October 2023 attack and the Israeli military has made clear it intends to enforce it. A 2010 commando raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was part of a similar attempt to breach Israel's naval blockade, left 10 civilians dead. Evacuation order The Israeli military has stepped up its operations in Gaza in recent weeks in what it says is a renewed push to defeat Hamas, whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. On Saturday, the military issued evacuation orders for neighbourhoods in northern Gaza, saying they had been used for rocket attacks. Also on Saturday, Hamas released a photograph of one of the remaining hostages, Matan Zangauker, appearing to be in poor health, with a warning that he would not survive. His mother, Einav Zangauker, speaking at a protest in Tel Aviv, said ""I can no longer bear this nightmare. The angel of death, Netanyahu, continues to sacrifice the hostages"". During the October 2023 attack, militants abducted 251 hostages, 55 of whom remain in Gaza, including 31 the Israeli military says are dead. Read more Subscribers only Georges Didi-Huberman: 'Neither persecuted, nor refugees, nor prisoners, we are nonetheless the psychological hostages of the intolerable situation in Gaza' Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil. Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Continuer à lire ici Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Découvrir les offres multicomptes Pourquoi voyez-vous ce message ? Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil. Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette). Comment ne plus voir ce message ? En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte. Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ? Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte. Y a-t-il d’autres limites ? Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents. Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ? Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe . Lecture restreinte Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.";0,25
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Carney lays out defence boost, says era of U.S. dominance overPrime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is too reliant on the United States for security as he announced a significant boost in military spending to meet NATO’s 2-per-cent military expenditure target this fiscal year, five years ahead of schedule. Declaring that the U.S.’s predominant role on the world stage “is a thing of the past,” Mr. Carney said Canada must take matters into its own hands and work more closely with European allies. He said his government will increase the 2025-26 allocation for the Department of National Defence by $9.3-billion, on top of its existing budget of just under $40-billion. This new spending, plus existing defence-related spending in other departments of around $14-billion, pushes total expenditures to $62.7-billion for 2025-26, which equals 2 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product, the government said. NATO chief calls for 400% increase in air and missile defences to counter Russia The Prime Minister said that Ottawa is not finished with new defence outlays. He is heading to a NATO Leaders Summit in late June where the alliance is discussing raising the NATO spending target to 3.5 per cent of GDP. He did not commit to a further expansion, but told reporters Monday his government expects a “further acceleration of spending.” Mr. Carney’s government has promised new equipment, including submarines and additional icebreakers, as well as other gear not funded in Monday’s announcement. Much of the new money is for operational spending, rather than capital expenditures for equipment Mr. Carney has said he plans to buy. It’s money designed to lay the foundation for a bigger military with a higher degree of readiness, including through maintenance and upgrades. “Only one of our four submarines is seaworthy,” Mr. Carney said in a speech to the University of Toronto’s Munk School on Monday. “Less than half of our maritime fleet and land vehicles are operational.” He said the new spending includes a “well-deserved pay raise” to Canadian Armed Forces personnel, a measure he predicted would help recruit and retain members. “They defend our coasts and waters. They patrol the Arctic, and support our allies on Russia’s borders. They do so under difficult conditions and, too often, with inadequate equipment,” he said. “They deserve better and they will have better.” Also, the Prime Minister’s Office announced it will transfer the Canadian Coast Guard to National Defence from Fisheries and Oceans as part of its commitment to protect borders and sovereignty. PMO spokesperson Emily Williams said “the Prime Minister will soon initiate the process of moving the Canadian Coast Guard to the leadership of the Minister of National Defence,” a change she said will permit the agency to “better fulfill both its civilian and security responsibilities.” Mr. Carney said his government’s planned spending increase is necessary in an increasingly “dangerous and divided world,” where threats are unravelling the rules-based international order. “The long-held view that Canada’s geographic location will protect us is becoming increasingly archaic,” he said. “Threats which felt far away and remote are now immediate and acute,” Mr. Carney said, citing “Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine” and threats to security and sovereignty not only from Moscow but also from “an increasingly assertive China.” He said Ottawa wants to reduce its purchases of U.S. military goods. This, he said, is why the government is joining a European Union defence procurement program. “We should no longer send three-quarters of our defence capital spending to America,” he said. The Monday announcement contained no commitment to joining U.S President Donald Trump’s new Golden Dome integrated missile shield program. Mr. Carney confirmed in May that Canada has been in talks with Washington on this. Mr. Carney said the U.S. became Canada’s closest ally and dominant trading partner during the United States’s ascension as the major global power. But, he said, Mr. Trump’s protectionist tariffs – which levy fees on countries wanting to sell goods to the United States – are disrupting future relations. “Now the United States is beginning to monetize its hegemony: Charging for access to its markets and reducing its relative contributions to our collective security,” the Prime Minister said. The new spending includes $2.6-billion to accelerate recruitment and help retain Armed Forces members, and to invest in the civilian work force who support the military. The Forces face a shortage of 13,000 to 14,000 personnel. It also includes $844-million to repair and upgrade existing Forces infrastructure and critical equipment in both maritime and aerospace. The plan includes another $544-million to strengthen the Department of National Defence and the Armed Forces’ protection against cyber threats. It includes funding for Communications Security Establishment. Another $1-billion will be allocated to make the military more self-sufficient in defending Canadian territory and citizens, particularly in the Arctic. At the NATO Leaders Summit, which will take place in The Hague, member countries are expected to raise the Western alliance’s military spending target even higher – to 3.5 per cent of GDP, plus another amount equivalent to 1.5 per cent for security-related investments, for a total of 5 per cent. And on Monday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could be ready to attack the alliance within five years and said member countries need a 400-per-cent increase in air and missile defence. Mr. Carney said Canada is confident it will be able to meet the emerging 1.5-per-cent target, given investments in what he called “foundational elements of defence,” such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Another $4.1-billion will be used to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive “Defence Industrial Strategy,” and to strengthen partnerships with industry to enable private companies to build and supply more critical equipment inside Canada, as well as diversify co-operation beyond the U.S., the government said. Mr. Carney’s announcement represents a rapid shift in defence spending. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau had pledged to reach 2 per cent by 2032, and Mr. Carney’s Liberal Party during the recent federal election campaign had promised to accelerate this to 2030. Asked how he could move so quickly to reach 2 per cent, Mr. Carney rejected the suggestion that “creative accounting” was a factor. He said foundational spending, such as better pay, better benefits, and money for housing and munitions is at the heart of these new investments. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he supports reaching NATO’s 2-per-cent target as soon as possible, and that his party will support the additional funding. He called on the Prime Minister to table a budget to explain where the money is coming from, and to demonstrate that it doesn’t add to everyday costs for Canadians. Mr. Poilievre told reporters that whether Canada can or should go further to hit the 5-per-cent target requires a discussion about what Canada would be getting for its money. Kelly Craft, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, on Monday told Intersect 2025, a conference hosted by The Globe and Mail, that Canada needs to take more responsibility for its own defence and security if it doesn’t want Mr. Trump to talk about annexing it as the “51st state” in the union. “I’m just going to answer you as if for Donald Trump, because he would say, ‘Well, then don’t act like a state. Pay your fair share of NATO,’” she said. Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, told CBC’s Power & Politics that Mr. Carney’s announcement “is a clear indication that things are moving in the right direction.” David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said Monday’s announcement represents a “good first step” that enables Mr. Carney to avoid being regarded as a shirker at the upcoming NATO summit. He said it appears Ottawa has found more spending in departments outside National Defence that counts toward Canada’s NATO target. He said this number, which is about $14-billion now, was only $8-billion or $9-billion several years ago. With a report from Stephanie Levitz;0,175
"Defence lawyer in Hockey Canada sex-assault trial asserts that accusations began as a ‘white lie’ Grant Robertson London, ont. Published June 9, 2025 Updated June 11, 2025 As closing arguments began Monday in the trial of five former world junior hockey players accused of sexual assault, a key point of the defence’s position took shape: the assertion that the case is based on a “white lie” that eventually spun out of control. Standing at the front of a crowded court room in London, Ont., defence lawyer David Humphrey told Justice Maria Carroccia that the complainant — a woman known as E.M. because her name is protected by a publication ban — changed her story in an effort to mask her regret over a night of partying and sex. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote have been charged with sexually assaulting E.M. in a hotel room after a gala in London honouring their 2018 Canadian world junior team. Mr. McLeod, who played for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils until being charged early last year, faces a second charge of being a party to sexual assault. The five men have pleaded not guilty. A mistrial, jury dismissal, excluded evidence: Key moments in the Hockey Canada trial E.M. met Mr. McLeod at a London bar in June, 2018, and the two went back to his hotel room and had consensual sex. E.M. alleges Mr. McLeod later invited several teammates to the room without her consent, who she says then took turns sexually assaulting her. She testified earlier in the trial that she felt intimidated and feared for her safety. Mr. Humphrey began his closing arguments by suggesting it was E.M. who told Mr. McLeod to invite his teammates for sex. When her mother found her upset in the morning, Mr. Humphrey said, E.M. alleged she had been assaulted. “What started as an understandable white lie, shared in private with her mother, snowballs beyond her control into an investigation,” said Mr. Humphrey, who is representing Mr. McLeod. She had no intention of contacting police, Mr. Humphrey said. He suggested E.M has created a “false narrative” out of embarrassment. He then took aim at her credibility. “We submit she’s simply not an honest or a reliable witness,” Mr. Humphrey said. Megan Savard, the defence lawyer for Mr. Hart, echoed those statements a few hours later. “My primary argument,” Ms. Savard told Justice Carroccia, “is that [E.M.] was consenting enthusiastically and regretting it later.” The closing submissions provide a glimpse into how the defence will attempt this week to counter the prosecution’s assertion that E.M. did not consent to sex acts with multiple players and feared for her safety while inside Mr. McLeod’s hotel room. Closing submissions for the remaining players will continue Tuesday. Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham is then expected to deliver the prosecution’s closing submissions. The Hockey Canada sexual-assault trial is nearly over. Send us your questions about the case Both prosecution and defence lawyers say the case turns on the matter of consent. Mr. Humphrey alleged in his submission that E.M. didn’t make enough effort to get out of the hotel room if she was scared, as she testified previously, before further sex acts are said to have occurred. “If you’re terrified, you do the minimum. Yeah, maybe you acquiesce, maybe you submit, but you do the bare minimum,” Mr. Humphrey said. He questioned E.M.’s claims that she was drunk, saying video evidence from the London bar shows she was able to dance and walk wearing high heels. Mr. Humphrey pointed out discrepancies in E.M.’s statements to police and her later court testimony, saying E.M. “didn’t want her mother or anyone to know why she had chosen this night of drinking and partying.” “It suited her purposes to present herself as a victim,” he said. The Crown has alleged that multiple non-consensual sex acts took place, including Mr. Formenton having sex with E.M. in the hotel room’s bathroom, and Mr. Dubé and Mr. Hart receiving oral sex from her. Mr. Dubé is alleged to have smacked the woman’s buttocks, while Mr. Foote is alleged to have performed the splits over her, touching his genitals to her face. Send us your questions about the Hockey Canada trial The alleged sexual assault came to light in 2022 when TSN reported court documents showing Hockey Canada, which presides over the world junior team, had settled a lawsuit with E.M. without the players’ knowledge for an undisclosed sum. London Police closed the case without charges in 2019 but later reopened the investigation. Mr. Humphrey said E.M. didn’t initially tell police she feared for her safety that night, but that allegation emerged with the lawsuit. In response to that claim, Justice Carroccia interjected, noting that the lawsuit was settled in 2022 “extremely quickly,” which she said was unusual. The defence lawyers took aim at a statement E.M. made during a pre-trial preparation session, in which she said that she may have acted like a “porn star” in the moment, giving in to the demands of the players as a coping mechanism to get through the ordeal. Mr. Humphrey called this preposterous, while Ms. Savard argued the woman’s actions would have communicated consent to the players. “She accepted it was possible that she adopted a flirty personality, offered sexual activity to the players, and was faking arousal and enjoyment as a coping mechanism,” Ms. Savard said. Earlier in the trial, the court saw a message sent from Mr. McLeod’s phone to a 19-member group chat the team used, inviting players to his room: “Who wants to be in a 3-way quick? 209-mikey” Mr. Hart, who played for the Philadelphia Flyers until charges were announced last year, responded, “I’m in.” However, Ms. Savard argued Mr. Hart sought consent from E.M. before receiving oral sex in the hotel room. Ms. Savard told the court his text response, “I’m in,” was only an indication he was going to the room; it did not mean he would necessarily engage in sex when he arrived. “A drunk text is not a binding contract,” she said. Mr. Hart, the only player to take the stand in his defence, testified during the trial that E.M. was laying on the ground masturbating and moaning and asking for players to have sex with her. Ms. Savard said Mr. Hart replied to E.M., “Can I get a blowie?” in reference to oral sex, arguing that the court should view that as him seeking consent from E.M. E.M. told a different version of events. She testified she was told by the players to touch herself and perform for the room, and that she felt intimidated and afraid. The Crown has raised similar concerns about witness credibility. Mr. Hart has been criticized by Ms. Cunningham for having gaps in his memory about the events in the hotel room, which the prosecution said calls some of his testimony into question. Ms. Savard argued those memory gaps should instead serve to bolster his credibility, because they didn’t necessarily help the cases of the other accused players. She called it an “insidious stereotype” that hockey players always protect their own. Outside the courtroom, protesters gathered Monday, as they had done throughout the trial. A group of eight women held signs in support of E.M. saying “You are not alone” and chanted “We believe E.M,” as players entered the building. Across the street a man held up a large sign calling the accusations “False allegations.” Send us your questions about the Hockey Canada trial The weeks-long trial of five former Canada world junior hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ont., hotel in 2018 is nearly done, but the high-profile proceedings have raised many questions beyond what the judge's verdict will be. A mistrial and two dismissed juries made their own headlines, while emotional testimony from the complainant, E.M., and excluded evidence have prompted scrutiny of how Canada's beloved game and the justice system treats sexual-assault allegations. Globe reporters have been in court every day reporting on the trial, and we want to hear your questions about the case. Submit your questions via the form below or send us an email at audience@globeandmail.com with ""Hockey Canada"" in the subject line.";0
"A B.C. billionaire bought up Hudson’s Bay leases. Her plan to rename them New Bay carries legal risk A billionaire B.C. mall owner who is seeking to acquire up to 28 Hudson’s Bay store leases is likely to run into trademark issues if she moves forward with a plan to launch department stores called “New Bay,” experts say. Weihong Liu, chairwoman of Nanaimo, B.C.-based real estate investment company Central Walk, struck a deal with Hudson’s Bay Co. last month to acquire the leases through an affiliate company, Ruby Liu Commercial Investment Corp., pending agreements with landlords and court approval. Ms. Liu plans to launch “modern department stores” in those spaces, according to a news release issued by Central Walk on the day the deal was announced. Ms. Liu has been vocal on Chinese social-media platform RedNote about her plans to revitalize The Bay. The same week that the deal for the leases was made public, she appeared in social-media posts holding up a printout with a logo that featured a ruby and the words “New Bay.” But the deal for the leases did not include the rights to Hudson’s Bay’s brands or trademarks. Those assets went to Canadian Tire Corp. CTC-A-T in a $30-million deal that received court approval last week . The intellectual property that Canadian Tire is acquiring includes several brand names, trademarks and logos, including Hudson’s Bay, The Bay and HBC. Inside the final days of Hudson’s Bay Hudson’s Bay demise leaves large swaths of empty retail space in its wake “I think that there would be significant issues if she were to go ahead with ‘The New Bay,’ ” said Sanjukta Tole, a trademark lawyer with Dickinson Wright LLP. “They’re very similar.” Canada’s Trademarks Act prohibits directing the public’s attention to a business, or to goods or services, “in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause confusion” with the business, goods or services of another person or company. “The ‘New Bay’ would certainly fall under a confusingly similar trademark,” said trademark lawyer Ashlee Froese, adding that it could also fall under provisions in the law against depreciation of goodwill related to a trademark. Those marks have real value to businesses, Ms. Froese said – demonstrated by the price tag on Canadian Tire’s deal. “There’s a reason why a customer will go to this company over this company, because they have some kind of emotional connection with the brand,” she said. Central Walk CEO Linda Qin declined to comment on the plans, or whether there have been any discussions with Canadian Tire about the trademarks. To determine whether trademarks or trade names are confusing, the Trademarks Act considers the “inherent distinctiveness” and how well known the original trademark is, how long it has been in use, the nature of the goods or services it relates to and the degree of resemblance between trademarks. Open this photo in gallery: Canadian Tire, which acquired the department store's intellectual property, has not yet provided details on how it intends to use it. Cole Burston/The Globe and Mail The Bay is a particularly clear case of a highly distinctive trademark, considering how long the stores have been in operation, and the fact that the history of the Hudson’s Bay Co. dates back to 1670, said David Durand, a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property and trademark registrations. “What they’re buying is 355 years of history,” Mr. Durand said of the Canadian Tire deal. “Over that period of time, we have an extensive amount of goodwill and intellectual property.” “I don’t think there’s one Canadian that doesn’t know what Hudson’s Bay is,” Mr. Durand added. Canadian Tire did not respond to a request for comment on Ms. Liu’s discussion of launching a “New Bay,” whether the company would consider licensing any of the brand names to other parties, or how it plans to protect the trademarks it is acquiring in the HBC deal. The Bay was ‘the last one standing’: A former fashion executive shares his ups and downs with the iconic retailer Canadian Tire has not yet provided details on how it intends to use the intellectual property in the acquisition. The retailer could decide to launch new product lines under the Bay’s private-label brands, such as Distinctly Home and Hudson North; to design new products featuring the Bay’s well-known multicoloured stripe pattern; and to use The Bay or Hudson’s Bay branding in sections of its stores selling certain goods. Legal experts say how Canadian Tire uses the brands will be important: In order to hold on to a trademark, companies need to use it or lose it. If a trademark registration is more than three years old, it can be removed for non-use, if someone challenges that registration and the brand owner cannot produce evidence of its use. That gives Canadian Tire a grace period, since the demise of Hudson’s Bay is relatively recent and its most prominent trademarks were in active use until the stores closed their doors permanently . “As an acquirer, there’s a certain continuity of the use of the of the trademarks that they’re acquiring, that will be very important,” Mr. Durand said. There is also the possibility that Ms. Liu’s talk of a “New Bay” goes no further than a bit of social-media bluster, intended to drum up public interest in the new stores that she plans to open. In a recent post on LinkedIn, Central Walk chief executive officer Linda Qin wrote about a recent trip to Toronto during which the team hired 10 former Hudson’s Bay employees. Her post featured a photo of a storefront, digitally edited with a sign featuring the same ruby logo, but the name “Ruby Liu” instead of “New Bay.” “Send us your resume if you would like to work with us. We welcome vendors and suppliers as well,” Ms. Qin wrote. The story contains a warning for brand owners about potential misuse of marks, lawyer Ms. Tole said. “Somebody who is starting a new business should definitely do an availability search and get an opinion on whether or not adopting a new mark would in any way infringe somebody else’s rights,” Ms. Tole said. “Do your homework before you proceed, because it can be very expensive to undo something.”";0
Calgary-based oil giant appeals fine over wildlife deaths in tailings pond Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. CNQ-T is appealing a $278,000 fine for a major environmental infraction that killed birds and endangered coyotes and wolves near its Horizon oil sands mining operation in Northern Alberta. The Alberta Energy Regulator levied the fine in July last year. Tyler Callicott, its director of enforcement, wrote in a judgment that the Calgary-based oil giant failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent wildlife from coming into contact with toxic tailings at the oil sands site. But the oil company says the regulator erred in applying pertinent legislation and, as a result, issued a penalty that was far too high. It wants the regulator to reduce the fine by more than 80 per cent, to $46,750. Canadian Natural’s net earnings were $7.4-billion in 2024. The fine stems from CNRL’s lack of action after it discovered that an island had formed in a tailings pond at Horizon in the spring of 2021. Tailings ponds contain process-affected water and bitumen that is toxic to wildlife – both to birds, which lose their insulation, waterproofing and ability to fly when heavily oiled, and to the predators that eat them. No birds were nesting on the island when CNRL first noticed it in 2021, so the company continued with its usual bird-deterrent activities until the island was eventually submerged by rising water. It made no effort to eliminate the island or manage the level of water to prevent its re-emergence, according to a written decision from the regulator. In the spring of 2022, the island re-emerged and became a habitat and nesting site for birds - and their predators, such as wolves and coyotes, which could access the island through a strip of shallow water. Canadian Natural reports first-quarter profit beat and record oil and gas output On May 21, 2022, CNRL discovered 271 California gull nests and a Canada goose nest on the island. Two weeks later, it notified the regulator of the formation of the island and measures it was taking to prevent birds from coming into contact with toxic tailings. “These, and subsequent, mitigation measures were not effective in preventing animals from coming into contact with a hazardous substance,” the AER’s Mr. Callicott wrote in his decision. The regulator deemed the incident major, given that CNRL reported 411 bird fatalities between May and August of 2022, and that coyotes and wolves accessed the island through the water of the tailings facility and killed oiled birds. In a 114-page appeal lodged on May 6, CNRL argued that a hazardous substance must “come into contact with or contaminate” an animal for an offence to have occurred, according to environmental rules. But for a portion of the contravention period there was no proof of oiled birds, CNRL argued in its appeal. Instead, the regulator said in its judgment that it was only “likely or inevitable” that birds were contaminated by the toxic tailings pond, because nests were present on the island. When the regulator relied on “likely or inevitable” contamination, it issued a penalty for 76 days, from - May 21, 2022, when the first gull nests were identified, until Aug. 4, 2022, when the gulls had all left the island. But given there were only 13 days when oiled birds were identified, CNRL said the penalty should be capped to that time period. The company acknowledged in its appeal that the incident was significant. But it argued that the base penalty should be reduced owing to Canadian Natural’s “good faith and mitigation measures in response to the incident.” Oral final arguments on the appeal will be held on June 18.;0
"The Musk-Trump bromance was an alliance of mutual advantage – until it wasn’t David Shribman The Globe and Mail Published June 6, 2025 To an elite class of titanic ruptures that includes Esau and Jacob, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Leonard Cohen and Suzanne Elrod, Shoppers Drug Mart and RBC and, of course, the Beatles, relationship students can add a new one for the ages. This week’s blustery breakup of Donald Trump and Elon Musk is not a split of the magnitude of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, allies in 1939 but military foes by 1941. But, like the Second World War alliance in which all the isms had suddenly become wasms, it was the destruction of an alliance of mutual advantage – until it wasn’t, as it inevitably, eventually would be, much the way two electrons repel each other. With different styles (overlong neckties and drooping bespoke suits versus form-fitting T-shirts) and different sources of wealth (Earth-based brick and mortar versus space-oriented technology), one is an old-fashioned tycoon in the F. Scott Fitzgerald model, the other a modern entrepreneur and startup artist with a nod to the sci-fi tradition. Their alliance was as volatile as helium, capable of soaring but with a low boiling point. This episode’s curious but irresistible mixture of high drama (elements of King Lear) and low comedy (snatches of Twelfth Night ) will swiftly move from Saturday Night Live skits to theses for PhDs, though possibly in child psychology. In the meantime, the dustup that led to the breakup prompts several questions that go beyond the entertainment value of two billionaires calling each other names. Analysis: For Trump and Musk, breaking up wasn’t all that hard Is this a sideshow or a significant political moment? At the heart of this question is whether the fight between the world’s richest individual and the world’s most powerful person has political and even cultural meaning or is simply a captivating spectacle of men behaving badly. To the extent that it is a struggle over whether the Trump administration is sufficiently committed to shrinking the federal government, this division is a mirror of a substantial fissure in the Republican Party, one that endangers the spending measure to which Mr. Trump has added the overwrought “big, beautiful” descriptor and to which Mr. Musk has attached the infelicitous phrase “disgusting abomination.” Mr. Musk did not create this division; it preceded him and it is why Speaker Mike Johnson had such difficulty persuading budget hawks to support the measure in the House . It passed by a single vote. Mr. Trump escalated his feud with Mr. Musk on Thursday, telling reporters he was 'disappointed' in the Tesla CEO's public criticism of the Republican spending bill. Reuters In the long arc of history, or even of contemporary politics, is Mr. Musk all that significant a figure? By spending nearly US$300-million to support Mr. Trump and Republican congressional candidates in 2024 and then, in his abbreviated role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, promoting massive government layoffs, Mr. Musk acquired political power few other unelected Americans have possessed, surpassing the influence of the leaders of the big political-action committees of the late 20th century. Moreover, he possessed power exceeding that of the dollar-a-year men Woodrow Wilson drew to government during the First World War, such as financier Bernard Baruch, who led the new War Industries Board. And whom Franklin Roosevelt tapped as U.S. involvement in the Second World War approached, such as General Motors president William Knudsen, who became head of the new National Defense Advisory Commission. In the end, however, Mr. Musk may turn out to be more of a passing storm than a symbol of political climate change. Marcus Gee: In battle of billionaire egos, Trump-Musk bromance was always doomed Beyond the personal fireworks, are there practical effects of this breakup? The President’s threat to end subventions for Musk companies could hurt his new rival, even as a possible decommissioning of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft could endanger the American space program, which overall has become dependent on Musk enterprises. A break between Mr. Musk’s holdings and NASA, for example, would jeopardize the transport of astronauts to the International Space Station and raise questions about the schedule, or even the possibility, of an American return to the moon. What are the political implications of this split? Mr. Musk has raised the notion of starting a new party, and about four-fifths of the approximately 3.5 million responders to his query on X endorsed the idea. But don’t count on it. The Populist Party flared at the end of the 19th century, but the last new major political party in the U.S. was the Republicans, and that was 171 years ago. Even so, dissatisfaction with the major parties is a hearty perennial in American life. But the example of another quirky entrepreneur barrelling into politics, H. Ross Perot, who twice ran for president as a third-party candidate, is sobering. He may have won 19 per cent of the vote in the 1992 election, but overall his image was tarnished badly, and eventually his movement vanished. Besides, born in South Africa, Mr. Musk is forbidden by the Constitution from running for president. And though Democrats luxuriated in this week’s fight and delighted in Mr. Musk’s suggestion that Mr. Trump be impeached again, they have so demonized Mr. Musk that he is not likely to be embraced, except in the sense that the enemy of one’s enemy is one’s friend. Democrats likely are viewing the Trump-Musk war the way U.S. diplomats viewed the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s: They hope both lose. What are the next steps, or is this dance over? Despite the efforts to paper over this rift – they are under way already – Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk won’t go the way of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, who broke up and then got together again. The two are more likely to be like Gordon Lightfoot and Brita Ingegerd Olaisson, who split after a decade of marriage. The Canadian folksinger would be known for, among scores of lyrics, this line, which seems oddly appropriate to this moment: I don’t know where we went wrong But the feeling’s gone and I just can’t get it back.";-0,075
"The problem with politicians’ pet projects Governments of all political stripes in Canada are making the most of the economic crisis triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s whiplash-inducing tariff decisions. From the Ontario PCs to the BC NDP, the economic disruption has provided cover for governments to push their pet projects to the front of the line so that they build, baby, build. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to construct the world’s longest traffic tunnel under Highway 401 and is calling on Ottawa to scrap a federal law that assesses the environmental impact of major projects so that he can meet his long-held ambition to develop mines in the “Ring of Fire.” B.C. Premier David Eby has already passed contentious legislation this spring to eliminate environment assessments for a string of energy projects and to fast-track approvals for critical mineral mines. He now wants Ottawa to help pay for a transmission line to connect those potential projects – and while Ottawa has its wallet open, he’d also like some substantial cash for a replacement of the aging Massey tunnel that presents a choke point on Highway 99. And the federal Liberals are talking about a fast track for nation-building projects. All of this, naturally, in the name of unlocking Canada’s economic potential. New Democrats, Liberals, and Conservatives all seem to have ended up at the same place: Those sitting around a cabinet table ought to decide which projects get built in a hurry, and which ones will have to wade through the existing regulatory mire. Andrew Coyne: The premiers as nation-builders? Colour me skeptical Campbell Clark: Should Canada build a pipeline to the West or the East? Prime Minister Mark Carney’s One Canadian Economy bill, introduced Friday, proposes to create an office to streamline approvals for “nation-building” projects such as ports, critical mineral mines and trade corridors. Projects that get on the list will be prioritized – leaving behind those that don’t win favour. His criteria are vague enough to allow elected officials to play favourites. Nation-building projects are those that strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security, and offer “undeniable benefits to Canada.” Projects with Indigenous backing and clean growth potential will get a boost up the ladder. Mr. Carney invited the premiers to submit their preferred projects for consideration, making for a very jolly meeting of the First Ministers on June 2 because as it happened, the leaders all had arrived with their own parochial definitions of the national interest. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wants infrastructure funding for the Port of Churchill . Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston wants Ottawa’s backing to develop offshore wind energy. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has revived her province’s push for a new bitumen pipeline to the Pacific. The premise for this activity is that Canada’s current regulatory framework is broken, that environmental assessments take too long, and that cabinets need special powers to ensure that projects are built in a timely way. Editorial: Ottawa should look to B.C.’s fast-track blueprint for big projects Editorial: Free the market for renewable energy in Alberta What if, instead of politicians advancing their political pet projects, they instead tackled the underlying problem? The private sector will necessarily power much of this nation-building. There is much alignment with Ottawa’s ambitions, but some subtle differences. The Business Council of Canada has called for efforts to fast-track strategic infrastructure in response to the economic challenges now facing the nation as its major trading partner redraws the playing field. But the council isn’t asking premiers to pick winners. It sees essential infrastructure projects as those that support energy and trade but also research and development infrastructure such as industrial labs. Business is asking governments to harmonize regulations across levels of government and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay strategic investments. There is duplication; get rid of it. Environmental assessments can be managed more efficiently; reform the system. And the Crown can find ways to better execute the constitutional duty to consult and accommodate First Nations. Canada’s productivity decline has many causes, but one of the most obvious is the penchant of governments to subsidize favoured industries rather than undertake the less glamorous work of tearing down barriers to private sector investment. A regulatory fast lane for pet projects is just a new spin on that tired and failed approach.";-0,1
"Values alone cannot build serious foreign policy David McKinnon Contributed to The Globe and Mail Published June 9, 2025 The days when foreign policy was an afterthought, subordinate to domestic politics, are over. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Canada had its own “end of history”: comforting illusions of a stable international order (with Canada near the centre) and ever widening free trade. The fall of the Soviet Union and seemingly permanent unfettered access to the United States made us assume that prosperity was inevitable and our security guaranteed. This has ended. Today’s global environment is volatile, competitive and unpredictable. Effective diplomacy and national security are now existential. For Canada to navigate this disorder, our international engagement needs to be at the centre of policy and public discourse. We can no longer outsource our prosperity and security to global systems or allies or think that our seat at high tables like the Group of Seven is inevitable (or, indeed, that the G7 retains the relevance it had). The burden is now ours, guided by interests, values and a renewed sense of identity and common purpose. Values such as democracy, pluralism and the rule of law remain vital. But values alone cannot build serious foreign policy. Too often, Canada has treated values as ends in themselves rather than as elements of prosperous and successful societies. We need to pursue our interests, including those rooted in our values, if we are to turn ideals into influence. Anand insists Canada is mulling options with allies for ceasefire in Gaza and more aid Effective diplomacy requires coherent priorities and expertise backed by serious investment. At its core, diplomacy is deeply personal, built on trust and sustained relationships. A modern, properly trained and resourced foreign service is central to this, but it has not been a priority for Canada in decades. It demands creativity and deep understanding, especially of those whose outlooks differ from our own. We need diplomats with expertise: people who understand the world through lived experience, grasp the histories, speak the languages, and can interpret the motivations of other states (and explain Canada to them). An effective foreign and trade ministry is not cheap, but it is a cost-effective complement to defence and development spending to build influence. While it is essential that we deepen our understanding of large emerging or resurgent powers such as India and China , we should not neglect smaller states. Relationships with them can be pivotal, especially if Canada aspires to global relevance. Likewise, while we have long prioritized multilateralism, effective bilateral relationships are the building blocks of global success. Our capacity to navigate a complex web of ties – from Washington to Colombo – can amplify our voice on the world stage. AI can transform diplomacy, but the benefit will come only if we know what our diplomacy needs to achieve. We need to be informed users of these tools and resist the temptation to outsource our knowledge and understanding to algorithms. Effective diplomacy requires tending the diplomatic garden, as U.S. statesman George Shultz once put it. You cannot wait until you need a favour to invest in a relationship, and attention to smaller relationships can pay off. Carney defends decision to invite Indian PM to G7 summit in Alberta This approach must go beyond government. Our foreign policy ecosystem needs to be enriched by business leaders, academics, think tanks, civil society and media with international insight. There has been some progress in developing this capacity, but the coverage and commentary when the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar hit the headlines showed how limited our historical and geostrategic understanding can be. We need a deeper bench of people who know the world and our own history. Inside Global Affairs Canada, the culture must change. Over-management stifles initiative, and diplomacy suffers when entrepreneurial thinking is suppressed. Diplomats need to be able to ask hard questions, take risks, and admit when things do not go as planned. A culture that insists everything is a success leaves no room for learning from its failures. Global Affairs’ latest “transformation” exercise, started in 2023, is working to bring some cohesion and modernity to a deeply siloed organization. It seems, however, heavy on process and values, while avoiding substantive action on more fundamental problems including structure, human resources and communications. Finally, Canada needs a serious foreign policy review, one that goes well beyond Ottawa and engages Canadians, including those who do not always agree with prevailing assumptions; this should be completed in months, not years. A credible and enduring foreign policy must reflect who we are, what we care about, and what we stand for. It requires leadership to develop and pursue but cannot simply be imposed from above. We are at a crossroads. In a world of fractured power and rising disorder, Canada cannot drift. We need to be clear-eyed, confident and committed. The opportunity to redefine our place in the world is here. Let’s not waste it.";0,1
Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum says she will attend G7 summit next week in Alberta Ottawa The Canadian Press Published June 9, 2025 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says she will attend the G7 summit next week in Kananaskis, Alta. Sheinbaum was one of several world leaders invited to the summit by Prime Minister Mark Carney who are not part of the Group of Seven. She says her team is working to set up bilateral meetings with G7 leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexico and Canada have both been targets of Trump’s punishing tariffs and the three countries are set to begin renegotiating the Canada-U.S.- Mexico Agreement on trade next year. Opinion: Annual G7 summits are important. So why aren’t Canadian summits a thing? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have all been invited to attend the summit. Carney caused controversy last week when he invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit – despite the fact that the RCMP has accused agents of his government of playing a role in “widespread violence” in Canada. Ottawa’s stated priorities for the summit include strengthening global peace and security – which includes countering foreign interference and transnational crime – spurring economic growth and creating jobs.;0
Israel detains Thunberg, other activists on Gaza aid boat A Gaza -bound aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists arrived at an Israeli port Monday after Israeli forces stopped and detained them – enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war. The boat, accompanied by Israel’s navy, arrived in Ashdod in the evening, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. It published a photo on social media of Thunberg after disembarking. The 12 activists were undergoing medical checks to ensure they are in good health, the ministry said. They were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing them. The activists had set out to protest Israel’s military campaign in Gaza , which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Both have put the territory of around 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, said the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while trying to deliver desperately needed aid. “The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted and its life-saving cargo – including baby formula, food and medical supplies – confiscated,” it said in a statement. It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Gaza, and Adalah asserted that Israel had “no legal authority” to take it over. Israel’s Foreign Ministry portrayed the voyage as a public relations stunt, saying on social media that “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.” It said the activists would return to their home countries and the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. It circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing life vests. A charity vessel aiming to deliver aid and raise awareness of the Gaza crisis was seized by Israeli naval forces at sea on Monday. Reuters Israel says boat was carrying minimal aid Israeli officials said the flotilla carried what amounted to less than a truckload of aid. “This wasn’t humanitarian aid. It’s Instagram activism,” Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said. “Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who’s really feeding Gaza and who’s really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.” After its 2 1/2-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month, but humanitarian workers and experts have warned of famine unless the blockade is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive. About 600 trucks of aid entered daily during the ceasefire that Israel ended in March. An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after two drones attacked the vessel in international waters off Malta, organizers said. The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the ship’s front section. The Madleen set sail from Sicily a week ago. Along the way, it stopped on Thursday to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid being detained by Libya’a coast guard. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” Thunberg said in a prerecorded message released after the ship was halted. Adalah, the rights group, said in a statement that “the arrest of the unarmed activists, who operated in a civilian manner to provide humanitarian aid, amounts to a serious breach of international law.” Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, was among those on board. She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. Open this photo in gallery: Activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, board the Madleen boat, ahead of setting sail for Gaza, departing from the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy, on June 1. Salvatore Cavalli/The Associated Press She was among six French citizens on board. French President Emmanuel Macron called for consular protection and the repatriation of the French citizens. “Most of all, France calls for a ceasefire as quickly as possible and the lifting of the humanitarian blockade. This is a scandal, unacceptable, that is playing out in Gaza. What’s been happening since early March is a disgrace, a disgrace,” Macron said Next week, Macron co-hosts a conference at the U.N. on a two-state solution and recently said France should move toward recognizing a Palestinian state. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the crew and passengers were aware of the risks, Swedish news agency TT reported. Stenergard said the ministry’s assessment is that no one was in danger and there was no need for consular support. Asked about Thunberg at the White House, President Donald Trump said, “I think she has to go to anger management class. That’s my primary recommendation for her.” Trump described the climate activist as a “young, angry person,” but added, “I don’t know if it’s real anger.” Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s Palestinian population. Israel sealed off Gaza from all aid in the early days of the war ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, but later relented under U.S. pressure. In early March, shortly before Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas, the country again blocked all imports, including food, fuel and medicine. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Hamas still holds 55 hostages, more than half believed to be dead. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said that women and children make up most of the dead. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90 per cent of the population, leaving people almost completely dependent on international aid. Efforts to broker another truce have been deadlocked for months. Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Israel has vowed to continue the war until all the captives are returned and Hamas is defeated, or disarmed and exiled.;0,375
Refugees in limbo, with Ottawa silent on immigration jobs program due to expire within days Marie Woolf Ottawa Published June 9, 2025 In the Ontario village of Schomberg, the local stone masonry shop is known for holding the Guinness world record for the tallest freestanding inukshuk sculpture. Since last year, the company, which crafts marble columns and limestone windowsills out of stone from its quarries, has cultivated another cause for renown: rescuing Syrian refugees. Peter Melo, general manager of Allstone Quarry Products, has helped two refugees establish new lives in Canada with their families, and he is in the process of hiring one more. But whether his latest Syrian employee ever arrives may depend on whether the federal government’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, a program that matches qualified displaced people with job vacancies in Canada, expires this week as scheduled, or is extended by Ottawa as promised by the previous Liberal government. The clock is ticking for the EMPP, which was founded in 2018 as a route to permanent residence and is due to expire on Thursday. Much has changed since the program was set up. There have been three immigration ministers and two prime ministers in the past six months alone. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that his overall goal is returning immigration to sustainable levels while “attracting the best talent from around the world to help build Canada’s economy.” The government would not say whether the EMPP will be a casualty of targets to cut immigration or will be renewed at the 11th hour. “We cannot speculate on future policy decisions,” said Isabelle Dubois, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Applications that have already been received will still be processed regardless of whether the pilot program expires, she added. Those who have already arrived in Canada through the program have their futures in the country secured. But for those who have not yet received job offers, the future is more precarious, as they wait to learn whether the pilot will continue. Groups mount legal challenge against Ottawa over refugee treaty with U.S. Robyn Urback: Is the U.S. still a ‘safe’ country for refugees? An internal memorandum sent last year by IRCC officials to Marc Miller, then-minister-of-immigration, notes the minister pledged to make the EMPP a permanent economic immigration program by 2025. The document, obtained through access to information laws, sets out the regulatory process to make the program permanent. It suggests extending the expiration date of the federal policy from June 12 to Dec. 31, “to allow for a seamless transition between the pilot to the permanent program.” Mr. Melo of Allstone Quarry Products says the two Syrians he has already hired through the EMPP have transformed his company with their energy and hard work. One of them, Abdulaziz, had fled the Syrian civil war to Iraq. The other, Omar, had sought refuge in Lebanon. The Globe and Mail is not publishing the full names of some refugees owing to fears for the safety of family members in their home countries. Mr. Melo said helping Abdulaziz and Omar get settled required work. “It took a lot of cultivating, a lot of motivating, a lot of patience, a lot of reassurance, a lot of helping them, day to day, week to week,” he said. “Sure enough, they’ve both become very valuable employees, and they’re just great people.” The uncertainty now surrounding the future of the EMPP is causing consternation not just for refugees who have applied for jobs in Canada under the program, but also for their prospective employers. Among them is Carleton University in Ottawa, which has hired a refugee from the civil war in Sudan as a visiting professor, to help with research into artificial intelligence. Abeer, who fled to Somalia, holds a PhD in wireless communications and network engineering. She has researched the impact of AI and machine-learning-based algorithms on wireless communication systems. Norah Vollmer, manager of faculty affairs at Carleton University, said Abeer’s skills are an exact fit for a research project being run by a Carleton professor, and he is keen for her to join the faculty swiftly. But it has taken seven months to fill in the requisite paperwork, and Abeer still has to undergo biometric checks. “We need this scholar here now,” Ms. Vollmer said. “She has no status in the country she is in.” Editorial Board: The Liberals get around to fixing the thing they broke Dana Wagner, co-founder of TalentLift, a non-profit international recruitment company that matches displaced people with employers, said that with no direction from the federal government both employees and refugees are in limbo. Letting the program just expire would be ”counterproductive and cruel,” she said. “You can’t turn economic visas on and off like a tap without harming Canadian workplaces. Employers put time and resources into international hiring, and that investment is lost if a visa pathway suddenly ends,” she said. “People in really tough refugee situations around the world are also investing in their job search with Canadian teams. There’s a number of people waiting on the results of an interview, or working hard to get one, who’d be facing yet another major lost opportunity if Canada ends this program.” One refugee waiting anxiously to see if the program will lapse is Espérat King Ntakarutimana, a nurse from Burundi who fled to Rwanda in 2018 and is hoping to come to Canada as a health care worker. Ms. Wagner says his candidacy is currently being reviewed by a Canadian health care employer and he is hoping for an interview, but if the program is cancelled his hopes could be dashed. At the stone suppliers in Schomberg, Mr. Melo is also watching closely to see if the program will continue, and whether his two Syrian workers will be joined by another of their countrymen. He fondly recalls picking the refugees up at the airport, where Omar’s sister, already living in Ontario, showered him with thanks for bringing her brother to safety. “I was buzzing for months about it. They were so grateful,” he said. “It was a really, really special feeling.”;0,35
L.A. Protests Maps: How Immigration Raids and Federal Response Unfolded - The New York TimesClashes in Los Angeles between law enforcement and people protesting immigration raids continued for a sixth day on Wednesday. Several other cities nationwide saw protests as well. Here is what happened on each day.Tuesday, June 10 Hundreds of active-duty Marines sent by the Trump administration arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday. In a televised speech, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California condemned President Trump’s deployment of the military to quell protests as a “brazen abuse of power.” Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the downtown area. She said that the demonstrations had resulted in “significant” violence and vandalism. Protests were held in other major U.S. cities on Tuesday. In some, there were tense encounters between law enforcement officers and protesters, with some people sustaining injuries. But the protests have remained largely peaceful and confined to only small sections of cities. Major protests on Tuesday Hundreds of protesters clashed with police officers in Lower Manhattan. Some demonstrators were pushed to the ground as they were arrested. N.Y. Chicago New York Denver Thousands of protesters marched through downtown, chanting anti-ICE and anti-Trump slogans. Ill. Colo. Calif. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered near the State Capitol. Los Angeles Atlanta Ga. Local law enforcement used chemical agents and physical force to scatter protesters. Hundreds of protesters clashed with police officers in Lower Manhattan. Some demonstrators were pushed to the ground as they were arrested. N.Y. Chicago New York Ill. Thousands of protesters marched through downtown, chanting anti-ICE and anti-Trump slogans. Atlanta Ga. Local law enforcement used chemical agents and physical force to scatter protesters. Denver Colo. Calif. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered near the State Capitol. Los Angeles More protests are planned for Wednesday in Seattle, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Mr. Trump has warned that protesters elsewhere would be met with “equal or greater force” than those in Los Angeles. Monday, June 9 Highway 101 Metropolitan Detention Center Where flash bangs were fired Federal building N. Main Street Temple Street City Hall Where tear gas was deployed N. Alameda Street Los Angeles Street Protesters gathered around a group of federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES Metropolitan Detention Center Where flash bangs were fired Federal building Temple St. N. Main St. Where tear gas was deployed City Hall Los Angeles St. Protesters gathered around a group of federal and municipal buildings in downtown Los Angeles. Metropolitan Detention Center Highway 101 Where flash bangs were fired Federal building N. Main Street Temple Street City Hall Where tear gas was deployed Los Angeles Street Protesters gathered around a group of federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES Aerial image by Google Earth The New York Times On Monday afternoon, law enforcement officers in downtown Los Angeles used flash bangs, foam rounds and other tactics to push protesters out of a complex of federal and municipal buildings that has been a central site of demonstrations. Civic Center complex Bedel Saget/The New York Times After law enforcement officials fired tear gas from the corner of Los Angeles and East Temple Streets toward the Temple Street Bridge, protesters began to move more quickly down Los Angeles Street. Some demonstrators who had climbed onto a ledge to document the scene were thrown to the ground by multiple officers. Temple and Los Angeles Streets A brief clash between several law enforcement officials and protesters on Monday. Blacki Migliozzi/The New York Times Protesters spread out around the area after being pushed out of the building complex. Some moved into nearby Little Tokyo, where law enforcement officers in riot gear could be seen under a giant mural of the Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Philip Cheung for The New York Times Protests also took place in at least two dozen other cities on Monday, mostly without incident, although some brief clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers were reported and dozens of people were arrested. Locations of planned protests on Monday Minn. Boston Minneapolis N.Y. Mass. Mich. New York Harrisburg Detroit Pa. Chicago Philadelphia Pittsburgh Ill. Washington Ky. Owensboro Asheville N.C. Charlotte Atlanta Ga. Jacksonville La. New Orleans Fla. Seattle Wash. Portland Ore. Medford Sacramento Nev. San Francisco Calif. Las Vegas Santa Fe Los Angeles N.M. Sunday, June 8 City Hall Los Angeles Federal building Highway 101 Protesters seen in drone video below. Protesters briefly blocked Highway 101. Los Angeles St. V.A. clinic Alameda St. Multiple burned Waymo driverless taxis seen along this street. Metropolitan Detention Center North City Hall Los Angeles Highway 101 Protesters seen in drone video below. Protesters briefly blocked Highway 101. Los Angeles St. V.A. clinic Alameda St. Metropolitan Detention Center Multiple burned Waymo driverless taxis seen along this street. North Protesters seen in drone video below. Metropolitan Detention Center Protesters briefly blocked Highway 101. Highway 101 Los Angeles St. Multiple burned Waymo driverless taxis seen along this street. Alameda St. North Aerial image by Google Earth The New York Times The third day of protests in downtown Los Angeles began with roughly 20 National Guard troops arriving at the Metropolitan Detention Center early Sunday morning. By about 10:30 a.m. Pacific time, nearly 300 members of the California Guard took positions at three different sites around the city. Next to detention center Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times More than a dozen Homeland Security officers in riot gear joined the National Guard troops at the detention center. By early afternoon hundreds of protesters had gathered there. One block from detention center Protesters and law enforcement face off a block south of the Metropolitan Detention Center. Bedel Saget and Blacki Migliozzi/The New York Times At around 1 p.m. Pacific, California National Guard, Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers formed a line and attempted to clear protesters away from the Metropolitan Detention Center. Officers deployed tear gas, pepper balls and other crowd-control munitions. Next to detention center Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times Later in the afternoon, some protesters spilled onto nearby U.S. 101, blocking traffic in at least one direction. Highway 101 Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times Near the Los Angeles Federal Building, police fired crowd-control munitions toward protesters, who had set up a barricade. Videos on social media show at least three people who appeared to have been trampled and injured by police on horseback. On Los Angeles St., several Waymo driverless taxis had caught on fire, with protesters painting graffiti and posing in front of the burning vehicles. Near the Los Angeles Federal Building Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times As dusk fell, hundreds of people were still gathered at the overpass above highway 101. Authorities deployed tear gas and flash bangs after protesters dropped rocks and trash on unoccupied California Highway Patrol vehicles below, while officers took cover under the overpass. Highway 101 Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times Around 9:30 p.m. Pacific, the Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly in all of downtown Los Angeles. By midnight, the police had dispersed a majority of the crowds. Saturday, June 7 On Saturday morning, separate clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement officers in Paramount, a small city about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, amid rumors that immigration agents planned to raid a Home Depot in the area. Protesters kicked and threw objects at law enforcement vehicles, while officers deployed tear gas. Paramount Eric Thayer/Associated Press Paramount Eric Thayer/Associated Press Later that day, tensions escalated. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department ordered protesters to disperse and warned they would face arrest or use of force if they did not. Officers shot tear gas canisters into the crowd as protesters retreated. Mr. Trump signed a memo around 6 p.m. Pacific ordering 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles to protect federal officers conducting immigration operations, over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles. As night fell, protesters and the Sheriff’s Department continued to clash in Compton — across the Los Angeles River from the Home Depot in Paramount. Officers shot flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets at the protesters, who threw rocks, glass bottles and fireworks at the officers. Mimi Dwyer for The New York Times Back in downtown Los Angeles Saturday evening, protesters had gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center. The Los Angeles Police Department created a barrier outside the building and declared an unlawful assembly, ordering demonstrators to disperse. Friday, June 6 Around 3 p.m. Pacific, a crowd of dozens gathered in the Fashion District near downtown Los Angeles after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents appeared at an apparel manufacturer there. Orlando Mayorquín/The New York Times Dozens of federal agents arrived in riot gear to disperse the crowd and clear a path for two white passenger vans leaving the area. The operation was one of three immigration raids on Friday in Los Angeles. Later in the afternoon, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles Federal Building, calling for an end to immigration raids in the city. Next to detention center Daniel Cole/Reuters Officers from the Department of Homeland Security fired pepper balls at the protesters before the Los Angeles Police Department dispersed the crowd. More than 100 people were arrested on Friday, according to federal officials. Among the arrested was David Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union California, who officials said was impeding federal agents by blocking their vehicle. Near detention center Jae C. Hong/Associated Press;0,2
"Marines to be deployed to help curb LA protestsFelix Tamsut with AFP, AP, Reuters | Rana Taha Editor The US will deploy some 700 Marines to help the authorities' response to the immigration protests in Los Angeles, the US Northern Command said on Monday. ""The activation of the Marines is intended to provide Task Force 51 with adequate numbers of forces to provide continuous coverage of the area in support of the lead federal agency,"" the Command said in a statement. A senior source in the Donald Trump administration earlier told the French AFP news agency that the deployment is due to the ""increased threats against federal officers and federal buildings."" California governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment of Marines on American soil, saying Marines should not be deployed ""to fulfill the deranged fantasy"" of Trump, on his X account.California sues the Trump administration over National Guard deployment June 10, 2025 California sues the Trump administration over National Guard deployment The state of California has sued the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard in response to the immigration protests in Los Angeles. According to the lawsuit, the deployment of troops in the state ""trampled"" on the state's sovereignty, with California pushing for a restraining order. California attorney general Rob Bonta said the move became necessary once US President Trump escalated the number of troops, leading to growing unrest. In a post on his X account, California governor Gavin Newsom said a government should be ""accountable to its people… not military rule."" ""California will be standing up for those principles in court,"" he added.More National Guard troops to be deployed in LA June 10, 2025 More National Guard troops to be deployed in LA California governor Gavin Newsom said the Donald Trump administration will deploy an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in light of the protests in the city. Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, later confirmed the deployment in a statement on X, saying that Trump had ordered that the toops be ""called into federal service to support ICE & to enable federal law-enforcement officers to safely conduct their duties."" Newsom was highly critical of the deployment. ""This isn't about public safety, It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego,"" Newsom posted on his X account, calling the move ""reckless, pointless and disrespectful to our troops."" According to Newsom, only approximately 300 of the first 2,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to Los Angeles are currently active in the city, with the rest ""sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders.""US Health Secretary Kennedy fires all members of vaccine committee June 10, 2025 US Health Secretary Kennedy fires all members of vaccine committee US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired all members of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel of vaccine experts, the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. Kennedy removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a body that advises the CDC on which groups of people would most benefit from an already-approved vaccine and the timing in which they should get it. The process of considering new members to replace the departing members has begun, the statement said. Kennedy Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic, said the move is to restore public trust ""above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,"" adding that ""unbiased science"" is what guides US health agencies. Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the firings a ""tragedy,"" saying the move will reduce confidence in the US' health authorities.Protests resume in LA for fourth straight day June 10, 2025 Protests resume in LA for fourth straight day Protesters against the detention of migrants have gathered in Los Angeles for a fourth day in a row. The Los Angeles Police Department said protesters were blocking several roads across the city, announcing the closure of some roads. This comes after the Donald Trump administration ordered the deployment of some 700 Marines in light of the ongoing protests in the city.Trump may be playing the long game with National Guard order June 10, 2025 Trump may be playing the long game with National Guard order Trump 'inviting legal challenges' with National Guard orderUN warns against 'further militarization' in LA June 9, 2025 UN warns against 'further militarization' in LA The United Nations has weighed in on the police response to protesters in California. It called on all levels of government, including state and federal authorities, to prevent ""further militarization"" amid the unrest. ""We do not want to see any further militarization of this situation, and we encourage the parties at the local, state and federal levels to work to do that,"" said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq.Trump defends decision to send in National Guard June 9, 2025 Trump defends decision to send in National Guard US President Donald Trump claimed it was necessary to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles in a post on his Truth social network on Monday. ""We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California,"" Trump wrote. ""If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated. The very incompetent 'Governor,' Gavin Newscum [sic], and 'Mayor,' Karen Bass, should be saying, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP, YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL. WE WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT YOU, SIR'."" A day earlier, California's Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state would sue the Trump administration over the move.Mexico president condemns LA violence June 9, 2025 Mexico president condemns LA violence Some protestors waved Mexican flags during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Los Angeles Image: Ethan Swope/AP Photo/picture alliance Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned the violence during protests in Los Angeles against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. ""It must be clear, we condemn violence wherever it comes from,"" Sheinbaum said during a press conference. Some protesters, carrying Mexican flags and signs denouncing US immigration authorities, participated in the demonstrations over the past few days. Sheinbaum also urged respect for migrant ""dignity."" Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente said at least 42 Mexicans were being held after the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles. He added that the vast majority of Mexicans detained were working when they were arrested.Glendale ends ICE detention contract June 9, 2025 Glendale ends ICE detention contract The City of Glendale in Los Angeles County has canceled a contract that allowed Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house detainees in its local jail. ""The City recognizes that public perception of the ICE contract, no matter how limited or carefully managed, no matter the good, has become divisive,"" it said in a statement late Sunday. ICE's agreement with Glendale has been in place since 2007. Even before the recent anti-ICE protests, the city faced criticism from community members and activists who argued that the collaboration violated California's sanctuary laws. California is a sanctuary state, meaning state and local law enforcement agencies are barred from assisting federal civil immigration officers.Dozens arrested at San Francisco protest June 9, 2025 Dozens arrested at San Francisco protest Louis Oelofse with AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa | Zac Crellin Editor Hundreds of people protested in San Francisco against the ICE raids and deportations of migrants without valid residence permits in California Image: Manuel Orbegozo/REUTERS At least 60 people were arrested in San Francisco as police clashed with demonstrators rallying against immigration raids in Los Angeles. San Francisco police ""declared an unlawful assembly,"" they said on social media platform X. ""Approximately 60 people were arrested, including juveniles."" The demonstrations took place in front of a building belonging to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It was initially peaceful, but police the group of people refused to comply with an order to disperse.California to sue Trump administration over deployment of National Guard June 9, 2025 California to sue Trump administration over deployment of National Guard California Governor Gavin Newsom said California will sue the Trump administration over its deployment of the National Guard to quell Los Angeles protests. Newsom told MSNBC that the lawsuit would challenge the president's move to authorize federal troops without the state's consent. ""Donald Trump has created the conditions you see on your TV tonight. He's exacerbated the conditions. He's, you know, lit the proverbial match. He's putting fuel on this fire, ever since he announced he was taking over the National Guard — an illegal act, an immoral act, an unconstitutional act,"" Newsom said. ""And we're going to test that theory with a lawsuit tomorrow,"" he added.What impact has the deployment of the National Guard had on the situation in LA? June 9, 2025 What impact has the deployment of the National Guard had on the situation in LA? Jayson Campadonia, news director at NBC News Radio, told DW that people in LA were worried about the ""racial aspect of ICE raids"" because it brought back memories of the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. Those riots stemmed from the acquittal of four white Los Angeles Police Department officers in the beating of Black motorist Rodney King in 1991. The riots left more than 50 dead and more than 2,000 injured. This time too, tensions are running high as similar apprehensions come into play, with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers reportedly having taken people into custody during immigration raids, as part of US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, in the Los Angeles area on Friday. Campadonia has been to protest sites in LA and said smaller protests converged into a big protest on Sunday. He said he saw members of the National Guard ""fully there to go to work"" as they stood shoulder to shoulder in the streets on Sunday.Trump says 'bring in the troops' after Sunday's violent clashes June 9, 2025 Trump says 'bring in the troops' after Sunday's violent clashes California state authorities have warned residents against using violence as they also blamed the Trump administration for exploiting the situation in the LA area Image: Jim Vondruska/Getty Images US President Donald Trump said in an early morning social media post that protesters were getting aggressive in Los Angeles referring to an assessment made by the Los Angeles police chief. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell delivered a press conference earlier Sunday, saying his officers were targeted during protests and that protests were becoming ""increasingly worse and more violent."" Jim McDonnell said he would have to ""make a reassessment"" on the need for the National Guard when asked about it at the press conference given the kind of violence that took place Sunday. According to CNN, McDonnell said that: ""Before I could answer that, I’d have to know more about what their capabilities are, what their role is intended to be, to be able to make that determination."" ""We have tremendous capability here. To say that we’d go to that right away, I’d say we’re not – we wouldn’t have been there yet. Looking at the violence tonight, I think we gotta make a reassessment,"" he said. ""Don’t let these thugs get away with it,"" Trump wrote on social media, adding that it's ""looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!,"" before writing ""ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!"" Trump has sharply criticized protesters in Los Angeles, widening a political divide between California state authorities and his administration.";0,325
"Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap begins — ZelenskyyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a prisoner-of-war swap between Russia and Ukraine is underway. He posted pictures online of Ukrainians ""returning home from Russian captivity."" ""Today, an exchange began, which will continue in several stages over the coming days,"" Zelenskyy said. Over the weekend, Russia accused Ukraine of delaying the prisoner swap that will also include an exchange of soldiers' bodies. Ukraine, however, said there was no fixed date for the swap and that Russia was not adhering to the agreements about the exchange. ""The process is quite complex, with many sensitive details, and negotiations continue virtually every day,"" Zelenskyy said on Monday.Young and wounded soldiers among those freed in Ukraine-Russia POW swapMore details are emerging about the prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia , which both sides have confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the swap includes seriously wounded soldiers as well as those under the age of 25. He noted that the exchange process would take several days to complete. Neither Zelenskyy nor the Russian Defense Ministry disclosed how many POWs would be exchanged. The exchange follows an agreement reached during ceasefire talks held earlier this month in Istanbul, Turkey. At the time, both Moscow and Kyiv stated that the swap would involve more than 1,000 captured soldiers. The deal appeared to be in jeopardy over the weekend when the Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of failing to retrieve the bodies of its fallen soldiers, which Russia had intended to repatriate. Zelenskyy claimed that Moscow had not provided Kyiv with the names of more than 1,000 Ukrainians whose bodies had been agreed upon for return. He accused Russian authorities of playing ""dirty"" games.";0,05
"Boxing champion Usyk invites Trump to his Ukraine home to witness warJune 8, 2025 Boxing champion Usyk invites Trump to his Ukraine home to witness war Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has invited US President Donald Trump to live in his house for a week to better understand the Ukraine war. ""I advise American President Donald Trump to go to Ukraine and live in my house for one week, only one week,"" Usyk told the UK national broadcaster BBC. ""Watch what is going on. Every night, there are bombs, rockets flying above my house."" The WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion said people who don't live in Ukraine ""don't understand what's going on."" ""I worry about what happens in my country,"" 38-year-old Usyk added. ""It's very bad because Ukrainian people have died. It's not just military people — children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too."" Usyk is currently in London to train for a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley Stadium. Russia's war in Ukraine continues to rage, almost five months into Trump's presidency, despite him saying he would finish the conflict ""in 24 hours"" upon returning to office. Zelenskyy says Putin wants 'total defeat' of Ukraine, not peace June 8, 2025 Zelenskyy says Putin wants 'total defeat' of Ukraine, not peace Russia's President Vladimir Putin is seeking the ""total defeat"" of Ukraine and not a negotiated end to the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told a US broadcaster. ""I feel strongly that Putin does not want to finish this war. Inside his mind, it's impossible to end this war without total defeat of Ukraine,"" Zelenskyy said in an interview the ABC. Zelenskyy contradicted US President Donald Trump's earlier comment to ABC, where the US leader said he thought Putin wanted peace. ""Trust me, we understand the Russians much better, the mentality of the Russians, than the Americans understand the mentality of Russians. We are neighbors for ages,"" Zelenskyy added. Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of US backing for Ukraine. Only ""hard pressure"" from the United States and Europe could force Putin to back down, according to the Ukrainian leader. Then they will stop the war."" Two rounds of renewed peace talks under Turkey's mediation have so far made little progress, only yielding an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war , which has already been delayed. Lithuanian president criticizes Germany over inaction on Russia June 8, 2025 Lithuanian president criticizes Germany over inaction on Russia Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders for failing to follow through on threats to impose sanctions on Russia unless it agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. He told the Sunday edition of Germany's Bild newspaper it ""absolutely"" undermined Europe's credibility. ""And it doesn't just affect the credibility of our sanctions, but the credibility of all our measures towards Russia and our support for Ukraine,"" Nauseda said in remarks published on Sunday. After visiting Kyiv last month, Merz, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, urged Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire , warning of sanctions if it refused. Russia ignored the deadline, and no sanctions followed. Nauseda said the sanctions imposed on Russia so far have not been strong enough. Russia continues to accuse Ukraine of delaying planned exchange of dead fighters June 8, 2025 Russia continues to accuse Ukraine of delaying planned exchange of dead fighters Russian officials said on Sunday that they are still waiting for Ukraine to confirm a planned exchange of 6,000 bodies of soldiers who died in action. Lieutenant General Alexander Zorin said that Russia has brought 1,212 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to the exchange site at the border. They are waiting for confirmation from the Ukrainian side. It comes a day after Russia and Ukraine accused the other of endangering plans to exchange prisoners of war and soldiers' bodies. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement that there was no fixed date for the return of bodies and that Russia was not sticking to the agreed parameters of the POW swap, accusing Moscow of ""dirty games"" and ""manipulations."" The agency accused Russia of submitting lists of prisoners of war for repatriation that didn't correspond to agreements reached. Russia says it expanded its offensive into Dnipropetrovsk June 8, 2025 Russia says it expanded its offensive into Dnipropetrovsk The Russian Defense Ministry says its forces have entered Ukraine's eastern Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the war began over three years ago . The move marks a significant escalation, with Moscow claiming progress beyond areas it has previously annexed. Kyiv has not yet responded, but the region is a key mining and industrial hub and home to millions. It also said that Russian troops captured the village of Zoria in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Analysts warn that further Russian gains there could deal a serious blow to Ukraine's military and economy. Welcome to our coverage June 8, 2025 Welcome to our coverage Louis Oelofse | Roshni Majumdar Editor Russia said its forces have pushed into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region and are continuing their advance there. Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia occupies around one-fifth of Ukraine. We'll explore the significance of this latest advance as the war, now dragging into its fourth year, continues to grind on. We're also monitoring reports of a possible exchange of prisoners of war and soldiers' bodies. If that happens, we will bring you the details here. Stay with DW for real-time news, analysis, and insights from our correspondents on the ground as we continue to cover Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.";0,225
"Ukraine claims explosive attack on Russia's bridge to Crimea – DW – 06/03/2025Ukraine's security service released footage it says showed a blast Tuesday on the Kerch Bridge Road traffic on the bridge connecting Russia to the Crimean peninsula was temporarily suspended Tuesday, according to Russian authorities. Ukraine's SBU security service said it was behind an attack on the Kerch Bridge, claiming to have struck both the road and rail sections using underwater explosives. Meanwhile, Russia continues missile attacks on Ukraine, with three killed in the northeastern city of Sumy. This blog is now closed. Below are the main developments in Russia's war in Ukraine from Tuesday, June 3, 2025:Navalny's widow and RSF launch TV channel to fight Russian 'censorship' June 3, 2025 Navalny's widow and RSF launch TV channel to fight Russian 'censorship' Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and Reporters Without Borders, have launched a television channel that aims to bypass censorship in Russia and preserve the Kremlin critic's legacy. The new channel, called ""Russia's Future"" will be broadcast via a free-to-air satellite platform run by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a press freedom advocacy group. ""There is full censorship in Russia, and under a dictatorship it is very difficult to spread information. We try to do our best on YouTube but the Kremlin often tries to block it, and it is very important to us to spread visibility ... I think it will be a long collaboration,"" Navalnaya said in a statement . ""We think it's really important that we are able to reach the Russian population as much as we can,"" RSF head Thibaut Bruttin said. The channel will launch on Wednesday, June 4, via the Svoboda Satellite package. That is the day Navalny would have turned 49. The Svoboda Satellite platform, launched by RSF, provides free-to-air broadcasting of independent Russian-language TV channels to audiences in Russia and beyond. Alexei Navalny, once seen as the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, 2024. His relatives, friends and colleagues say he was murdered at the behest of Putin. Yulia Navalnaya: Alexei's memory 'gives me strength' IAEA says no way to restart the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant at present June 3, 2025 IAEA says no way to restart the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant at present The head of the UN's nuclear safety watchdog said that the conditions for restarting Ukraine's Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant do not currently exist due to a lack of water for cooling and an absence of a stable power supply. In an interview with Reuters in Kyiv, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said water would need to be pumped from the Dnipro River to restart the plant, which is currently shut down. Grossi said the Russians have ""never hidden the fact"" that they want to restart the plant. However, they will not be able to do so anytime soon. ""We are not in a situation of imminent restart of the plant. Far from that; it would take quite some time before that can be done,"" he said. Moreover, according to the IAEA chief, before the plant's machinery, which has been inoperable for three years, can be restarted, it must undergo a thorough inspection. The nuclear plant, located in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region, was occupied by Russia in March 2022 shortly after the country launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine . Inside Zaporizhzhia — a nuclear plant in the midst of war Ukraine's UN envoy hopeful Baerbock can help bring end to war June 3, 2025 Ukraine's UN envoy hopeful Baerbock can help bring end to war The Ukrainian representative to the United Nations, Andrii Melnyk, has told DW that he is hopeful new UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock will be able to use new position to bring an end to the war. ""Her record as a foreign minister, personally contributing to the support of Ukraine, also saw Germany as the second biggest, ally of Ukraine in this war,"" Melnyk told DW. ""I am confident that Annalena Baerbock will pursue the goal of consolidating democratic forces [in Ukraine], strengthening the United Nations, but also helping Ukraine to defend our independence."" Russia has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions to condemn the it attempt to annex parts of Ukraine. However, Melnyk is hopeful that with Baerbock at the helm, she could help ensure the UN charter is upheld. UN must be updated to meet 21st-century demands: Baerbock Zelenskyy says Ukraine invited to the NATO summit in The Hague June 3, 2025 Zelenskyy says Ukraine invited to the NATO summit in The Hague President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has been invited to a NATO summit that will take place in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 24 to 26. The agenda is expected to focus on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's calls for alliance members to increase defense spending. ""We were invited to the NATO summit. I think this is important,"" Zelenskyy said Monday after holding a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Lithuania. Last week, Zelenskyy said that if Ukraine is not present at the NATO summit, ""it will be a victory for Putin, but not over Ukraine, but over NATO."" NATO allies debate plan to boost spending Russia says no quick 'breakthroughs' expected in Ukraine talks June 3, 2025 Russia says no quick 'breakthroughs' expected in Ukraine talks Russia and Ukraine both presented their demands in Istanbul A day after Moscow again rejected Kyiv's call for an unconditional ceasefire at negotiations in Istanbul, Russia said it was wrong to expect a quick breakthrough in Ukraine talks. ""The settlement issue is extremely complex and involves a large number of nuances,"" Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that ""it would be wrong to expect immediate solutions and breakthroughs."" On Monday, the two sides agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange and exchanged their roadmaps to peace, also known as ""memorandums."" According to the document handed to the Ukrainians and published by Russian state media, Moscow demanded that Ukraine pull its troops out of four eastern and southern regions that Moscow claims to have annexed as a precondition to pausing its offensive. Kyiv had pressed for a full and unconditional ceasefire. Instead, Russia offered a partial truce of two to three days in some areas along the front line. Peskov dismissed the idea of a summit between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. ""In the near future, it is unlikely,"" Peskov said, adding that such a summit could only happen after Russian and Ukrainian negotiators reach an ""agreement."" No breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine peace talks Russian rocket attack on Ukraine's Sumy kills 3 June 3, 2025 Russian rocket attack on Ukraine's Sumy kills 3 Ukraine said a deadly Russian artillery attack on Sumy Tuesday 'deliberately' targeted civilians Three people were killed and 25 others, including children, were injured in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy, in a Russian artillery attack, according to statements from the city council and the health ministry. ""Eight of the wounded are in serious condition, and three of them are children,"" the ministry said in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault underscored that Moscow has no intentions of halting the three-year war. ""The Russians brutally struck Sumy — directly targeting the city, ordinary streets — with rocket artillery,"" Zelenskyy said. ""That's all you need to know about Russia's 'desire' to end this war,"" the Ukrainian president wrote in a post on Telegram. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its troops had seized control of Andriivka in the Sumy region as its troops continues to advance. Ukraine has not yet confirmed losing the settlement, which is located more than 20 kilometers from the regional capital of Sumy. New Ukraine military recruitment program targets young men Ukraine says it hit Russia's bridge to Crimea with underwater bombs June 3, 2025 Ukraine says it hit Russia's bridge to Crimea with underwater bombs Ukraine has claimed responsibility for an underwater bombing of the Crimean Bridge, saying it carried out a ""unique special operation"" against the structure linking illegally annexed Crimea to Russia. The SBU, Ukraine's security service said it had detonated more than 1,000 kilograms (about 200 pounds) of explosives attached to one of the bridge's underwater pillars — marking what it described as the third successful strike on the bridge since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Footage released by the SBU showed an underwater blast sending debris into the air, along with a still image showing apparent damage to the side of the bridge. However, the extent of the damage remains unclear. Russian state media said the bridge was closed to traffic for about four hours earlier on Tuesday. Kyiv has consistently called the 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge a legitimate military target, arguing it plays a key role in Russia’s troop and equipment movements. Kerch bridge strike shows Ukraine still has 'cards to play' Welcome to our coverage June 3, 2025 Welcome to our coverage Wesley Rahn Editor After direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul failed to produce a breakthrough on Monday, Russia continued attacks on Ukraine. Russian artillery struck Sumy, a northeastern Ukrainian city, killing three people as Russian troops continued their advance in the border region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's SBU claims it has damaged the foundations of the Kerch Bridge using more than a metric ton of explosives in an underwater operation planned months in advance. It's the third such strike since 2022, with the SBU saying the bridge is now in ""emergency condition."" Traffic was halted for three hours early Tuesday but has since reopened, according to Russian officials. DW provides the latest news, analysis, and insights from our reporters and correspondents covering Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.";0,325
"Trump says Putin vows 'response' to airfield attack US President Donald Trump says he has spoken again with Vladimir Putin, and warned that a Ukraine ceasefire remains distant. He added that the Russian leader had vowed to retaliate after Kyiv attacked Russian bomber airfields. ""It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace,"" said Trump. He said the call, which lasted about an hour and 15 minutes, dealt with ""the attack on Russia's docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides."" ""President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,"" the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform. The call came three days after Ukraine carried out a major drone assault on Russian military airbases, saying it had destroyed several nuclear-capable bombers valued in the billions of dollars. The Kremlin described the call as ""productive."" German foreign minister wants more Russia sanctions Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters on Wednesday that he has doubts over whether Russia is sincere in wanting to end its war in Ukraine, following inconclusive talks in Turkey last week. ""What we experienced at the recent talks in Istanbul is sobering,"" he told a press conference alongside his Polish counterpart. ""The Russian side presented nothing more than familiar maximum demands. A willingness to engage in dialogue looks different,"" he said. Wadephul added that Germany would continue to push for new sanctions against the Kremlin. ""We are pushing for an 18th package of sanctions as quickly as possible."" The German foreign minister added that no chance for peace must be passed up. ""Europe expects us, the United States and Europe, to bring Russia to the negotiating table."" This opportunity for peace must not be missed and this war must finally be brought to a just end."" Zelenskyy calls Russian ceasefire memorandum an 'ultimatum' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia gave Ukraine an ultimatum during the latest round of talks in Istanbul, but he said that he is ready to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump ""any day."" Zelenskyy told reporters that the Russian document outlining Moscow's demands for ending its full-scale invasion was essentially an ultimatum. He said there was no point in continuing the peace talks in Istanbul with the current level of Russian delegates because they are not high-ranking enough. Instead, he called for a meeting with Putin. ""We are ready for exchanges, but to continue diplomatic meetings in Istanbul at a level that does not solve anything further, I think, is pointless,"" Zelenskyy said, referring to the two agreements for prisoner of war swaps that have come out of the talks. He said instead that he was ready to hold a meeting with Putin and Trump ""any day,"" adding that he was proposing that a ceasefire be put in place before any such summit, which would also include Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan. Moscow security chief discusses Ukraine with Kim Jong Un Russia's security chief, Sergei Shoigu, discussed the Ukraine conflict with North Korea's Kim Jong Un on a visit to Pyongyang Wednesday, according to Moscow's embassy. ""Sergei Shoigu was received by the Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un,"" the embassy said, adding that they ""exchanged views on the situation around the Ukrainian crisis and the Korean peninsula."" North Korea has become one of Russia's allies during its more than three-year war in Ukraine, sending thousands of troops to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from the border region of Kursk. Pyongyang is also believed to be arming Russia. Wednesday's visit marks Shoigu's second trip to Pyongyang in less than three months. Putin questions peace talks, blames Ukraine for railway bridge attack Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the purpose of peace talks with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv's senior leadership of orchestrating deadly ""terrorist"" attacks on two Russian bridges that killed seven people and injured 115 more. Ukraine has not commented on the blasts. According to Russian investigators, Ukraine blew up a highway bridge over a railway on Saturday just as a passenger train carrying 388 people was passing underneath it. Putin said the attacks on the bridge in Bryansk and another one in Kursk had been directed clearly against the civilian population. The Russian leader's statements come as Russia carries out daily drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, with the lastest on Sumy yesterday killing at least three people. Russian missiles frequently strike civilian targets like apartment blocks. Germany wants to strengthen Ukraine's air defense Ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group in Brussels, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that a multinational initiative to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, called ""Immediate Action on Air Defense,"" is to be relaunched. ""It is obvious every day: Russia continues to attack Ukraine from the air. The number of drone and cruise missile attacks is immense. Again and again, innocent Ukrainians die or are injured in these attacks,” said Pistorius. Pistorius also announced that the group supporting the expansion of electromagnetic combat capabilities would grow, with Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Sweden, and Turkey expressing interest in joining the initiative. The initiative involves securing Ukrainian communications, reconnaissance, and disrupting Russian communications and drones. Pistorius described Ukraine's recent drone attacks, which destroyed Russian military aircraft deep within Russian territory, as spectacular blows. ""Ukraine is not giving up,"" he stressed. Defense ministers from Germany, Great Britain, and many other countries are meeting in Brussels to coordinate additional military aid for Ukraine. Ukraine's defense minister is also attending the meeting. Noticeably absent, however, is US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, whose predecessor, Lloyd Austin, had formerly chaired the contact group meetings. Welcome to our coverage Russian troops are advancing in the northeastern Sumy region and continuing to attack Ukrainian cities from the air. On Wednesday, Germany said it would try and organize more air defense systems for Kyiv. However, Ukraine has landed blows of its own against Russia, with assymetric attacks. On Tuesday, Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed that it had damaged the foundations of the Kerch Bridge with more than a metric ton of explosives in a months-long planned underwater operation. This comes after a drone attack over the weekend that destroyed Russian strategic bombers. DW provides the latest news, analysis, and insights from our reporters and correspondents covering Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.";0,025
"Ukraine: 'Decisive' pressure needed after Russia pounds Kyiv – DW – 06/06/2025Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday called for allies to increase pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression after Moscow launched more than 400 drones and 40 missiles at targets in Ukraine overnight, killing at least four people and wounding 20 more. Three of those killed in the attack were emergency responders helping victims in the city, with the Interior Ministry saying, ""they were working under fire to help people."" ""If someone does not put pressure and gives the war more time to take lives, they are complicit and responsible,"" Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post, adding, ""we need to act decisively."" Separately, the Ukrainian president said Russia's leaders are, ""obsessed with war, consumed by hatred and the desire to destroy the lives of other nations."" Zelenskyy said such people could only be defeated with force, ""the force of diplomacy, sanctions, weapons and technology."" On Friday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack on the capital and said at least six other regions had been targeted in what was one of Russia's largest coordinated attacks in the three-year war. Klitschko cited Ukrainian air force intelligence that counted 407 drones and 4 missiles launched at the country overnight. An air force spokesman said roughly 30 of the missiles and more than 200 of the drones had been shot down. Russia's Defense Ministry said the attacks was in response to what it called Ukrainian ""terrorist acts"" against Russia. Russia launches strike in response to Ukraine's attacks The United Nations estimates that more than 12,000 civilians have been killed since Russia launched its war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's commissioner for human rights, said ""Russia is acting like a terrorist, systematically targeting civilian infrastructure."" He, too, called for a tough international response. Ukraine has offered a 30-day unconditional ceasefire as an attempt to end the war but Russia has continuously rejected such overtures. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump — who has repeatedly boasted that he could easily end the war but has utterly failed to do so — changed course from his calls to immediately end the conflict, instead suggesting it, ""might be better to let them fight for a while"" before Zelenskyy sits down with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement. Trump said that with children, ""sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart,"" adding that he relayed the analogy to Putin in a call this week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump had the right to his own opinion, but that the conflict for Russia was an ""existential matter."" ""For us it is an existential issue, an issue on our national interest, safety, on our future and the future of our children, of our country,"" Peskov told reporters when asked about Trump's comments. Ukrainian drones damage more than Russian aircraft";0,25
"Netanyahu admits Israel backed anti-Hamas Gaza clan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that Israel is supporting an armed group in Gaza that opposes Hamas, following claims by a former defense minister that weapons were supplied to the faction. Israeli and Palestinian media have identified the group as part of a local Bedouin tribe led by Yasser Abu Shabab. The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) describes him as heading a ""criminal gang operating in the Rafah area that is widely accused of looting aid trucks."" Former defense minister and Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman told public broadcaster Kan that Israel, under Netanyahu’s orders, had been ""giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons."" Netanyahu confirmed the collaboration in a video posted online Thursday, saying: ""What did Lieberman leak? That security sources activated a clan in Gaza that opposes Hamas? What is bad about that? It is only good, it is saving [the] lives of Israeli soldiers.""";-0,2
Israel recovers bodies of 2 hostagesIsrael on Thursday announced that it had recovered the bodies of two of its citizens taken hostage by the Islamist militant group Hamas — which is labeled a terror organization by Israel, the US and many other nations — on October 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified the bodies as those of Judith Weinstein (70) and Gad Haggai (72). The couple was initially pronounced dead in December 2023. The two were kidnapped at Kibbutz Nir Oz while on an early morning walk. Weinstein was able to call Israeli emergency services before she disappeared, saying that both she and her husband had been shot. Hamas militants killed some 1,200 people on October 7. Of the 251 individuals taken by the group, 56 remain under their control. Around a third of those hostages are thought to be alive. Many have been released in exchanges between Israel and Hamas, and eight were rescued alive by Israeli forces.;-0,175
"More than 20 Palestinians killed at aid distribution site — reportsIsrael has drawn international criticism for its handling of aid delivery and distribution in the Gaza Strip Image: EYAD BABA/AFP/Getty Images Witnesses reported on Sunday that Israeli forces fired on Palestinians waiting to receive aid close to a distribution site in Gaza. At least 21 were killed and scores more injured, according to a Red Cross field hospital and numerous witnesses, cited by The Associated Press. Hamas said that in total 30 people had been killed and a dozen more injured. ""There was fire from all directions, from naval warships, from tanks and drones,"" The Associated Press cited Amr Abu Teiba, who was in the crowd, as saying. Another eyewitness corroborated the account. The incident happened on Sunday morning as people gathered to receive food. The population of the Palestinian enclave has been starved by a monthslong Israeli blockade that sparked international outrage, even from some of Israel's closest allies. The decision by the Israeli government to allow aid into Gaza has also been mired in controversy and chaos. The UN said that the first deliveries of aid had been minimal and even then failed to reach the people in need. An Israeli and US-backed plan to send in the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has not assuaged concerns. The aim was to avoid aid being diverted to Hamas — something the UN has said there is no evidence for — and as such, the GHF employs private security contractors, similar to mercenaries, to protect the aid distribution sites. The Foundation on Sunday said it had distributed aid ""without incident,"" and dismissed what it referred to as ""false reporting about deaths, mass injuries and chaos."" Local health officials have reported that prior to Sunday, six people had been killed and several more wounded by live fire at GHF distribution sites . Large crowds rush new Gaza aid center backed by Israel, US To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video UN agencies have refused to work with the GHF, saying it violates humanitarian rules by giving Israel control over who receives aid.";0,125
"Gaza: UN chief demands probe as more killed at aid site Witnesses and relief workers on Tuesday said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza had fired on Palestinian civilians waiting for aid for the second time in three days. Medics said at least 27 people were killed. The IDF said that it had fired at people who ""posed a threat"" near the the Al-Alam roundabout in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The location is close to an aid center run by the controversial US -backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid center. Witnesses reported being fired at by drones and helicopters. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the shootings, saying: ""Deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable...Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime."" UN's Guterres saying killings are 'unacceptable' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday had called for an independent investigation into the deaths of dozens of Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Gaza, prompting a fierce response from Israel. Guterres said in a statement that he was ""appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza."" ""It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food,"" the UN leader's statement said. ""I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable,"" Guterres said. Aid workers and civilians said on Sunday that Israeli forces fired on Palestinians waiting to receive aid close to a distribution site in Gaza . Journalists also reported receiving an off the record statement from the Israeli military saying that they had fired on ""suspects"" who posed a threat. At least 21 were killed and scores more injured, according to a Red Cross field hospital and numerous witnesses. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Guterres' statement as a ""disgrace,"" and criticized him for ignoring the role of the Palestinian militant group Hamas . Hamas, which is in charge of Gaza, is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US and several other countries. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote in a post on X that Guterres' statement did not mention ""the fact that Hamas is the one shooting civilians and trying to prevent them from collecting aid packages."" Marmorstein's claims have not been confirmed by any other source. Recalling the shooting Witness Mohammed Abu Deqqa told French news agency AFP that initially the people gathered on Sunday thought warning shots were being fired by the Israeli army, but then the shooting intensified. ""I began to see people lying on the ground, covered in blood. That was around 5:30 am,"" he said. ""People started running, but many couldn't escape. The bullets were chasing people even as they tried to flee."" According to AFP, its photos taken around 5:40am showed civilians using donkey carts to transport bodies shortly after sunrise. Dozens killed in attack on Gaza aid distribution point";0,225
"Families of missing Ukrainians gather as prisoner exchange beginsFamilies of missing Ukrainian soldiers gathered close to the border with Belarus on Monday, as a planned prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine took place. As the bus carrying prisoners of war arrived, a crowd of relatives surged forward, many brandishing photos of missing fathers, brothers and sons. Faces were filled with apprehension. Few expected to be reunited, and most were just desperate for information after waiting years for any news. During the latest round of direct talks in Turkey last week, the two warring sides agreed to exchange sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war, those aged under 25, and the bodies of 12,000 soldiers. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the exchange would unfold ""in several stages"" over the coming days. Writing on Telegram, he said: ""The process is quite complicated, there are many sensitive details, negotiations continue virtually every day."" Russia's defence ministry said ""the first group of Russian servicemen under the age of 25 were returned from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime"" and that a ""similar number"" had been returned to Ukraine. Neither side provided an exact figure of how many people had been exchanged. As with past exchanges, Moscow said the repatriated Russian soldiers were receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus. Officials in Kyiv said some of the Ukrainian prisoners who returned on Monday had been in Russian captivity since the beginning of the war. Tetiana, who had gathered with other Ukrainians in the Chernihiv region close to Belarus, carried a cardboard sign with photos of her father, Valentyn, and cousin, Mykola, both still missing. ""When my father went to fight, my biggest fear was that he would go missing,"" she said, her eyes filling with tears. ""I hoped maybe he'd be wounded and come back."" The war has exacted a heavy toll on the family. Tetiana's uncle was killed last September, but his body was only recently returned for burial. Tetiana was one of a crowd of relatives who gathered in the hopes of reuniting with missing family members When one of the returned prisoners appeared at an upstairs window, women waiting below hurled the names of regiments at him, hoping he might have news. He apologised, made a heart sign with his hands and called out ""slava Ukraini"" - glory to Ukraine. ""Heroiam Slava"" - glory to the heroes - the crowd replied in unison. Glimpsed briefly through the crowd as they were escorted inside, some of the soldiers looked gaunt. ""They spent a lot of time in Russian places of detention, without any visits of International Red Cross,"" Petro Yatsenko, of Ukraine's Coordination HQ for prisoners of war, told the BBC. ""Their health conditions are very poor. They have not had sufficient food. Of course they need a long period of rehabilitation."" But 23-year-old Valera, back on home soil after three years and three months of captivity, seemed happy enough after a bowl of Ukrainian soup. As he turned to leave, women pressed forward, pushing pictures of the missing into his arms, hoping he might recognise someone. Reuters Last week, Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of disrupting the planned repatriation of the bodies of dead soldiers. Russia said that the bodies of more than 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been taken to an agreed exchange point but that Ukrainian officials had never arrived. Ukraine accused Moscow of ""playing dirty games"" and alleged that Russia was not sticking to the agreed parameters of the swap. In late May, Russia and Ukraine each handed over 390 soldiers and civilians in the biggest prisoner exchange since Russia launched the full-scale invasion in 2022. Meanwhile, war continued overnight, with Moscow launching a record 479 drones at Ukraine, including in the western region of Rivne that had been largely spared from attacks. Russia's defence ministry said it had targeted Rivne's Dubno base and described this as ""one of the retaliatory strikes"" in response to Ukraine's audacious drone attacks on Russian airfields on 1 June . The overnight Russian launches caused damage in several Ukrainian regions but there were no reports of casualties. Russia has recently escalated its attacks on Ukraine, with each week bringing a new record of drones fired at the country. For its part, Kyiv said it attacked another Russian airbase in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which lies 400 miles from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine said the base houses planes that launch hypersonic missiles and that it had damaged ""two units of enemy aircraft"". It also targeted an electronics factory that Kyiv says manufactures equipment to guide drones and aerial bombs. Video shows one of the explosions caused by an attack drone, and a large fire at the plant. Production there has been suspended.";0,125
"Scooter Braun speaks of 'shock' over Taylor Swift's attack Music mogul Scooter Braun has said he was ""shocked"" by Taylor Swift's ""deeply unfair"" reaction when he acquired the rights to her first six studio albums. Braun said he thought buying Swift's former label Big Machine in 2019 would be an ""exciting thing"". But in a Tumblr post published soon after the sale, the singer said she was ""sad and grossed out"" by her master recordings being controlled by Braun, who she accused of ""incessant, manipulative bullying"". Last month, the US star announced that she had bought back the rights to her music in a deal with the private equity firm that had acquired them from Braun in 2020. On Monday, Braun told the Diary of a CEO podcast: ""When I bought Big Machine, I thought I was going to work with all the artists on Big Machine. I thought it was going to be an exciting thing."" He had previously met Swift three or four times, including one occasion when she ""invited me to a private party and we respected each other"", he said. ""In between that time, since I'd seen her last, I started managing Kanye West, I managed Justin Bieber. I knew she didn't get along with them."" Braun said he thought there might be an issue given Swift's history with West and Bieber. West famously stole Swift's thunder at the 2009 MTV Awards by coming on stage during her acceptance speech. Rumours about Swift and Bieber not getting on have circulated for years, and began before Braun's company bought her master recordings. Braun, who is now retired from talent management, explained: ""I had a feeling - this is where my arrogance came in - I had a feeling she probably didn't like me because I managed them. But I thought that once this announcement happened, she would talk to me, see who I am, and we would work together."" He said he spoke to other artists signed to Big Machine, who were ""excited"", and was set to call Swift too. ""And then this Tumblr [post] comes out and says all this stuff. And I was just, like, shocked."" He claimed the experience taught him that ""everything in life is a gift"". ""Having that experience allows me to have empathy for the people I worked with who I'd always say, 'Yeah I understand', but I never knew what it was like to be on the global stage like that. ""I never knew what criticism like that felt like. And like I told you, the biggest gift that I got from that was understanding that all the praise I had received up until that moment was not deserved, and all the hate I got after that moment was not deserved, because none of these people knew me. She didn't know me."" He resolved to sell the rights, and reconciled that the public reaction was out of his hands. ""I can't worry about everyone's niece being mad at me,"" he said. The BBC has contacted Swift's representatives for comment. Swift recently bought back the rights to her first six albums - Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Reputation - ending the long-running battle over the ownership of her music. It is not known how much it cost Swift to acquire her masters, but the catalogue previously sold for $300m (£222m) in 2020. The BBC understands that rumours she paid between $600m to $1bn are inaccurately high. ""All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,"" said the star, announcing the news on her website recently. ""I've been bursting into tears of joy... ever since I found out this is really happening. ""To say this is my greatest dream come true is actually being pretty reserved about it,"" she added. Swift responded to the original sale of her masters by vowing to re-record those records, effectively diminishing the value of those master tapes, and putting ownership back in her hands. To date, she has released four re-recorded albums - known as ""Taylor's Versions"" - with dozens of bonus tracks and supplementary material. Additional reporting by Mark Savage.";0
"Missing Indian bride arrested for allegedly murdering husband on honeymoon Police in India say a woman, who had gone missing after her husband was found brutally murdered during their honeymoon, is in custody after she surrendered. The families of the couple had alleged that the bride had also either been killed or abducted and mounted a huge campaign to find her. Police now allege that Sonam Raghuvanshi, 25, hired killers to murder her 30-year-old husband Raja during their trip to the tiny north-eastern state of Meghalaya. Four men have also been arrested. Sonam's father Devi Singh has defended his daughter saying ""she is innocent and she cannot do this"". The newly-wed couple from Indore city in the central state of Madhya Pradesh had chosen Meghalaya for their honeymoon because they had heard it had ""very beautiful valleys"", Raja's brother Sachin Raghuvanshi told the BBC at the weekend, before Sonam's arrest. The couple had married on 11 May in Indore in a ceremony blessed by both their families. ""Their marriage was arranged four months back and they were both happy and there had been no fights between the couple before or after marriage,"" Raja's other brother Vipin Raghuvanshi said. The couple left for Meghalaya on 20 May. But four days into their trip, they went missing. Police and disaster relief teams, accompanied by local people, searched for the couple. Videos from the area showed rescuers rappelling down hills and cliffs in valleys covered in mist. Officials said rain and low visibility were hampering the search operations. A week later, Raja's decomposed body was found in a gorge with his throat slit and his wallet, a gold ring and a chain missing. And Sonam had disappeared without a trace. Their families mounted a huge campaign, accusing the Meghalaya police of not doing enough to solve Raja's murder or find Sonam - an accusation contested by the state's chief minister. The couple's families demanded that the case be handed over to the federal police for a proper investigation and met influential caste leaders and federal ministers in their home state to lobby for this. Last Friday, they also wrote a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver justice for Raja and find Sonam. Their families say the couple had an arranged marriage and seemed happy But on Monday morning, Director General of Meghalaya police Idashisha Nongrang said Sonam had surrendered at a police station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district. Three other suspects, who are also from the couple's home state Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested in overnight raids, DGP Nongrang said. ""One person was picked up from Uttar Pradesh and another two accused were apprehended from Indore. Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station and was subsequently arrested."" Later, addressing a press conference, Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said a fourth man had been arrested in Meghalaya in connection with the case on Monday morning. He did not give any motive for Raja's murder but described Sonam ""as the main suspect"". In response to a reporter's question on ""whether Sonam was in an extra-marital relationship with one of the arrested men"", Mr Syeim said ""if you join the dots, then it would seem like it"". But he added that these details could be verified only after the two were questioned. Sonam's father Devi Singh told ANI news agency that his daughter had reached ""a dhaba [roadside eatery] in Ghazipur last night where she borrowed a mobile phone and called her brother - who then called the police"". Mr Singh said he had not been able to speak to his daughter but he believed that she had ""somehow managed to escape her captors"" and insisted that she was ""innocent"". Mr Singh also accused the Meghalaya police of ""making up stories"" and appealed to Home Minister Amit Shah to order a federal inquiry into the case for the truth to come out. Raja's brother Vipin Raghuvanshi initially told reporters he would ""not accept Sonam's involvement in the murder until she confessed"". But he later said that one of the arrested men named by the police worked in Sonam's office. ""Only Sonam can clarify,"" he said. ""If she's guilty, she should be punished."" Mr Raghuvanshi, who had repeatedly criticised Meghalaya's police and government for not doing enough to solve the case, also said ""I now believe that Meghalaya government was not lying. They were telling the truth"". On Monday morning, after the news broke, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma complimented his state's police force, saying that they had achieved a ""major breakthrough"" in seven days. Another minister, Alexander Laloo Hek, said that the state's police, government and even ordinary people had been unfairly blamed while the search was going on. ""The truth has come out,"" he said.";0
"Canada pledges to meet Nato's 2% defence spending target within a yearCanada will significantly boost its defence spending to hit a Nato target of 2% of GDP years earlier than planned, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced. In a speech at the University of Toronto on Monday, Carney said the action was required to ward off the ""multiplying"" threats from hostile governments, terrorist entities and cyber criminals. He also conceded his country was ""too reliant"" on the United States for defence, adding that Washington was ""reducing its relative contribution to our collective security"". Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte is pushing for members to agree to a new spending target of 3.5% of GDP at a summit later this month. In his address, Mark Carney said the world was at a ""hinge moment"" similar to the end of the Second World War. He said his country must act in the face of an aggressive Russia and China, and threats to Arctic security. He also accused Washington of looking to ""monetise its hegemony"" by making access to its market more costly. Canada spent 1.4% of its GDP on defence in 2024. GDP stands for gross domestic product, and is a measure of all the economic activity of companies, governments, and people in a country. During the election campaign earlier this year, Carney had pledged to hit the 2% spending target by 2030, while the previous government under Justin Trudeau had promised to meet it by 2032. However on Monday, Carney said the spending goal would be hit by March next year. The prime minister said Canada's equipment had aged, ""hindering our military preparedness"". Only one of four submarines were seaworthy and less than half the maritime fleet and land vehicles were in good working order, he said. Carney said the new strategy would have four pillars - investing more in soldiers and equipment, expanding the military's capability, strengthening the domestic defence industry, and diversifying Canada's defence partnerships. This is an age where ""middle powers"" must act to defend themselves knowing ""if they're not at the table, they're on the menu"", Carney said. Carney's announcement comes just a week before Canada hosts the G7 Summit from 15 to 17 June. Speaking to reporters later, Carney said the government's new plan includes a cash increase of C$9.3bn ($6.5bn, £4.8bn) for this fiscal year, which he said will bring Canada's defence spending to the Nato threshold. Some of it would be immediately ""spendable"" on personnel and equipment. This would include investing in new submarines, aircraft, ships, armoured vehicles and artillery, as well as new drones and sensors to monitor activity in the Arctic and seafloor approaches to the country, he said. Carney said the government would also create a new defence procurement agency, following criticisms of the current process as slow and unwieldy. The agency would ""move more quickly in making procurement decisions"" and would focus on building domestic capacity. A report by a parliamentary committee in June 2024 highlighted that delays, cost overruns, bureaucratic hurdles, a shortage of personnel and the politicisation of the defence procurement process raised concerns about the government's ability to provide the armed forces with the equipment it needed ""in a timely and cost-effective manner"". Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservatives, said his party supports increased defence spending, and accused the Liberals, who have been in power for a decade, of failing to properly fund the country's military. Nato members have for years pledged to meet the 2% target - now seen as the bare minimum - but Canada has long lagged behind its allies. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in London on Monday where he said the military alliance needed a ""400% increase in air and missile defence"" to maintain a credible defence deterrence. Last week, Rutte proposed that Nato members spend 5% of their GDP on defence - something US President Donald Trump has called for in the past.";0,025
Harry Potter TV show: Katherine Parkinson, Johnny Flynn and more join castThe actors who will play Draco Malfoy, the Dursleys, Molly Weasley and more key characters in the new Harry Potter TV series have been revealed. Johnny Flynn, known for Netflix's Ripley and films like The Dig, will play Lucius Malfoy with young actor Lox Pratt, star of BBC's Lord of the Flies, as his son Draco - Harry's classmate and nemesis. The Morning Show's Bel Powley will join Daniel Rigby, who won a Bafta Award for playing comedian Eric Morecambe in Eric and Ernie, as Harry's Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon Dursley. Fellow Bafta winner Katherine Parkinson, known for shows like The IT Crowd and Rivals, will play Ron's mother Molly Weasley, portrayed by Julie Walters in the films. Bertie Carvel, who has played roles including Tony Blair in The Crown, will be the new Cornelius Fudge. And a string of newcomers have been cast as Hogwarts students - Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. They join a crop of other names on the show's growing cast list including the child actors who will play Harry, Hermione and Ron , as well as John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. The TV version of JK Rowling's books, being made by HBO, is expected to reach screens in late 2026 or early 2027.;0
"I burst into tears': How airline carry-on confusion triggered legal row Determined to avoid baggage fees for his holiday to Pisa, Benjamin Till trawled several different shops armed with a tape measure in search of the right suitcase. Eventually, he found a case within the dimensions EasyJet allows for a free underseat bag - or so he thought. When Mr Till arrived at London Gatwick Airport in December 2023, he discovered those measurements included wheels, meaning his bag was deemed slightly too big. He protested, but eventually paid £48 to bring the bag on board. He says he was told to remove the wheels for the way back - which he did. But at the gate on his way home, he was told the suitcase was still too large, so he sat on the floor, unpacking his dirty underwear and souvenirs into a bin bag. ""I don't mind admitting that I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating,"" he says. An EasyJet spokesperson told the BBC its ground crew had to ensure non-checked bags were within maximum dimensions ""to safely and securely fit"", and that rules were made clear to customers when they booked. Benjamin Till Benjamin Till's removed wheels on his trip back from Italy Stories of passengers caught out by baggage rules they feel are inconsistent or confusing are common, with many customers complaining or seeking clarity from budget airlines on social media. Different airlines have varying rules on the acceptable size and weight of an underseat personal item or an overhead cabin bag, with some charging customers to bring the latter. For people who fall foul of these rules, some airlines charge hefty fees to upgrade a bag from a free personal item to an overhead cabin bag at the airport gate, or to stow an oversized cabin bag in the hold. Passenger confusion has prompted the European Union's largest consumer group to push for fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules, and caused one government to start cracking down on airlines over bag charges. The EU is now looking at changing its laws - changes which would also affect UK passengers who are travelling to or from an EU destination using an EU-based airline. On Thursday, EU transport ministers proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines, among other air travel and passenger rights' changes - meaning this could become EU law if their position is accepted by the European Parliament. Budget airlines say their baggage policies comply with the law while keeping fares low, but they have been facing mounting pressure and calls for change. What could change, or not, for hand baggage? EU transport ministers proposed that passengers should be guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat. These rules would apply to EU-based airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet), including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa, but not third-party airlines. New rules would add clarity to an EU court ruling from 11 years ago, which stated hand baggage should not be subject to an extra fee, provided it met ""reasonable"" weight and dimensions, but did not say what reasonable was. Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while EasyJet's dimensions for a free bag are a more generous 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The ministers' proposal was silent, however, on the issue of whether airlines could charge for overhead cabin bags – meaning that if their proposal was adopted into law, the current situation would not change and airlines could keep charging for that kind of hand baggage, which some in Europe have lobbied to stop. The European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, an umbrella group for 45 independent consumer organisations from 32 countries, believes Thursday's proposals do not go far enough, and legitimise ""charging for reasonably sized hand luggage"". In November, five airlines were fined a total of €179m (£150m) in Spain for ""abusive"" practices, including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said at the time that it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage and other policies. The airlines had said they would appeal the decision. Regarding charges for overheard cabin bags, Ryanair said it fully complied with EU law in its policy, which allows one small bag on board free of charge. ""If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers,"" the airline said. Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage ""allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs"". What do customers want? Hand luggage dimensions should be universal, says Jane Hawkes, a consumer expert specialising in travel. ""I don't really see why it can't be, and why they can't come to a voluntary agreement as to what those requirements should be for your baggage,"" she tells the BBC. ""There have to be restrictions, obviously, but a one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers,"" she says. BEUC said policymakers should define what ""reasonable"" size and weight was ""to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money"". Ms Hawkes suggests passengers make sure they measure their bag after it is packed, as it may expand when it is full and go over the limit. She adds that consumers should not just be swayed by the fare price, as ""if you've got an airline that encompasses [baggage] without you having to pay extra costs to start with, then that might be more of a better option for you"". Mr Till would welcome a one-size-fits-all approach to underseat bags. ""It's just really, really unfair and ridiculous and there should be one size that goes across all of the airlines,"" he says. He also criticises the permitted size of underseat cabin bags, saying ""it was such a tiny, tiny size of luggage that you were allowed that it had taken me so long to find something that was so small"". Still, he was grateful for the inexpensive air fare, and the place he had to stay in Italy, because ""otherwise I wouldn't be able to come to this beautiful country"".";0,2
"Britain's energy bills problem - and why firms are paid huge sums to stop producing power It is 1am on 3 June. A near gale force wind is blasting into Scotland. Great weather for the Moray East and West offshore wind farms, you would have thought. The two farms are 13 miles off the north-east coast of Scotland and include some of the biggest wind turbines in the UK, at 257m high. With winds like that they should be operating at maximum capacity, generating what the developer, Ocean Winds, claims is enough power to meet the electricity needs of well over a million homes. Except they are not. That's because if you thought that once an electricity generator - whether it be a wind farm or a gas-powered plant - was connected to the national grid it could seamlessly send its electricity wherever it was needed in the country, you'd be wrong. The electricity grid was built to deliver power generated by coal and gas plants near the country's major cities and towns, and doesn't always have sufficient capacity in the wires that carry electricity around the country to get the new renewable electricity generated way out in the wild seas and rural areas. And this has major consequences. Ocean Winds was paid to turn down the output of its wind farms in the Moray Firth The way the system currently works means a company like Ocean Winds gets what are effectively compensation payments if the system can't take the power its wind turbines are generating and it has to turn down its output. It means Ocean winds was paid £72,000 not to generate power from its wind farms in the Moray Firth during a half-hour period on 3 June because the system was overloaded - one of a number of occasions output was restricted that day. At the same time, 44 miles (70km) east of London, the Grain gas-fired power station on the Thames Estuary was paid £43,000 to provide more electricity. Payments like that happen virtually every day. Seagreen, Scotland's largest wind farm, was paid £65 million last year to restrict its output 71% of the time, according to analysis by Octopus Energy. Balancing the grid in this way has already cost the country more than £500 million this year alone, the company's analysis shows. The total could reach almost £8bn a year by 2030, warns the National Electricity System Operator (NESO), the body in charge of the electricity network. It's pushing up all our energy bills and calling into question the government's promise that net zero would end up delivering cheaper electricity. Now, the government is considering a radical solution: instead of one big, national electricity market, there'll be a number of smaller regional markets, with the government gambling that this could make the system more efficient and deliver cheaper bills. But in reality, it's not guaranteed that anyone will get cheaper bills. And even if some people do, many others elsewhere in the country could end up paying more. The proposals have sparked such bitter debate that one senior energy industry executive called it ""the most vicious policy fight"" he has ever known. He has, he says, ""lost friends"" over it. Meanwhile, political opponents who claim net zero is an expensive dead end are only too ready to pounce. It is reported that the Prime Minister has asked to review the details of what some newspapers are calling a ""postcode pricing"" plan. So is the government really ready to risk the most radical shake-up of the UK electricity market since privatisation 35 years ago? And what will it really mean for our bills? Net zero under attack The Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, is certainly in a fix. His net zero policy is under attack like never before. The Tories have come out against it, green politicians say it isn't delivering for ordinary people, and even Tony Blair has weighed in against it. Meanwhile Reform UK has identified the policy as a major Achilles heel for the Labour government. ""The next election will be fought on two issues, immigration and net stupid zero,"" says Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice. ""And we are going to win."" Poll after poll says cost of living is a much more important for most people, and people often specifically cite concerns about rising energy prices. Miliband sold his aggressive clean energy policies in part on cutting costs. He said that ensuring 95% of the country's electricity comes from low-carbon sources by 2030 would slash the average electricity bill by £300. But the potential for renewables to deliver lower costs just isn't coming through to consumers. Renewables now generate more than half the country's electricity, but because of the limits to how much electricity can be moved around the system, even on windy days some gas generation is almost always needed to top the system up. And because gas tends to be more expensive, it sets the wholesale price. Could 'zonal' pricing lower bills? Supporters of the government's plan argue that, as long as prices continue to be set at a national level, the hold gas has on the cost of electricity will be hard to break. Less so with regional – or, in the jargon, ""zonal"" - pricing. Think of Scotland, blessed with vast wind resources but just 5.5 million people. The argument goes that if prices were set locally, it wouldn't be necessary to pay wind farms to be turned down because there wasn't enough capacity in the cables to carry all the electricity into England. On a windy day like 3 June, they would have to sell that spare power to local people instead of into a national market. The theory is prices would fall dramatically – on some days Scottish customers might even get their electricity for free. The grid was built to deliver power generated by coal and gas plants near the country's major cities and towns Other areas with lots of renewable power - such as Yorkshire and the North East, as well as parts of Wales - would stand to benefit too. And, as solar investment increases in Lincolnshire and other parts of the east of England, they could also see prices tumble. All that cheap power could also transform the economics of industry. Supporters argue that it would attract energy-intensive businesses such as data centres, chemical companies and other manufacturing industries. In London and much of the south of England, the price of electricity would sometimes be higher than in the windy north. But supporters say some of the hundreds of millions of pounds the system would save could be used to make sure no one pays more than they do now. And those higher prices could also encourage investors to build new wind farms and solar plants closer to where the demand is. The argument is that would lower prices in the long run and bring another benefit - less electricity would need to be carried around the country, so we would need fewer new pylons, saving everyone money and meaning less clutter in the countryside. ""Zonal pricing would make the energy system as a whole dramatically more efficient, slashing this waste and cutting bills for every family and business in the country,"" argues Greg Jackson, the CEO of Octopus Energy, one of the biggest energy suppliers in the UK. Research commissioned by the company estimates the savings could top £55 billion by 2050 - which it claims could knock £50 to £100 a year off the average bill. Octopus points out Sweden made the switch to regional pricing in just 18 months. The supporters of regional pricing include NESO, Citizens Advice and the head of the energy regulator, Ofgem. Last week a committee of the House of Lords recommended the country should switch to the system. Energy firms push back There are, however, many businesses involved in building and running renewable energy plants that oppose the move. ""We're making billions of pounds of investments in renewable power in the UK every year,"" says Tom Glover, the UK chair of the giant German power company RWE. ""I can't go to my board and say let's take a bet on billions of pounds of investment."" He's worried changing the way energy is priced could undermine contracts and make revenues more uncertain. And he says it risks undermining the government's big push to switch to green energy. The main cost of wind and solar plants is in the build. It means the price of the energy they produce is very closely tied to the cost of building and, because developers borrow most of the money, that means the interest rates they are charged. And we are talking a lot of money. The government is expecting power companies to spend £40bn pounds a year over the next five years on renewable projects in the UK. Glover says even a very small change in interest rates could have dramatic effects on how much renewable infrastructure is built and how much the power from it costs. ""Those additional costs could quickly overwhelm any of the benefits of regional pricing,"" says Stephen Woodhouse, an economist with the consultancy firm AFRY, which has studied the impact of regional pricing for the power companies. That would come as already high interest rates have combined with rising prices for steel and other materials to push up the cost of renewables. Plans for a huge wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire were cancelled last month because the developer said it no longer made economic sense. And there's another consideration, he says. The National Grid, which owns the pylons, substations and cables that move electricity around the country, is already rolling out a huge investment programme – some £60bn over the next five years - to upgrade the system ready for the new world of clean power. That new infrastructure will mean more capacity to bring electricity from our windy northern coasts down south, and therefore also mean fewer savings from a regional pricing system in the future. There are other arguments too. Critics warn introducing regional pricing could take years, that energy-intensive businesses like British Steel can't just up sticks and move, and that the system will be unfair because some customers will pay more than others. But according to Greg Jackson of Octopus, the power companies and their backers just want to protect their profits. ""Unsurprisingly, it's the companies that enjoy attractive returns from this absurd system who are lobbying hard to maintain the status quo,"" he says. Yet the power companies say Octopus has a vested interest too. It is the UK's biggest energy supplier with some seven million customers, and owns a sophisticated billing system it licenses to other suppliers, so could gain from changes to the way electricity is priced, they claim. And the clock is ticking. Whether the government meets its clean power targets will depend on how many new wind farms and solar plants are built. The companies who will build them say they need certainty around the future of the electricity market, so a decision must be taken soon. It's expected in the next couple of weeks. Over to you, Mr Miliband. BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here.";0,2
"My German family was torn apart hours after VE Day' A woman whose family were captured by the Soviet Army just 24 hours after VE Day has written a book about their escape. Ute Smeed, 83, from Bridgwater, grew up in Silesia. It was historically part of Germany but the land was handed to the Polish after the Potsdam Conference in 1945. Aged three, she and her mother Maria Gebauer were made to march towards Russia. Her father, a non-commissioned Luftwaffe officer, was taken to a Soviet labour camp. ""Few people in England know what happened in mainland Europe after the war ended: the brutality, the disease, and the starvation,"" she said. Ute Smeed's father Alfred Gebauer was a non-commissioned Luftwaffe officer, who had refused to join the Nazi Party The family were among 12 million ethnic Germans who were forcibly evicted or fled from their homes after World War Two ended. The Potsdam Conference was a meeting between Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin to decide the future of postwar Germany. At the meeting, it was decided that Germany's territory was to be reduced by 25% of what it was in 1937, displacing many like Mrs Smeed's family. Forced march Speaking to Radio Somerset , Mrs Smeed said that on VE Day itself, ""neither side knew the war was over"". The next day, Russian soldiers arrived and ""took whatever jewellery and luggage they fancied"", before forcing her family to march, she said. ""The men and women were separated, and we began walking through Austria. ""The people in the towns and villages we came through couldn't believe what the Russians were doing after the war had ended. ""They were incensed, they were shouting at the Russians and throwing food to the women. ""My mother and I were suddenly grabbed by a couple of Austrians and taken into the crowd. ""They took us home, and many days later they helped us to get back to my grandmother in Silesia,"" she said. Meanwhile, her father, Alfred Gebauer, who had refused to join the Nazi Party while in the Luftwaffe, was taken to a labour camp in Ukraine. He became very ill after six months, and when he left the labour camp he weighed just 38kg (83lbs). He was released from the camp and sent home, and the family reunited in ?wiebodzice (Freiburg in Schlesien), Poland. From there, the family sought refuge in Braunschweig, West Germany, and opened a shoe shop using an heirloom necklace as a guarantee for the loan. Mrs Smeed's mother had smuggled the necklace into Germany by baking it into a cake to stop it from being stolen. Eleven years after VE Day, Mrs Smeed became pen friends with an English teenager, Philip Smeed, which eventually led to love and marriage, and her relocating to Somerset. The couple have three children, and six grandchildren, including Somerset County Cricket player Will Smeed, and rugby player Henry Smeed, who plays for Germany. Mrs Smeed said she wanted to write the book, called Silesia, A Homeland Lost – One German Family's Story of War and Survival, for her grandchildren. ""It was important to me that my grandchildren would know their Silesian as well as English roots, and that our family's story lives on for future generations,"" she said. ""This is also my parents' story, their love for each other and for me, and their determination to survive firstly the Nazi regime, then the war and its aftermath. ""Millions of Germans were forced from their homeland, with little idea of where they were going, and often in freezing temperatures taking only what they could carry.""";-0,1
"Carney invites Modi to G7, signalling thaw in relationsMark Carney has invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, marking a shift in Canada-India relations that had soured in recent years. The two spoke over the phone on Friday, during which the Canadian prime minister extended the invite to Modi and agreed to stay in contact, according to a readout released by Carney's office. Modi confirmed the invite and thanked Carney in a post on X, adding that he looked forward to meeting him at the summit in mid-June. Relations between the two countries have been strained since former PM Justin Trudeau accused India of carrying out the killing of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed outside a Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2023. He had been a vocal advocate for the creation of a separate state for Sikhs in India, called Khalistan. India has accused him of being a terrorist and of leading a militant separatist group - accusations his supporters call ""unfounded"". Four Indian nationals have since been arrested and charged in connection to Mr Nijjar's death. Trudeau alleged that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing, while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said it had strong evidence that India was involved in orchestrating campaigns of violence and extortion on Canadian soil. India strongly rejected the allegations, calling them ""preposterous"", and the row led both Canada and India to expel their top envoys along with other diplomats . Carney defended his decision to invite Modi despite the allegations while speaking to reporters on Friday. While India is not a member of the G7, Modi has attended meetings at previous summits. Carney, who is chairing this year's G7 summit, said key discussions will be held that ""certain countries"" should be at the table for. The readout said Carney and Modi agreed to ""continued law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns"" surrounding the allegations. Asked if he believed Modi was involved in the killing of Mr Nijjar, Carney said it was not appropriate to comment on an ongoing legal case. The decision to invite Modi was condemned by some members of Canada's Sikh community. The World Sikh Organisation called it a ""betrayal of Sikh Canadians"" in a statment, while the Sikh Federation of Canada called it ""a grave insult"". Mr Nijjar was prominent in British Columbia's Sikh community. Supporters of his have said that he was the target of threats in the past because of his activism over Khalistan. A trial date has not yet been set for the four men accused of killing Mr Nijjar. The G7 summit is set to take place between 15 and 17 June in Kananaskis, Alberta. Topics on the agenda, according to the summit's website, include ""international peace and security,"" ""global economic stability,"" and the ""digital transition"". Alongside India, Carney has also extended an invite to Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum - though she said in late May that she was undecided on whether to attend. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend. A full list of invitees has not yet been released.";0
"Nato needs quantum leap in defence, chief says Nato needs a ""quantum leap"" in defence to deter threats to the alliance, its secretary general has said, as he called for Western allies to invest more in their armed forces. In a speech in London, Mark Rutte said Russia could be ready to use military force against Nato within five years. Rutte said Nato needed a ""400% increase in air and missile"" to credibly defend itself against attacks. He said he expected Nato allies to agree to spend 5% of their national income on defence, at a summit in the Netherlands next week. Rutte's speech at Chatham House comes at a critical time for global security as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and China's military expansion continues to raise questions about Nato's capabilities and readiness for war. ""The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defence,"" Rutte said. ""The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defense plans in full."" Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, is pushing for members of the military alliance to commit 5% towards defence-related spending when leaders week in the Hague. He has proposed that Nato's 32 members should commit to spending 3.5% on hard defence, and 1.5% on broader security areas, such as cyber. But he did not put a date on when he expected Nato allies to hit the spending target. Trump compromise The proposal is a compromise deal designed to satisfy US President Donald Trump, who has demanded that allies each spend 5% of their economic output on defence, up from a current commitment of 2%. ""It will be a Nato-wide commitment and a defining moment for the alliance,"" Rutte said. Russia lambasted Rutte before he had made his speech. Nato ""is demonstrating itself as an instrument of aggression and confrontation"", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. Rutte's speech came after he had met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, their second Downing Street talks since last year. Starmer's government plans to increase military spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income by 2027, and has set an ambition to then increase it to 3% by 2034. The increase will fund plans to move the UK to ""war-fighting readiness"", as outlined in the government's recent strategic review of defence. ""I know we can count on the United Kingdom as we start the next chapter for Nato,"" Rutte said. He said the upcoming summit will ""transform our alliance"". ""Russia could be ready to use military force against Nato within five years,"" Rutte said. ""Let's not kid ourselves. We are all on the eastern flank now."" After his speech, the Nato secretary general was asked if he believed Chancellor Rachel Reeves should be raising taxes to meet defence spending commitments. He replied: ""It's not up to me to decide, of course, how countries pay the bill."" He added that if the UK did not spend 5% on defence, it could still have an NHS but warned Britons ""you had better learn to speak Russian"". President Trump has long complained that European allies do not pay enough towards their collective defence, and threatened the US would quit Nato over payments in 2018. European countries have increased their spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some eastern European and Nordic countries have already said they will make pledges to increase defence spending to that level, in the run-up to the summit in the Hague. On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country would hit 2% this year.";-0,2
"What happens next to the Gaza flotilla’s Madleen and its crew? | Israel-Palestine conflict | Al Jazeera Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen aid ship in the early hours of Monday morning as it approached the shores of Gaza in an effort to distribute badly needed aid to the Palestinian enclave’s starving population. The ship has drawn international media attention since it set sail from Catania, Italy, about a week ago. As it neared the shores of Gaza, speculation was rife about how the Israelis would respond, considering their past actions in attacking aid ships sailing to provide supplies to the Strip. Israel has killed at least 54,880 Palestinians and wounded 126,227 since its latest war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Here’s what you need to know about the Madleen, its crew and what happens next: What happened? Israeli drones encircled the Madleen , launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition at about 3am local time (01:00 GMT). The drones began spraying it with a white, paint-like substance before the commandos eventually took hold of the ship. The nature of the sprayed substance remains unclear. The Israeli soldiers ordered the 12 people on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, to throw their phones overboard. They then filmed a video, handing the crew members sandwiches and water bottles, and wrote on X that the “selfie yacht” had been stopped. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians starving in Gaza because of the strict siege enacted since March 2. The siege was lifted partially last month, but the aid distribution has since been calamitous, as Israeli soldiers have shot at Palestinians in line for the limited rations being distributed, with aid still not reaching a majority of people in Gaza. Where was the Madleen intercepted? The ship was about 100 nautical miles (185km) from Gaza when it was stopped by Israeli commandos. It was in international waters at the time. Israel’s blockade of Gaza is deemed illegal by most international governments. Under international law, countries and their militaries hold sovereign rights over their territorial waters only, not international waters. Who was on the ship? There were 12 people on board, the most high-profile included Sweden’s Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France. The others are: Yasemin Acar – Germany Baptiste Andre – France Thiago Avila – Brazil Omar Faiad – France; Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent Pascal Maurieras – France Yanis Mhamdi – France Suayb Ordu – Turkiye Sergio Toribio – Spain Marco van Rennes – The Netherlands Reva Viard – France Where is everyone now? Israeli media reported that the Madleen and its crew members were being taken to the port city of Ashdod. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X that it expected them to return to their home countries and used the opportunity to poke fun at Thunberg. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the military to screen a propaganda film made up of footage from the Hamas-led October 7 attacks to the crew of the Madleen. “Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation – which they came to support and act on behalf of – truly is,” Katz wrote on X. Have any other governments said anything? Yes, a few. Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli charge d’affaires in Madrid, Dan Poraz, over the interception of the Madleen, according to Israeli media. Turkiye condemned Israel’s refusal to allow the ship to dock in Gaza. It called Israeli actions “a clear violation of international law”. “This heinous act by the Netanyahu government, which threatens the freedom of navigation and maritime security, once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terror state,” the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement , referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There was no immediate response from the governments of Brazil, Germany, France or the Netherlands – the other countries with citizens on board the Madleen. French lawmakers from the Leftist France Unbowed (LFI) party called Israel’s interception of the ship a “clear violation of international law”.";0,525
What is the National Guard at the heart of Trump’s Los Angeles standoff? | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera Police officers and members of the National Guard are deployed outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, US, June 8. [Frederic J Brown/AFP] By Sarah Shamim Published On 9 Jun 2025 9 Jun 2025 As United States President Donald Trump’s administration cracks down on immigrants and protesters in Los Angeles, it has deployed 2,000 members of the National Guard to aid its efforts. Trump authorised the deployment after the protests began on Friday, following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of 44 people in the city for violating immigration laws. California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former Vice President Kamala Harris and many other senior leaders of the Democratic Party have criticised Trump’s deployment. They have described the deployment of the National Guard against protesters as a provocation aimed at further inflaming tensions already roiling the country’s second-largest city. But what is the National Guard, and why is its deployment such a political flashpoint? What is the National Guard? The National Guard is a branch of the US military that can perform state and federal functions. This means the guard is largely used to respond to state-level emergencies but can also be federalised. The president can also deploy National Guard soldiers to overseas missions. The guard’s origins trace back to 1636 when it started as citizen-soldier militias in Massachusetts, which is now a US state but was then a British colony. The National Guard became an organised force after the passage of the Militia Act of 1903. The two world wars solidified its status as an organised branch of the US military. The Air National Guard was established in 1947 to complement a territorial force. How many soldiers are in the National Guard? It had 431,291 members as of 2023, the latest data released by the US Department of Defense. That included the Army National Guard, which consists of 326,317 soldiers, and the Air National Guard, which has 104,974 members. Many members of the guard serve part-time while working civilian jobs or attending college. All members recruited into the guard have to undergo basic training. After this, they attend drills at regular intervals. Typically, drills take place one weekend each month. Every year, members attend a two-week training. How is the National Guard deployed? Typically, if a US state is experiencing an emergency that requires a National Guard deployment as a response, the state’s governor may deploy its forces stationed in the state. However, presidents can also federalise the National Guard from a state, but typically, this requires a governor’s approval to do so. When is the National Guard deployed? The guard is deployed in cases of natural disasters or severe weather, civil unrest, war or when election assistance is needed. In 2005, for instance, about 50,000 National Guard soldiers were deployed after Hurricane Katrina hit multiple southern US states. In January, Newsom deployed the National Guard as wildfires ravaged several areas of Los Angeles. In recent years, plainclothes National Guard soldiers have staffed polling places during elections. During the current protests, however, Trump deployed the guard in Los Angeles without Newsom’s approval. Robert Cohen, professor of history and social studies at New York University, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard without getting Newsom on board was “wrong, but typical of the way Trump’s partisanship pollutes almost all of his major decisions”. When have presidents federalised the National Guard in the past? In 1957, President Dwight D Eisenhower federalised the Arkansas National Guard to desegregate public schools after the US Supreme Court’s Brown v Board of Education ruling, which established that racial segregation in public schools is illegal. In 1992, California Governor Pete Wilson and President George HW Bush, both Republicans, deployed the National Guard to quell riots in Los Angeles. Protests, looting, assaults and arson broke out after four police officers who were filmed beating Rodney King, an African American man, for 15 minutes were acquitted of charges of excessive force. What is the debate around the National Guard’s deployment? The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 generally prevents the National Guard and other branches of the US military from being used in civilian law enforcement. Presidents may circumvent this by invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which gives the US president the power to deploy the military to suppress an insurrection. In 1965, President Lyndon B Johnson invoked the act and deployed the guard to protect civil rights marchers in Alabama. He did this without taking Alabama Governor George Wallace, a known segregationist, on board. Before Saturday, this was the last time a US president had deployed the National Guard without the approval of the governor. On Saturday, instead of using the Insurrection Act, Trump invoked a similar federal law, called the Title 10 authority, to deploy the California National Guard without Newsom’s approval. Source: Al Jazeera;0,025
Israeli attack could drive Iran to seek nuclear weapons, IAEA chief warnsThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has warned that an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could push Tehran closer to developing nuclear weapons as indirect talks between the United States and Iran continue through Omani mediation. Speaking to i24 News and The Jerusalem Post, Grossi said Iranian officials had cautioned him about the potential consequences of a strike. “A strike could potentially have an amalgamating effect, solidifying Iran’s determination – I will say it plainly – to pursue a nuclear weapon or withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,” he said in an interview that was published on Monday. Grossi added that he did not believe Israel would launch such an operation. “But one thing is certain,” he said, “The [Iranian] programme runs wide and deep. And when I say ‘deep’, I mean it. Many of these facilities are extremely well-protected. Disrupting them would require overwhelming and devastating force.” He made his comments as Iran prepares a counteroffer to a US proposal for a new nuclear deal. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the US offer lacked key elements and failed to address sanctions relief – a longstanding demand from Tehran. “We will soon submit our own proposed plan to the other side through Oman once it is finalised,” Baghaei said without elaborating on the details. He also criticised the IAEA’s latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme as “unbalanced”, accusing it of relying on “forged documents” from Israel. The IAEA had recently described Iran’s cooperation as “less than satisfactory”, particularly in clarifying past nuclear activities at undeclared locations. The US and Iran are trying to strike a new nuclear deal after a 2015 agreement was abandoned by US President Donald Trump in 2018 during his first term. Trump described Iran on Monday as a “tough” and skilled negotiator, as Washington continues indirect nuclear talks with Tehran. “We’re doing a lot of work on Iran right now,” Trump said during a White House economic event. “It’s tough … They’re great negotiators.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the two leaders spoke on Monday, with Trump assuring him that negotiations with Iran would continue later in the week. In a surprise comment last week , Trump said he had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to jeopardise the fragile negotiations. “I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump said. It remains unclear when the next round of indirect negotiations will take place. Baghaei said talks are ongoing but did not give a date for the next meeting.;0
Russia hits Ukraine with record 479-drone strike ahead of POW swapRussia has launched 479 drones against Ukraine in the biggest overnight drone bombardment of the three-year war, according to the Ukrainian air force. The air force said early on Monday that it had downed 460 drones as well as 19 missiles launched overnight.Russia’s continued to step up its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, despite declaring, under pressure from United States President Donald Trump, that it is interested in pursuing peace talks. The record launch came just ahead of the start of a prisoner swap agreed at recent talks between the pair. Of the hundreds of projectiles fired at numerous targets, only 10 reached their destination, Kyiv officials said. One person was reported injured.Russia’s escalation of aerial attacks has been matched by a renewed battlefield push in the eastern and northeastern parts of the roughly 1,000km (621-mile) front line in occupied parts of Ukraine. The onslaught follows a secretive Ukrainian drone attack that damaged several Russian bombers parked at airbases deep inside the country in what was an embarrassment for the Kremlin and, according to Kyiv, a palpable hit on its ability to strike across the border with missiles.Russia’s Ministry of Defence said one target of Kyiv’s strike was the Dubno airbase in Ukraine’s Rivne region, which hosts tactical aviation aircraft. The mayor of the western city of Rivne, Oleksandr Tretyak, said the overnight drone launch was “the largest attack” on his region since the start of the war.Prisoner swapLate on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conceded that in some areas targeted by the Russian offensive, “the situation is very difficult”. However, he provided no details. Ukraine is shorthanded on the front line against its bigger enemy and needs further military support from its Western partners, especially air defences. However, uncertainty about the US policy has led to doubts about how much help Kyiv can count on.Two recent rounds of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have yielded no breakthroughs beyond pledges to swap thousands of prisoners, including dead and seriously wounded soldiers. Since the agreement, believed to concern an exchange of around 1,200 prisoners by each, was struck last week, the pair has accused one another of failing to meet their obligations. However, the first batch of POWs was repatriated on Monday afternoon. “Today’s exchange has begun. It will be done in several stages in the coming days,” Zelenskyy said on the Telegram app. “Among those we are bringing back now are the wounded, the severely wounded, and those under the age of 25,” he added. The Russian defence ministry also said the first exchange had been carried out. It did not say how many prisoners had been swapped, but did note that the numbers on each side matched.The Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday that its forces shot down 49 Ukrainian drones overnight over seven Russian regions. Two drones hit a plant specialising in electronic warfare equipment in the Chuvashia region, located more than 600km (373 miles) east of Moscow, officials reported. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Russia has targeted both military and civilian areas of Ukraine with Shahed drones . The attacks have killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, according to the United Nations. However, Russia claims it attacks only military targets. Alexander Gusev, head of Russia’s Voronezh region, said 25 drones had been shot down there overnight, damaging a gas pipeline and sparking a small fire. The general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces also claimed that its special operations troops struck two Russian jets stationed at the Savasleyka airfield in Russia’s Novgorod region, located some 650km (404 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The statement did not say how the planes were struck. Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies;0,1
How Trump makes us miss the real story | Donald Trump | Al Jazeera Andrew Mitrovica Al Jazeera columnist Published On 6 Jun 2025 6 Jun 2025 US President Donald Trump gestures on stage on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar [Win McNamee/Getty Images] Donald Trump is the magician-in-chief. Trump understands better, I reckon, than any US president since Ronald Reagan how to bend and manipulate the squirrel-like attention spans of much of the new and “legacy” media to his will and advantage. Reagan and his adept advisers relied almost exclusively on choreographing flattering set pieces for television to drive his retrograde plans and stick-handle around a prickly scandal or two. Trump, having established his ubiquitous star via “reality TV” and countless appearances on ephemeral “chat” shows, knows full well the ways and means to inculcate himself into the American consciousness courtesy of the “boob tube”. Still, Trump has skillfully used social media – now mostly Truth Social – to hone his trademark trick: Misdirection. Like any seasoned illusionist, he appreciates how to draw the public’s eye and ear away from what demands scrutiny. His aim is twofold: To advance his revolutionary agenda and to obscure the damage that agenda inflicts. Advertisement When, in early 2020, a new, lethal virus emerged and spread rapidly as the death toll mounted, Trump dismissed the COVID-19 threat, peddled unproven cures such as hydroxychloroquine, and even suggested injecting disinfectant as a possible remedy. Trump’s bizarre provocations were deliberate and meant, in large measure, to delay and deflect thorough review of his administration’s slow, chaotic response. Trump grasps that in the digital age, outrage is oxygen. By provoking conflict and controversy at a relentless pace, he controls the focus and tempo of public discourse. Armed with a cellphone – likely embossed with the presidential seal – and a glint of inspiration, Trump can instantly shape or reshape the dominant “news” narrative. He does this by flashing shiny, fleeting baubles that further his parochial interests, while more consequential matters drift by like a passing cloud, unnoticed – leaving the hard, complex stuff to fade into neglect. Trump is the human equivalent of a 24/7 cable news outlet pumping out intriguing content that the real cable news channels are happily addicted to – admitted or not. So, in the disconcerting face of the sudden, caustic split with Elon Musk and a festering revolt in the Senate over his signature “big, beautiful” budget, Trump pulled out of his top hat a fantastical “channel-changer” that provoked awe and disbelief. According to NBC News, the president of the United States “reposted a baseless claim on Truth Social that former President Joe Biden was executed in 2020 and replaced with clones or robots”. Advertisement Given that the president of the United States shared the “conspiracy theory” with his 10 million followers, and, by extension, the rest of us, an NBC correspondent was required to contact the White House to determine the following: First, whether America’s head of state “believed” that Biden was executed in 2020. Second, why did America’s head of state amplify a post claiming an executed Biden had been replaced by a clone? Let me help NBC News and the dozens of reporters who were compelled to ask the White House the same absurd questions in the pursuit of “clarity”. Despite his, ah, bluster and eccentricities, I can confidently suggest that Trump does not “believe” that Biden was executed in 2020. Trump trumpeted this nonsense to get NBC News and other scribes fixated on the latest shiny bauble instead of exploring how his “big, beautiful” bill will strip millions of Americans of their health insurance and dilate the US deficit. To dismiss Trump’s expert ability to train the world’s gaze where he wants it as a “distraction” is, I think, too easy and simplistic since, by now, we ought to have become wise to the ruse. What Trump wields is far more practised and pernicious. He doesn’t just distract – he rewrites the story in real time, making the serious seem trivial, and the trivial seem epochal. Oh, and he figured out long ago that most political observers are far more captivated by personality than policy. Trump also recognises that the presidency isn’t only about power. It’s about stagecraft. He is not preoccupied by nuance or accountability. He revels in spectacle. And the spectacle always wins out. Advertisement As such, Trump continues to beguile and enthral with his studied performances grounded, as they are, in the gravitational pull and intoxicating prestige of occupying the Oval Office. The Beltway press is conditioned to look where the president points – again and again. On reliable cue, Trump announced, by presidential decree, that the White House counsel and attorney general would probe allegations that Biden’s aides may have “covered up” his “cognitive decline” and used an autopen to sign off on major policies without his knowledge or consent. For his agitated part, Biden issued a statement on Thursday calling Trump’s calculated gambit a “distraction”, while insisting that he made the “decisions during my presidency”. The “investigation” comes on the convenient heels of a book, co-authored by CNN host Jake Tapper, detailing Biden’s alleged waning mental acuity while in office. The book’s detractors have accused Tapper of revising the record as a sop to right-wing personalities since, they insist, he and CNN previously poo-pooed reports of Biden’s faltering mind and body. Meanwhile, the manufactured brouhaha and deepening, vitriolic rupture of the Trump-Musk bromance, have reduced the resurrection of Trump’s racially tinged travel ban to an afterthought. Once the subject of fierce legal and moral opposition, it has returned with barely a whisper of resistance – another example of how Trump’s theatrics serve to smother the dangerous intent beneath the enticing din. What to do? Advertisement A responsible newsroom must avoid as best it can serving as marionettes to Trump’s cynical schemes. That translates into ignoring the impulse to treat every incendiary outburst, insult, or incitement as urgent or newsworthy. Editors and producers should ask: Whose interests are being served by this coverage? If the answer is Trump’s, pause or take a refreshing pass. Journalists should redirect the lens towards substance, not stunts. That involves patience and the discipline to pose another important question: What is being hidden behind the colourful camouflage? The antidote to manipulation is not detachment – it’s sharp, vigilant coverage of the profound, human consequences of the president’s actions, not his antics. In its exhausting dance with Donald Trump, the fourth estate can and must stop mistaking the fireworks for the fire. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Advertisement;0,1
The US has checked out. Can Europe stop Putin alone? | European Union | Al Jazeera The United States was once Ukraine’s most important ally – supplying arms, funding and political cover as Kyiv fought for its sovereignty. But today, Washington is losing interest. President Donald Trump, more at home on the golf course than in a war room, is pulling away from a conflict he no longer seems to care to understand. Trump has not hidden his disdain. He has echoed Kremlin narratives, questioned NATO’s relevance and reduced Ukraine’s defence to a punchline. Even his recent comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “gone absolutely crazy” does little to undo years of indulgence and indifference. He has not become a credible peace broker or a consistent supporter of Ukraine. His words now carry little weight – and Kyiv is paying the price. Just last week, Ukraine launched what it called Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated series of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. Dozens of aircraft were destroyed at airfields, and key military infrastructure was disrupted. The White House swiftly denied any US involvement. Trump responded by again threatening to “walk away” from the war. Advertisement Shortly afterwards, a second round of peace talks in Istanbul collapsed. The only agreement reached was a sombre one: the exchange of the remains of 6,000 fallen soldiers. That may help bring closure to grieving families – but it has done nothing to alter the course of the war. Trump’s belated proposal – relayed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt – that he supports direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin sounded more like political theatre than diplomacy. The moment had already passed. It is Trump – not Zelenskyy – who now lacks leverage. And with the US pulling back from its traditional security leadership, the burden is shifting decisively to Europe. Despite the brutality of Russia’s invasion in 2022, American officials have frequently treated Kyiv as the side to pressure and Moscow as the side to appease. European leaders pushed back – but mostly with words. They posted pledges of “unwavering support” yet hesitated to take full ownership of Europe’s defence. Now, as US military aid slows and Trump continues to distance himself from the war, Europe faces a historic reckoning. For the first time in nearly 80 years, the continent stands alone. The future of NATO – the alliance created after World War II to ensure collective defence – is in question. Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression increasingly depends on European guarantees. Can Europe meet the moment? Can a loose coalition of willing nations evolve into a durable security bloc? And can it do so without the US? Advertisement As of early 2025, Ukraine was meeting roughly 40 percent of its own military needs, according to the Centre for Security and Cooperation in Kyiv. Europe provided 30 percent and the US the remaining 30 percent. To sustain the fight, Europe must now do more – quickly. The alternative would be disastrous. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy has estimated that if Russia were to occupy Ukraine, it could cost Germany alone 10 to 20 times more than maintaining current levels of support – due to refugee flows, energy instability, economic disruptions and defence risks. One of Ukraine’s most urgent needs is ammunition – particularly artillery shells. Until recently, the US was the main supplier. As American deliveries decline, Ukraine is burning through its reserves. Europe is now scrambling to fill the gap. The problem is scale. Europe’s arms industry has long been underdeveloped. It is only now beginning to respond. According to European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, the bloc aims to produce 2 million artillery shells annually by the end of 2025. This would just meet Ukraine’s minimum battlefield requirements. A particularly ambitious initiative is a Czech-led plan to procure and deliver up to 1.8 million shells to Ukraine by the end of next year. Confirmed by Czech President Petr Pavel in May and backed by Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and other countries, the effort is one of the few on track to make a meaningful impact – if it arrives on time. Advertisement Germany has also moved beyond donations. In late May, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed an agreement with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to cofinance the production of long-range weapons inside Ukraine, tapping into local industrial and engineering capacity. The United Kingdom remains one of Kyiv’s most dependable allies. On Wednesday, London announced a new 350-million-pound ($476m) drone package – part of a broader 4.5-billion-pound ($6.1bn) support pledge. It includes 100,000 drones by 2026, a substantial increase on previous commitments. But war is not waged with weapons alone. Financial and economic power matter too. Trump recently told Fox News that US taxpayer money was being “pissed away” in Ukraine. The remark was not only crude – it was also misleading. Since 2022, the US has provided about $128bn in aid to Ukraine, including $66.5bn in military assistance. Meanwhile, the EU and its member states have contributed about 135 billion euros ($155bn), including 50 billion euros ($57bn) in military support, 67 billion euros ($77bn) in financial and humanitarian aid, and 17 billion euros ($19.5bn) for refugee programmes. The UK has added another 12.8 billion pounds ($17.4 billion). These are not gifts. They are strategic investments – meant to prevent far higher costs if Russia succeeds in its imperial project. Europe has also led on sanctions. Since 2014 – and with renewed urgency since 2022 – it has imposed 17 successive rounds of measures targeting Russia’s economy. None has ended the war, but each has taken a toll. Advertisement On May 20, one day after a reportedly warm call between Trump and Putin, the EU and UK unveiled their most sweeping sanctions package yet. It included nearly 200 vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, used to smuggle oil and circumvent global price caps. Some estimates, including AI-assisted modelling, suggest the sanctions could cost Russia $10bn to $20bn per year if loopholes are closed and enforcement holds. Even partial implementation would disrupt Moscow’s wartime revenue. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas was clear: “The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response.” Europe is beginning to back that promise with action. From drones to shells, sanctions to weapons production, the continent is finally moving from statements to strategy – slowly but steadily building the foundations of Ukrainian resilience and Russian defeat. But this momentum cannot stall. This is no longer just Ukraine’s war. The US has stepped aside. Europe is no longer the backup plan. It is the last line of defence. If it fails, so does Ukraine – and with it, the idea of a secure, sovereign Europe. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Advertisement;0,3
Trump is letting Putin win | Russia-Ukraine war | Al Jazeera Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul for the second time in a month on June 2 to explore the possibility of a ceasefire. The talks lasted just over an hour and, once again, produced no meaningful progress. As with the May 16 negotiations, both sides claimed they had laid the groundwork for prisoner exchanges. But despite Ukraine’s offer to hold another meeting before the end of June, a deep and unbridgeable divide remains between Kyiv and Moscow. More meetings are unlikely to change that. Russia continues to demand Kyiv’s capitulation to the full list of conditions President Vladimir Putin set at the war’s outset: Ukrainian neutrality, a government reshaped to suit Moscow’s interests, and the surrender of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. Between the two rounds of talks, Putin even raised the stakes, adding a demand for a “buffer zone” in northern Ukraine. Kyiv, meanwhile, remains resolute. It refuses to cede any territory and maintains that a full ceasefire along all fronts is a non-negotiable precondition for serious negotiations. Still, both sides appear prepared to continue the diplomatic charade. That’s because these talks are not truly about achieving peace or securing a lasting bilateral agreement. Neither side is genuinely negotiating with the other. Instead, both are using the forum to send messages to the United States – and to Donald Trump, in particular. This dynamic persists despite Trump’s recent efforts to distance himself from the war he once claimed he could end within 24 hours of returning to the White House. That shift in rhetoric has been echoed by key figures in his administration. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who just six months ago represented opposite ends of the Republican spectrum on Ukraine – with Vance nearly endorsing surrender to Putin, and Rubio among the Senate’s most vocal Ukraine hawks – have both signalled that Trump’s White House is no longer interested in mediating the conflict. Reflecting that disengagement, there was no high-level prenegotiation meeting between US and Ukrainian officials in Turkiye ahead of the latest talks, unlike those held in May. Yet despite Rubio’s apparent reversal – likely intended to align with Trump – Ukraine still enjoys broad support in the US Senate, including from senior Republicans. A bipartisan bill aimed at codifying existing sanctions on Russia and imposing new ones – thereby limiting Trump’s power to roll them back – has garnered 81 Senate co-sponsors. The bill’s authors, Senators Lindsey Graham (R–South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), recently travelled to Kyiv to reaffirm their backing. Graham has suggested the bill could move forward in the coming weeks. Still, Ukraine knows the bill stands little chance in the House of Representatives without Trump’s blessing. Despite Trump’s enduring animosity towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyiv has recently adopted a more deferential posture, particularly after their disastrous February meeting in Washington. The Ukrainian government quickly signed and ratified the so-called “minerals deal” that Trump demanded last month. A subsequent meeting between the two leaders – held on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral – was notably more productive. So far, Kyiv’s strategy of appeasement has yielded little change in Trump’s approach. While Trump has occasionally hinted at taking a tougher stance on Putin – usually in response to particularly egregious Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians – he consistently deflects when asked for specifics. For months, he has promised to reveal his plan for Ukraine “in about two weeks,” a vague assurance that remains unfulfilled. A new sanctions package reportedly prepared by his own team over a month ago still sits untouched. Hoping that mounting battlefield violence or bipartisan pressure from the US Senate might force Trump to act, Kyiv presses on with negotiations. Just one day before the Istanbul talks, Russia launched a record-setting overnight assault on Ukraine, firing more than 430 missiles and drones. Ukraine responded forcefully: on June 1, it conducted a large-scale drone strike deep inside Russia, destroying dozens of military aircraft, including airborne command platforms and nuclear-capable bombers. Yet these high-profile losses have done little to shift Putin’s strategy. He continues to use the negotiation process as a smokescreen, providing Trump with political cover for his inaction. Meanwhile, Russian forces are advancing, making incremental gains in northern Ukraine’s Sumy region – where they hope to establish a “buffer zone” – and pushing forward on the southwestern Donetsk front. Ultimately, Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russian territory, including potentially vulnerable targets like oil infrastructure, may have more bearing on the war’s trajectory than any outcome from the Istanbul talks. Yet neither military escalation nor stalled diplomacy seems likely to bring a swift end to the conflict. Trump says he abhors the civilian toll of this war, even if he stops short of blaming Putin for starting it. But it is Trump’s lack of strategy – his hesitation, his mixed signals, his refusal to lead – that is prolonging the conflict, escalating its brutality and compounding its risks for global stability. Trump’s advisers may call it “peace through strength,” but what we are witnessing is paralysis through posturing. Russia’s delegation in Istanbul was never a step towards resolution – it was a diplomatic decoy, shielding a brutal military advance. If Trump refuses to back a serious escalation in pressure on Moscow – through expanded sanctions and renewed military aid to Kyiv – he won’t just fail to end the war. He will become complicit in prolonging it. The choice before him is clear: lead with resolve, or let history record that under his watch, weakness spoke louder than peace. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.;0,35
Why ‘Kill the Boer’ still echoes: It’s not hate, it’s hunger for justice | Donald Trump | Al Jazeera Tafi Mhaka Al Jazeera columnist Published On 4 Jun 2025 4 Jun 2025 Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema arrives at an election rally in Polokwane, South Africa, May 25, 2024 [Themba Hadebe/AP Photo] On May 25, Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), closed his campaign rally at the Mminara Sports Ground in Kwakwatsi, Free State, as he often does: by singing his favourite anti-apartheid struggle anthem, “Dubul’ ibhunu”. Sung in Xhosa, the song translates to “Kill the Boer” or “Kill the farmer” and has long sparked controversy in South Africa and abroad. In recent weeks, the controversy has flared up once again. Just four days earlier, on May 21, during a tense meeting at the White House with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, United States President Donald Trump played a video of Malema and his supporters chanting the song. He claimed it was proof of a “white genocide” in South Africa and demanded Ramaphosa explain “that man’s” conduct. Yet Malema has been singing this song publicly since 2010. There is no white genocide occurring in South Africa. In fact, in August 2022, the country’s Equality Court ruled that the song does not constitute hate speech. By performing it again in Kwakwatsi, Malema was clearly seizing an opportunity to capitalise on Trump’s misleading allegations and the global media attention they brought. Advertisement The disproportionate attention granted to Malema by Trump and his ally Elon Musk obscures a deeper, more urgent reality: millions of Black South Africans, like many across the continent, are crying out for meaningful socioeconomic change and long-overdue justice for the enduring legacies of colonialism and apartheid. They are calling for a modern revolution. Nothing illustrates this more than the EFF’s platform. Its policies centre on economic transformation, including land expropriation without compensation and the nationalisation of mines. The party embraces Black nationalism and pan-Africanism, supports Russia in its standoff with NATO, and positions itself in opposition to perceived Western dominance. While the EFF’s agenda is bold and Afrocentric, it is hardly new. Decades before the EFF’s founding on July 26, 2013, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), a radical anti-apartheid movement, championed many of the same ideals. Founded on April 6, 1959, by a group that split from the African National Congress (ANC), the PAC was led by Robert Sobukwe, an intellectual, pan-Africanist, and activist. At the party’s launch, Sobukwe famously said, “The Africanists take the view that there is only one race to which we all belong, and that is the human race.” The PAC advocated for the return of land to Indigenous Africans, asserting that it had been unjustly seized by white settlers. This view – that land dispossession lies at the heart of South Africa’s historical injustice – has only recently begun to be addressed by the ANC through the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, signed into law by Ramaphosa on February 23. Advertisement South African history is rich with visions for African renewal. Sobukwe’s philosophy laid the groundwork for what is often mischaracterised today as “radical economic transformation”. Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness Movement in the 1970s instilled pride and self-determination. In the late 1990s, President Thabo Mbeki championed the African Renaissance – a cultural, scientific, and economic revival aimed at decolonising African minds and institutions. Malema is not a theoretical pioneer, but he is a potent political vessel for the ideas long espoused by Sobukwe, Biko, and Mbeki. Much like elsewhere on the continent, South Africans are revisiting the question of land. It signals a broader resurgence of postcolonial ideology. In 1969, Muammar Gaddafi provided a powerful example. He nationalised Libya’s Western-owned oil companies to uplift the impoverished. Over a decade, Gaddafi provided free education, healthcare, and subsidised housing, giving Libyans Africa’s highest per capita income. In 2000, Zimbabwe launched its land reform programme to reclaim land taken during colonial rule. In more recent examples, Burkina Faso nationalised the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines in August 2024 and plans to take over more. Mali reclaimed the Yatela mine in October. In December 2024, Niger seized control of the Somair uranium mine, previously run by French nuclear giant Orano. Across Western and Southern Africa, it is clear: the legacy of colonialism still demands redress. South Africa remains the world’s most unequal country. Its Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality, consistently ranks among the highest. Decades after apartheid’s fall, systemic racial inequality persists, sustained by disparities in education, employment, and economic access. Advertisement Trump’s astonishing decision on February 7 to sanction South Africa – partly over the Expropriation Act – reveals the West’s historical amnesia and indifference. Many Black South Africans are desperate to move beyond the past, but are continually thwarted by a refusal to correct entrenched inequality. Ironically, Trump’s intervention may serve to galvanise African governments. His public posturing may appeal to his domestic base, but his tone-deafness will only deepen anti-US sentiment among South Africans. Anti-Western feeling is already rising across the continent, fuelled by historical grievances, neocolonial policies, and the emergence of new global powers like Russia and China. This disillusionment is visible in the rejection of Western-backed institutions and a growing appetite for alternative partnerships. Instead of attempting to shame Ramaphosa on the world stage, Trump would do better to support equitable and lawful reforms. Obsessing over Malema is futile – he is merely the voice of a generation grappling with economic pain and historical betrayal. “Dubul’ ibhunu” resonates among parts of South Africa’s Black population not because they are bloodthirsty, but because the promises of liberation remain unfulfilled. Trump would do well to understand this: the revolution in Africa is not over. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. Advertisement;0,675
"Palestine’s World Cup dream is over as Israel ruins Gaza’s sports sector | Football News | Al Jazeera Goalkeeper Yousef Abu Shawarib's former football ground in Khan Younis is covered with the tents of refugees, so finding a spot to play the beautiful game is a daily challenge amongst the carnage resulting from the war on Gaza [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] By Mohamed Solaimane Published On 9 Jun 2025 9 Jun 2025 Khan Younis, Gaza – In the ruins of his home in Khan Younis, 75-year-old Shaker Safi gently thumbs through fading photographs of his son Mohammed’s sporting career. Medals, trophies, team huddles, and group photos of young athletes coached by Mohammed now serve as a haunting memorial to a dream destroyed by war.  On November 15, 2023, Mohammed Safi – a football coach and physical education teacher – was killed in an Israeli air strike. He had spent years building a legacy of hope through sport, training at schools and community clubs, and transforming underdog teams into local champions. A graduate in physical education from Al-Aqsa University, Mohammed was the head coach of Al-Amal Football Club in southern Gaza and was widely admired for his work nurturing young talent aged between six and 16. “My son dreamt of representing Palestine internationally,” Shaker says, surrounded by remnants of his son’s accolades. “He believed sport could lift youth from despair. But war reached him before he could reach the world.” Mohammed Safi’s father, Shaker Safi, shows an image of his deceased son holding a football trophy. Mohammed, who was a junior football coach and umpire, was killed in an Israeli air strike in November 2023 [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] Now displaced, Mohammed’s wife Nermeen and their four children – 16-year-old Shaker Jr, Amir, 14, Alma, 11, and Taif, 7 – live with the painful void created by his death.  The children cling to their father’s last football and coaching notes as keepsakes. Nermeen, an art teacher, gently wipes away Taif’s tears when she asks, “Why did they take Daddy from us?” “He was a man of dreams, not politics,” Nermeen says. “He wanted to become an international referee. He wanted his master’s degree. Instead, he was killed for being a symbol of life and youth.” Mohammed Safi is one of hundreds of athletes and sports professionals who have been killed or displaced since the war began. According to the Palestinian Olympic Committee, 582 athletes have been killed since October 7, 2023, many of them national team players, coaches, and administrators. Mohammed Safi’s wife and children are not only dealing with his death, but also displacement created by the war on Gaza [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] Sports replaced by survival For those who remain alive in Gaza, survival has replaced sporting ambition. Yousef Abu Shawarib is a 20-year-old goalkeeper for Rafah’s premier league football club. In May 2024, he and his family fled their home and took shelter at Khan Younis Stadium – the same field where he once played official matches. Today, the stadium is a shelter for displaced families, its synthetic turf now lined with tents instead of players. “This is where my coach used to brief me before games,” Yousef says, standing near what used to be the bench area, now a water distribution point. “Now I wait here for water, not for kickoff.” His routine today involves light, irregular training inside his tent, hoping to preserve a fraction of his fitness. But his dreams of studying sports sciences in Germany and playing professionally are gone.  “Now, I only hope we have something to eat tomorrow,” he tells Al Jazeera. “The war didn’t just destroy fields – it destroyed our futures.” When he looks at the charred stadium, he doesn’t see a temporary displacement. “This was not collateral damage. It was systematic. It’s like they want to erase everything about us – even our games.” Playing organised football out in the open is not a practical option in Gaza anymore. Instead, Yousef Abu Shawarib does fitness training in a tent at Khan Younis Stadium [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] Hope beneath the rubble Still, like the patches of grass that survived the blasts, some hope remains. Shadi Abu Armanah, head coach of Palestine’s amputee football team, had devised a six-month plan to resume training. His 25 players and five coaching staff had been building momentum before the war on Gaza. The team had competed internationally, including in a 2019 tournament in France. Before hostilities began, they were preparing for another event in November 2023 and an event in West Asia set for October 2025. “Now, we can’t even gather,” Shadi says. “Every facility we used has been destroyed. The players have lost their homes. Most have lost loved ones. There’s nowhere safe to train – no gear, no field, nothing.” Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the team had once symbolised resilience. Training sessions were more than drills – they were lifelines. “For amputees, sport was a second chance,” Shadi says. “Now they are just trying to survive.”  Shadi himself is displaced. His home, too, was bombed. “The clubs I worked for are gone. The players are either dead or scattered. If the war ends today, we’ll still need years to bring back even a fraction of what was lost.” He adds, “I coached across many clubs and divisions. Almost all their facilities have been reduced to rubble. It’s not just a pause – it’s erasure.” This multi-purpose sporting venue in Khan Younis used to host basketball and volleyball games until the Israeli military demolished it by aerial bombing. In more recent times, it was repurposed as a refugee shelter, but has since been evacuated [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] A systematic erasure The scope of devastation extends beyond personal loss. According to Asaad al-Majdalawi, vice president of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Gaza’s entire sporting infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. At least 270 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed: 189 completely flattened and 81 partially damaged, with initial estimates of material losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars. “Every major component of Gaza’s sports system has been hit,” al-Majdalawi told Al Jazeera. “The Olympic Committee offices, sports federations, clubs, school and university sports programmes – even private sports facilities have been targeted. It’s a comprehensive assault.” Among the fallen are high-profile athletes like Nagham Abu Samra, Palestine’s international karate champion; Majed Abu Maraheel, the first Palestinian to carry the Olympic flag at the 1996 Atlanta Games; Olympic football coach Hani al-Masdar; and national athletics coach Bilal Abu Sam’an. Hundreds of others remain injured or missing, complicating accurate assessments.  “This is not just loss – it’s extermination,” al-Majdalawi says. “Each athlete was a community pillar. They weren’t numbers. They were symbols of hope, unity, and perseverance. Losing them has deeply wounded the Palestinian society.” He warns that beyond the immediate human toll, the interruption of sports activities for a year and a half will result in physical, psychological, and professional regression for remaining athletes. “You lose more than muscle and skill – you lose purpose.” A lone grandstand remains partially intact in an otherwise completely destroyed Khan Younis football stadium. The venue, once a popular cultural and social hub of the Khan Younis sports community, has now become a shelter for thousands of internally displaced Gazans [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] A global silence Al-Majdalawi believes the international response has been alarmingly inadequate. When Gaza’s sports community reaches out to global federations, Olympic bodies, and ministers of youth and sport, they’re met with silence. “In private, many international officials sympathise,” he says. “But at the decision-making level, Israel seems to operate above the law. There’s no accountability. It’s like sport doesn’t matter when it’s Palestinian. The global and international sports institutions appear complicit through their silence, ignoring all international laws, human rights, and the governing rules of the international sports system,” he says. He believes that if the war ended today, it would still take five to 10 years to rebuild what has been lost. Even that gloomy timeline is based on the assumption that the blockade ends and international funding becomes available.  “We have been building this sports sector since 1994,” al-Majdalawi says. “It took us decades to accumulate knowledge, experience, and professionalism. Now, it’s all been levelled in months.” As the war continues, the fate of Gaza’s sports sector hangs by a thread. Yet amid the ruins, fathers like Shaker Safi, athletes like Yousef, and coaches like Shadi hold on to one unyielding belief: that sport will once again be a source of hope, identity, and life for Palestinians. Yousef Abu Shawarib, who has lived as a refugee at Khan Younis football stadium since May 2024, hopes to survive the war and once again play football on these grounds [Mohamed-Solaimane/Al Jazeera] This piece was published in collaboration with Egab . Source: Al Jazeera";0,3
US-China trade talks: Is a thaw on the cards after Trump-Xi call?Top US and Chinese officials are meeting in London in a bid to defuse trade tensions over rare earth minerals and advanced technology after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping last week. The two sides are aiming in Monday’s talks to build on a preliminary trade deal struck in Geneva in May, which briefly lowered the temperature between Washington and Beijing and offered relief for investors battered by months of Trump’s global trade war. Since then, the agreement to mutually suspend most of the 100 percent-plus tariffs for 90 days has been followed by barbs and accusations from both sides. But after reaching a tentative understanding with Xi on resuming the flow of critical minerals, Trump said on Thursday that he expected Monday’s meeting to go “very well”. Who is leading the US and Chinese delegations? The US delegation in London is headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The Chinese contingent will be led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. The venue of the meeting has not been disclosed. What happened during last week’s call between Xi and Trump? Monday’s meeting comes four days after Trump and Xi spoke by phone , their first direct interaction since Trump’s January 20 inauguration. After the more than hourlong call on Thursday, Trump said the conversation was focused on trade and had resulted in a “very positive conclusion” for both countries. In the first readout of the call, Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social: “I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal.” “There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated,” he added. For his part, Xi was quoted by Chinese state TV as saying after the call that the two countries should strive for a win-win outcome and dialogue and cooperation are the only right choice for both. In recent weeks, both sides have accused the other of breaching their deal made in Geneva and aimed at dramatically reducing tariffs – an agreement Trump touted as a “total reset” after he announced tariffs on all US trading partners on April 2 . The tentative truce struck on May 11 in Geneva brought US tariffs on Chinese products down from 145 to 30 percent while Beijing slashed levies on US imports from 125 to 10 percent. The agreement gave both sides a three-month deadline to try to reach a more lasting deal. In what ways have US export controls played a role? Renewed tensions between the US and China began just one day after the May 12 announcement of the Geneva agreement to temporarily lower tariffs. The US Department of Commerce issued guidance saying the use of Ascend artificial intelligence chips from Huawei, a leading Chinese tech company, could violate US export controls. The agency warned companies “anywhere in the world” against using AI chips made by Huawei, claiming they illegally contained, or were made with, US technology. Beijing publicly criticised Washington’s move to limit access to American technology, accusing the US of trying to stymie China’s ability to develop cutting-edge AI chips. On May 15, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian accused the US of “abusing export control measures”, adding that China would take steps to defend its business interests. Lutnick wasn’t in Geneva last month, but he is a lead negotiator in Monday’s talks in London. His Commerce Department oversees export controls for the US, and some analysts believe his participation is an indication of how central the issue has become for both sides. China issuing rare earth licences to US companies In response to Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, Beijing suspended exports to all countries of six heavy rare earth metals and associated magnets on April 4. The move upended global supply chains central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers and military contractors. China produces 90 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals , which are essential components in permanent magnets – used in a swath of high-tech applications. Without mentioning rare earths specifically, Trump took to social media last month to attack China’s trade restrictions. “The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted on Truth Social on May 30. After Xi and Trump’s phone call last week, however, the Chinese government hinted that it is addressing US concerns, which have also been echoed by some European companies. On Saturday, China’s Commerce Ministry said it had approved some rare earth exports, without specifying which countries were involved. It issued a statement saying it had granted some approvals and “will continue to strengthen the approval of applications that comply with regulations”. On Monday, the rare earth suppliers of three big US automakers – General Motors, Ford and Stellantis – got clearance from Beijing for a handful of export licences. Washington wants access to as many rare earths as quickly as possible, Kevin Hassett, head of the National Economic Council at the White House, said on the CBS TV network’s Face the Nation programme on Sunday. “We want the rare earths, the magnets that are crucial for cellphones and everything else to flow just as they did before the beginning of April, and we don’t want any technical details slowing that down,” Hassett said. What challenges remain? Student visas don’t normally figure in trade talks, but a recent US announcement that it would begin revoking the visas of Chinese students has emerged as another flashpoint between Washington and Beijing. On May 28, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration would begin to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese university students. He also said the US would revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong. China is the second largest country of origin for international students in the US after India. More than 270,000 Chinese students studied in the US in the 2023-2024 academic year. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning criticised Washington’s decision to revoke the visas, saying it “damaged” the rights of Chinese students. Other concerns continue to strain the bilateral relationship from the illicit fentanyl trade to the status of democratically governed Taiwan and US complaints about China’s state-dominated economic model. Still, Trump’s geopolitical bluster goes well beyond China. While promising to reshape relationships with all US trading partners, Trump so far has reached only one new trade agreement – with the United Kingdom. Trump’s reduction of US tariffs on Chinese goods runs out in August unless he decides to extend it. If deals aren’t reached, the White House said Trump plans to restore tariff rates to the levels he first announced in April.;-0,175
"When does a protest become a riot? Experts weigh in on unrest in LA. ""Who provoked the violence"" should be a central question in determining if a protest has erupted into a riot, one expert said. In Los Angeles, protests against President Donald Trump's immigration raids erupted into scenes of chaos, with electric vehicles lit aflame, large clouds of tear gas and clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators. The protests began on Friday and were largely peaceful before they escalated over the weekend, leading to over two dozen arrests and multiple reports of injuries. President Donald Trump on Saturday called in the California National Guard against the wishes of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has accused the president of enflaming tensions to ""manufacture chaos and violence."" While most of Los Angeles was spared from the unrest, videos of the protests show people throwing rocks and other projectiles at law enforcement. Electric vehicles were lit ablaze and left to burn while graffiti was scrawled on buildings downtown. Authorities on Sunday declared the protest an unlawful assembly and moved in aggressively with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades, sending hundreds of people running from parts of downtown. Live updates: LA police make 'mass arrests' after downtown curfew kicks in Trump has stood by his move to deploy the state's National Guard, saying in a statement that troops were needed to stop ""violent, insurrectionist mobs"" and ""lawless riots."" Newsom, who has vowed to sue Trump over the deployment, fought back against the president's characterization of the protests, saying Trump ""instigated violence."" All of the back-and-forth, as well as the scenes of clashes between authorities and protesters, have fueled questions around what constitutes a riot. Experts say while there are legal definitions for a riot, the term has become increasingly politicized and encapsulates a wide variety of incidents. Families of Los Angeles workers detained by ICE want justice Families of the people detained in ICE raids in Los Angeles are calling for for justice for their loved ones. Brian Higgins, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, said, in most states, including California, the determination of a riot lies in whether multiple people are involved and whether they are committing acts of violence. ""One person is not a riot and neither is a group that is nonviolent,"" he said. ""They can even be breaking the law, like refusing to disperse. It's when you add in the factor of violence that it becomes a riot."" When does a protest become a riot? In California, a riot is defined as follows: ""Any use of force or violence, disturbing the public peace, or any threat to use force or violence, if accompanied by immediate power of execution, by two or more persons acting together, and without authority of law, is a riot."" Higgins, a former police chief with decades of law enforcement experience, said while the definition is fairly black-and-white, there are gray areas, especially before and at the point of escalation. ""If you have a group of people, and more show up and eventually someone throws a rock or a can of soda – maybe you could legally say it's a riot but that's probably not the time to do so,"" he said. ""But once the crowd gets agitated and there's a growing threat of violence that spills out,"" he said, ""that's when you have what can reasonably be called a riot."" Questions about escalation Experts also said while violence is a defining factor in a riot, such violence could be incited by law enforcement. Ralph Young, a history professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, who has written several books on dissent in the U.S., said it is often the case that overzealous law enforcement responses have escalated peaceful protests into scenes of violence and chaos. ""That's a major question. Who provoked the violence?"" he said, emphasizing that the instigating factor should be considered when deciding whether the word riot is applicable. Apples to oranges between 1992 and now ? so far Republicans have begun to draw parallels between the current unrest in Los Angeles and the Rodney King riots in 1992 – comparisons Young said are completely unfounded. The 1992 riots, which erupted after the four police officers on trial for beating King were exonerated, stretched on for several days and led to burned down buildings, mass looting and the deaths of over 60 people, including several shot by police. The violent trial aftermath was among the most destructive and deadly riots in U.S. history. Young said the fact that the same word – riot – could be used to describe the deadly episode and much less violent incidents could lead to false equivalencies. But while those comparisons may not be warranted now, Young said he is concerned the ongoing protests could continue to escalate. ""What if this turns into something like Rodney King and lasts for several more days or weeks?"" he asked. ""Hopefully it diffuses quickly.""";0,125
"Unacceptable and inhumane': Latinas for Trump founder blasts immigration arrestsWASHINGTON – Florida state Sen. Ileana Garcia, who co-founded the group Latinas for Trump, criticized President Donald Trump’s recent immigration enforcement actions as “unacceptable and inhumane” in a social media post. Her remarks come as federal agents have arrested immigrants in courthouses across the United States, including in Florida, stripping them of due process protections, as NBC News reported. Family members and pro-immigration advocates have said that in some of the arrests , immigration judges dropped active cases against migrants, potentially expediting the deportation process. The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration enforcement spurred protests in Los Angeles, in which some demonstrators hurled large chunks of broken concrete at officers, slashed tires and defaced buildings, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security . On June 7, Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops deployed to the region over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I understand the importance of deporting criminal aliens,"" Garcia, who served as the deputy press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security during Trump's first term, wrote in a tweet on June 7. ""But what we are witnessing are arbitrary measures to hunt down people who are complying with their immigration hearings – in many cases, with credible fear of persecution claims – all driven by a Miller-like desire to satisfy a self-fabricated deportation goal,” she said, referring to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. ""This undermines the sense of fairness and justice that the American people value."" She added that she stood with Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who also denounced Trump’s actions. “I remain clear in my position: anyone with a pending asylum case, status-adjustment petition, or similar claim deserves to go through the legal process.” Salazar wrote in a statement on June 6. Salazar said she would meet with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem this week, along with Florida Republican Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart and Carlos Giménez, to ""personally explain the dire situation unfolding in South Florida."" Contributing: Reuters";0,175
Trump issues travel ban on 12 nations, partially restricts seven othersTrump issues a proclamation restricting entry into the United States from 12 nations, while partially restricting seven others.  The restrictions affect several African and Middle Eastern nations.;0
El Pollo Loco opening locations in six states this year. Here's where.Foodies wanting to grab a Pollo Bowl, tacos, or other menu items from El Pollo Loco will soon have new restaurants in six states, including Colorado and Texas. The Mexican-style restaurant is based in California but plans to open at least 10 restaurants in 2025 in other states, an El Pollo Loco spokesperson confirmed on May 30. That includes the company’s 500th restaurant, which is set for Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to the company, it's the largest system-wide expansion since 2022. According to the spokesperson, the new additions will be constructed based on the company’s new store design , which was unveiled in October 2024 as El Pollo Loco neared its 50th anniversary. New restaurants will feature updated branding elements, upgraded furniture and lighting, energy-efficient hoods and HVAC. Where is El Pollo Loco opening new locations in 2025? So far in 2025, El Pollo Loco has opened two new locations, both of them in California: one in Los Banos and another in Lompoc. However, the company spokesperson said most future locations opening in 2025 are set for markets outside of California, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. Where is El Pollo Loco opening restaurants in 2026 and beyond? The spokesperson said the company plans to open new locations in 2026 as well, including some in nontraditional locations like airports and university campuses. Customers can expect to see locations open in 2026 or later in states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and more. El Pollo Loco serves chicken that's marinated using citrus and spices, then fire-grilled over a low flame for 60 minutes, as well as hand-smashed guacamole , salsa fresca and avocado salsa using real tomatoes, cilantro, and onion, according to its website.;0
"Firehook crackers recalled in 11 states: See listFirehook of Virginia is voluntarily recalling one lot of its artisan-baked crackers because the product may contain undeclared sesame, a known allergen. The affected products, also known as Firehook's Classic Sea Salt Organic Crackers, were sold at retail stores in 11 states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. The recall was initiated on May 30 after the company discovered that the ""sesame-containing product"" was placed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the ingredient. The Alexandria, Virginia-based company issued a formal notice , shared with the Food & Drug Administration, on June 4. The error was the result of a ""temporary breakdown"" in the company's production and packaging process, which caused the wrong labels to be applied to the product, Firehook of Virginia's subsequent investigation found. ""People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,"" reads the company's notice. However, no illnesses have been reported to date. Here's what to know about the Firehook crackers recall. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Recall alert: Millions of brown eggs sold recalled: See list of affected products Firehook cracker recall: Affected products Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or to toss the product. The company urges consumers who have purchased the product to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. (Consumers may also toss the product if they are not interested in a refund.) Relevant product information, including the best by date, universal product code, and the look of the packaging, can be found below. Product information: 8-oz packages of Firehook's Classic Sea Salt Crackers Best by date of 9/29/25 Universal Product Code of 8 99055 00063 5 What should I do if I have the recalled crackers? Consumers may contact Firehook of Virginia by phone during regular business hours at 1-888-580-0745 with any questions, or concerns about the current recall. The company's regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Facebook Twitter Email Share your feedback to help improve our site!";0
"US stocks mostly rise on hopes of trade progress with China.U.S. stocks closed mostly higher on expectations China will export rare earths in exchange for looser China access to semiconductors from the U.S. ""I expect this to be a short meeting with a big strong handshake,"" Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said in a CNBC interview about talks overnight between the U.S. and China in London . “Our expectation is that ... immediately after the handshake, any export controls from the U.S. will be eased, and the rare earths will be released in volume, and then we can go back to negotiating smaller matters,"" he added. Shares of Nvidia and AMD rose, while stock of the largest U.S rare earth miner, MP Materials, rallied 7.81%. The talks follow a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping after Trump accused China of violating terms of a tariff pause agreed on last month in Switzerland . The blue-chip Dow closed flat, or just 1.11 points lower, to 42,761.76; the broad S&P 500 gained 0.09%, or 5.52 points, to 6,005.88; and the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.31%, or 61.28 points, to 19,591.24. All three indexes closed higher last week, and the S&P 500 topped the 6,000 mark for the first time since Feb. 21 and is now around 2% from its record high. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.478%. Inflation and tax bill also in focus Inflation data due this week and how the Senate may vote on the more than 1,000-page tax bill before it will also be scrutinized. The May consumer price index report, due midweek, could provide insight into whether the tariff rollercoaster is reviving inflation. It is the first full month of data since President Donald Trump announced his aggressive tariff plan on April 2. Many of the harshest tariffs have been rolled back or paused, but some have kicked in. Wholesale price data are due the next day and could give investors an idea of whether there is inflation coming down the pipeline to Americans. Wholesale prices are what businesses pay for their goods and services. At the end of the week, a new consumer sentiment reading from the University of Michigan also includes data on inflation expectations. Earlier, a survey by the New York Federal Reserve showed consumers expect lower inflation over the next year than they did a month ago. Investors will also continue to watch the path of the so called "" One, Big Beautful bill"" in the Senate after a public and fierce tit-for-tat social media exchange between Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and Trump. Musk said the ""pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination ,"" and Trump called Musk ""crazy."" Corporate news Warner Bros. Discovery is splitting into two standalone publicly traded entertainment companies, separating its HBO Max streaming service, movie studio and TV production business from its cable networks. Shares of the entertainment company reversed early gains to close down about 3%. Facebook parent company Meta Platforms reportedly is in talks to make a multibillion-dollar investment into artificial intelligence startup Scale AI. Meta shares fell fractionally. EchoStar is considering filing for bankruptcy, as it faces a regulatory review of its spectrum licenses, according to the Wall Street Journal . Shares of the telecommunications company dropped 8.5%. Universal Health Services stock fell more than 6% after the hospital operator's Chief Financial Officer Steve Filton said at a conference that procedural volumes “have been slower to recover back to historical levels than we might have imagined.” He also expressed concerns over how the tax bill could affect the hospital industry. The company earns a hefty amount from Medicaid, an area Trump wants to trim. United Natural Foods suffered a cyber attack that's disrupting operations. Shares dropped 6.89%. Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency platform Gemini said it confidentially submitted a draft registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering of class A shares. The IPO is expected after the SEC review process, it said in a release . Bitcoin was last up 2.79% at $108,720.70. This story was updated with new information. Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.";-0,05
"Supreme Court sides with Catholic Charities in tax and religion caseWASHINGTON ? The Supreme Court on June 5 said Wisconsin should not have denied a tax exemption to a Catholic Charities chapter, the latest in a series of rulings the justices have decided in favor of faith groups. The court unanimously ruled that the state violated the First Amendment's protection for religion and discriminated against the religious organization in Wisconsin. ""There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one,"" Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote. Wisconsin’s law, which is similar to most states' and the federal government’s, grants exemptions from its unemployment insurance program for certain church-controlled organizations that are “operated primarily for religious purposes.” Wisconsin said the Catholic Charities bureau and four affiliates had to participate in the state’s unemployment benefits system because the work being performed is primarily secular, even if it’s motivated by religious belief. There’s no religious instruction during job training, placement and coaching offered to disabled people through the affiliates, the state said. Neither employees nor the people they serve have to be Catholic . The Catholic Charities bureau and its affiliates are incorporated separately from the diocese. The purpose of the exemption is to keep the government from violating the First Amendment by getting too involved in a church’s employment decisions. Because an employee is not eligible for unemployment benefits if the person was fired for misconduct, Wisconsin doesn’t want to have to decide the legitimacy of a firing that was based on matters of religious faith and doctrine. More: Pride puppies and a charter school: a look at the blockbuster religion cases at the Supreme Court Catholic Charities, which was represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, argued it was being discriminated against because, unlike other religious organizations, the charitable arm is incorporated separately from the diocese and because it offers its services without proselytizing. The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that Wisconsin granted the exemption to some religious organizations and not others ""based on theological differences"" about whether to spread religious doctrine when performing charitable work. Although some recent cases involving religious rights have ideologically divided the court, this one did not. That may be because rather than centering on whether a law favored non-religion over religion, this one turned on whether Wisconsin favored one type of religion over another. “It was always absurd to claim that Catholic Charities wasn’t religious because it helps everyone, no matter their religion,"" Eric Rassbach, an attorney at Becket, said after the decision. Wisconsin's attorney had pointed out that Catholic Charities had participated in the state’s unemployment system since 1971 without requesting an exemption. Its initial registration described the nature of its operations as “charitable,” “educational,” and “rehabilitative,” not “religious,” according to filings. Colin T. Roth, assistant attorney general for Wisconsin, warned that a broad exemption policy could leave more than 1 million employees in the country who work for religiously affiliated hospitals outside of the unemployment benefits system. If fewer employers pay into the system, Roth and outside municipal groups said, states might choose to shut down all religious exemptions. Catholic Charities said it prefers to protect employees through the church’s unemployment program. The maximum weekly benefits are the same as the state’s program and can be more generous and received more quickly, according to the church. Labor rights groups say the church’s unemployment program is not as good because it’s not backed up by the government if funds run out. And workers in a private system are ineligible for supplemental federal benefits such as those provided during the pandemic. Rachel Laser, the head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the case continues a dangerous trend of organizations claiming a religious motive to sidestep worker protections. “If these religious extremists succeed,” Laser said in a statement, “the mere invocation of religious beliefs will erase important social safety nets and civil rights protections for workers.” The case is Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission. (This story was updated to include new video.)";-0,25
"RFK Jr. fires entire CDC vaccine advisory panel Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a panel that advises the CDC on the safety, efficacy and clinical needs of vaccines Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired all 17 members of a committee that advises the federal government on vaccine safety and will replace them with new members, a move that the Trump administration's critics warned would create public distrust around the government's role in promoting public health. At issue is the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which makes recommendations on the safety, efficacy and clinical need of vaccines to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It comprises medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States. “Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,” Kennedy, who has a history of controversial views on vaccines , said on June 9 in announcing the overhaul. “The public must know that unbiased science – evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest – guides the recommendations of our health agencies.” More: Many said RFK Jr. would launch a war on vaccines, medicine. Is it here? Kennedy's decision marks a reversal from what a key Republican senator said the Trump Cabinet member had promised during his confirmation hearings earlier this year. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, said Kennedy had promised to maintain the advisory committee's current composition. ""If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes,"" Cassidy said. The Biden administration appointed all 17 sitting committee members, with 13 of them taking their seats in 2024. According to Trump's HHS, those appointments would have prevented the current administration from choosing a majority of the committee until 2028. ""A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science,” said Kennedy, adding that the new members ""will prioritize public health and evidence-based medicine"" and ""no longer function as a rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas."" The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice is scheduled to hold its next meeting June 25-27 at CDC headquarters in Atlanta. An HHS source familiar with the details told USA TODAY that the new members of the panel will attend the session. 'Fixing a problem that doesn't exist' More: Emotions fly high behind the scenes at RFK Jr.'s Congressional hearings Critics of the Trump administration warned that Kennedy's move was not necessary, undermines the government's role in vaccine safety and could lead to more deadly disease transmissions. Dr. Paul A. Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the Food and Drug Administration Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, told USA TODAY that Kennedy was ""fixing a problem that doesn't exist."" Picking members for the committee generally involves a three- to four-month vetting process by the CDC. ""Now he's just going to pick people he likes,"" Offit added. ""Presumably people who are like-minded, and I think that will shake confidence in this committee."" Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Kennedy and the Trump administration are ""taking a wrecking ball to the programs that keep Americans safe and healthy."" The New York Democrat added that wiping out an entire panel of vaccine experts doesn’t build trust – it shatters it. ""Worse, it sends a chilling message: that ideology matters more than evidence, and politics more than public health,"" he said. Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that Kennedy's work has undermined trust and ""upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives."" ""With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses,"" he said. A measles outbreak recently killed two unvaccinated children in Texas. The CDC said the deaths were the first from measles in the United States since 2015. Kennedy has backed vaccination as a preventive tool during a measles outbreak but also said that vaccines should be left to parents' discretion. As of June 5, a total of 1,168 confirmed measles cases were reported by 34 jurisdictions. The CDC also reported three deaths due to the outbreak.";-0,025
"Sly Stone dead: Sly and the Family Stone frontman dies at 82 Sly Stone , a onetime San Francisco DJ turned pop and funk music innovator, has died. He was 82. ""It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone ,"" a statement shared with USA TODAY on June 9 reads. ""After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. ""While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come."" Sly Stone's 5 essential songs: From 'Everyday People' to 'Stand!' After huge chart-topping success in the 1960s and 1970s, Stone had become an enigmatic and largely reclusive figure plagued by homelessness and health issues. He also had endured financial problems amid management disputes, at one point winning a $5 million judgment for unpaid royalties that was later overturned. In one dire period, reports indicated that the Woodstock icon was living in a van in Los Angeles. But despite such misfortunes, the music created by the Texas-born California transplant and his trendsetting multiracial, multigendered Bay Area band, the Family Stone, had never stopped being a touchstone for generations of musicians. Among Stone's oft-covered but never matched hits are ""I Want to Take You Higher,"" ""Hot Fun in the Summertime,"" ""Stand!"" and the infectious and phonetically titled funk anthem, ""Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."" The statement from Stone's family hailed him as ""a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk and rock music,” one whose songs “have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.” Stone's family noted that the musician had recently completed a screenplay for his life story and concluded: ""We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly's life and his iconic music."" Stone was born Sylvester Stewart on March 14, 1943, in Denton, Texas, but grew up in the northern San Francisco suburb of Vallejo, where he and his siblings quickly mastered a variety of instruments, notably guitar and keyboards. In the mid-'60s, just as the San Francisco music scene was exploding with global impact, Stone served both as a record producer and disc jockey at KSOL, whose listeners immediately took to his deep, resonant voice as he shared an incessant stream of hits being generated from area groups. In 1966, spurred on by the local revolution that was birthing bands such as Jefferson Airplane, Santana and the Grateful Dead, Stone decided to combine his fledgling band with one led by his brother Freddie, forming Sly and the Family Stone. Hits followed in short order, starting with 1968's ""Dance to the Music"" and ""Everyday People,"" both of which celebrated the sheer and simple joy created when music brings the masses together. But Stone's compositions also frequently plumbed deep depths, with lyrics that pierced as ably as they moved. In ""Family Affair,"" Stone's sensitive growl intones: ""One child grows up to be/ Somebody that just loves to learn/ And another child grows up to be/ Somebody you'd just love to burn/ Mom loves the both of them/ You see, it's in the blood/ Both kids are good to mom/ Blood's thicker than the mud."" By 1969, Stone and his group were among the most well-known bands in the nation, and performed a memorable set at that year's Woodstock festival in upstate New York, a hallmark of which was the band's audience-lifting rendition of ""I Want to Take You Higher."" The band also performed that year at the Summer of Soul concert in Harlem, an event memorialized in the documentary of the same name by Ahmir ""Questlove"" Thompson. (Questlove went on to direct “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),"" a 2025 Hulu documentary focused on Stone. While Stone's band was among the earliest of the '60s groups to feature a mix of genders and races (including founding member and trumpet player Cynthia Robinson and founding drummer Greg Errico), Stone was the leader and visionary who steered the band's direction. Often cloaked in elaborate stage clothing, his massive Afro glowing, Stone's looks and music were an indisputable harbinger of the coming funk revolution that would take the foundational innovations of James Brown and propel it to an otherworldly showboating level as best exemplified by the huge success of '70s legends such as George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic band. But the rocket-ship ride to fame would quickly come crashing back to earth. By 1971, with the band addled by drug use and internal strife, Sly and the Family Stone would increasingly lose tour bookings and fail to produce music that matched the songs of just a few years prior. While Stone spent the '70s working on new music, often on his own since he played numerous instruments, success proved elusive. In 1983, he was arrested in Florida on drug charges. More trouble and misfortune found its way to Stone's doorstep in the coming years, although in 1993 he did make a public appearance during the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. A decade later, in 2005, Stone, by now almost a legendary ghost, was spotted at a Los Angeles club after driving his sister Vet, who was in a Family Stone tribute band, to her gig on his motorcycle. The next year, Stone shocked thrilled attendees at the Grammy Awards by taking the stage , resplendent in a huge blond mohawk, as his band roared through a number of hits during the show's salute to the seminal group. In 2009, documentarian Willem Alkema released ""Coming Back for More,"" a look at Stone's life and career. The director told journalists at the time that Stone was homeless, but the pioneering musician nonetheless made a number of appearances, however brief, at California festivals. In 2023, Stone released his autobiography , the first book released by Questlove's imprint, which aptly took its title from his song, ""Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."" The book received mixed reviews , as its subject seemed a bit at a loss to recall that epic golden period so long ago that created those unforgettable songs. But one excerpt captures the delightful lyricism that he brought to his hits, and serves as a reminder that genius never really fades. Of many others who over the years tried to tell Stone's story, he wrote: “They’re trying to set the record straight. But a record’s not straight, especially when you’re not. It’s a circle with a spiral inside it. Every time a story is told, it’s a test of memory and motive. … It isn’t evil but it isn’t good. It’s the name of the game but a shame just the same.” Contributing: KiMi Robinson";0,025
Trump military parade: Tanks, other military vehicles arrive in DCTrump's military parade preparations underway as stage is set, tanks arrive in DC;-0,125
"What's next for DOGE after Trump's alliance with Musk collapsedWASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says the work of the Department of Government Efficiency is ""not finished at all"" after his relationship Elon Musk blew up in spectacular fashion . Yet whether the government-slashing DOGE will pack the same punch now that the world's richest man not only left the White House, but turned on Trump in an epic public battle , is unclear. The future of DOGE was already in limbo after Musk's four-month run as the chainsaw-wielding DOGE leader ended , especially because several other top DOGE officials exited the Trump administration alongside Musk. But then came Musk's war of words last week with Trump that ended their political alliance. Here's what we know about DOGE's direction in a post-Musk White House: Trump says DOGE will keep going minus Musk In the aftermath of their fallout, Trump signaled that he's ready to move on from the Musk fight but not DOGE itself. The president told reporters on June 6 he's ""not thinking about Elon"" and has no plans to ask him to return his honorary White House key. Trump added on June 9 that he's not getting rid of the red Tesla car he bought from Musk ? but ""may move the Tesla around a little bit"" ? and said he won't ditch Musk's Starlink internet service that was installed at the White House. More: Trump and Musk's bromance ends after personal attacks over criticism of tax bill Trump declined to take a shot at Musk when asked about the former White House adviser's alleged drug use and whether he believed Musk used drugs at the White House. ""I really don't know. I don't think so. I hope not,"" Trump said. ""We had a good relationship and I just wish him well ? very well actually."" For his part, Musk appeared to take back some of his harshest attacks, deleting a post he made on X endorsing Trump's impeachment and another alleging Trump is mentioned in undisclosed classified files related to the financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump reiterated that in the wake of recent departures, the work of DOGE, which has executed widespread cuts throughout the federal government, isn't over. ""We saved hundreds of billions of dollars ? it's terrific. And it's going further,"" Trump told reporters on Air Force One on June 6. More: Elon Musk's rise and fall: From Trump's chainsaw-wielding sidekick to a swift exit Others out at DOGE For four months, DOGE rapidly fanned throughout the federal government, seizing control of information technology infrastructure, axing federal government contracts, gutting the U.S. Agency for International Development and pushing out or firing tens of thousands of federal employees. DOGE is set to continue operations until the summer of 2026 under an executive order Trump signed in January. But without Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, at the helm, it's unclear if DOGE will operate with the same slash-and-burn aggressiveness. At its peak, the quasi-official agency employed more than 100 computer engineers, budget analysts and other staffers ? some working at the group's offices at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus and others inside various agencies and departments. More: Elon Musk escalates feud with Trump: 'Time to drop the really big bomb' Among the other top DOGE employees to follow were Steve Davis, Musk's top lieutenant who oversaw DOGE's day-to-day operations, publicist Katie Miller and DOGE's top attorney James Burnham. Miller, the wife of top White House aide Stephen Miller, has continued to work for Musk. Musk's exit as the DOGE leader came as his designation as a ""special government employee"" ? which allowed him to stay on the job for 130 calendar days a year ? ended. Others in DOGE's top brass were working under the same structure. Before Musk began to criticize Trump's tax and policy megabill publicly, he asked for his special government employee status to be extended beyond 130 days to allow him to continue to lead DOGE, but the White House declined, a source told USA TODAY. Russ Vought takes on slashing role post-Musk The White House has said no individual person will replace Musk, noting that several DOGE employees have ""onboarded"" as political appointees at the various agencies they've worked to overhaul. “The mission of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse is a part of the DNA of the federal government,"" Harrison Fields, White House deputy press secretary, said in a statement to USA TODAY, ""and will continue under the direction of the President, his Cabinet, and agency heads to enhance government efficiency and prioritize responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars."" Russ Vought, Trump's director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, has started to fill Musk's void as the top Trump official carrying out DOGE's stated mission of cutting government ""waste, fraud and abuse."" Vought, who also led OMB in Trump's first term, wrote the chapter on executive power in Project 2025 , the controversial policy blueprint created by the conservative Heritage Foundation that Trump distanced himself from during the 2024 campaign. Vought uses a lot of the same language as Musk, writing in Project 2025 that the goal should be to ""bend or break the bureaucracy to the presidential will."" Vought, however, isn't calling himself the DOGE leader. Appearing June 4 before the House Appropriations Committee, Vought said the ""Cabinet agencies that are in charge of the DOGE consultants that work for them are fundamentally in control of DOGE."" Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin, wasn't pleased with Vought's answer. ""Oh, that's an answer only a mother could love,"" he said. White House, GOP leaders look to codify DOGE cuts Leading up to the Trump-Musk breakup , the business mogul started leveling criticism over the trillions of dollars that Trump's massive tax and spending bill is projected to add to the deficit. In an appeal to Republican fiscal hawks, the White House and House Speaker Mike Johnson have said they want to codify the DOGE cuts, beginning this week when they hope to formally claw back $9.4 billion in spending. More: President Trump threatens Elon Musk's billions in government contracts as alliance craters The rescissions package, set for a House vote on June 12, will include $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign aid and $1.1 billion from public broadcasting funds, including for NPR and PBS. Republican leadership is bullish that they can get the package quickly passed. They have 45 days to approve it, and it only requires a majority vote in the Senate. But it may not be so simple: Several lawmakers have concerns with the rollback of a Bush-era program to support AIDS prevention and with the impact on rural communities that rely on public media for information. Vought has said future legislative packages to enact DOGE cuts could come later if the initial rescissions package passes. Musk left White House with DOGE goals unmet Musk left the White House after falling vastly short of his ambitious cost-savings goal for the federal government. Musk had set a goal for DOGE to cut $1 trillion from the federal government by the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. He had even talked about $2 trillion in cuts on the 2024 campaign trail when he stumped for Trump. More: 'Elon is going to get decimated:' How Trump's feud with the world's richest man might end But DOGE's savings total posted on its website currently stands at $180 billion, which doesn't amount to even 20% of $1 trillion. And this does not even factor in potential exaggerations or errors in DOGE's calculations, which have been a recurring theme in the group's declared savings. ""I did not find the federal government to be rife with waste, fraud and abuse. I was expecting some more easy wins,"" Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE engineer, said in an interview with National Public Radio . Lavingia added that he believed DOGE had produced many examples of government ""waste"" but disagreed that DOGE uncovered mountains of ""fraud and abuse"" as Musk claimed. ""The government has been under sort of a magnifying glass for decades,"" Lavingia said. ""And so I think, generally, I personally was pretty surprised, actually, at how efficient the government was. This isn't to say that it can't be made more efficient."" DOGE rehiring some terminated workers Before he left, Musk said DOGE's next focus will be on fixing the federal government's aging computer systems ? something far less controversial than taking a battering ram to the federal workforce. In the meantime, some federal agencies and departments are doing cleanup work to repatch holes left by the mass exodus of federal worker departures steered by DOGE. The National Science Foundation said it was reinstating several dozen employees following a May federal court ruling that found the mass cuts by DOGE were unlawfully forced by the Office of Personnel Management. The Washington Post reported that several agencies, including the IRS, Food and Drug Administration, and even USAID, are also scrambling to rehire many of the probationary employees fired under DOGE's direction and bring back longtime federal workers who accepted voluntary buyouts. Contributing: Riley Beggin Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.";-0,325
"Trump tariff revenue soars 78%. Who’s paying them? Tariff collections are up sharply in the last two months. Congressional forecasters say tariffs could help reduce the federal debt, but they'll also lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth. President Trump has been promising his tariffs will help make America more prosperous. There's already evidence that tariffs are helping the government's bottom line. The federal government collected $68.9 billion in tariffs and excise taxes during the first five months of the year, according to Treasury Department data collected by the Bipartisan Policy Center . That's a 78% increase from the same period a year ago.  Much of the additional revenue came in April and May, after Trump imposed tariffs of at least 10% on nearly everything the U.S. buys from other countries. But whether the tariffs are making Americans more prosperous is another question. The tariff windfall isn't coming out of thin air. Nor is it being paid by foreign governments, as Trump often argues. Tariffs revenue is coming from Americans' pockets The tariffs are mostly being paid by American businesses and families. ""It's a tax on the backs of people who are importing either raw materials or, in my case, wine"" says Patrick Allen, a Columbus, Ohio-based importer who sells French wine throughout the country. ""And eventually it gets built into the price everybody is paying for goods."" If tariffs stick, they can shave off trillions in federal debt There's a silver lining: The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that if Trump's tariffs were to remain in place for a full decade, they could shave $2.8 trillion off the federal debt . The White House touted that forecast as a partial answer to the additional debt that would be racked up by the president's tax cuts in the sweeping Republican bill that passed the House last month. But the CBO also acknowledged that the tariffs will result in higher inflation this year and next, as well as slower economic growth. The overall drag on the economy is hard to estimate, because the U.S. hasn't had tariffs this high since the Great Depression era. But some experts think the damage could be substantial. ""Some are forecasting larger impacts and potentially pushing us into recession,"" says Shai Akabas, vice president of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. ""We won't know until we see the fallout."" Thousands of jobs cut in manufacturing A survey from the Institute for Supply Management suggests tariffs are a substantial drag on the manufacturing sector, which cut 8,000 jobs last month . ""Most suppliers are passing through tariffs at full value to us,"" a purchasing manager of a chemical factory said in the report. ""The position being communicated is that the supplier considers it a tax, and taxes always get passed through to the customer."" One big issue for business owners: cash flow For importers like Allen, tariffs are also a cash-flow challenge, because he has to pay the tax in advance, before making any sales. ""Say if I order $100,000 of wine from France, if there's a 20% tariff, I'll have to pay $20,000 to get the wine out of customs before I sell a bottle,"" Allen says. Trump initially announced a 20% tariff on imports from the European Union. He later reduced that to 10% for a 90-day period, but has since threatened to increase the tariff on European goods to 50%. Allen would typically be ordering wine now to sell in the fall and the run-up to the Christmas holidays. But many of his customers are sitting on their hands because they have no idea what the tariff will be. ""Importers are afraid. They don't know when the other shoe is going to drop,"" Allen says. ""We're going to be out of stuff on the shelves. But the thing is, all of those out-of-stocks on the shelves represent money we would have been making that we won't be making."" Customs broker Margie Shapiro used to pay tariffs in advance for her clients and collect the money later, which was possible when the average tariff rate was under 3%.  With today's much higher levies, she can't front the cost any more and importers are having to make those payments themselves. ""If you throw a monkey wrench into it like this, a lot of people are probably going to go out of business,"" Allen says. ""At the very least, I have wine I can drink here to soothe myself.""";0,025
"What to know as Trump’s travel ban takes effect The ban, which revives a controversial measure from Trump's first term, took effect Monday morning. Here's what to know about who's affected, who's exempt and how foreign leaders are responding. Trump's travel ban is now in effect. Here's what to know June 9, 2025 1:26 PM ET By Rachel Treisman President Trump's extensive new travel ban took effect just after midnight on Monday, barring nationals of 12 countries from entering the U.S. and partially restricting those from another seven. Trump announced the policy last week after a firebombing attack in Colorado, saying it is necessary for national security. It revives a controversial travel ban that Trump had enacted during his first term and promised to restore while on the campaign trail. ""The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas,"" Trump said in a Wednesday video introducing the ban. ""We don't want them."" The ban mostly affects countries in Africa and the Middle East. The man charged in the Colorado attack is from Egypt, which is not on the restricted list. Trump says countries can be added or removed over time. ""The list is subject to revision based on whether material improvements are made, and likewise, new countries can be added as threats emerge around the world,"" Trump said. ""But we will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm, and nothing will stop us from keeping America safe."" While legal challenges are expected, scholars say this ban has some key differences — and may be less vulnerable — compared to Trump's first-term travel ban. The 2017 ban — initially targeting Muslim-majority countries — prompted immediate outcry and legal challenges, forcing the first Trump administration to make a number of revisions. The Supreme Court upheld a revised version in 2018, but former President Joe Biden promptly rescinded it on his first day in office in 2021, calling it a ""stain on our national conscience."" Georgetown University law professor Stephen Vladeck says Trump has learned lessons from his previous experience. ""I think what's really striking about the latest iteration of this kind of travel ban is really how radically different it looks from the clumsier, I think, less careful attempts we saw during the first Trump administration,"" Vladeck told NPR last week . Here's what to know about the new travel ban, from exemptions to enforcement to reaction. Which countries are affected? The full ban applies to foreign nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened restrictions apply to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Why these countries? The White House says these 12 countries are subject to the ban because they were ""found to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States."" The other seven, it says, ""also pose a high level of risk."" The ban has been in the works for some time. On Trump's first day back in office, he signed an executive order tasking the heads of various agencies — including the attorney general and secretary of homeland security — with ""identifying countries throughout the world for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries."" In last week's video, Trump said their analysis considered factors including ""the large-scale presence of terrorists, failure to cooperate on visa security, inability to verify travelers' identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and persistently high rates of illegal visa overstays and other things."" The White House says some countries on the list, like Libya and Somalia, lack a ""competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents."" For others, its fact sheet cites country-specific data from a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report on travelers who stayed in the U.S. after their visas expired. The report shows that B1/B2 visa (for temporary business or tourism) overstay rates range from 7.69% (Cuba) to 49.54% (Chad). However, those large percentages amount to a relatively small number of people — especially when compared to the volume of travelers who come from European and Asian countries whose citizens do not need a visa for business or pleasure visits. For example, the Department of Homeland Security recorded a 2.4% overstay rate among Spanish visitors in fiscal year 2023, amounting to over 20,000 people. In contrast, the 49.5% overstay rate from Chad amounted to just 377 individuals. How will the ban be enforced? The ban targets the visa application process, including applications that are already in progress in the now-banned countries. The State Department instructed U.S. embassies and consulates last week not to revoke visas already issued to people from the 12 banned countries, according to a cable obtained by the Associated Press . But, it says, people from those countries who have not yet received their visas, even though their applications were approved, will be denied. Starting Monday, peoples' applications will be rejected unless they qualify for an exemption. People who are not U.S. citizens generally must show a valid visa (or a waiver) to enter the country. It is up to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to decide whether to admit or deny entry to individuals at the border. The Department of Homeland Security, which houses CBP, called the ban a ""necessary step to garner cooperation from foreign governments to accept deportation flights of their own citizens, strengthen national security, and help restore integrity to the immigration system."" Who is exempt? The proclamation carves out exceptions for people in several categories of people, including lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders and individuals whose entry ""serves U.S. national interests."" Those include dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-banned country, children adopted by U.S. citizens, immediate family immigrant visas ""with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship"" and Special Immigrant Visas for longtime U.S. government employees abroad. There are also exemptions for immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, as well as Afghan nationals who can prove they were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government during its military campaign in Afghanistan starting in 2001. The ban also does not apply to any members of an athletic team — including athletes, coaches and immediate relatives — ""traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State."" Eleven U.S. cities will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup , while the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles . How are countries responding? The ban has attracted criticism from foreign leaders as well as international groups, with Amnesty International calling it ""discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel."" Some foreign leaders have asked for the U.S. to reconsider. The African Union Commission issued a statement expressing concern about the ""potential negative of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades."" ""The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned,"" it wrote. Officials in some African countries have already expressed willingness to work with the U.S.: Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the U.S., said the country ""stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised,"" while the AP reports that a government spokesperson for the Republic of Congo said he believes the country's inclusion was ""a misunderstanding"" that will hopefully be corrected. Leaders of other nations appear to be less eager to work out a compromise. Mahamat Idriss Deby, the president of Chad, said Thursday that his country will suspend the issuing of visas to U.S. citizens in response to the travel ban. ""Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has his dignity and pride,"" he wrote on Facebook , according to a translation from the AP — referring to the luxury jet the Trump administration has accepted from Qatar to use as Air Force One. In Venezuela, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that ""being in the U.S. is a big risk for anyone, not just Venezuelans."" ""If you're really that foolish, then go to the United States,"" he added, saying the country is run by ""bad people."" How is this ban different from the last one? Trump's first travel ban, enacted in January 2017, targeted seven majority-Muslim countries — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — for 90 days. That ban was the subject of multiple legal challenges and restraining orders because it was seen as targeting Muslim nationals. Trump himself had called for a ""total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States"" during his first campaign. The ban took effect abruptly just days into Trump's term, hitting as some travelers were already on their way to the U.S. and turning airports into scenes of chaos and protest. Immigration lawyer Mariam Masumi says this year's ban involved more advanced notice and orderly implementation, seemingly cutting down on the amount of public disruption and pushback. She thinks there's also less shock value this time around. ""A significant difference here is that the first travel ban, Trump was openly saying very racist things, that he's going to ban Muslims from the country,"" Masumi told NPR last week. ""And at this point, people have gotten used to that, and there's this fatigue and tiredness around it, and we've unfortunately gotten very used to these policies."" The 2017 ban was repeatedly revised to include additional countries (like North Korea and Venezuela) while dropping others, and was upheld by a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling the following year. Masumi says the 2025 ban was crafted with more legal precision to avoid some of its predecessor's pitfalls. It includes specific exemptions, waiver options and more of a justification for why certain countries are included, and doesn't single out Muslim-majority countries specifically. That said, Masumi says the policy will still hurt people, especially families, workers and refugees. ""This is going to have a global impact, as well, on our reputation in the world,"" she said. ""And we're basically closing our doors for immigrants, and it's very unfortunate that this type of policy has become normalized."" Are legal challenges likely? Masumi says her fellow immigration lawyers have expected and prepared for this type of ban to take effect. ""And I imagine there will be legal challenges to the current ban, but I do think that they've been very careful in how they've crafted it,"" she said. Vladeck, the Georgetown Law professor, thinks litigation will likely focus specifically on the factual grounds that the Trump administration is using to target certain countries, and whether the Department of Homeland Security data it cites ""is actually both accurate and a legitimate basis."" He suspects lawsuits could come from people who are already in the U.S. and uncertain about their ability to remain in the country, or from people in other countries who don't yet have a visa but have strong legal arguments for why the U.S. should allow them in. And, he says, it's also possible that the Trump administration carries out the ban in a way that invites legal challenges. ""My own view is that I think the words of this policy are probably going to do relatively well in court, but I would not put it past this administration to enforce it in a way that invites further lawsuits,"" he said. NPR's Adrian Florido contributed to this story. A table in a previous version of this story incorrectly said that the share of visa overstays among visitors to the United States from Afghanistan in fiscal year 2023 was 19.7%. It was 9.7%.";-0,3
"Trump using National guard in LA an ‘abuse of power,’ expert says The ACLU's National Security Project director worries President Trump is 'writing himself a blank check' to use the military on civilians in other U.S. cities. Trump using National Guard in LA is an 'abuse of power,' says national security expert Updated June 9, 2025 2:08 PM ET Originally published June 9, 2025 5:00 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition Leila Fadel What are the legal issues behind Trump's use of the National Guard in LA? Listen · 7:35 7:35 Transcript President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to break up immigration protests in Los Angeles is a dangerous abuse of power that puts Americans in danger, Hina Shamsi, the ACLU's National Security Project director, told NPR. ""It's really recklessly undermining our foundational democratic principle that the military should not be policing civilians,"" Shamsi said in an interview with Morning Edition after a weekend of clashes between protestors, LA police, federal agents and troops. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on social media Saturday it had arrested 118 immigrants during operations in Los Angeles last week. Demonstrators protested the raids and clashed with police in the city and surrounding areas, including Paramount and neighboring Compton, through the weekend. In response to the protests, Trump signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen into the city on Saturday to address the protests without California Gov. Gavin Newsom's consent. About 300 were deployed by Sunday morning. The administration argues that the deployment was to ensure the safety of ICE and other federal immigration agents, who have been under attack by ""violent mobs"" since the protests broke out. Newsom said the president's action was unnecessary and that it would only inflame tensions. ""Federal troops themselves – this is not what they're trained for,"" Shamsi said. ""And the concern is that this escalatory response creates not just legal and ethical jeopardy for troops, but exacerbates and creates real likelihood that harm and risk to civilians will occur."" In response to NPR's request for comment about Shamsi's analysis, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson issued the following statement: ""Violent rioters in Los Angeles, enabled by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, have attacked American law enforcement, set cars on fire, and fueled lawless chaos. President Trump rightfully stepped in to protect federal law enforcement officers. It's a shame the AMERICAN Civil Liberties Union is more concerned with defending violent riots in defense of illegal immigration than they are about defending American citizens."" Shamsi spoke to NPR's Leila Fadel about why she says Trump is abusing his presidential power by deploying the military onto demonstrators in LA. The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Interview highlights Leila Fadel: So what gives the president the authority to go against the governor's wishes and deploy the National Guard? Hina Shamsi: Well, that's just the problem. The president may have rare and extraordinary authority [to] domestically deploy the military, but that's reserved for genuine emergencies like an extreme situation of an actual war or an armed rebellion, or to enforce federal laws if civil agencies and courts aren't functioning. But that's not what we have here in this situation. What President Trump did in invoking statute in a very novel way without geographic limitations is a dangerous abuse of power. It's putting Americans in danger. It's creating legal and ethical jeopardy for troops. And very importantly, also, it's really recklessly undermining our foundational democratic principle that the military should not be policing civilians. Fadel: You said without geographical locations. Do you expect this to happen in other parts of the country or worry about that? Shamsi: It is a real concern, because I'm worried that this isn't just about the protests in Los Angeles. The terms of the presidential memo issued on Saturday night don't place a geographic limit and the time limit of deployment up to the discretion of the Secretary of Defense. So, the concern is that the president is attempting to write himself a blank check to use the military not only in Los Angeles, but in other places where people are exercising their constitutionally protected rights to speak out against dangerous ICE raids that are snatching their neighbors from their communities. Fadel: What changes having the National Guard on the ground when it comes to the rights of protesters? Shamsi: Nothing. And I really want to emphasize that. It doesn't matter what uniform they wear. The Constitution, and in particular the First Amendment, applies and troops conduct is governed by strict constitutional limits. But here's the problem: federalized troops, federal troops themselves – this is not what they're trained for. And the concern is that this escalatory response creates not just legal and ethical jeopardy for troops, like I said, but exacerbates and creates real likelihood that harm and risk to civilians will occur. Military personnel are not generally trained police civilians. So, it escalates the foreseeable risks to protesters' constitutional rights. And we're really worried it could have deadly consequences. Fadel: Gov. Newsom plans to sue the Trump administration. You mention that this is a very rarely used authority, but it sounds like it is legal, even if it's rare. So does he have any grounds to sue? Shamsi: Well, I think the legality is almost certain to be tested in the courts. And on its face, the statute that the president invoked does not give him the authority that he is claiming in his Saturday night memorandum. It is unsurprising that the state would sue because the Constitution preserves, to the states, the ability to address unrest through the exercise of their police powers. And it generally prohibits the federal government from unilaterally deploying military personnel when no federal interest is genuinely threatened. And certainly President Trump would claim federal interest to justify it. But I think there's a really strong argument that the president's claims are pretextual or false and not consistent with what the Constitution and laws permit. Fadel: The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has said he's ready to mobilize the Marines if needed. Has that ever happened before? Are there situations where that would be legal, Marines on U.S. streets as enforcement against Americans? Shamsi: I think that threat should send a chill down our spines. There is absolutely no need for federal Marines who are not trained to police civilians. And what this does is really fray our democratic principles. Destinee Adams produced this piece for web, and Obed Manuel edited it.";0,575
"Apple’s WWDC event goes big on design, but says less on AI Apple on Monday announced an overhaul of its operating system interface, introduced an app for games and unveiled a live translation feature, but only glancingly acknowledged last year's as-yet-unfulfilled promises on artificial intelligence. At the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last year, executives introduced plans to use AI to make the virtual assistant Siri more interactive and able to perform complex tasks. Some features have been delayed, though, raising questions about what many analysts see as Apple's relatively slow approach to adopting AI. On Monday, during the keynote address kicking off this year's WWDC in Cupertino, California, Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, said the company was continuing work to make the virtual assistant Siri ""more personal."" ""This work needed more time to reach our high quality bar,"" he said, adding the company would share more ""in the coming year."" In a big step, Apple said it will open its ""Apple Intelligence"" AI model to developers so they can better integrate it into their apps. Federighi said this would ""ignite a whole new wave of intelligence."" He showed an example of an app helping prepare a practice test for a student based on class notes. Much of the presentation on Monday was a demonstration of a new operating system interface that is more tightly linked across Apple devices, with enhanced functionality and a look the company describes as ""Liquid Glass."" The new design, which will be incorporated into everything from phones to watches to iPads, is meant to make every element on screen appear more fluid and reactive to movement. ""I'm happy with the redesign of the operating system, how they brought the operating systems together in a very cohesive way, because that lowers the barrier of entry for users to use multiple devices at the same time,"" said Carolina Milanesi, a technology analyst at Creative Strategies. Apple occasionally announces hardware updates or new devices at WWDC, but there were none on Monday. While Apple is known for its sleek designs and loyal fan base, analysts say AI-enabled devices are potentially an area of pressure on the iPhone maker, particularly after former Apple designer Jony Ive joined forces with Sam Altman , chief executive of OpenAI. And on AI more broadly, some observers have criticized Apple's approach. ""It's hard to be too hyperbolic about the significance of what AI will be in the next few years. And I'm not even sure Apple's in the top five. Maybe they're in the top ten,"" said Financial Times reporter Patrick McGee, author of the new book Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company . ""For the world's most valuable company, basically since 2011, they're doing a remarkably poor job in keeping up, let alone leading."" Apple's AI woes are just one of many challenges the company is facing. The threat of tariffs looms large, because Apple's products are largely made in countries on which the Trump administration has imposed steep, albeit temporarily suspended, import levies. President Trump has also said he told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones will face additional tariffs if they are not made in the United States. The company has also faced regulatory hurdles at home and abroad. European antitrust regulators fined Apple for being out of compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Union's law meant to encourage competition among major tech players. And in the U.S., Apple faces legal pressure over the commissions it charges in the app store. Some analysts say Apple needs to step up on AI, but is far from out of the game. ""The AI race, as much as we like to talk about it as a race, is a marathon and it's a marathon that changes pace very quickly, pretty much on a monthly basis,"" said Milanesi. Analysts note that historically, Apple has had great success with products that weren't necessarily the first of their kind, but were hailed as the best. Apple declined to comment on critiques of its AI rollout.";0
"Comic Atsuko Okatsuka finds humor in her immigrant experience Okatsuka is known for her bowl haircut — and for finding humor in the dysfunction of her immigrant family. Her standup special Father is about her dad, who reappeared in her life after decades away. Growing up, comic Atsuko Okatsuka felt like 'a freak' — now she's owning it ""I love looking like an art gallery owner,"" Atsuko Okatsuka says of her eye-catching style. Born in Taiwan to Japanese and Taiwanese parents, she traveled from Japan to Los Angeles with her grandmother and mother when she was 8 for what she thought was a short vacation. In fact, they were moving. It would be years before Okatsuka saw her father again. She later described being ""kidnapped"" by her grandmother on a 2023 episode of This American Life . ""My grandma and I hadn't really talked about it in depth until [then],"" she says. ""And it helped that I got to do with Ira [Glass, host of This American Life ] and the thousands and thousands of thousands of listeners at the same time, then I'm really not alone."" Okatsuka grew up undocumented in the U.S., living in her uncle's garage and being raised by her grandmother as they both dealt with the instability of watching her mother suffer from schizophrenia. She turned to comedy as a way to cope. ""Obviously, there's a kind of aura of sadness around me,"" she says. ""All my life my mom has suffered and I think about that all the time as I get to do things like tour and travel, see the world ... go out drinking with friends. My mom can't do any of those things. She's suffering so much."" In 2022, Okatsuka became the second Asian American woman (after Margaret Cho ) to release an hour-long comedy special on HBO with The Intruder. And she became a social media darling a few years ago, thanks to her viral videos and dance challenges, including one where she walked around L.A. with her grandmother, dancing to Beyoncé's ""Partition."" In her new Hulu special, Father , Okatsuka reflects on her relationship with her dad, who lives in Japan and was largely a distant figure in her life after she moved to the States. She says telling her story on stage has been a healing process. ""What I found about trauma is, while you're going through it, you're not going, 'This is trauma,'"" Okatsuka says. ""Now … [that] I'm able to joke about it, I'm realizing I've sort of started to heal without even realizing it."" Interview highlights On trying to pray her mom's illness away when she was younger I became super Christian on my own. I think I needed something to believe in, or something. It was community, all these things. And I was still confused about why we didn't go back to Japan and my mom's condition and in that garage. I took it very seriously to the point [that] I even signed up for Jesus Camp on my own. … I remember at the camp, there were these prayer groups and prayer meetings we would break it off into, and one night it was like me and, like, 30 people in a prayer group and I asked for them to pray for my mom. Pray for my Mom to get better, to be freed from the voices in her head and all these things, from the suffering, from severe depression, from the seizures, from feeling so isolated and down all the time. ... I truly thought that it was gonna work. I was in middle school, I remember believing, ""Oh my gosh, this is really different. I've prayed for this before. When I go home, she's going to be healed."" When I came home, I was super disappointed that she had not changed. And feeling really down and hopeless. ... Because till this day, she still hears voices. On her husband Ryan's own mother having schizophrenia, and how she noticed they had something in common On one of our earlier dates, we were having drinks outside. It was a bar with a patio outside, and there was an unhoused man who was talking to himself and kind of scaring the people at the bar. And I knew what was going on with him, and my husband … he knew how to deal with it, too. ... So people were kind of scared of this man kind of stumbling and is he going to walk into this establishment, whatever. My husband knew to look at him calmly and sort of talk him out of being in that area, but very kindly, because we know that's schizophrenia that's going on. On leaning into wild fashion — and her signature bowl haircut I used to even wear my grandma's clothes as a kid, whatever she got her hands on. When someone 50 years older than you is dressing you, sometimes it was like plaid on plaid on plaid. What is going on? Or her idea of what a kid would wear. So sometimes it like Hello Kitty top, Hello Kitty pants, bright red shoes, polka-dotted shoelaces, right? And I think the randomness of that kind of pushed me to be out there looking wild. So I think when I finally started trying to tailor my look, maybe 10 years ago, I was able to be more bold because it's like, hey, I used to wear grandma's slacks to school. People show up wearing wigs of my bowl cut to my shows now. I've started a movement. When I was a kid, I had this bowl cut, too. And a lot of Asian kids have it when they're a kid. And I do love fashion and I love the arts. And so I love looking like an art gallery owner, a little bit. But also, a lot of Asians say, ""Hey, I had the haircut as a kid it was a nightmare, everyone made fun of me. I think it's so ugly."" And I like challenging that a little bit to be like, ""Well, the things that made me feel like a freak, I'm gonna own."" … and people show up wearing wigs of my bowl cut to my shows now. I've started a movement. On discovering stand-up comedy when someone gave her a Margaret Cho DVD My mom and grandma didn't listen to music. And when we were growing up in the garage, it was just silence. My grandma will cook to silence. My grandma would live in silence. My mom, too. It was just me trying out things on TV, just whatever I found, that's what I would be influenced by, or my classmates, I would hear them talk about, like, Spice Girls or something. So, in the household, there wasn't a lot of pop culture going on. So there was no way I thought it could be me. When I watched Margaret Cho on the DVD, I was like, ""This is neat. I didn't know this was a job. That's so cool. I love that she does this. This is good for her."" … But I never thought that's gonna be me one day. I didn't have the self-confidence. I didn't dare to dream big. Why would it be me? On being a caretaker to her mother and grandmother I am going through it and thinking about my grandma's mortality, for example, because she is 91 and she's getting physically sick a lot more. I gave her a bath for the first time recently. I'm learning these new things. And so it is something I'm thinking about. And more and more, I think you could see that, like on my social media, we're not able to do those videos as much anymore. They're more tired. And it was a fun family time, it used to be for us, where my grandma looked forward to it, dancing and stuff, but she doesn't have the energy as much anymore. So yeah, I'm in that phase … when maybe there's trauma happening, you don't know it yet. So in a year, it'll be funny or I'll be able to talk about it, right? But right now, it's like I got my therapist and then we're figuring out more medical stuff with my mom and medical stuff with grandma, too. On the intensity of touring and processing her family life When I'm touring, I'm away from the family. It feels like the opposite of what I was trying to do, but because I tour, I can make money. Medical bills are not cheap. I've got two elders, they're in diapers. And so I've cried more than before, in the past. I don't cry a lot. If you ask my husband to describe me or ask him how often I cry, he'll say like, ""Oh gosh, maybe like twice a year, right? But that's already a lot for me. And I've surpassed that this year, I would say. While I'm writing this new show, some of it being about caretaking, I'm definitely going through the cries right now. Ann Marie Baldonado and Susan Nyakundi produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper and TK adapted it for the web.";0,2
"Warner Bros. Discovery to be split, as Zaslav retreats from grand ambitions Warner Bros. Discovery is to split into two, separating streaming and studios from its cable channels. The company has been burdened by debt and the decline of cable TV. Warner Bros. Discovery chief executive and president David Zaslav yielded to the reality of the digital age and to the skepticism of Wall Street investors on Monday by announcing he would split the company into two: one focusing on streaming, the other on its cable networks. Zaslav will lead the streaming and studios company, which will include HBO Max and the Warner Bros. movie and television studios. The cable business, including CNN, TBS, TNT and Discovery, is to be run by the current corporation's chief financial officer, Gunnar Wiedenfels. ""The cultural significance of this great company and the impactful stories it has brought to life for more than a century have touched countless people all over the world. It's a treasured legacy we will proudly continue in this next chapter of our celebrated history,"" Zaslav said in announcing the split. ""By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today's evolving media landscape."" Under Zaslav, the new digital company will seek to continue building subscribers in countries around the world for its own streaming service while creating content for its bigger competitors - Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. The break-up represents a collapse of Zaslav's ambitions and aspirations for the mega-media company. Just three years, two months and one day ago, Zaslav completed the acquisition of Warner Media in a deal valued at $43 billion to create Warner Bros. Discovery. He said the combined company would have the scale and caliber of offerings to compete with digital streaming giants. It didn't. That deal required taking on more than $50 billion in debt. While a significant amount has been paid off, much remains. Warner Bros. Discovery's history since has been marked by a series of moves to pay down that debt, including the killing of CNN's nascent streaming service (which is just now being rebuilt), bids that failed to win renewal of NBA rights for Turner Sports, and layoffs at various properties. The company has lost nearly half its market valuation since the merger, though shares bounced up by nearly 10% in the hours after Monday's announcement. Zaslav had a compensation package valued at $52 million last year - making him one of the country's highest-paid corporate chieftains, according to a study published by Harvard Law School . ( Shareholders voted against it in a symbolic vote.) The transaction is supposed to close by the middle of next year, though it is contingent on an assessment from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that it can proceed free of taxes. President Trump has made clear in his first few months back in office that he is willing to deploy what are supposed to be non-partisan levers of government for political and ideological aims. Most recently, Trump suggested he would seek to revoke governmental contracts with Tesla after a public falling out with its controlling owner, Elon Musk, who had previously served as his adviser on slashing federal budgets. In the case of Warner Bros. Discovery, Trump has repeatedly blasted CNN as unfair, partisan and ""fake news."" ""These are two much smaller companies than the grand vision [Zaslav] anticipated when he bought the assets from AT&T,"" former CNN US president Jonathan Klein tells NPR. ""The question is: now that they're small enough to be bought, who buys each of these units?"" Comcast really underwent much the same transformation - splitting its broadcast, movie and broadband properties from its cable channels. Several former television executives asked whether the new parent for MSNBC and CNBC – named Versant – might be a natural buyer for Warner Bros. Discovery's cable channels. Or private equity investors intent on maximizing profits might decide to pick up Warner Bros. Discovery's cable networks, Versant - or both. In any of those scenarios, a new owner would almost certainly have to pick between retaining MSNBC or CNN. NPR financial correspondent Maria Aspan contributed to this story.";0
"What a Texas showerhead salesman discovered about 'Made in the USA' labels A Texas showerhead salesman wanted to know how much more customers would pay to buy a product that's made in the USA. The answer could pour cold water on President Trump's plan to encourage more companies to open factories in the U.S. Economy What a Texas showerhead salesman discovered about 'Made in the USA' labels May 20, 2025 5:00 AM ET Scott Horsley A Texas salesman discovers the truth about 'Made in the U.S.A': no one's buying Listen · 4:31 4:31 Transcript Toggle more options Download Embed Embed  Transcript President Trump hopes to encourage more U.S. manufacturing with his import taxes on foreign goods. But an online experiment suggests most people aren't willing to pay a premium for a ""Made in the USA"" product. Angela Weiss/AFP hide caption toggle caption Angela Weiss/AFP Ramon van Meer sells showerheads made in China and Vietnam. When President Trump imposed steep tariffs on Asian imports this spring, van Meer decided to find out if it made business sense for his company to shift production to the United States. ""I wanted to see how many people would actually pay for the more expensive, 'Made in the USA' version,"" van Meer said. So, he set up an online experiment . On his website, where customers can already choose from a variety of finishes — chrome, nickel or black — for their showerheads, van Meer offered two options: The imported showerhead for $129 and a domestic version costing about $100 more. Sponsor Message How he came up with the price The higher price for the domestic option was based on what it would cost van Meer to stitch together a supply chain from scratch — one company to handle the plastic molding, another to do the metal plating and a third to supply the special filter that removes chlorine and heavy metals. No single company is making a product like that in the U.S. today, and if van Meer wanted to start, he figured he'd have to charge about 85% more than he currently does for the imported version. What he found from his experiment could pour cold water on Trump's effort to encourage more domestic manufacturing. The results were not even close. Of the more than 25,000 people who visited the website during the two-week trial, about 600 ordered the imported showerhead. Not a single person clicked on the more expensive, ""Made in the USA"" model. Ramon van Meer's company sells filtered showerheads made in Asia. He says to make a domestic model pencil out, he would have to charge about 85% more. Afina showerhead company hide caption toggle caption Afina showerhead company ""I was surprised, and not surprised,"" van Meer said. ""I was expecting the cheaper, Made-in-Asia [version] to quote-unquote 'win.' But I was not expecting that the results were this off balance. We sold zero 'Made in the USA' versions."" Then there's SaverShower, which is made in the USA The offerings at a brick-and-mortar hardware store suggest similar buying patterns. Sponsor Message Nearly all of the showerheads on display at an Ace Hardware store outside Washington are made in China. The lone exception is a water-saving version made by Rick Whedon's family business in West Hartford, Conn. ""My dad designed the original SaverShower in 1976,"" Whedon said proudly. ""We were shipping 2,000 showerheads a week out of here because everybody wanted to save energy."" In addition to Ace Hardware, SaverShowers are popular at Menard's, a big home improvement chain in the Midwest. ""Menards buys from us because we had a U.S.-made product and we were the only one they could find,"" Whedon said. ""The Ace buyer told me he doesn't think consumers care at all where a product is made. And I kind of think he's right."" It takes eight local suppliers to make the parts for the all-brass showerhead, and they're getting harder to come by. ""When we started this, there were 300 machine shops in Connecticut that turned brass to make parts,"" Whedon said. ""Today there might be 75."" Whedon's company makes most other models of their showerheads overseas, with the exception of that original, water-saving version. He's doubtful that Trump's new tariff policy will spark a domestic renaissance in that kind of manufacturing. ""There's nobody in the United States that's going to start making showerheads here, even if the tariff were 250%,"" Whedon said. David Malcolm watches as Leslie Velasco forges showerhead nozzles. Malcolm's company makes showerheads in California using a combination of domestic and imported parts. David Malcolm and High Sierra Showerheads hide caption toggle caption David Malcolm and High Sierra Showerheads The California irrigation expert turned showerhead maker Even companies that want to manufacture in the U.S. often struggle to compete. ""We charge a reasonable price for our showerheads,"" said David Malcolm, a California irrigation expert who turned his water know-how to indoor plumbing about 15 years ago. ""If you compare to 'Made in China' showerheads, ours are maybe twice the price. Malcolm used to buy parts for his showerheads from a machine shop in nearby Merced, but that shop folded when most of its customers went overseas. Sponsor Message ""At the time, everything was going to China,"" Malcolm recalled. ""And so little by little, the screw machine shops were disappearing."" Today, Malcolm buys parts from a supplier in Taiwan. His website advertises showerheads ""built at our factory in the California mountains from domestic and imported parts."" ""If the strategy behind tariffs is to bring industry like the screw machine shops back to the USA, it can't be done on a moment's notice,"" Malcolm said. ""It has to take time."" So far, neither shoppers nor the president have shown the patience for that. Trump temporarily suspended his most punishing tariffs on imports from China after just over a month. And there's no telling what comes next. ""The uncertainty is really bad for business owners,"" said van Meer, the Texas showerhead marketer. ""It's going to be very hard to even plan ahead longer than three months."" Van Meer said he hasn't given up on manufacturing showerheads in the United States. But it's not a high priority. He noted that imported products also help to employ American workers. ""Port employees are being paid. Trucking companies. Warehouse employees,"" van Meer said. ""The conversation lately was only about manufacturing jobs, but not about all of the other jobs that are alive because we can make it in other countries and sell it for a price that people are willing to pay."" tariff Facebook Flipboard Email Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor";0,1
"Steel and aluminum tariffs double today, likely pushing prices higher President Trump is doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%. It's designed to protect domestic steel and aluminum workers, but critics say it will raise prices for those that use the metals. With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete President Trump is doubling down on steel and aluminum tariffs. Starting today, the tax on imported metals is set to jump to 50%, twice what it was yesterday. The president announced the latest trade war offensive Friday, while visiting a US Steel plant outside Pittsburgh. Trump told a crowd of hard-hat wearing steelworkers that a super-sized tax would help keep cheap, imported steel out of the U.S. market. ""[It] will even further secure the steel industry in the United States,"" Trump said. ""Nobody is going to get around that."" The higher tariffs likely will provide a boost for domestic companies that produce steel and aluminum.  But for every steelworker in America, there are about 80 people working for companies that use steel. And their costs are about to go up. ""How is it that you're supposed to buy the most expensive steel in world in the United States, and compete with global competitors who have access to world market pricing,"" asked H.O. Woltz, who runs a company in Mount Airy, N.C. that twists steel wire into cables used to reinforce concrete. During the first Trump administration, Woltz's company was doubly squeezed — paying more for raw steel while competing with finished products from other countries that didn't face a tariff. This time around, the Trump administration is taxing some of those finished products as well.  Still, Woltz worries the higher cost of building materials might put some construction projects on hold. And that's just the beginning of the tariffs' potential fallout, which affects many other industries. ""The ripple effects go into auto parts, motorcycles, machinery and equipment that we use in mining — many, many different products,"" says Katheryn Russ, an economist at the University of California, Davis, who studied the effect of steel tariffs during the first Trump administration. Researchers estimated then that rising steel and aluminum costs resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of downstream manufacturing jobs . ""When there's a tariff on steel, that can drive up the cost for producers who use steel as an input to make other stuff. And that can prompt them to pull back on hiring,"" Russ says. Today's tariffs, which are higher and more far-reaching, could also show up in higher prices at the supermarket, for everything from canned soup to a six-pack of soda pop. ""We know that we as can-makers pass these increases on to our customers—the food producers and soft-drink makers and the beer brewers—and they'll pass that on to the consumer as well,"" says Robert Budway, president of the Can Manufacturers Institute.  ""It's a lose-lose for American consumers."" In raising the steel and aluminum tariffs, Trump did not rely on the 1977 emergency statute he's used for many other tariffs, which are the subject of an ongoing court battle . Instead, he cited the authority of a different statue — Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — which is designed to protect national security. There are factory owners who are bullish about Trump's trade policies even if it costs them. Drew Greenblatt's company makes wire baskets and other steel products at plants in Michigan, Indiana and Maryland — and he's looking to buy a fourth factory in New Jersey.  While steel tariffs have increased his raw material costs, Greenblatt says he's not worried about it. ""Our foreign competitors are either going to have to build a factory in America, or they're going to have to  start buying from guys like me,"" Greenblatt says. ""So what's going to happen is you're going to see is a tremendous increase in American manufacturing."" ""You can build all the walls and implement all the tariffs that you want to, but at a point, you don't get away from the fact that the Chinese are driving this whole world market,"" says Woltz, the North Carolina manufacturer. While Trump's overall trade agenda is supposed to promote domestic manufacturing, a survey released this week showed factory orders and output being dragged down by tariffs and the often unpredictable way they've been rolled out. ""Maybe Trump wakes up tomorrow and changes his mind,"" Woltz says grimly.  ""It makes planning super difficult.""";-0,125
"Lawmaker raises concerns about Trump tariffs NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who is also on the Senate Budget Committee, about how President Trump's tariffs will affect the federal budget and the economy. Sen. Tim Kaine says Trump's tariffs could reduce federal debt, but at what cost? June 6, 2025 6:50 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition Steve Inskeep Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine discusses the effect of Trump's tariffs on the economy Listen · 4:53 4:53 Transcript The Congressional Budget Office says President Trump's tariffs could raise $2.8 trillion over the next decade — if they stay in place. But Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., argues that the cost of raising so much money would fall onto poor families and middle class Americans. ""Basically what the tariff revenue is doing, it's being used to finance a huge tax cut for the wealthiest, together with cuts in everyday programs that people rely on like Medicaid and nutrition assistance,"" Kaine told Morning Edition . Since Trump's return to the White House, he has imposed taxes of 10 to 50% on nearly everything the U.S. imports, and those taxes have already raised tens of billions of dollars in revenue. If the tariffs remain in place, they're expected to reduce the federal deficit by $2.8 trillion by 2035, according to a CBO letter released Wednesday . The money would also offset the cost of the sweeping budget bill passed by the House last month. ""The distributional effect of tariffs, because it's a sales tax and economists have long said sales taxes are regressive, they hit low and middle income people much harder than upper income people,"" Kaine, who sits on the Senate Budget Committee, said. ""Is it fair to reduce the deficit off the backs of everyday folks rather than make the wealthiest carry a fair share,"" he added. Kaine further discussed his concerns over the effects of tariffs and their projected impact on the budget deficit with NPR's Steve Inskeep. The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Interview highlights Steve Inskeep : You have been concerned about the budget deficit, the amount that we borrow every year, the federal debt, the amount of borrowing or debt that accumulates over time. According to the CBO, the tariffs would reduce the deficit. Is that useful even if you dislike tariffs? Sen. Tim Kaine : Steve, you've described one piece of the puzzle. The CBO said this Trump tariff regime, which is essentially a sales tax, is going to raise a lot of revenue. And that raising of revenue will do three things. It will reduce the deficit. It will raise costs on everyday Americans for groceries and building supplies, home supplies [and] clothes. And it will also shrink the economy. But it's not the only piece of the puzzle, because basically what the tariff revenue is doing, it's being used to finance a huge tax cut for the wealthiest, together with cuts in everyday programs that people rely on like Medicaid and nutrition assistance. Inskeep : So, it would pay down federal debt, but it would cause someone making $70,000 or $50,000 a year to pay it rather than somebody making $70 million or $50 million. Is that what you're saying? Kaine : Absolutely. The distributional effect of tariffs, because it's a sales tax and economists have long said sales taxes are regressive, they hit low and middle income people much harder than upper income people. Because lower and middle income people spend more of their income on purchasing things rather than socking it away in savings or the stock market. Is it fair to reduce the deficit off the backs of everyday folks rather than make the wealthiest carry a fair share? So, again, the piece of the puzzle, reduce deficit, sure. But raise costs on everyday people and shrink the economy. Is it worth it? You add to it this reduction of all the key programs people rely on this reconciliation bill. And now you see Donald Trump is trying to do and turn to what he did in term one, a tax break that benefits the wealthiest at the expense of everybody else. Inskeep : I have to ask you about this other news, the break up at the White House. President Trump and Elon Musk very publicly breaking up just after Elon Musk left government service. What do you make of this? Kaine : Well, you know, no surprise, but surprise. So, I think anybody who kind of is aware of the personalities of these two individuals would have predicted the breakup. [...] Musk is concerned about some features of this bill, the deficit effect of the reconciliation.And so there are many things about this bill that caused grave concern. And that's why the House product is taking on an awful lot of water in the Senate. And if the Senate does pass this back to the House, I think it's going to be in dramatically different form. Inskeep : Dramatically different form, meaning lower deficits, among other things? Kaine : For my sake, I'm going to try to offer amendments and say, 'Hey, if you don't extend deep estate tax cuts for the wealthiest, you don't have to cut food assistance to poor families. So, everybody in the chamber, let's vote on that.' We're going to put up amendments like that. And I think some of these amendments would be pretty darn salient. Destinee Adams produced this piece for web, and Treye Green edited it. Nia Dumas and Taylor Haney produced the audio story.";0,425
"NIH scientists call for support in Bethesda Declaration Hundreds of NIH scientists protested cuts to the research agency in a declaration addressed to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. Hundreds of scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a call for action they dubbed the Bethesda Declaration on Monday to push back against cutbacks and changes at the biomedical research agency. Organizers say more than 340 staffers on the NIH's sprawling campus in Bethesda, Md., just outside Washington, D.C., sent the document to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya appealing to him to protect the agency. They say the Trump administration is putting politics ahead of academic freedom. Before taking over at the NIH, Bhattacharya was known for helping write the controversial Great Barrington Declaration , which questioned lockdowns and other public health measures early in the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Bethesda Declaration, the scientists say the Trump administration has ""forced NIH, under [Bhattacharya's] watch"" to ""politicize"" research, ""stigmatize"" studies about health disparities, and cut research into COVID-19, long COVID, the health impacts of climate change, and medical issues related to gender and intersex people among other important areas. ""For staff across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we dissent to administration policies that undermine the NIH mission, waste public resources, and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe,"" the declaration says. ""The life-and-death nature of our work demands that changes be thoughtful and vetted. We are compelled to speak up when our leadership prioritizes political momentum over human safety and faithful stewardship of public resources."" The document is notable because most NIH employees are afraid to publicly criticize the new administration publicly for fear of losing their jobs or their funding — a situation the declaration calls a ""culture of fear and suppression."" The document was signed by 92 employees who revealed their names. ""Standing up in this way is a risk, but I am much more worried about the risks of not speaking up,"" said a statement by Jenna Norton, one of the lead organizers of the declaration and a program officer at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. ""If we don't speak up, we allow continued harm to research participants and public health in America and across the globe. If we don't speak up, we allow our government to curtail free speech, a fundamental American value."" In a written response, Bhattacharya said the Bethesda Declaration ""has some fundamental misconceptions about the policy directions the NIH has taken in recent months, including the continuing support of the NIH for international collaboration. Nevertheless, respectful dissent in science is productive. We all want the NIH to succeed."" But some of the scientists who signed the letter described a sense of despair and anguish at the NIH, which is the world's largest public funder of biomedical research. ""It's a horror show. We're under attack in every way all the time,"" says Sarah Kobrin , who has worked at the National Cancer Institute for more than 21 years. ""We're told we're worthless. We're told we're cheats. This is probably the most stressful period of my entire life. It's a thousand cuts, a thousand cuts. They're breaking things that won't be repairable."" Kobrin, chief of NCI's Health Systems and Interventions Research Branch, stresses that she was speaking on her own behalf and not as part of the NIH. ""This is an extinction-level event for biomedical research and global public health, and it's just wrong not to say something and not to try to right this ship,"" says Ian Morgan , a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine. More than 40 scientists from outside the NIH, including 21 Nobel laureates, also initially signed a separate letter supporting the Bethesda Declaration. In addition, more than 500 signed the letter Monday morning after the document was made public. ""We commend the NIH staff who have come forward with the 'Bethesda Declaration' to share concerns in the spirit of academic freedom, for the good of all,"" the letter states. ""We urge NIH and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) leadership to work with NIH staff to return the NIH to its mission and to abandon the strategy of using NIH as a tool for achieving political goals unrelated to that mission."" Former NIH researcher Jeremy Berg , who ran the National Institute of General Medical Sciences from 2003 to 2011, praises the scientists behind the Bethesda Declaration. ""I think they've touched on a lot of important points,"" he says. ""And I think they're very brave to stand up for themselves and for many many many of their colleagues at NIH and for themselves and for the entire country."" Berg, who signed the open letter supporting the Bethesda Declaration, stresses that he's speaking on behalf of himself and not the University of Pittsburgh, where he now works. ""Horror show doesn't even come close actually"" to describing the situation,"" Berg said. ""It's tremendously damaging to the United States' ability to do research, the U.S. economy, our competitive position in the world."" Both documents were released one day before Bhattacharya is scheduled to testify before Congress about the NIH's budget. The Trump administration has proposed slashing the NIH budget by nearly 40% to $27.5 billion from $44.5 billion.";0,425
"Hiring slowed in May, as employers added 139,000 jobs U.S. employers added 139,000 jobs in May — a modest slowdown from the previous month.  The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, as the workforce shrank. Economy Hiring slowed in May, as employers added 139,000 jobs June 6, 2025 8:49 AM ET Scott Horsley Hiring slowed in May, as tariffs and government spending cuts began to weigh on the economy. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Hiring slowed last month, as President Trump's tariffs and federal job cuts began to weigh on the U.S. economy. Employers added 139,000 jobs in May, according to a report released Friday by the Labor Department. That's a modest downshift from the previous month.  Job gains in March and April were also revised down by a total of 95,000 jobs. Loading... The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but the workforce shrank by 625,000 people. Hospitals, restaurants and transportation companies continued to add workers in May. The federal government cut another 22,000 workers, although that was largely offset by hiring in state and local governments.  Federal employment has fallen by 59,000 since the beginning of the year. Politics Officially, 59,000 federal jobs are gone under Trump. There's more to the picture Factories also cut 8,000 jobs in May.  A survey of factory managers released this week by the Institute for Supply Management showed Trump's tariffs are a considerable drag on the manufacturing sector, where orders, output and employment all fell. ""We have entered the waiting portion of the wait and see, it seems,"" one manager wrote. ""Business activity is slower and smaller this month. Chaos does not bode well for anyone, especially when it impacts pricing."" Average wages in May were up 3.9% from a year ago, according to the Labor Department report.  That's likely more than enough to outpace price increases. Sponsor Message Facebook Flipboard Email Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor";-0,1
There’s an invader turning huge swathes of Britain into deserts – and these dead zones are spreading George Monbiot Vast areas of land are now dominated by one species – purple moor-grass – and good luck with seeing a bird or insect there. How do we revive these habitats? Mon 9 Jun 2025 07.00 CEST Last modified on Mon 9 Jun 2025 16.35 CEST Deserts are spreading across great tracts of Britain, yet few people seem to have noticed, and fewer still appear to care. It is one of those astonishing situations I keep encountering: in which vast, systemic problems – in this case, I believe, covering thousands of square kilometres – hide in plain sight. I realise that many people, on reading that first sentence, will suspect I’ve finally flipped. Where, pray, are those rolling sand dunes or sere stony wastes? But there are many kinds of desert, and not all of them are dry. In fact, those spreading across Britain are clustered in the wettest places. Yet they harbour fewer species than some dry deserts do, and are just as hostile to humans. Another useful term is terrestrial dead zones. What I’m talking about are the places now dominated by a single plant species, called Molinia caerulea or purple moor-grass. Over the past 50 years, it has swarmed across vast upland areas: in much of Wales, on Dartmoor, Exmoor, in the Pennines, Peak District, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and many parts of Scotland. Molinia wastes are dismal places, grey-brown for much of the year, in which only the wind moves. As I know from bitter experience, you can explore them all day and see scarcely a bird or even an insect. Not that you would wish to walk there. The grass forms high tussocks through which it is almost impossible to push. As it happens, most of the places that have succumbed to Molinia monoculture are “access land”. Much of the pittance of England and Wales in which we are allowed to walk freely has become inaccessible. In a great victory a fortnight ago, the supreme court ruled that we have a right to wild camp on Dartmoor. But on many parts of the moor, you wouldn’t want to exercise it. As soon as the grass takes hold, all opportunities for enjoyment and employment cease. Molinia challenges the definition of an invasive species. The term is supposed to refer only to non-native organisms. But while it has always been part of our upland flora, it appears to have spread further and faster than any introduced plant in the UK, and with greater ecological consequences. It is uncontrolled by herbivores, disease or natural successional processes (transitions to other plant communities). In fact, it stops these processes in their tracks. Given the scale of the problem, it is remarkably little studied and discussed. I cannot find even a reliable estimate of the area affected: the most recent in England is nearly 10 years old, and I can discover none for Wales or Scotland. But in the southern Cambrian Mountains alone, judging by a combination of my walks and satellite imagery, there appears to be a dead zone covering roughly 300 sq km, in which little but this one species grows. Most of central Dartmoor is now Molinia desert, and just as disheartening and hard to traverse. Why is this happening? It seems to be a combination of forces. One is “headage payments”: subsidies that were issued in the second half of the 20th century, which paid farmers for the number of animals they kept. They created an incentive to cram the land with as many sheep and cattle as possible. This, in combination with burning moorland to produce fresh shoots for the livestock to eat, seems in some places to have pushed ecosystems beyond their tipping points. Even, as in parts of the Cambrians, where there have been no sheep grazing for 40 years, as there’s nothing left to eat (sheep will scarcely touch Molinia), there has been no recovery. Another likely factor is nitrogen deposition. Nitrogen compounds rain down on Britain’s habitats at a rate of roughly 29kg per hectare per year. They are produced by livestock farming, traffic and industry. Drainage (largely for farming) also appears to accelerate the spread: Molinia thrives as peat dries out. The Dartmoor ecologist and nature campaigner Tony Whitehead tells me that the degradation of peat caused by drainage, excavation, burning and grazing pressure is likely to be the primary accelerant. Burning in particular – carried out by sheep farmers on Dartmoor and Exmoor and by grouse shoots on northern English moors and in Scotland – favours the plant. While other species are destroyed, Molinia is protected by its deep roots and tussocks, which guard its buds. Various solutions are proposed, but few are satisfactory. One approach is to blast the grass with the herbicide glyphosate. It works for a while, but leaves an even grimmer waste, likely to be colonised again by Molinia. Others propose yet more burning, and/or grazing with cattle or ponies: temporary “solutions” that look like blood-letting to cure anaemia. Whitehead has watched what happens: the animals graze around the edges of the Molinia, eating only small amounts, while continuing to knock back other plant species. After early summer, they won’t touch the stuff, as its nutritional value declines steeply. A new report by the government agency Natural England states that livestock grazing is not required to protect the main habitat type – blanket mire – that Molinia threatens. Rewetting the land, by blocking drains and building bunds and perhaps, as one team is attempting, planting clumps of sphagnum moss among the grass, in order to restore the peat, seems to be the only means of reviving blanket mire. It also makes the land less prone to fire. In other places, we should be encouraging the return of trees, through planting and excluding livestock. Most of the areas overtaken by Molinia have a temperature and moisture range that would favour temperate rainforest: a vanishingly rare, rich and complex habitat. As the trees mature, they should shade out the grass. In some wet areas, I’d like to see the return of water-tolerant species such as alder, downy birch and willow, to restore upland carr, another rich and scarce habitat. But anyone who wants to rewild upland ecosystems hits a wall of vested interests – mostly sheep farmers and grouse moor owners – who, like the commercial fishing sector, insist on doing the wrong thing until it destroys their own industry. Where is the urgent government programme? Where is there even official acknowledgment that we have a problem? To fix something, first you must see it.;0,4
Israeli forces take control of Gaza aid boat carrying Greta ThunbergCrew of activists making symbolic attempt to deliver aid expected to be held in port until deportation hearings Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem Mon 9 Jun 2025 23.45 CEST First published on Mon 9 Jun 2025 06.18 CEST A boat seized by Israel’s military as it tried to break the blockade on Gaza was towed into an Israeli port after sunset on Monday, with the crew of activists including Greta Thunberg expected to be held there in advance of deportation hearings. The Madleen was attempting to bring a symbolic shipment of aid to Gaza , which faces a looming famine after more than 11 weeks of total siege and ongoing severe restrictions on food entering the territory. In recent days Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians and injured hundreds more as they tried to reach a handful of sites where a US- and Israeli-backed logistics organisation is handing out limited supplies. 1:28 Israeli forces halt Gaza-bound aid yacht carrying Greta Thunberg – video Thunberg and the other 11 members of the Madleen crew, including the French MEP Rima Hassan and the Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad, have been out of contact since Israeli forces took control of the boat in the early hours of Monday morning. The legal adviser to the Israeli navy told the rights group Adalah, which is representing the detainees: “To the best of our knowledge, none of them are injured or currently require medical treatment.” Map After reaching Ashdod they were due to be handed into police custody and “undergo a hearing prior to the issuance of deportation orders”, Adalah quoted him saying. Although there was little expectation that Israeli authorities would let the small yacht get close to Gaza, even attempting to reach the territory by boat is risky. In May, another boat sailing as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group that organised the Madleen’s voyage, caught fire off Malta and issued an SOS after what the group said was an attack by Israeli drones. Israel’s military declined to comment. In 2010, nine activists were killed when Israeli commandos raided a small fleet of ships trying to take supplies including building materials to Gaza. Israel began blockading Gaza in 2007. Among the last communications from the Madleen before it lost communications was a photo showing the 12-strong crew gathered in a circle, wearing lifejackets, with their hands in the air. A series of pre-recorded messages from crew members were later released online. “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters,” Thunberg said in a brief message, urging family, friends and supporters to put pressure on the Swedish government to secure her release as soon as possible. The UK-flagged Madleen set sail at a time of mounting international pressure on Israel over the starvation of Palestinians inside Gaza. In an apparent response to the huge amount of publicity generated by the group, Israel’s foreign ministry attacked the crew as “celebrities” on a “selfie yacht” when it announced the yacht had been seized. Shortly afterwards it followed up by posting an image of Thunberg being offered food and others being passed food and water. Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, made personal attacks on Thunberg and the rest of the crew in a post on X, and said they would be required to watch a film about the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, which launched the war. About 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 250 taken to Gaza, where 55 are still held hostage. Israeli bombings and ground assaults in Gaza since then have killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women, children and elderly people, and injured more than 125,000, according to health authorities in the territory, whose figures have proved accurate in past conflicts. Huwaida Arraf, a human rights attorney and Freedom Flotilla organiser, said Israel had no legal authority to detain the Madleen crew in international waters and confiscate aid onboard, which included food, baby formula and medical supplies. “This seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the ICJ’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. These volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalised for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade – their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately.” The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian territories called for the UK to secure the release of the Madleen and its crew and urged others to challenge the blockade. “Every Mediterranean port should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza,” Francesca Albanese posted on X. “Breaking the siege is a legal duty for states, and a moral imperative for all of us.” Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee their homes and displaced multiple times since the war began, and last month food security experts warned the territory was at “critical risk of famine”. Israel says food is reaching people in Gaza through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a secretive group the current head of which is an evangelical Christian with no track record delivering aid in conflict zones. The Israeli foreign ministry said in posts about its seizure of the Madleen that “close to” 11m meals had been delivered in the past two weeks. Even if those supplies were distributed equally, they would amount to less than one meal every two days for Gaza’s starving population. The shortages and desperate hunger have combined to deadly effect, with Palestinians repeatedly killed by Israeli forces trying to reach GHF distribution points. In the latest incidents on Sunday, at least four people were killed and many others injured, health authorities in Gaza said. The humanitarian group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said one of the dead and 13 injured were brought to its emergency room in central al-Mawasi in Khan Younis , Gaza. MSF said in a statement: “Patients, all men aged between 17 and 30 years old, told us they were shot in Shakoush area, on their way to a food distribution site … They were carried in donkey carts, on bicycles, or on foot.”;0,5
Iran says it will release Israeli nuclear secrets as pressure grows to reimpose sanctions Tehran threat comes as European powers press for vote  that could lead to reimposition of UN sanctions Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor Mon 9 Jun 2025 12.52 CEST First published on Mon 9 Jun 2025 12.26 CEST Iran has said it will soon start releasing information from a hoard of Israeli nuclear secrets it claims to have obtained, as European countries push for a vote this week on reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme. The unverified claims by Iranian intelligence of a massive leak of Israeli secrets may be designed to turn the focus away from what Iran argues is its own excessively monitored civil nuclear programme. On Sunday, Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, claimed Tehran had obtained “a vast collection of strategic and sensitive [Israeli] documents, including plans and data on the nuclear facilities”. He added evidence would be released shortly, and implied some of the documentation was linked to Israel’s arrest of two Israeli nationals, Roi Mizrahi and Almog Attias, over alleged spying for Iran. Even within Iran there is scepticism that Iranian agents could have obtained such dramatic intelligence. The claim may be designed to warn off Israel from acting on its repeated threat to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites since Iranian insight into Israel’s own nuclear programme would increase the risk of effective Iranian reprisals. European powers are preparing to press for a vote at the 35-member quarterly board meeting of the nuclear inspectorate of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, which starts on Monday, that could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions in October. France, Germany and the UK will cite a 20-page comprehensive report commissioned from the IAEA secretariat on Iran’s failure to comply with the nuclear deal agreed in 2015, and Tehran’s years-long failure to answer questions about aspects of its previous nuclear programme. Members of the IAEA board will be asked to study a report showing Iran has enriched 400kg of uranium to a purity of 60%, close to weapons-grade, and judged to be enough to make 10 nuclear bombs. Moreover, the Iranian stockpile of uranium has increased by 50% since the last report in March. Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA, said the report showed that Iran had not provided answers about a previous structured nuclear programme, and evidence existed that three sites were sanitised to mislead the IAEA inspectors. The three leading European powers will cite the report in calling for a motion declaring Iran is in violation of its safeguards obligations, the first such finding since 2005, and the necessary precursor to reimposing UN sanctions in October when the 2015 deal expires. Due to the way that deal was framed, Russia and China cannot veto the reimposition of UN sanctions. Iran has already threatened countermeasures if the IAEA board says it is in breach, likely to include a further cutback to access by UN weapons inspectors, and a further speeding up of enrichment. Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said that since the last time the IAEA board censured Tehran Iran had increased 60% enriched uranium production sevenfold and launched 20 cascades of advanced centrifuges. If the motion is passed, the French, Germans, and British then have until 18 October to determine whether they wish to reimpose the sanctions provided for in the 2015 deal. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has warned: “Falsely accusing Iran of violating safeguards – based on shoddy and politicised reporting – is clearly designed to produce a crisis. Mark my words, as Europe ponders another major strategic mistake, Iran will react strongly against any violation of its rights. Blame lies solely and fully with irresponsible actors who stop at nothing to gain relevance.” The US and Iran have yet to name a new date for the resumption of bilateral talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, focused on whether Iran should be permitted continue to enrich uranium domestically, an issue that Iran sees as central to its sovereignty. The US, in public at least, insists enrichment must stop altogether as the only sure way of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Donald Trump has shown a surprising willingness to cut a deal with Iran , despite in 2018 taking the US out of the nuclear agreement that was reached with Iran by Barack Obama. The US president has reportedly set a 60-day deadline for the talks, which expires on 11 June, and has accused Iran of slow-walking the process. Iran said on Monday it would respond shortly to the US proposal while Trump is expected to speak to the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Grossi said he believed both the US and Iran were sincere in seeking to seal a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has offered to act as an intermediary, and Russia could be the destination for Iran’s growing stockpile of uranium if an agreement was reached. One proposal is for Iran to suspend its enrichment programme temporarily, something it did before in 2004-05.;-0,05
Netflix series reignites search for family of creator disappeared by Argentina dictatorship Argentina This article is more than 1 month old Netflix series reignites search for family of creator disappeared by Argentina dictatorship This article is more than 1 month old El Eternauta writer and his daughters were disappeared by military in 70s, but his grandchildren could still be alive Harriet Barber Sun 11 May 2025 12.00 CEST Last modified on Sun 11 May 2025 22.57 CEST When Héctor Germán Oesterheld wrote his horror comic strip El Eternauta in 1957, it was simply a piece of speculative fiction. Set in Buenos Aires, the story begins when toxic snow begins to fall, killing all of those it touches. As the world descends into chaos, humans turn on one another, and the hero is forced to fight to survive. Two decades after the comic was first published, the story gained a darker, more sinister edge, when leftist Oesterheld and most of his family were forcibly disappeared by Argentina’s military dictatorship. A murdered Argentinian writer’s comic finds a new audience – and far-right haters Read more “El Eternauta was a parallel of what happened to Argentina, what happened to me,” said the author’s widow, Elsa Sánchez de Oesterheld, before her death in 2015. “My family was destroyed just as our country was destroyed.” Now, a Netflix adaptation of the comic has reignited interest in the Oesterheld family – and in particular, in the fate of Oesterheld’s two possible grandchildren. During its 1976-83 assault on Argentina’s citizens, the military crushed any potential opposition, killing or disappearing an estimated 30,000 people. Included in that number were Oesterheld, his four daughters and his four sons-in-laws. To date, their exact fate remains unknown. And because two of the daughters were pregnant at the time of their disappearance, so is the fate of Oesterheld’s two potential grandchildren. One would be the child of Diana Oesterheld, who was 23 when she was abducted in 1976, and six months pregnant. The other would be the child of Marina Oesterheld, abducted in 1977 at the age of 20 while eight months pregnant. Under the military dictatorship, pregnant prisoners were often kept alive until they gave birth. Afterwards they were murdered – some thrown alive from so-called death flights – and their newborns given to military couples to raise as their own. An estimated 500 babies were stolen. Following the premier of the streaming adaptation of El Eternauta, the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, who have spent decades searching for the stolen children, and the human rights organisation Hijos have launched a new public appeal. How an Argentinian man learned his ‘father’ may have killed his real parents Read more “Did you know that two grandchildren of the creator of El Eternauta are missing and could be alive?” Hijos posted online. “If you were born in November 1976 or between November 1977 and January 1978 and have doubts about your identity or know someone who does, we’ll tell you who your grandmothers could be.” The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo have been searching tirelessly for the missing grandchildren for decades. Oesterheld’s widow, Elsa, joined the organisation in the 1980s. “She looked for her missing grandchildren until she died,” said Claudia Victoria Poblete Hlaczik, a spokesperson for the Abuelas, who herself was kidnapped as a child by the dictatorship and later reunited with her family. “The search has continued all of these years, for these grandchildren, and for all the other 300 still missing.” Poblete Hlaczik said the grandchildren would be around 47 or 48 years old, and likely living unknowingly under false identities. “These crimes continue until their identities are restored,” she said. The renewed search also comes at a critical moment, with the administration of Javier Milei sharply defunding policies aimed at preserving historical memory. Several officials – including the president – have been accused of promoting denialist narratives and disputing the number of people disappeared by the dictatorship. As part of Milei’s sweeping spending cuts, hundreds of employees have been dismissed from the country’s human rights secretariat and the justice ministry. And in August 2024, the government shut down a unit that had played a crucial role in identifying babies illegally taken during the dictatorship. Poblete Hlaczik said she hopes the adaptation of El Eternauta will bring attention to the values of “truth, memory and justice” in these days of “denialism”. “El Eternauta speaks of human values of charity, courage and collective efforts – which is very important during these times of individualism,” she added. She said there is still hope to find the missing grandchildren despite the current challenges: in January, the 139th grandchild was identified. Before her death, Sánchez de Oesterheld said she hoped her lost grandchildren will one day “know who they are and where they belong, their origins, their roots”. “My struggle all these years is so that my grandchildren know their truth,” she said.;0,525
"Families of Argentina’s ‘disappeared’ ask EU for help as president seeks to thwart searches Campaigners seek help to continue search for missing as far right leader Javier Milei tries to defund efforts Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo Mon 19 May 2025 19.00 CEST First published on Mon 19 May 2025 06.00 CEST Women whose relatives were murdered and disappeared under Argentina’s military dictatorship will meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to seek support for expanded DNA testing to identify missing children. A delegation from the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a campaigning group, will denounce efforts by the far-right president, Javier Milei, to dismantle the search for missing persons. They will seek support for continuing their efforts to find the children of the disappeared who were illegally adopted, many of whom may be in Europe. Claudia Poblete said: “Under the guise of economic reform, the Argentine government is taking the opportunity to dismantle and defund many of the institutions dedicated to searching for the disappeared, such as the National Commission for the Right to Identity, which works to trace children who were taken.” One of Argentina’s 139 “recovered grandchildren”, Poblete was found by her biological family after her parents were murdered and disappeared under the 1976-83 dictatorship. She said: “For more than 20 years, the Abuelas have received state funding to continue the search for their kidnapped grandchildren, because the state has a duty to find the disappeared. “One of the goals of this trip to Brussels is to explore whether new forms of funding might be available to carry on the search. There are hundreds of people between 45 and 49 years old who could be anywhere in the world, even in Europe , and who have no idea they were kidnapped as children.” After the 1976 coup, Argentina’s military set about crushing potential opposition and eventually 30,000 people were killed or disappeared, almost all of them civilians. Pregnant prisoners were kept alive until they gave birth and then murdered . At least 500 newborns were taken from their parents while in captivity and given to military couples to raise as their own. By 1983, hundreds of these “adoptions” were coming to light. But it was not until 2021 that large-scale efforts were made to trace the children, when the Argentinian government sent hundreds of DNA testing kits to its consulates around the world in an effort to put names to unidentified victims and to find the children of the disappeared, many of whom are unaware of their true identity. That changed when Milei took office in 2023, with human rights groups raising the alarm over his attempts to rewrite history and overturn the longstanding consensus over the dictatorship’s crimes. Since he took power, Milei has ordered the closure of the special investigation unit of the National Commission for the Right to Identity; defunded the national genetic data bank; dissolved the survey and analysis team of the armed forces archives; and restricted access to official documentation at the ministries of defence and security. The trip to Brussels follows an appeal for help last December from Estela de Carlotto, the 94-year-old founder of the Abuelas [grandmothers] group. Horacio Corti Pietragalla, a child kidnapped by the military who was Argentina’s human rights secretary from 2019 to 2023, said: “There are more than 250 people who don’t know they are children of the disappeared, and many of them live today in Europe, in Spain, in France, especially in Italy . We must continue our efforts to find them.” In Italy, a country with deep cultural ties to Argentina and where, according to the Abuelas, dozens of missing children could be living, the Democratic Party has submitted two parliamentary motions urging the government to press Milei to reverse the funding cuts. Italy’s far-right government failed to respond and last year Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, granted citizenship to Milei, citing his Italian family roots. The move sparked outrage among opposition politicians. “The last grandchildren found by the Abuelas are also European citizens,” said Jorge Ithurburu, the president of 24 Marzo – a Rome-based group representing the relatives of victims of the dictatorship. “They were found in Europe, in the Netherlands, in Spain, in Great Britain. The most recently found one has a brother who lives in the Canary Islands, and another one has two brothers living in Rome. Searching for grandchildren, for children of the disappeared, also means searching for European citizens.” Martín Moze, coordinator of the Abuelas in Barcelona, said: “We will continue our search throughout Europe. We will carry the voice of the Abuelas to every corner of the world. We will shout their message in the streets: Grandsons and granddaughters, we are looking for you.”";0,45
Ukraine claims to have damaged Russian fighter jets in night-time raid Ukrainian special forces claim to have damaged two fighter jets in a night-time raid on an airfield deep inside Russia as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Vladimir Putin’s steady advances on the frontline. A week after the spectacle of Operation Spiderweb, when drones struck the Kremlin’s nuclear-capable bombers , the general staff of the Ukrainian army claimed a fresh success. Special operations forces were said to have launched an assault on the Savasleyka airfield, located in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia, about 400 miles from the Ukrainian border. The army did not provide any details about the nature of the operation and questions remain about the extent of the damage inflicted. The airfield is used by Russia to deploy MiG-31K fighters carrying Kinzhal ballistic missiles that have been used against Ukrainian armed forces and its cities. “According to preliminary information, two units of enemy aircraft were hit (probably MiG-31 and Su-30/34 aircraft),” the general staff said in a statement. “The results of the combat operation are being clarified.” The covert operation did not upset plans for a prisoner exchange involving younger and injured soldiers. After a nervous 48 hours for prisoners’ relatives, during which both sides accused the other of backtracking on a deal made during the peace talks in Istanbul, the first stage was completed with those under the age of 25 and severely wounded exchanged. Should the agreement be implemented in full, with a swap of 1,200 prisoners from each side along with bodies of the dead, it would be the largest of the war. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said in a statement on social media: “This process is very complex and sensitive. Negotiations are ongoing almost every day. We are doing everything we can to bring our people home.” Video footage also emerged on Monday of a successful Ukrainian drone strike on a factory in Cheboksary, about 800 miles from the Ukrainian border, which makes components crucial to the targeting mechanisms in self-propelled howitzers, Iskander missile systems and Lancet and Shahed kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s armed forces said the attack on the VNIIR-Progress plant, which is under US sanctions, had led the authorities in Russia to halt commercial flights in the region. They said: “At present, the destruction of the facility by at least two UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones] and the subsequent large-scale fire have been confirmed. The results of the destruction are being clarified.” Oleg Nikolayev, the regional governor, said in a statement that production at the factory had been suspended but that the strikes had not caused any casualties. The operations inside Russia came as the Kremlin stepped up its night-time missile and drone strikes and made progress in pushing back the frontline in the north-east Sumy region and in Donetsk in the east. On Sunday night and in the early hours of Monday morning, Russia launched 479 drones at Ukraine in the war’s biggest overnight drone bombardment, the Ukrainian air force said. About 20 missiles were also fired into Ukraine, targeting mainly central and western regions. The operational command of the Polish armed forces said it scrambled fighter jets in response to the aerial attacks in western Ukraine. The Rivne region, in western Ukraine, sustained the largest attack since the full-scale war began. One person had been confirmed dead, according to the chief of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Koval. Video footage shared on social media suggested the Dubno airbase may have been struck. It has been claimed that this is the home of Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets although this could not be independently verified. Explosions were also heard in Kyiv, where Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the Kyiv city military administration, reported that an office building in the capital’s Darnytsia district had been damaged. The Ukrainian authorities claimed that their air defences destroyed 277 drones and 19 missiles in mid-flight, with only 10 drones or missiles successfully striking their targets. In recent weeks, Russian forces have made significant advances in the Sumy region, pushing within 18 miles of the eponymous regional capital, three years after Ukraine’s counteroffensive pushed the Kremlin’s forces out of the area. The region’s governor, Oleh Hryhorov, said there was no need yet to evacuate Sumy city, describing the situation as “tense but under control of the defence forces”. Ukraine has denied Moscow’s claims that Russian forces have pushed through the western border of Donetsk into the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time in the three years of the full-scale war. Maj Andrii Kovalev, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s general staff, said: “The information is not true. Fighting is ongoing in Donetsk oblast. The enemy did not enter Dnipropetrovsk oblast.”;0,075
"Sly Stone, pioneering funk and soul musician, dies aged 82 American songwriter lit up generations of dancefloors with his group Sly and the Family Stone Sly Stone was a trailblazer who changed the course of music – and an icon of both hope and pain Share your tributes and memories of Sly Stone Sly Stone – a life in pictures Ben Beaumont-Thomas Mon 9 Jun 2025 21.34 CEST Last modified on Fri 13 Jun 2025 01.08 CEST Share Sly Stone, the American musician who lit up generations of dancefloors with his gloriously funky and often socially conscious songwriting, has died aged 82. “After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” a family statement reads. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.” ‘I never lived a life I didn’t want to live’: Sly Stone on addiction, ageing and changing music for ever Read more With his group Sly and the Family Stone, Stone tied together soul, psychedelic rock and gospel into fervent, uplifting songs, and became one of the key progenitors of the 1970s funk sound alongside James Brown and others. The group’s hits include three US No 1 singles – Everyday People, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) and Family Affair – plus Dance to the Music, I Want to Take You Higher, Hot Fun in the Summertime and more. The 1971 album There’s a Riot Goin’ On , a moody reflection on civil rights and the corrupted idealism of the postwar era created predominantly by Stone apart from the rest of his band, is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century. Born Sylvester Stewart to a Pentecostal religious family in Texas in 1943, Stone grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first music came in a gospel quartet with three siblings, the Stewart Four, who put out a locally released single in 1952. As a young man he became well known in the fertile musical scene of countercultural San Francisco: a multi-instrumentalist and radio DJ who had a series of local bands and worked as a producer for garage rock and psychedelia groups such as the Beau Brummels. In 1966, he fused his band Sly and the Stoners with his brother Freddie’s group Freddie and the Stone Souls, to form Sly and the Family Stone. Their breakthrough came the following year with Dance to the Music, and success was fully established by their fourth album in two years, Stand! (1969) , which eventually sold more than three million copies. The band’s stylistic and racial diversity attracted a broad audience, and they played both of the defining music festivals of 1969, Woodstock and the Harlem cultural festival. Hits continued more fitfully during the early 1970s, and the group – notorious for no-shows at concerts – slowly fractured amid increasing drug use. Stone would record There’s a Riot Goin’ On predominantly on his own, applying one of the earliest uses of a drum machine; albums such as Fresh!, with its Richard Avedon portrait of Stone on the cover, were also primarily his work. The band split entirely in 1975, though Stone continued to use the band name for solo releases. View image in fullscreen Sly Stone in 2015 Photograph: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Despite having laid the rhythmic groundwork for disco, Stone couldn’t sustain his career in the late 1970s, and his addiction to cocaine worsened. He continued to perform with peers such as Funkadelic and Bobby Womack, but album releases dried up after 1982’s Ain’t But the One Way. Sly and the Family Stone – 10 of the best Read more He was arrested in 1983 for cocaine possession, and for driving under the influence of cocaine in 1987, prompting him to flee California for Connecticut. He was apprehended two years later, and sentenced to 55 days in prison, five years’ probation and a fine. His difficulties meant that he was little seen during the 1990s, and it wasn’t until 2006 that he performed in public again, at a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone at the Grammy awards. He performed with the Family Stone on a tour the following year, but often erratically, and made a lacklustre appearance at 2010’s Coachella festival. His final album, I’m Back! Family & Friends, featuring re-recordings of old songs alongside three new tracks, was released in 2011. Sly Stone: ‘Albino musicians could neutralise all the racial problems’ Read more In 2015 he was awarded $5m in a lawsuit against his former manager and attorney, successfully arguing that royalty payments had been diverted from him, though he ultimately wasn’t awarded the money due to the terms of a 1989 royalties agreement with a production company. Difficulties with royalties meant that Stone spent many of his latter years in poverty; in 2011 he was living in a campervan in a residential area of Los Angeles – voluntarily, he claimed – and relying on a retired couple for food. “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” the family statement added. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.” That memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), was praised in a Guardian review: “The charm, playfulness, humour and personality of Stone’s songs come through in his on-page voice”. In a 2023 interview with the Guardian accompanying its publication, he said: “I was always happy if someone took the things I was doing and they liked them enough to want to do them on their own. I’m proud that the music I made inspired people.” Among those paying tribute to Stone was musician Questlove, whose documentary about Stone, Sly Lives!, was released earlier this year. “From the moment his music reached me in the early 1970s, it became a part of my soul,” he wrote on Instagram. “Sly was a giant — not just for his groundbreaking work with the Family Stone, but for the radical inclusivity and deep human truths he poured into every note … His work looked straight at the brightest and darkest parts of life and demanded we do the same.” Musician and actor Queen Latifah heralded Stone as an “innovator [and] funk aficionado”, while hip-hop icon DJ Premier wrote: “I thank you for bringing us diversity, funk, soul, rock and a unique band which is why I’m cut from the integrity cloth. I will remain great because of you.” Waterboys frontman Mike Scott wrote: “Thank you for all the inspiration, for breaking ground so others could follow and for being the sassiest, funkiest being on planet earth”. Stone was married from 1974 to 1976 to Kathy Silva, with whom he had a son, Sylvester Jr. He later had two further children: Sylvyette with Cynthia Robinson , and Novena Carmel.";0,075
Justin Baldoni’s $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dismissed Judge finds Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment were legally protected and therefore immune from suit A judge on Monday dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds , after finding that Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni were legally protected and therefore immune from suit. The entire lawsuit from Baldoni, the actor and director, which included claims of extortion, was dismissed by Lewis Liman, a US district judge of New York . But the ruling allows Baldoni to amend and refile some allegations regarding interference with contracts. Liman also dismissed Baldoni’s $250m defamation claim against the New York Times, finding that the newspaper’s reporting on the claims was protected under “fair report” privilege. At the center of the complex dispute are claims from Lively and Reynolds that Baldoni had sexually harassed Lively on the set of It Ends With Us , in which Lively starred and Baldoni both acted and directed. Lively and Reynolds also alleged that Baldoni conducted a smear campaign against her after she complained about conditions on the set of the film. Baldoni’s defamation claim against the New York Times, Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist alleged that they had conspired to destroy his career with false allegations. Referring to Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer, which produced It Ends With Us, Liman’s ruling on Monday said that “the Wayfarer parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer parties of engaging in a smear campaign. “But the Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Reynolds, Sloane or the Times would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them, as is required for them to be liable for defamation under applicable law.” In a statement following the ruling, Lively’s lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, said in a statement that Liman’s ruling “is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds , Leslie Sloane and the New York Times”. The statement continued: “As we have said from day one, this [$400m] lawsuit was a sham, and the court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages against Baldoni … and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation.” Attorneys for Baldoni have not immediately commented. Rulings from the district to which Liman belongs can be appealed to the US second circuit court.;0,1
"The Guardian view on Labour’s tough choices: they are costing the government dearly | Editorial | The GuardianThe Labour government’s abrupt U-turn on winter fuel payments – restoring the benefit to more than three-quarters of pensioners – reveals less a change of heart than a sobering realisation in Westminster: after years of austerity , the public no longer gives politicians the benefit of the doubt. The irony is hard to miss. Labour set out to prove that “grown-up” economics means difficult decisions – only to find that once trust is lost, voters won’t accept vague promises without tangible results. It turns out many are sceptical that sacrifices will produce better results for society. That’s why ministers are struggling to justify cuts to disability benefits as a way to “fund” public services – or to convince the public that Britain can’t afford to lift the two-child benefit cap even as ministers claim they will reduce child poverty. There may be more conspicuous retreats ahead for the government. Sir Keir Starmer and his chancellor, Rachel Reeves, had wanted a series of symbolic breaks with Labour’s traditional base to prove that only by making tough choices could they deliver £113bn in new public investment. Instead, the last year has become a cautionary tale: ministers elected to repudiate Tory austerity are now seen to be replicating it – and voters have noticed, with Labour’s poll numbers sliding as a result. In such a climate, appeals to fiscal rectitude don’t receive gratitude but suspicion. The government’s volte-face over pensioner benefits only reinforces the sense it was driven by a backlash, not conviction. This dynamic isn’t new but it has radically reshaped Labour’s own base – and should be a warning to the party for its future. Working-class voters once formed Labour’s backbone; now many vote for no one at all. This isn’t about lacking education or income. Throughout the postwar decades, working-class turnout matched that of the middle classes. As Geoffrey Evans and James Tilley of Oxford University wrote in their book The New Politics of Class , the drop came only when their political representation vanished. As parties converged and Labour abandoned its working-class roots, political choice disappeared. Labour’s traditional base didn’t stop voting because they couldn’t – they stopped because there was nothing left to vote for. Brexit reshaped politics, but not as radically as many claim. Today’s class politics has been built on culture wars and channelled through identity and belonging. The warning by the former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane that Nigel Farage is now seen by many as the closest thing Britain has to a “tribune for the working class” should be taken seriously. Citing Reform UK’s surge in the polls, he pointed to a “moral rupture” between voters and mainstream politicians, accusing Labour of fuelling disillusionment through a weak growth strategy and unpopular decisions on benefits. While not declaring Reform the definitive working-class party, Mr Haldane stressed that what matters is perception – and right now, many working-class voters believe Mr Farage speaks for them more than anyone else. Labour’s spending review this week looks like an attempt to reframe its offer around extra cash for frontline services such as health and education. That is welcome. Less so will be the real-terms cuts in unprotected departments that Ms Reeves’s fiscal rules demand to account for such commitments. If this reset is not visible and felt by voters soon, the door swings open wider to Mr Farage and his hard-right politics.";0,55
Children in England’s most deprived areas ‘less likely to achieve development goals by age five’ Children in the most deprived areas of England are less likely to achieve good developmental goals by the age of five, according to the aid agency Unicef UK, which has urged ministers to lift the two-child benefit cap . A report by the UN agency mapped every local authority area across England measuring its level of deprivation and a range of early childhood health and educational outcomes such as oral health, weight and A&E attendance. The analysis found that children in England’s most deprived areas are over twice as far from achieving the government’s target of 75% of young children to reach a “good level of development”, compared with the country’s most affluent areas. The five local authorities with the highest levels of deprivation – Blackpool, Knowsley, Liverpool, Kingston upon Hull and Middlesbrough – were each in the lowest 20% for five of the six child wellbeing measures used in the analysis. The study also found that obesity levels in reception-aged children in the most deprived areas are more than double those of children in the most affluent areas, at 12.9% compared with 6%, while in the most deprived areas, nearly twice as many children have untreated tooth decay, at nearly a third (29%) compared with the least deprived at 15%. Babies and young children in the most deprived areas of England have 55% more visits to A&E than those in the least deprived areas. The charity has urged the government to lift the two-child benefit cap to reduce child poverty and increase access to early childhood health and educational services. Philip Goodwin, the chief executive officer of Unicef UK, said: “The consequences of poverty can last a lifetime and are especially harmful for babies and young children. Growing up in poverty damages children’s life chances and our analysis shows the scale of the problem across the country. It is not acceptable that children in deprived areas are more likely to be behind at school, to be overweight or obese, to experience tooth decay and pain, and more likely to be admitted to A&E – all before their fifth birthday. “There must be immediate, decisive and ambitious action by the government. Any further delays will condemn hundreds of thousands of children to poverty and its effects, as child poverty rates continue to rise. “The government must act urgently to lift the two-child limit and the benefit cap and commit to investing in the vital health and education services that support children during their crucial early years.” Sarah Woolnough, the chief executive of the King’s Fund, said: “Today’s report is a stark reminder that as child poverty rises in many parts of the country, children’s health is spiralling downwards. Lifelong health issues are established in childhood and the children with the poorest health outcomes now are set to become an unhealthy generation of adults. Action on child health must be taken now for the nation’s future health. “As our research shows, living in poverty has a profound impact on people’s health and how they use NHS services. If the government wants to make headway on its mission to create ‘the healthiest generation of children ever’, tackling deprivation should be as much of a priority as bringing down waiting lists. “For an NHS that is fit for the future, a greater and more equitable share of health service funding needs to be allocated to children and local services need to be sufficiently equipped to prioritise children. A lack of urgency on prioritising children’s health will have serious long-term implications for children and their families, the economy, the health service and society as a whole.” Keir Starmer said he was “absolutely determined” to “drive down” child poverty when he was pressed on the two-child benefit cap in parliament last week, ahead of the publication of the government’s strategy on the issue. A government spokesperson said: “This government is taking action to reduce child poverty through our dedicated taskforce, and to address the stark health inequalities across the country. “We have introduced free breakfast clubs, increased pupil premium funding to support disadvantaged children in schools, and announced plans to expand free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit.”;0,5
Gaza aid boat activists to be shown 7 October attacks footage, says Israeli defence minister – as it happened Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, has congratulated the Israeli army on the “quick and safe takeover” of the Madleen , the Gaza-bound aid vessel. Confirming that the passengers onboard – including climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan – will be transported to the port of Ashdod, Katz added that he had instructed the IDF to “show the flotilla passengers the video of the horrors of the October 7 massacre.” Referring to Thunberg personally, as well as the other activists on board, Katz said he wanted them to “see exactly who the Hamas terrorist organization they came to support and for whom they work is, what atrocities they committed against women, the elderly, and children, and against whom Israel is fighting to defend itself.” The current war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed more than 1,200 people, according to an Israeli tally. Gaza’s health ministry says over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of that campaign. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, congratulated the Israeli army on the “quick and safe takeover” of the Madleen , the Gaza-bound aid vessel. Confirming that the passengers onboard – including climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan – will be transported to the port of Ashdod, Katz added that he had instructed the IDF to “show the flotilla passengers the video of the horrors of the October 7 massacre.” Adalah, a rights group in Israel that said it was representing the activists, has claimed that the 12 activists on the Madleen have not yet been brought to the country and they remain at sea. The group said Israel’s Detention Review Tribunal has confirmed that the activists are not currently in its custody and that it appears the authorities intend to deport the individuals upon arrival. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer described the cargo on the Gaza aid boat as “meagre”. Labelling the ship as a “selfie yacht”, the spokesman claimed less than a truck’s worth of aid was onboard, but said that it would be sent in to Gaza. Sweden’s ministry of foreign affairs on Monday said that it was aware of the situation on the Madleen and following developments onboard. “The ministry of foreign affairs and the ambassador in Tel Aviv are in contact with local authorities and monitoring the situation closely,” a spokesperson said. Aid boxes being distributed in Gaza are “simply not enough” and “cannot undo the effects of prolonged starvation”, Oxfam has said. Bushra Khalidi, policy lead at Oxfam, said the nutritional value in the boxes “fall far short of what any principled humanitarian agency with expertise in nutrition and emergency response would recommend”. France on Monday said it would work to ensure the rapid return home of French citizens aboard a boat carrying aid bound for Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli security forces, AFP reported. President Emmanuel Macron has requested that the six French nationals aboard the Madleen “be allowed to return to France as soon as possible”, a presidential official said, asking not to be named, while foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Paris would work “to facilitate their swift return to France”. Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s labour minister and one of the country’s three deputy prime ministers, has criticised Israel’s seizure of the boat and called for a “clear and firm response” from the EU. “I strongly condemn the seizure of the Madleen, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza,” she wrote on Bluesky . “This violation of international law demands a clear and firm response from the EU. All my solidarity to the volunteers who are being held. We call for their freeing as soon as possible. #AllEyesOnMadleen “ Israeli fire killed at least 12 people and wounded others as they headed toward two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip run by an Israeli and US-backed group, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said on Sunday. Israel’s military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of Palestinians — desperate after 20 months of war — are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Hundreds of people, mainly Tunisians, launched on Monday a land convoy bound for Gaza , seeking to “break the siege” on the Palestinian territory, activists said. Organisers said the nine-bus convoy was not bringing aid into Gaza, but rather aimed at carrying out a “symbolic act” by breaking the blockade on the territory described by the United Nations as “the hungriest place on Earth”. Iran said on Monday it will soon present a counter-proposal on a nuclear deal with the US, after it had described Washington’s offer as containing “ambiguities”, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear accord to replace the deal with major powers that US president Donald Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018. Iran has said it will soon start releasing information from a hoard of Israeli nuclear secrets it claims to have obtained, as European countries push for a vote this week on reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme. The unverified claims by Iranian intelligence of a massive leak of Israeli secrets may be designed to turn the focus away from what Iran argues is its own excessively monitored civil nuclear programme. Aid boxes being distributed in Gaza are “simply not enough” and “cannot undo the effects of prolonged starvation”, Oxfam has said. Bushra Khalidi, policy lead at Oxfam, said the nutritional value in the boxes “fall far short of what any principled humanitarian agency with expertise in nutrition and emergency response would recommend”. In an interview with the Guardian, she said: The aid boxes currently being distributed are simply not enough. A few packages of pasta, flour, oil, sugar, and tinned vegetables cannot undo the effects of prolonged starvation. They lack fresh protein, fruits, and vegetables – essential components for the nutrition of a population facing extreme hunger. What’s more, there is a severe shortage of clean water, fuel, and cooking gas. People cannot prepare meals with dry goods if they have no means to cook, no fuel, and are living under constant bombardment. The limited contents of these aid boxes fall far short of what any principled humanitarian agency with expertise in nutrition and emergency response would recommend for a population subjected to nearly 20 months of blockade and mass displacement. This is not just inadequate, it risks becoming an extension of a policy that has weaponised starvation. Children and families need far more than these insufficient food parcels. They need functioning hospitals, clean water, shelter, mental health support, and access to education, none of which are being addressed at scale. It is misleading to suggest that these limited aid distributions are enough for more than two million Palestinians enduring Israel’s military siege and total blockade for months. Far more must be done to meet even the most basic humanitarian needs. Sweden’s ministry of foreign affairs on Monday said that it was aware of the situation on the Madleen and following developments onboard. “The ministry of foreign affairs and the ambassador in Tel Aviv are in contact with local authorities and monitoring the situation closely,” a spokesperson said. “Should the need for consular assistance arise, the embassy and the ministry of foreign affairs will assess how we can bets help the Swedish national / Greta Thunberg to solve their situation.” Hundreds of people, mainly Tunisians, launched on Monday a land convoy bound for Gaza , seeking to “break the siege” on the Palestinian territory, activists said. Organisers said the nine-bus convoy was not bringing aid into Gaza, but rather aimed at carrying out a “symbolic act” by breaking the blockade on the territory described by the United Nations as “the hungriest place on Earth”. The “Soumoud” convoy, meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic, includes doctors and aims to arrive in Rafah, in southern Gaza, “by the end of the week”, activist Jawaher Channa told AFP. It is set to pass through Libya and Egypt, although Cairo has yet to provide passage permits, she added. “We are about a thousand people, and we will have more join us along the way,” said Channa, spokesperson of the Tunisian Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine, the group organising the caravan. “Egypt has not yet given us permission to cross its borders, but we will see what happens when we get there,” she said. Channa said the convoy was not set to face issues crossing Libya, “whose people have historically supported the Palestinian cause”, despite recent deadly clashes in the country that remains divided between two governments. Algerian, Mauretanian, Moroccan and Libyan activists were also among the group, which is set to travel along the Tunisian and Libyan coasts, before continuing on to Rafah through Egypt. Adalah, a rights group in Israel that said it was representing the activists, has claimed that the 12 activists on the Madleen have not yet been brought to the country and they remain at sea. The group said Israel’s Detention Review Tribunal has confirmed that the activists are not currently in its custody and that it appears the authorities intend to deport the individuals upon arrival. It added that because today is not a scheduled hearing day at the Tribunal, any proceedings are expected to take place tomorrow. The group said: Adalah reiterates that the activists on the Flotilla are part of a civilian mission to break the illegal blockade on Gaza. The rights group said the Madleen was unlawfully intercepted in international waters and the activists were detained illegally. Israel has thus far failed to provided sufficient information as to their whereabouts and their legal status, Israel must provide such information immediately and release the unlawfully detained volunteers. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer described the cargo on the Gaza aid boat as “meagre”. Labelling the ship as a “selfie yacht”, the spokesman claimed less than a truck’s worth of aid was onboard, but said that it would be sent in to Gaza. He said Israel had taken control of the vessel smoothly, adding that those aboard the vessel would be returned home to their countries as soon as possible. The Madleen said it was attempting to reach the shores of the territory to bring in a symbolic amount of aid and raise international awareness of the continuing humanitarian crisis. Iran said on Monday it will soon present a counter-proposal on a nuclear deal with the US, after it had described Washington’s offer as containing “ambiguities”, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP). Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear accord to replace the deal with major powers that US president Donald Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018. The longtime foes have been locked in a diplomatic standoff over Iran’s uranium enrichment, with Tehran defending it as a “non-negotiable” right and Washington describing it as a “red line”. On 31 May, after the fifth round of talks, Iran said it had received “elements” of a US proposal, with Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later saying the text contained “ambiguities”. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticised the US proposal as “lacking elements” reflective of the previous rounds of negotiations, without providing further details. “We will soon submit our own proposed plan to the other side through (mediator) Oman once it is finalised,” Baqaei told a weekly press briefing. “It is a proposal that is reasonable, logical and balanced, and we strongly recommend that the American side value this opportunity.” Iran’s parliament speaker has said the US proposal failed to include the lifting of sanctions – a key demand for Tehran, which has been reeling under their weight for years. US president Donald Trump planned to speak with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, a White House official told Reuters. The call comes as Trump has been trying to accelerate aid into Gaza and has been trying to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear program. Iran has said it will soon start releasing information from a hoard of Israeli nuclear secrets it claims to have obtained, as European countries push for a vote this week on reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme. The unverified claims by Iranian intelligence of a massive leak of Israeli secrets may be designed to turn the focus away from what Iran argues is its own excessively monitored civil nuclear programme. Jo-Ann Mort is co-author of Our Hearts Invented a Place: Can Kibbutzim Survive in Today’s Israel ? She writes frequently about Israel for US, UK, and Israeli publications. Emmanuel Macron has become enemy No 1 for the Netanyahu government. That’s because the French president aims to create momentum for a Palestinian state beside Israel encompassing the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and the Gaza Strip, reviving what is fast becoming an out-of-reach possibility – a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. That’s why Macron has earned the fury of an increasingly unhinged Israeli prime minister. France is expected to co-chair an organizing conference at the United Nations in New York in mid-June, taking advantage of heads of state already in North America for the Canadian-based G7 summit a few days earlier. He hopes this conference will include the all-important Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess whether the Saudis show up, as they calculate whether there is enough maneuverability on the Palestinian issue for them to expose themselves. I hope they show up – either at the foreign ministry level or, dramatically, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman himself as co-chair, as Macron initially envisioned. The reality is that with a far-right Israeli government and prime minister in the clutches of its most extreme elements, it’s urgently important for world leaders who want to maintain a two-state option to turn up and shout out. There is no more important figure right now for Macron to have by his side than Prince Mohammed, who could also help influence a US president who presently appears to have no consistent diplomatic strategy for Israel-Palestine. You can read more of Jo-Ann Mort’s opinion piece here: Macron must lead the EU push to end Israel’s war on Gaza Macron must lead the EU push to end Israel’s war on Gaza | Jo-Ann Mort Read more The Swedish foreign ministry said it was in contact with Israeli authorities. “Should the need for consular support arise, the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assess how we can best help the Swedish citizen/Greta Thunberg resolve her situation,” a Swedish Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a written statement to Reuters. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer has hit out at Greta Thunberg after her Gaza aid boat was detained. Speaking at a press conference, he addressed her directly and asked “who is really feeding Gaza and who is really feeding their own ego?”. Speaking in a typically combative style, Mencer went on: For the last two weeks alone, Israel has facilitated more than 1,200 trucks laden with aid to enter Gaza. The very latest figures from Gaza are that close to 11 million meals have been delivered directly to Gazans. To those that really do wish to get real aid to Gaza, there are proper, organised channels. Iran has said it will soon start releasing information from a hoard of Israeli nuclear secrets it claims to have obtained, as European countries push for a vote this week on reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme. The unverified claims by Iranian intelligence of a massive leak of Israeli secrets may be designed to turn the focus away from what Iran argues is its own excessively monitored civil nuclear programme. On Sunday, Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, claimed Tehran had obtained “a vast collection of strategic and sensitive [Israeli] documents, including plans and data on the nuclear facilities”. He added evidence would be released shortly, and implied some of the documentation was linked to Israel’s arrest of two Israeli nationals, Roi Mizrahi and Almog Attias, over alleged spying for Iran. Even within Iran there is scepticism that Iranian agents could have obtained such dramatic intelligence. The claim may be designed to warn off Israel from acting on its repeated threat to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites since Iranian insight into Israel’s own nuclear programme would increase the risk of effective Iranian reprisals. European powers are preparing to press for a vote at the quarterly board meeting of the nuclear inspectorate the IAEA in Vienna, which starts on Monday, that could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions in October. France, Germany and the UK will cite a 20-page comprehensive report commissioned from the IAEA secretariat on Iran’s failure to comply with the nuclear deal agreed in 2015, and Tehran’s years-long failure to answer questions about aspects of its previous nuclear programme. Iran says it will release Israeli nuclear secrets as pressure grows to reimpose sanctions France on Monday said it would work to ensure the rapid return home of French citizens aboard a boat carrying aid bound for Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli security forces, AFP reported. President Emmanuel Macron has requested that the six French nationals aboard the Madleen “be allowed to return to France as soon as possible”, a presidential official said, asking not to be named, while foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Paris would work “to facilitate their swift return to France”.;0,125
Annie McCarrick murder: Man (60s) arrested and Garda search operation under way Gardaí are conducting a search operation at a residence in Clondalkin, Co Dublin Annie McCarrick (26), a young American woman who was living in Ireland at the time, went missing on March 26th, 1993. A man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of Annie McCarrick who disappeared while living in south Dublin in 1993. The detention of the man in his 60s is the first arrest ever made in the inquiry. Ms McCarrick (26), a young American woman who was living in Ireland at the time, went missing on March 26th, 1993. The man is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin. He can be questioned for up to 24 hours. Gardaí have also sealed off a property in Clondalkin, west Dublin, and plan to search the house and garden through the day. “The current residents of this home are not connected in anyway with Annie McCarrick or her disappearance,” the Garda said in a statement. “Elements of that house and garden will be searched and subject of both technical and forensic examinations.” Garda arriving at the house in Clondalkin on Thursday morning. Photograph: Collins Garda outside the house in Clondalkin on Thursday morning. Photograph: Collins They added the arrested man was being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Dublin Garda station, which allows detectives up to 24 hours to question him, at which time he must be released or charged. A temporary restricted airspace (TRA) has been put in place by the Irish Aviation Authority in respect of the search area. The significant moves in the inquiry follow intensive work in recent years to solve the killing, and find Ms McCarrick’s remains, after the case was upgraded from the missing persons inquiry to a murder investigation. The arrest and search operation is being led by an investigation team from the Dublin Metropolitan Region and the serious crime unit based at Irishtown Garda station under the direction of a senior investigating officer. The upgrading of Ms McCarrick’s disappearance to murder has led to a number of changes in the investigation. Ms McCarrick was born in 1967 and grew up in Long Island, New York. She was an only child who came to Ireland in the late 1980s and studied at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. At the time of her disappearance she had fallen in love with Ireland and wanted to settle in the country despite her parents’ wishes that she return to live in the United States. In March 1993 she was living in rented accommodation at St Cathryn’s Court in Sandymount, Dublin, with two friends, when she vanished. An alleged sighting of her at Johnnie Fox’s pub in Glencullen, Co Dublin, has now been discounted as has a CCTV photograph of her in the Sandymount branch of the AIB that was timed to 11 days before her disappearance. On Sunday, March 28th, 1993, friends of Ms McCarrick became concerned for her welfare. She was not at home the previous day when they called for dinner as invited, and she had not turned up for work on either of those days. Groceries that had been purchased by Ms McCarrick on the morning of Friday, March 26th, 1993, in Quinnsworth on Sandymount Road had been left unpacked in shopping bags. A receipt in the shopping bags confirmed the date and time of purchase as: 26/03/1993 at 11.02am. This is the last confirmed evidence of what she did when she was alive. On March 26th, 1993, Ms McCarrick spoke to her flatmates before they travelled home for the weekend, leaving her alone at the property. She was due to meet friends at her apartment the following day and was also preparing for the arrival of her mother, Nancy, in Ireland three days later, March 30th. However, on Saturday when friends of Ms McCarrick went to her apartment for dinner she was not there, causing concern. Although extensive searching was carried out and public appeals made in the days that followed her disappearance, much of that activity was based on questionable sightings of Ms McCarrick going to Glencullen. Two years ago the inquiry was upgraded to a murder investigation and in recent years gardaí have focused their inquiries on two men who were known to Ms McCarrick at the time, one of whom is still living in Ireland. The other man, who is abroad, has recently been interviewed by gardaí, though he was not arrested.;0
‘Dublin 8 Says No’: Mother removes son (8) from school due to anti-immigration protests A mother has decided to temporarily take her son out of school in Dublin 8 following nearby anti- immigration protests over recent weeks and a “knife incident”. Andreea-Claudia Calin took her son (8) out of Canal Way Educate Together School, located on Basin Lane, where protesters have gathered at drop-off and collection times. An encampment has been set up close to the school gates with Tricolours and graffiti stating: “Dublin 8 Says No”. An International Protection Accommodation Service centre has been in operation at Basin View since 2022. Plans to refurbish another building to expand the centre were under consideration by the Department of Justice but were dropped in recent weeks. Ms Calin, who is originally from Romania and grew up in Greece, has been living in Ireland since 2018 with her partner and two children. She was informed by the school of a “knife incident” in the area last month. It is understood that a man, who is a foreign national, had been dropping his child off at a separate primary school nearby when there was an altercation with a teenage boy who wielded a knife and, allegedly, assaulted him. Gardaí confirmed they attended the scene of “an alleged assault and public order incident” on May 28th at 8.45am. “A male youth was arrested concerning the incident,” said a Garda spokesman. “He has since been released and a file will now be prepared for the Garda youth diversion programme.” Ms Calin said hearing about the knife incident “felt like American news”. “It’s not something that you hear happening in a school in Dublin,” she said. “I understand the free right to protest, but at the same time, there are some guidelines. It can’t be threatening or intimidating. In my opinion, it’s unlawful. Why have they not been removed from in front of the school? ... I want him to go to school, but it’s not safe. Something needs to be done.” Ms Calin said she made the decision on Monday not to send her son to school and informed his teacher and principal. She said she is homeschooling him. “We have Irish friends, we live in a neighbourhood with Irish neighbours that we get along with. I got Irish citizenship ... I absolutely love it here. I never saw it as an unsafe place to live until recently,” she added. “I don’t understand why these kids have to pay for whatever it is between the people who are protesting and the Government. Why are they mixed up in this and why is no one doing something to protect them?” The school’s board of management said: “We are always saddened when a child temporarily withdraws, particularly when the circumstances involve challenges that fall beyond the school’s capacity to fully address or control.” The board said it was “monitoring” the protest’s impact on its school community and “direct requests” to protesters for a different approach have so far been unsuccessful. “We’ve notified the situation to the departments of education and justice, An Garda Síochána, INTO [Irish National Teachers’ Organisation], Fórsa ... seeking a respectful, inclusive resolution,” it added.;-0,025
"Bulls will look to use raw power to take down Leinster in URC final Forward onslaught of raw power is likely to be South African side’s gameplan in Saturday’s URC final at Croke Park The South African podcaster Harry Jones recently posted a video to social media detailing the country’s rugby philosophy. A fan, whom Jones labels the Potchefstroom Poet, lays it out for those who have not been initiated in the ways of the ‘Bok: “We f**k them up in front, easy. We make our first-time tackles. And then, we spread the ball. Easy. No nuance in how the Bulls can sack Croke Park this week: back to brutal basics. ~ the Potchefstroom Poet ? @LekkerRugbyPod ? pic.twitter.com/Vk81K9gvgv — Harry Jones (@haribaldijones) June 9, 2025 “Rugby is not hard.” Libations may have influenced this particular bard when dumbing down the rugby DNA of an entire nation. But he isn’t wrong. Twice in the last four years, Jake White and his Bulls have faced Leinster in URC knockout games. Twice they have ended Leo Cullen and friends’ seasons. The secret sauce? See our lairy lyricist. The Bulls laid siege to Leinster’s forward pack in a way which has become stereotypical of South African sides. The Irish province couldn’t cope. Should the Bulls revert to type? If they do, are Leinster better equipped to deal with the onslaught? Against the Sharks last week, the Bulls did not just rely on set-piece, forward dominance and an astute kicking game Let’s start by succeeding where our muse failed; putting some statistical meat on the bones of the Bulls’ success. They fall into the South African blueprint of looking to play without the ball, kicking aplenty and being ruthlessly efficient when they do earn opportunities to strike. In last year’s semi-final at Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls made 112 carries to Leinster’s 131. They kicked 42 times in open play, Leinster 37. The South African side’s kick-to-pass ratio was 1:3. Leinster’s was 1:5. The kicking game worked, the Bulls earning 59 per cent of the game’s territory. Just 34 per cent of their possession came in their own half. Despite the deficiency in attacking volume, the Bulls made almost the same number of metres post-contact as Leinster (231 vs 236) while working more line breaks (eight vs six). The identity of those doing the attacking damage is telling. For most sides, the ‘best’ runners, those who make the most metres, are found in the back three. They often have acres of space to run back kicks against faraway defensive lines. Not the Bulls. In that 2024 semi-final, their top metre-maker was number eight Cameron Hanekom. Their outhalf, Johan Goosen, was number two. Third was another backrow, Elrigh Louw. The most effective back three player was wing Devon Williams, the team’s fourth best metre-maker. He made less than half the yardage of Hanekom (39 metres vs 83). By contrast, Leinster’s top four carriers that day were James Lowe, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne and Caelan Doris. The Bulls do spread the ball, as our poet suggested, but only after the big boys do the main damage up front. They have the lowest figure in the URC for number of phases which travel beyond the second receiver (6.1 per cent). The one area not yet referenced is the set-piece. Unsurprisingly, the Bulls love a scrum. Videos of their frontrow battle with the Sharks last week have gone viral. They have historically targeted Leinster’s dead ball platform. With good reason. This year, 68.3 per cent of the province’s tries have come from set-piece, joint highest in the URC. #RugbyScoop | Next week final will be a good one. But I worry about is the lack of reward for strong scrums in the comp. Bulls will definitely be strong against Leinster next week in the scrum & if they don’t get rewarded, could affect the outcome of the game pic.twitter.com/yoQNquxSjA — Scoop ?? ?? (@Rugby_Scoop) June 8, 2025 In 2024, the Bulls held Leinster to a 67 per cent scrum success rate. In 2022, the lineout was the problem, Leinster ending with a success rate of 78 per cent. In that 2022 upset at the RDS, unsurprisingly the Bulls outkicked Leinster 31-25. Less predictable was Leinster still earning 70 per cent of territory while only holding 48 per cent of possession. Then, Leinster’s profligacy was more of an issue than where the game was played. They coughed up possession 18 times (compared to 13 in 2024). True to form, though, the Bulls’ best runner at the RDS was their number eight, Elrigh Louw. Leinster’s was Jimmy O’Brien. Here’s where things get interesting. Against the Sharks last week, the Bulls did not just rely on set-piece, forward dominance and an astute kicking game. They still kicked plenty (once for every 2.9 passes, more often than their victory over Leinster last year) and let the opposition dominate the ball. Yet they also threw 13 offloads. Four of their top five metre-makers were backs, with wing Sebastian de Klerk leading the way. They also scored an ambitious try off a de Klerk cross-kick. What has just happened ?? Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby score their second of the night with Canan Moodie flying into the corner ?? #BKTURC #URC | #BULvSHA pic.twitter.com/djs1ClZr9u — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 7, 2025 The smart money is for these flourishes to remain precisely that, rather than the dominant gameplan. Can Leinster counteract? They back themselves against anyone when it comes to the strength of the forward pack. In that semi-final defeat last year, Leinster made more dominant tackles (and by default had a better dominant tackle percentage) than a South African side which values strong defence above all else. More recently, Leinster’s dominant tackle (9.6 per game) and carry (37.4 per cent) rate leave them mid-table in the global professional rankings this season. The attacking figure is better than the Bulls, the defensive figure worse. Should the Bulls revert to type? If they do, are Leinster better equipped to deal with the onslaught? These stats do include all Leinster games this year, including earlier URC run-outs with weaker XVs. Leinster are not as strong as they’d like on Saturday. Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan are out. The Bulls, though, are missing Hanekom, their backrow wrecking ball recently named URC young player of the year. Set-piece wise, Leinster are once again middle of the global pack for this season’s lineout (83.5 per cent) and scrum (90.2) success rates. The Bulls beat them at both. It remains to be seen if Leinster’s improved total of scrum penalties this year - 54, eight behind the Bulls on 62 - represents enough of an uptick. Historical figures give us a fairly solid idea of how the Bulls think they can beat Leinster. More recent numbers present one or two kernels of comfort for Leinster. Other figures could be used to draw a more negative conclusion. As always with damned stats - which have a propensity to lie - we’ll have to wait until the game itself to see which argument is proved right.";-0,05
"Three teenagers charged with riot in Ballymena while leisure centre set alight in Larne in third night of violence Three teenagers have been remanded in custody charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena after magistrates’ court appearances on Thursday. Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries. Police in Northern Ireland confirmed they have arrested 15 people and charged four people in total in connection with ongoing disorder. The police condemned a third consecutive night of “completely unacceptable” disorder on Thursday morning. READ MORE ‘Burn them all out’: The prejudice bubbling under Ireland’s thin veneer of normality Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ after strike on nuclear and missile facilities Flying Ryanair, smoking on holiday and other things I’ll keep doing even though I shouldn’t Air India crash: Early indication is that pilot decision to raise plane’s nose may have caused it to ‘pancake’ The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged. The PSNI said that on Wednesday night in Ballymena their officers came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, a hatchet, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them. Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town. Nine officers were injured, while two men, aged in their 20s, and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder on Wednesday. Police said officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds. Police also responded to an attack on the local leisure centre in Larne. Larne Leisure Centre was targeted on Wednesday evening as a third night of unrest unfolds Masked protesters blocked local roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, a teenager was arrested in Newtownabbey following disorder in the Station Road area and in Coleraine, a bus was attacked, bins were set alight on the train tracks and petrol bombs were thrown at police. They added that associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas, and there were mainly peaceful protests in Belfast. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was a significant policing operation on Wednesday night. “What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services,” he said. “Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry. “A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers, and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe. “We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.” Earlier, Northern Secretary Hilary Benn described scenes as “shocking”, adding there is “absolutely no justification for civil disorder”. He told the BBC ’s Good Morning Ulster programme: “This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see. A group of Filipino nationals have been forced to leave their Ballymena home amid ongoing violence in the town. Video: Reuters Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “genuinely very saddened and horrified” by the attacks that have been made on foreigners in Ballymena and elsewhere in Northern Ireland in recent days. “That people should be attacked in such a manner, such violence should manifest itself in the way it has, it’s a sad day,” Mr Martin told journalists on Thursday. “I would appeal to all involved to desist, to back off, to allow people to live in peace and in harmony, irrespective of creed or colour, race and ethnicity. We are a multicultural world, and this is a regressive, backward approach.” The level of hostility that has been displayed in Ballymena, where homes have been burned, or their windows and doors kicked has not been “experienced for some time”, Mr Martin went on. Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a “three-day festival of hate and destruction” that must stop before someone loses their life. She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June Monitoring Round. She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain. The Larne leisure centre had temporarily been used as an emergency shelter for those in need following disturbances in Ballymena. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post hours before the attack, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. Mr Lyons later said he would “strongly hit back at any notion” that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena. SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Mr Lyons should resign over the post. The Sinn Féin vice-president said he “failed to show correct leadership” and his commentary “falls very short and very much strays into the territory of inflaming the situation”. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly told BBC Good Morning Ulster that Mr Lyons, her DUP party colleague, should “absolutely” still be in his job, and people want to see politicians united on a clear message. Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly had on Wednesday appeared together to voice their condemnation of the riots. In Ballymena on Wednesday night, the PSNI deployed riot police to deal with the hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area. At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police, while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd, as well as dog units and drones in their response. Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street on to other roads. They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby. Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area. The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight. The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged. Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter Mark Hennessy Mark Hennessy is Ireland and Britain Editor with The Irish Times Opens in new window Opens in new window Ballymena Keir Starmer Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Jon Boutcher Michelle O’Neill Emma Little-Pengelly IN THIS SECTION Man arrested over Annie McCarrick murder was nominated to Garda as suspect in 1993 Police come under attack for fourth night in Northern Ireland ‘If you hang tough, good things do happen’: 17 people get keys to independent living apartments Beyond the Pale: All hands on deck ahead of three-day music festival Children’s hospital commentary often `ill-informed’ contractor BAM tells Minister for Health MOST READ Air India analysis: Early indication is that pilot decision to raise plane’s nose caused it to ‘pancake’ Annie McCarrick: Gardaí arrest chief suspect, search property after new information emerges Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ Department of Social Protection fined €550,000 over facial scans Police revise death toll of Air India crash to more than 240, with dozens more casualties suspected LATEST STORIES US Open live: Latest scores from round two; tee times for McIlroy, Lowry today Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ after strike on nuclear and missile facilities Senior judge to chair inquiry into murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane Matt Williams: Bulls have a simple, winning game plan, and Leinster must simply smash it Man arrested over Annie McCarrick murder was nominated to Garda as suspect in 1993";0,1
"Hamas accused of attack on bus that killed eight Gaza food aid workers At least eight Palestinians working for the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have died in an ambush that the troubled food distribution operation blamed on Hamas . A bus carrying about two dozen GHF workers was attacked on Wednesday night as it headed to an aid centre in southern Gaza , the foundation said. In addition to the eight fatalities, many others were injured or kidnapped, it said. Separately, the local health authority said 103 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire and 400 wounded in the past 24 hours across the war-torn enclave – including 21 people killed on Thursday morning near GHF sites. “Hamas murdered five humanitarian workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with others being kidnapped,” said Cogat, the Israeli defence agency that co-ordinates humanitarian issues with the Palestinians. “The international community cannot ignore Hamas’s crimes against humanitarian workers.” READ MORE The great tragedy is there’s no political pendulum to restrain Israel’s Cromwellian impulses Humanity might yet prove the species that was too stupid and greedy to save itself Hamas accused of attack on bus that killed eight Gaza food aid workers Israeli strike on Iran is unlikely without green light from Trump GHF’s interim director John Acree said his organisation had considered closing its centres on Thursday following the bus attack, but opted to remain open. “We decided that the best response to Hamas’ cowardly murderers was to keep delivering food for the people of Gaza who are counting on us,” he said in a statement. The Palestinian militant group, which controls Gaza, declined to comment on the shootings. Social media channels in Gaza said Hamas had targeted the bus because it was allegedly carrying people affiliated with Yasser Abu Shabab , the leader of a large clan which has challenged Hamas’s supremacy in the enclave and is being armed by Israel. [ Israel confirms it is arming 'clans' in Gaza to fight Hamas Opens in new window ] The Israeli military said it was continuing to target Hamas fighters in Gaza, killing three militants who fired an anti-tank missile towards its soldiers, and hitting a building near a medical centre that it said was being used to make weapons. Meanwhile, Israel has deported six more activists who were detained when it seized an aid boat bound for the Gaza Strip. They include Rima Hassan, a MEP who Israel had previously barred from entering Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing her support for boycotts of the country. They were among 12 passengers, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, aboard the Madleen, a boat that sought to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver a symbolic amount of aid. Israel seized the vessel early on Monday and deported Ms Thunberg and three others the following day. In Egypt, authorities have reportedly deported dozens of foreign nationals who arrived in the country to take part in a pro-Palestinian march and dozens more face deportation. Hundreds of people came to Egypt this week for the Global March to Gaza, an international initiative intended to exert pressure for an end to an Israeli blockade of the Palestinian enclave and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis there. Organisers said people from 80 countries were set to begin the march to Egypt’s Rafah Crossing with Gaza and confirmed some had been deported or were detained at the airport. Airport sources said at least 73 foreign nationals had been deported on a flight to Istanbul after authorities said they violated entry protocols, and that about 100 more were at the airport awaiting deportation. Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz told the military on Wednesday to prevent demonstrators entering Gaza from Egypt, and said the march was a threat to Israeli and regional security. Palestinian children wait for food at a distribution point in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip. Photograph: Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images) Early on Thursday, Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government survived an attempt to dissolve parliament. Most of his Likud Party’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners joined him in voting against a bill that would have forced them to register for military service while the country is at war. The ultra-Orthodox parties had been angry that the government has failed to pass a law exempting their community from mandatory military service. Israel’s opposition had hoped the public anger over the exemptions would help topple the government. But just two of the 18 ultra-Orthodox members of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, supported the bill to dissolve. The vote means no other bill to dissolve parliament can be submitted for at least six months, shoring up Mr Netanyahu’s embattled coalition. The vote was the most serious challenge to the government since the October 7th, 2023, attack by Hamas, the biggest security failure in Israel’s history and the trigger for the ongoing war in Gaza. – Reuters 2025 The New York Times Company Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter Gaza Strip Israel-Hamas conflict Hamas Binyamin Netanyahu IN THIS SECTION Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ Israel’s ambition: Destroy the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme Israel attacks Iran: Where are Iran’s nuclear sites and does it have nuclear weapons? Israel launches attacks on Iran UN nuclear watchdog says Iran is in breach of negotiations MOST READ Air India analysis: Early indication is that pilot decision to raise plane’s nose caused it to ‘pancake’ Annie McCarrick: Gardaí arrest chief suspect, search property after new information emerges Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ Department of Social Protection fined €550,000 over facial scans Police revise death toll of Air India crash to more than 240, with dozens more casualties suspected LATEST STORIES US Open live: Latest scores from round two; tee times for McIlroy, Lowry today Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ after strike on nuclear and missile facilities Senior judge to chair inquiry into murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane Matt Williams: Bulls have a simple, winning game plan, and Leinster must simply smash it Man arrested over Annie McCarrick murder was nominated to Garda as suspect in 1993";0,125
Elon Musk says he ‘regrets’ some posts he made about Donald Trump White House says president is ‘appreciative’ of statement Donald Trump received a telephone call from Elon Musk before the expression of regret, according to a White House source. Elon Musk has said he “regrets some” of his social media posts about Donald Trump , after a spat between two of the world’s most powerful men resulted in a public split last week. “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” the Tesla chief executive said in a post on his social media company X on Wednesday. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary said later on Wednesday: “The president acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning, and he is appreciative of it, and we are continuing to focus on the business of the American people.” Reuters reported that Mr Trump received a telephone call from Mr Musk before the expression of regret. The pair’s relationship had shown signs of strains in recent weeks, with the Tesla chief criticising parts of the White House agenda, including the president’s signature tax bill, which he called a “disgusting abomination”. It then imploded last week as the two traded insults. In a series of posts on X, Mr Musk called for Mr Trump to be impeached, suggested his trade tariffs would cause a US recession, threatened to decommission SpaceX capsules used to transport Nasa astronauts and insinuated the president was associated with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025 In response, Mr Trump had threatened to rip up US government contracts with Mr Musk’s businesses. However, Ms Leavitt on Wednesday said: “No efforts have been made on that front, as far as I’m aware.” Allies have urged the pair to repair their relationship. The Financial Times last week reported senior figures in the tech industry had urged the two to reunite, amid concerns the damaging spat could affect the administration’s plans for tax cuts and deregulation. Late last week Mr Trump said he was “not even thinking about Elon”. “The poor guy’s got a problem,” he said. But he added “I wish him well.” Mr Musk helped bankroll Mr Trump’s presidential campaign and spearheaded the administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, but left the administration last month. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025. Additional reporting: Reuters (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2025;0
US Judge to hear California governor’s bid to block Trump from deploying troops LA has seen days of protest over Trump’s immigration crackdown and military deployment A Los Angeles police officer on horseback clashes with a protester in Los Angeles. Photograph: Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times Dani Anguiano Edward Helmore Oliver Holmes Robert Mackey Thu Jun 12 2025 - 17:22 A US federal judge on Thursday is expected to hear arguments over the request of the California governor for a temporary restraining order to block Donald Trump from deploying troops to suppress protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. The hearing, set for federal district court in San Francisco, comes after the presiding judge, Charles Breyer, a Bill Clinton appointee, earlier declined to grant an immediate injunction against the Trump administration. The request for the restraining order is part of a lawsuit filed by the state of California challenging Mr Trump’s move to call up more than 4,000 national guard troops and about 700 active-duty marines based in Twentynine Palms California over Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. The complaint is largely aimed at the legitimacy of Mr Trump’s order. READ MORE Tariff war: EU must decide how hard it wants to hit back First group of migrants deported from US arrive in Costa Rica US objects to calling out ‘Russian aggression’ in G7 statement on Ukraine Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in Los Angeles It sought a judicial declaration to nullify the order and to make clear that it was unlawful for the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, to bypass Mr Newsom in federalising the state’s national guard forces in this instance. Mr Newsom has called Mr Trump a “stone cold liar”, condemned the federal deployment of troops as “theatre” and “madness” and even questioned the president’s mental fitness as protests continue. US immigration officials carried out further “enforcement activity” in California’s agricultural heartland and the Los Angeles area on Wednesday. Immigrant advocacy groups reported multiple actions across the state, where an estimated 255,700 farm workers are undocumented, and said agents pursued workers through blueberry fields and staged operations at agricultural facilities. The raids have been sharply criticised by advocacy groups and local officials, who said they were “outraged and heartbroken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) activities targeting immigrant families”. “When our workforce’s lives are in fear, the fields will go unharvested, the impact is felt not only at the local level, but it will also be felt at the national level,” said Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, the mayor of Ventura, a coastal city just north of Los Angeles. “Everything will be affected and every American who is here and relies on the labour of these individuals will be affected.” Immigration activities have continued in the Los Angeles area as well, where officials say people have been detained outside Home Depots and in front of churches. Karen Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, said the raids have created a deep sense of fear in the region and that the White House has provoked unrest. The night-time curfew she put in place this week will stay in place as long as needed, including while there are ongoing raids and a military presence in the city, Ms Bass said at a press conference on Wednesday. Hilda Solis, an LA county supervisor, said on Wednesday evening she was concerned about a “deeply disturbing incident” in the city’s Boyle Heights neighbourhood involving two unmarked vehicles operated by Ice agents crashing into a civilian car with two children inside and deploying tear gas to apprehend an individual. She said she had also learned of an incident of Ice attempting to detain a member of the press. The nearly 5,000 US military personnel in the city now exceeds the number of US troops in both Iraq and Syria. The increasing raids come as Ice ramps up its efforts to meet a reported quota of 3,000 detentions a day set by Stephen Miller, Mr Trump’s White House deputy chief of staff. The city has seen days of protest over Trump’s immigration crackdown and the subsequent military deployment. California governor accuses Trump of escalating unrest with military deployments in Los Angeles. Video: Reuters Los Angeles police announced they had arrested more than 200 people in the city’s downtown area on Tuesday, after crowds gathered in defiance of the overnight curfew in the neighbourhood. The police department said it had carried out more than 400 arrests and detentions of protesters since Saturday. Across the country, NBC reported that Ice was preparing to deploy tactical units to several more cities run by Democratic leaders, citing two sources, who named four of the cities as Seattle, Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. On Wednesday, dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities. Mr Newsom and the California attorney general, Rob Bonta, have alleged in a pair of lawsuits filed on Monday and Tuesday that Mr Trump’s takeover of the state’s national guard, against the governor’s wishes, was unlawful. In a speech, Mr Newsom condemned Trump for “indiscriminately targeting hard-working immigrant families” and militarising the streets of LA, recounting how in recent days Ice agents had grabbed people outside a Home Depot, detained a nine-months-pregnant US citizen, sent unmarked cars to schools, and arrested gardeners and seamstresses. “That’s just weakness masquerading as strength,” the governor said. Los Angeles police and protesters clash amid protests condemning immigration-enforcement operations. Photograph: Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times Mr Trump defended the military deployment on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday morning, writing: “If our troops didn’t go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now, just like so much of their housing burned to the ground. The great people of Los Angeles are very lucky that I made the decision to go in and help!!!” Meanwhile, officials in Los Angeles have sought to reassure the public that the situation in the city remains largely peaceful and calm. At a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Nathan Hochman, the district attorney of Los Angeles county, pointed out how images of unrest on television and social media have misled many Americans about the nature and scale of the mayhem. “If you only saw the social media and the media reports of what’s going on over the last five days, you would think that Los Angeles is on the brink of war,” he said. “Let me put this in perspective for you”, he said, “99.99% of people who live in Los Angeles ... have not committed any illegal acts in connection with this protest whatsoever.” – Guardian;0,4
"Robert Kennedy Jr names new vaccine panel members US health secretary recently fired all 17 sitting members Robert F Kennedy Jr, secretary of health and human services, has named new vaccine panel members. Photograph: Eric lee/ The New York Times Wed Jun 11 2025 - 22:37 US health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr on Wednesday named new members to serve on a key panel of vaccine advisers after abruptly firing all 17 sitting members of the independent panel of experts, according to a post on X. The eight new members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices are: Joseph R Hibbeln, Martin Kulldorff, Retsef Levi, Robert W Malone, Cody Meissner, James Pagano, Vicky Pebsworth and Michael A Ross. “All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense,” Mr Kennedy said in a post on X. The panel is part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mr Kennedy said the new members are committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations. READ MORE Protest planned in Israel at marriage of Netanyahu’s son Who gains from Mongolian prime minister’s downfall? A Joycean mystery is mapped out in London as Bloomsday looms Is it legal for Trump to use US troops to suppress protests? Mr Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has alleged that the prior panel members, many of whom were appointed by former president Joe Biden, had conflicts of interest, without providing evidence of specific members’ conflicts, and said the move was necessary “to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science”. Numerous physician groups have expressed concern and suspicion over Mr Kennedy’s unprecedented removal of all the panel’s prior members. The American Medical Association, the nation’s largest physician group, has called for a Senate investigation into their dismissal and sent Mr Kennedy a letter calling for an immediate reversal of the changes. —Reuters Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter Robert F Kennedy jnr US IN THIS SECTION Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in Los Angeles Democratic senator Alex Padilla forcibly removed from homeland security press conference Judge to hear California governor’s bid to block Trump from deploying troops Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge amid jury issues Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he hopes to meet Trump at G7 meeting in Canada MOST READ Air India analysis: Early indication is that pilot decision to raise plane’s nose caused it to ‘pancake’ Annie McCarrick: Gardaí arrest chief suspect, search property after new information emerges Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ Department of Social Protection fined €550,000 over facial scans Police revise death toll of Air India crash to more than 240, with dozens more casualties suspected LATEST STORIES US Open live: Latest scores from round two; tee times for McIlroy, Lowry today Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ after strike on nuclear and missile facilities Senior judge to chair inquiry into murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane Matt Williams: Bulls have a simple, winning game plan, and Leinster must simply smash it Man arrested over Annie McCarrick murder was nominated to Garda as suspect in 1993";-0,05
"Dead elephants and feral sea lions: how poisonous algal blooms harm the planet Toxic water can create ‘dead zones’ where few fish can survive The deaths of at least 350 elephants in the Okavango Delta in Botswana have been linked to toxic water caused by an algal bloom. Photograph: National Park Rescue/AFP via Getty Images Patrick Greenfield Tue Jun 10 2025 - 19:00 Before the elephants collapsed, they walked in aimless circles. Some fell head first, dying where they stood moments earlier; their carcasses scattered near watering holes across the Okavango delta in Botswana. The unexplained deaths in May 2020 alarmed conservationists. By July at least 350 elephants had died and nobody knew why. “The animals all had their tusks, so poaching was unlikely. A lot of them had obviously died relatively suddenly: they had dropped on to their sternums, which was indicating a sudden loss of muscle function or neural capacity,” says Niall McCann, director of the conservation group National Park Rescue. Nearly five years later, in November 2024, scientists finally published a paper indicating what they believe to be the reason behind the deaths: toxic water caused by an algal bloom. READ MORE Protest planned in Israel at marriage of Netanyahu’s son Who gains from Mongolian prime minister’s downfall? A Joycean mystery is mapped out in London as Bloomsday looms Is it legal for Trump to use US troops to suppress protests? A sudden shift between dry and wet conditions in 2019 and 2020 created perfect conditions for cyanobacteria that release toxins lethal to the elephants, although the researchers could not make definitive conclusions as samples were not taken quickly enough in 2020 due to the pandemic. “Blooms” are a rapid increase in the amount of algae, often occurring in shallow, slow-moving warm water. They can transform a sea, lake or river into a mass of green, yellow, brown or even red, sometimes for several weeks. Not all blooms are harmful – many sustain important fisheries. But sometimes algae forms such a thick layer that it blocks out sunlight in critical habitats; others can release harmful toxins. When the algae die, they rapidly deplete oxygen in water – often creating “dead zones” where few fish can survive. As the Earth warms, harmful algal blooms are on the rise – even creeping into polar waters. They are driven by a mixture of pollution from agriculture, runoff from human waste and, increasingly, global heating – sometimes with dramatic consequences for wildlife and humans. As they spread, they are changing the colour of the world’s lakes, rivers and oceans. [ UN Ocean Conference 3: will it lead to protecting the high seas from all extraction, forever? Opens in new window ] Nearly two-thirds of all lakes have changed colour in the past 40 years, a recent study shows. A third are blue – but as temperatures warm, they are likely to turn a murky green or brown, other research has found. The planet’s oceans are turning green as they warm, a result of absorbing more than 90 per cent of excess heat from global warming. At sea, the size and frequency of blooms in coastal areas has risen by 13.2 per cent and 59.2 per cent respectively in 2003-2020, a 2024 study revealed. In freshwater systems blooms became 44 per cent more frequent globally in the 2010s, according to a 2022 global assessment of 248,000 lakes. The rise was largely driven by places in Asia and Africa that remain reliant on agricultural fertiliser. While progress has been made in North America, Europe and Oceania to stabilise blooms, the climate crisis has driven their resurgence in some freshwater systems. The fertilisers that people use to grow plants – including reactive nitrogen and phosphates – also supercharge algal growth. As they are washed off fields and pour into water bodies around the world, they significantly alter how ecosystems function. “Humans are today loading more reactive nitrogen into the biosphere than the natural cycle [is],” said Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. He was co-author of a 2023 assessment that found that humanity had now gone far beyond the planet’s natural limits for nitrogen and phosphorus. [ Commitment to climate action hard to find in Government Opens in new window ] “We need to reduce the supply of reactive human nitrogen by over 75 per cent. It’s a dramatic change and there’s a lot of scientific debate about this,” he says. “Most agricultural scientists say that it is not possible because we cannot feed humanity. We have a contradiction here: is our first objective to keep the planet’s freshwater systems, coastal zones, ecosystems and climate stable – or is it to feed humanity?” Others warn that it is not a simple choice between food and the environment. In northern Norway repeated algal blooms have wiped out millions of farmed salmon and cod in recent years. A single bloom killed more than seven million salmon in 2019. This year another has wiped out up to a million more fish. As has just happened in South Australia, where it spanned 8,800 sq km, scores of fish and dead sea life wash up on beaches once a huge algal bloom spreads. Deepwater sharks, crabs, lobsters and prawns are among those found dead as a result of the toxic blanket created by Karenia mikimotoi algae, with the ocean 2.5 degrees hotter than usual for the season. In March a teenager was attacked by a “feral” sea lion off the coast of southern California, where there has been an increase in aggressive behaviour from the animals linked to a large algal bloom, which can poison and induce seizures in the mammals due to the domoic acid neurotoxin it produces. While there are signs that the bloom is waning, it was the fourth consecutive year that California had experienced a significant outbreak. However, not everything dies in a dead zone. Once the putrid expanse of algae has dispersed and those that can swim away have left, aquatic species better adapted to low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, move in. This has led to a boom in jellyfish numbers in many parts of the world. Denise Breitburg, of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, has studied Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the US to experience algal blooms, for decades, says: “The jellyfish we have here are way more tolerant of low oxygen in the water than species they would be competing with for food. They become more efficient predators and can utilise habitat that fin fish are excluded from.” As the world heats, the disruptions that algal blooms cause to ecosystems will be hard to stop, experts warn. Prof Donald Boesch, who helped first identify the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, which last year reached 17,000 sq km, the 12th largest in 38 years of records, says the process will get worse if the world does not prevent rising temperatures. “As the liquid heats up, its ability to dissolve gases is reduced, so it holds less oxygen. Warmer surface waters can increase the stratification of layers in the ocean. It means that the warmer waters at the surface are less dense than the bottom waters, so they don’t get mixed up. “It’s going to get worse,” says Boesch. Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter Climate change IN THIS SECTION Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ India plane crash: lone survivor ‘saw people dying in front of my eyes’ Air India disaster: rescue teams with sniffer dogs search site of plane crash that killed more than 260 people Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in Los Angeles Trump says he may ‘have to force’ US interest rate change in attack on Jay Powell MOST READ Air India analysis: Early indication is that pilot decision to raise plane’s nose caused it to ‘pancake’ Annie McCarrick: Gardaí arrest chief suspect, search property after new information emerges Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ Department of Social Protection fined €550,000 over facial scans Police revise death toll of Air India crash to more than 240, with dozens more casualties suspected LATEST STORIES US Open live: Latest scores from round two; tee times for McIlroy, Lowry today Iran calls Israel attack a ‘declaration of war’ after strike on nuclear and missile facilities Senior judge to chair inquiry into murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane Matt Williams: Bulls have a simple, winning game plan, and Leinster must simply smash it Man arrested over Annie McCarrick murder was nominated to Garda as suspect in 1993";0,275
"Firing at the Desperate: Palestinians Killed as They Gather to Receive Relief SuppliesMohammed Msallam got up early on Tuesday morning, June 3. At 2 a.m., the 37-year-old left the tent in Mawasi, near the city of Khan Younis, and made his way to Rafah, a walk of around 10 kilometers. His brother Yaser, 54, was with him, along with several nieces and nephews. Their goal: a food distribution station operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). That is what Msallam will say over the phone one day later. They have hardly had any food for several weeks, says Msallam, and he doesn’t know how he should feed his three sons, aged 3, 11 and 14. He hasn’t received any supplies from aid organizations since March – supplies that he, like so many of the more than 2 million people in the Gaza Strip, is dependent on. Food has been in short supply since the beginning of the war, but in early March, the Israeli government imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, with almost nothing at all entering the region for almost three months. On May 19, Israel loosened the blockade slightly in response to massive international pressure. But Msallam has noticed very little change. United Nations spokesman Jens Laerke recently called Gaza the ""hungriest place on earth. Which is why Msallam set off for Rafah. Despite the fact that two days earlier, dozens of people had been killed and injured, likely by Israelis soldiers, as they were trying to pick up packages of food. But Msallam decided to take the risk, nonetheless. He had no other choice, he says. The distribution station is inside a military zone When he and his family reached the coastal road leading into the city of Rafah, the crowd grew larger, he says. He estimates that several thousand people had started making their way toward the city in the middle of the night. All he saw around him, he says, was the rubble of destroyed buildings. He recognized nothing. Despite the fact that Rafah is actually his hometown. His home once stood not far from here, in the Tall al-Sultan district where the distribution station is now located. The GHF calls it ""Safe Distribution Site 1,” or SDS 1, for short. It was scheduled to open that morning at 5 a.m., and the crowd wanted to get there on time. Ever since the organization began operations in late May, the supplies have never been sufficient for all those in line, and many people have had to return to their families with empty hands. The distribution site SDS 1 lies inside territory occupied by Israel, an area declared as a military zone. For that reason, those looking for aid had been ordered by the army to stay on the designated route. Msallam says they followed that route. But an estimated 800 meters before reaching the distribution site, while still on the coastal road and not far from the Al-Alam intersection, the first shots were fired, he says, machine-gun fire from the sound of it. ""We threw ourselves to the ground. We couldn’t lift our heads because of the gunfire.” They continued moving, crawling on all fours. ""Around us were women, girls and older people on the desperate search for food,” says Msallam. ""People were struck by bullets in the chest, the legs and even in the face.” Suddenly, he says, his brother Yaser lifted his head. Msallam says his brother is hard of hearing, and maybe he thought the shooting had ended. ""He was immediately hit in the head by a bullet.” Shots from soldiers, tanks, drones and warships Msallam says he saw a tank about 500 meters away. ""Shots were being fired from it.” There was also gunfire coming from drones and ships, he says. There were, he insists, no Hamas fighters in the area. ""They were just normal people there. The firing clearly came from the Israeli army.” Before the war, Msallam had worked as a vendor at several shops and his brother Yaser was employed by the Palestinian Authority. Neither of them are Hamas supporters, he says. DER SPIEGEL is unable to verify Msallam’s account, but the story he told about the events that took place early in the morning on June 3 is consistent with what additional eyewitnesses have related to other news outlets. Doctors from the aid organization Doctors Without Borders also spoke of people being injured on June 1 by shots fired by soldiers, tanks, helicopters, drones and ships. Msallam managed to get an ambulance for his brother and left him in the care of the paramedics. None of the family members stayed with him. They continued on their way to SDS 1. ""We thought he was dead and that there was nothing more we could do for him,” says Msallam. ""And we badly needed food.” On that same day, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a press release saying that 184 people had been brought to the field hospital it operates in Rafah, including 19 people who were declared dead on arrival. Eight others died a short time later, according to the press release. ""The majority of cases suffered gunshot wounds,” the ICRC noted. Along with the fact that all of the patients able to speak said that they had been on their way to the aid distribution station. People seeking aid were killed on three consecutive days Two days earlier, on Sunday, 31 people had been killed near the Al-Alam intersection in a similar manner, as reported by the Health Ministry in Gaza, which is under the control of Hamas. The ICRC says that 21 dead people were brought to its hospital that day, along with 158 wounded, most with gunshot or shrapnel wounds. Fifty people were also wounded on Monday, with three people allegedly being killed that day on their way to receive aid. One eyewitness told DER SPIEGEL that he had even seen seven dead bodies at the Al-Alam intersection on Monday. ""I was watching as two women were shot to death,” says Hadi Abedrabu, a 39-year-old from northern Gaza who had walked more than 20 kilometers on the search for food. ""I also saw five additional bodies. But the shooting was ongoing and I kept moving.” Abedrabu sent DER SPIEGEL videos that he made himself. In one of them, gunfire can be heard, likely from a machine gun. According to Abedrabu, he made the video near the intersection where the people were allegedly killed. According to Abedrabu, this video was made near the Al-Alam roundabout, not far from the GHF distribution site. Israel’s first denies it – and then admits to having fired ""warning shots” On Sunday June 1, the Israeli army first officially denied having fired at civilians near the distribution site. After the incident on Tuesday, the military said it had fired warning shots and shot at ""suspects” who had veered off the prescribed route and approached the soldiers. An investigation into the incident would be initiated, the army said. Accounts provided by eyewitnesses to international media outlets like Associated Press and CNN also suggest that Israeli soldiers had fired on and killed those seeking aid. Further evidence has been provided by numerous videos made by people at the site, on which machine-gun fire can be heard. According to an expert interviewed by CNN, the audio is consistent with weapons used by the Israeli army. “No one should have to risk their life to feed their children."" Tom Fletcher, UN emergency relief coordinator Since then, the incidents have been called by many in Gaza and abroad an ""aid massacre.” And of distribution stations as ""deathtraps.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said that the attacks constitute ""a war crime.” Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, said: ""No one should have to risk their life to feed their children.” Numerous politicians around the world have also expressed their horror. The Boston Consulting Group, which had been providing planning assistance to the GHF, has pulled out of the project. With the mass killing of people seeking emergency aid in Gaza, the worst fears of humanitarian aid workers have not only come true, they have been exceeded. Prior to the killings, they had warned that the four distribution points planned by the GHF would be unable to cope with the crush of desperate people. And that the GHF did not have the logistical expertise to distribute sufficient food to the people of the Gaza Strip. By comparison, the UN had previously handed out food supplies at 400 distribution sites located throughout the Gaza Strip. Now, aid workers warned, people already weakened by hunger would be forced to walk long distances to collect food. Is the GHF a de facto subsidiary of the Israeli army? ""This initiative seems to be a cynical ploy to feign compliance with international humanitarian law,” wrote Christopher Lockyear, the secretary general of Doctors Without Borders. ""In practice, it uses aid as a tool to forcibly displace people as part of what appears to be a broader strategy to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip.” For all of these reasons, the UN and other aid organizations have refused to work with the GHF. At the end of May, the head of GHF resigned, saying the organization was not adhering to humanitarian principles. The only recently established foundation claims to be neutral and independent, but its origins are dubious. From the very beginning, there were suspicions that Israel had pushed for its establishment and perhaps even initiated it itself, with support from the U.S., to create an alternative to the United Nations and private aid organizations. And all of this with the aim of controlling the distribution of aid goods. That view seems to have been confirmed by a report from the Israeli public broadcaster KAN. According to the report, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the equivalent of 175 million euros available to fund the GHF – and sought to obscure the financing. Prior to the report, GHF had announced that it had received $100 million from an anonymous state donor. That donor, it is suspected, was the Israeli government. If the report is true, the GHF is not an independent foundation but a de facto subsidiary of the Israeli army. For quite some time, right-wing extremist members of the Israeli government have been demanding that the Israeli army take direct control of aid distribution. They see it as the first step toward the goal of a long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip – because in order to distribute aid, the army must develop infrastructure and an administration, which could function as the nucleus of a military authority. Army leaders and Netanyahu, however, want to avoid the direct involvement of the army in aid distribution. The military is concerned that doing so could require thousands of soldiers and put their lives at risk. Netanyahu, for his part, is likely primarily worried about the immense political and financial costs of such a move. Using the GHF as a veiled subcontractor seemed to be the preferable model, giving Israel control over aid deliveries. At the same time, the government can defend itself against accusations that it is starving the population of Gaza – allegations that also play a central role in proceedings before international courts in The Hague. ""This initiative seems to be a cynical ploy to feign compliance with international humanitarian law."" Christopher Lockyear, Doctors Without Borders general secretary Chaos instead of control Israeli officials have publicly justified their support of GHF by saying it prevents Hamas from diverting aid supplies and earning money by then selling them. No proof has been provided, however, that Hamas has confiscated significant quantities of aid goods. Representatives from the UN and from aid organizations have denied the claims. Since January, Israel has prohibited operations by the UNRWA, the UN body designated to support Palestinian refugees, inside of Israel, which also makes its work inside the Gaza Strip practically impossible. Israel accuses the organization of having been infiltrated by Hamas. An independent evaluation did not confirm the allegations. GHF claimed that it would precisely monitor who would receive food aid. There was talk of notifications by text message and facial recognition technology. Witnesses on site, however, have reported chaos at distribution points, saying there were no controls and that people in the crowd just grab all they can carry. There have also been numerous reports of looters robbing people of their aid packages as they sought to return to their families. Instead of more controls, there are now fewer. People who want to pick up food are risking their lives. And still, most people end up with nothing. Furthermore, there is hardly anything for sale in Gaza any longer – and what is available is going for astronomical prices. In many places, flour costs more than 10 euros per kilogram. The brother survived with serious injuries After Mohammed Msallam turned over his brother, who he thought was dead, to the paramedics, he continued onward to the aid distribution site, he says. But he arrived too late. All of the boxes were gone. On that day, the GHF distributed just over 20,000 aid packages. Msallam says he was able to collect a few cans and a couple packets of lentils and rice that had fallen to the ground in the chaos. On the way back to Khan Youris, he says, he was then threatened by looters armed with knives and clubs who were trying to take what little he had managed to collect. But because he knew one of the men, Msallam says, he was allowed to continue on his way. He estimates that the food he collected will keep him and his family going for about four days. But he doesn’t know what he is going to do after that. He no longer wants to go to a distribution site. ""I don’t want to lose my life just for a bit of food,” he says. After delivering the food to his family, he went to the ICRC field hospital to collect his brother’s body. It was only then that he learned that Yaser was still alive. On the day after the bloody Tuesday, the distribution centers were closed for ""renovations, organization and efficiency improvements,” according to a GHF announcement. The UN is hardly allowed to bring aid to Gaza But even if GHF were able to ensure the efficient distribution of aid goods, it would likely only be able to feed a tiny portion of the population. ""It won’t even be close to enough,” says one diplomat. Particularly because many of the displaced in Gaza have no pots, much less firewood or gas, to cook noodles or rice. Until just a few weeks ago, the people of Gaza were able to receive free hot meals once a day at community kitchens. At the end of April, the UN-backed kitchens were distributing a million meals per day. Now, it is just 260,000. Most kitchens have had to suspend operations for a lack of supplies. Bakeries have also had to close after running out of flour. Furthermore, the GHF is only distributing food. But the people of Gaza also need medicine, baby food, soap, diapers, tents and fuel. All of that must still be brought into the Gaza Strip by the United Nations. But access to these humanitarian supplies has also been made more difficult. Since Israel ended the complete blockade of Gaza on May 19, just 1,100 truckloads have been allowed to pass through the only open border crossing at Kerem Shalom (as of June 5). And only 400 of those truckloads could be picked up on the other side by the UN and other humanitarian organizations. The UN has placed blame for the situation primarily on the Israeli army. Because in order to get to Kerem Shalom, the trucks must pass through military security zones. ""That is an extremely difficult, dangerous and sometimes time-consuming process,” said Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told DER SPIEGEL in late May. They require army authorization for each trip, and such authorization is often not granted. Even in situations where permission is granted, drivers often must wait for hours – before then spending several hours to navigate the completely destroyed roads to cover distances that once only took 30 minutes. The plundering of convoys is known as ""self-distribution” And when the fully loaded trucks finally approach the warehouses, they are almost always looted by desperate crowds. Only a few trucks are currently reaching the warehouses. The UN refers to the phenomenon as ""self-distribution.” Which merely means that people take all that they can carry. At best, they use it to feed their families. But the most vulnerable are left empty-handed. The looting will only end when the situation is no longer as catastrophic as it currently is, say UN officials. But for that to happen, Gaza must be flooded with huge quantities of aid. And that doesn’t appear to be in the offing. ""No more than a piece of pita bread and a plate of food from public kitchens."" Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance minister But it’s not just the desperate who are plundering UN convoys. Criminal gangs are also operating in the Gaza Strip. On June 4, a driver was even shot to death. For quite some time, aid organizations and the UN have pinned responsibility on Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a criminal militia. His people, it is said, are ""paid employees” of Israel and, now, of the GHF. The fact that they operate in areas under control of the Israeli army seems to substantiate such claims. Israel arms a criminal militia Last Thursday, this suspicion was confirmed. Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman publicly claimed that Netanyahu had provided his approval to supplying Abu Shabab and his people with weapons. The prime minister later confirmed Liberman’s comments. ""What’s wrong with this?” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement. The government is apparently hoping that the militia will fight against Hamas. The Israeli government seems not to care that Abu Shabab and his militia is plundering aid supplies. Or is that perhaps a desired result? Right-wing extremist Bezalel Smotrich has been propagating the expulsion of the Palestinians from Gaza for months and was one of the most vocal supporters of the total blockade. If he had his way, not even water would be provided to the Palestinians in Gaza until the last hostage was freed, he said in mid-May. But that’s not possible, he said, because ""the world” would ""force an immediate halt to our war.” For tactical reasons, only the ""bare minimum” should be allowed into Gaza. ""No more than a piece of pita bread and a plate of food from public kitchens.”";0,125
"The German Chancellor's Diplomacy Offensive: Can Friedrich Merz Help Keep Trump from Abandoning Europe? It’s quite a welcome, but entirely possible that the chancellor doesn’t even see it. Friedrich Merz, on this Thursday morning, is speeding to his meeting with the Lithuanian president in a police-escorted convoy. He likely doesn’t have time to glance out the tinted, reinforced windows of his vehicle. But if he does so, he would see them – the red city buses which, on this special day in Vilnius, don’t just display the destination, but also the letters ""LTU” and ""DEU” separated by a heart. Lithuania loves Germany. That is the message. DER SPIEGEL 22/2025 The article you are reading originally appeared in German in issue 22/2025 (May 24th, 2025) of DER SPIEGEL. SPIEGEL International Merz has traveled to Vilnius to take part in the ceremonial roll call this afternoon on Cathedral Square for Germany’s Lithuania brigade, a unit of around 5,000 men and women who are here to secure NATO’s eastern flank. Merz’s visit is intended as a demonstration of solidarity. The Lithuanian president welcomes his guest in German, showering him and the Germans with praise and gratitude. And Merz pledges that he is determined ""to defend the NATO alliance from all aggression.” Merz, the chairman of Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has kicked off his term as German chancellor with a diplomatic charm offensive of a kind that many of Germany’s partners had been hoping for following the rather tepid tenure of Olaf Scholz. Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv – hardly any previous German head of government has made so many visits in such a short time after being sworn into office. In the first weeks of his tenure, Merz has clearly shown more interest in foreign policy than in domestic issues, and he has made Ukraine a top priority. Already, Merz has succeeded in ensuring that the most important European countries are on the same page when it comes to Russia and are at least taken seriously enough by U.S. President Donald Trump that they speak regularly on the phone. But by focusing so intently on foreign policy and Ukraine, Merz has also raised expectations, including hopes that the three-year-long war may soon be coming to an end. That is the flip side of his burst of activity. What, though, can he actually achieve? Facing Reality When he was head of the opposition in the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, Merz was a sharp critic of Scholz’s approach to Ukraine: the lack of coordination with France and Poland; the half-hearted support for Kyiv, especially when it came to weapons deliveries. Ukraine has to ""fight with one arm tied behind its back,” he railed, because Scholz was refusing to send Ukraine high-tech Taurus cruise missiles from Germany. Now that he is in office, though, Merz has been forced to face reality. He declared an ultimatum for new sanctions against Russia, only to let it pass when Trump wanted to continue talks. He was taken off guard by his own foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, expressing agreement for Trump’s demand that NATO member states boost defense spending to 5 percent of GDP – thus angering Merz’s coalition partner, the SPD, which had not been consulted. And when it comes to the Taurus, the chancellor is twisting and turning so much that he almost resembles his predecessor Scholz. Ukraine will be a key test for Germany’s new chancellor. Now that Merz has made the friendly inaugural visits, it must be seen if he can successfully negotiate with more difficult counterparts. Merz chatted with Viktor Orbán on the sidelines of a summit in Tirana, with the Hungarian prime minister telling him he would not support additional sanctions against Russia. Merz also still hasn’t spoken with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. And it is unclear when he might make his first visit to the White House. A committed trans-Atlanticist, Merz must accept the fact that he will be judged on his ability to keep the unpredictable U.S. president from abandoning the Western camp. As the opposition leader, it was easy for Merz to hold forth on the best strategy for confronting Washington. Now, though, Merz must show that it wasn’t all just empty rhetoric. During these initial days in office, Merz has gotten a taste of the power that comes with his office on the international stage, but he has also gotten a glimpse of the danger of failure. With his trip to Kyiv, which he took together with Macron, Tusk and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shortly after being sworn in, the chancellor embarked on an early flurry of diplomacy. It marked the first time that Merz, together with the others, spoke with Trump on the phone. Not since the initial months after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has there been such a concentration of meetings and telephone conferences. Conversations with European diplomats and with members of Merz’s circle have shown how Merz set an international dynamic in motion that gave him hope, albeit briefly, of an almost historic breakthrough. A common trans-Atlantic position with Donald Trump against Putin. For a time, it looked as though Trump was moving toward Europe, as though he had lost his patience with Putin’s antics. There was the potential of a united front against Moscow, the isolation of Russia and a reunified West. It could have been a significant early success for Merz just two weeks into his tenure. But following a subsequent telephone call between Putin and Trump early last week, not much was left of those hopes beyond disappointment. Merz was only just able to avoid a major defeat. A Protocol of Europe’s Efforts to Win Over Trump After returning to Berlin from Kyiv, Merz spoke on the phone for almost an hour with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, widely considered to be a Trump confidant. Graham told Merz that around 80 Senators were prepared to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Were the U.S. to target the Kremlin’s oil sales, it could do significant damage to Putin’s war chest. A few days later, Zelenskyy flew to Turkey. Putin had proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul after Merz, Macron and others had issued an ultimatum for a ceasefire backed by threats of more sanctions. After he arrived, Zelenskyy announced he would wait there for Putin. But the Russian president only sent a low-ranking delegation, and Zelenskyy declined to meet personally with the emissaries. Unsurprisingly, the talks – the first direct exchange between Russia and Ukraine since spring 2022 – were rather unproductive, yielding only the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each country. By then, Merz and his counterparts had already arrived in Tirana for the European Political Community summit, where they met with Zelenskyy. From the European perspective, the Ukrainian leader had demonstrated goodwill, and again they wanted to speak with Trump, using Macron’s mobile phone just as they had in Kyiv. Merz joined the group just before the phone call started. The conversation gave the Europeans the impression that Trump was dissatisfied with the results of the meeting in Istanbul. He apparently said he was beginning to understand that Putin wasn’t serious about peace. But, if the planned European sanctions were to make any kind of impression on Putin, the Americans had to be on board – that was the consensus inside the Chancellery. And support from Washington seemed to be in the offing following numerous talks between security officials in Berlin, London and Paris with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy who had met with Putin in Moscow on several occasions. Witkoff shared the belief that there had been a lack of substantive progress toward peace – and that Putin would only be moved if the pressure was jacked up. Late on Sunday evening, May 18, Merz, Macron and Starmer found themselves on hold ahead of what would be the third phone conversation, this one to tie up the final details. But before the U.S. president joined the call, the others suddenly and unexpectedly heard the voice of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had just met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome. The assumption was that the White House had brought her onto the call. The confusion was short-lived, however. When Trump finally joined the call after a time, he even used the word sanctions – just hours before his planned call with the Kremlin. Merz and the other European leaders were extremely hopeful, according to members of the chancellor’s circle. Would Trump show firmness this time in his conversation with Putin? Might he even threaten Putin with sanctions? Merz’s fourth phone call with Trump would be a trial by fire for Merz. It took place after Trump’s phone call with Putin. This time, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also on the line – at Trump’s behest. Italian Prime Minister Meloni also joined the call, as did Macron and Zelenskyy. In a one-on-one chat with Trump, the Ukrainian president had already heard what the U.S. president now told the Europeans: His talk with Putin had gone wonderfully. The Russian president, Trump insisted, was prepared to engage in direct talks, immediately, and he promised to send high-ranking representatives. Zelenskyy, Trump said, should soon phone Putin and a deal would quickly be forthcoming. He didn’t say a word about the sanctions the Europeans had been hoping for. He also didn’t mention the comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire he himself had publicly called for. You can’t make a deal with Vladimir, the U.S. president mumbled. Or did he say Volodymyr? Merz and the others couldn’t quite make it out. But the message was clear nonetheless: Trump was threatening to back out. Ukraine, he said, was the Europeans’ problem and they should solve it, a formulation that Trump repeated. Once again, Putin had managed to get the American president on his side. There was a long, awkward silence on the line from this side of the Atlantic. Trump Praises Merz for His English Someone had to take the initiative to somehow keep Trump in the game and to save what could be saved. But who? The Europeans to this point had seemed to play predefined roles. Macron was generally the spokesman, since he has known Trump the longest. Indeed, the first two conversations took place using his mobile phone. But this time, his jovial manner wasn’t a good fit. In the phone conversation on the previous evening, he and Trump had gotten into it. Trump had lectured the Europeans on how terrible their immigration policy was and how bad their economy was doing. Macron didn’t hold back in his response. Starmer, the British prime minister, couldn’t take the lead since he wasn’t on the call. Which left Merz. He had been party to all the previous phone calls. On the previous day, the two had graduated from addressing each other as ""Mr. President” and ""Chancellor” to Donald and Friedrich. Trump had praised Merz for his English. On the sidelines of the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the two had exchanged text messages for the first time. Merz, as diplomats and government representatives would later say, opted for a matter-of-fact approach. Saying he wanted to ""summarize” the situation, Merz said that from his perspective, they had reached the point where technical talks could begin. The German chancellor took up Trump’s idea that the Vatican could host such talks. Trump agreed, though without enthusiasm, reportedly saying something along the lines of: ""Fine with me.” Merz asked twice more to ensure that the U.S. president was onboard. Trump replied that he would send his special envoy Keith Kellogg. There was significant relief. Merz had been able to prevent the process from coming to an abrupt end and Trump had not abandoned ship. Though that could change at any moment, that much was clear to everyone in the Chancellery. Merz and his team were now hoping that Trump would not snub the first pope with a U.S. passport in the same manner he had the Europeans. Senior officials were saying that they were now back where they had been before the meeting in Istanbul. Meloni had also spoken with the Vatican on the telephone and received assurance that the talks could take place there. By the middle of the week, though, there was still no concrete timeline – and European fears were rising that Putin might once again present his maximum demands. If he did, the Europeans would again have to talk with Trump. Merz was determined to pick up the phone again – alone if need be. Among Western diplomats, various scenarios were now in circulation for how things between Trump and Russia might progress. Most presumed that the U.S. president had lost his desire for playing peacemaker and was inclined to leave it to the Europeans to deal with the Ukraine mess. A variety of developments are conceivable under this pessimistic scenario. The least bad of the developments envisions Trump leaving peace negotiations to the two warring parties. While he may not approve new military aid for Ukraine, he would continue to supply weapons as long as Ukraine and Europe pay for them. Under this scenario, Kyiv could also hope to continue its reliance on U.S. intelligence information. A darker scenario envisions Trump suspending weapons shipments to Ukraine, completely stopping all U.S. intelligence information and declaring the U.S. as a neutral party. In this case, the Ukrainians and the Europeans would be on their own. The nightmare scenario, though, is even worse. It envisions Trump not just suspending weapons deliveries and intelligence cooperation in addition to the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Russia, but also openly siding with Putin – against Ukraine and against the Europeans. That would likely mark the end of the trans-Atlantic alliance. “There are currently no indications that this war is going to come to a rapid conclusion."" German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Just how it might end will likely be determined at the NATO summit in The Hague in late June. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has done everything he can in recent months to choreograph the alliance’s summit into a kind of gala event in Trump’s honor. Channeling the language frequently used by Trump, Rutte said at NATO headquarters last week that the meeting of heads of state and government in The Hague had to be a ""splash.” Instead of the usual unending marathon of meetings, Rutte is only planning a concentrated working session that will focus exclusively on money. Trump is likely to approve the summit’s rather predictable result. As recently as January, the U.S. president’s demand that European NATO member states boost their defense spending from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP was considered excessive. Since then, though, Rutte has convinced most NATO countries, including Germany, to accept the 5-percent plan in order to appease Trump. Rutte has also eliminated potential conflicts from the agenda, including the future of Ukraine. Indeed, Zelenskyy hasn’t even been invited. NATO’s commitment that Ukraine will one day become part of the alliance is also not to be repeated in the summit declaration. Diplomats are currently trying to come up with formulations that allude to the Russian threat – which, after all, is the main reason for the alliance’s buildup – without risking a veto from the U.S. None of that is good news for Ukraine, something that the German chancellor, following two weeks of intensive diplomacy, has also had to admit. ""There are currently no indications that this war is going to come to a rapid conclusion,” Merz said last Wednesday in Berlin, sounding somewhat disillusioned. Hopes now rest on the Vatican as the host of the talks. ""We can all only hope that at least there, it will be possible to bring the warring parties together for a constructive discussion,” Merz said. It is, he added, ""the last earthly authority, so to speak.” Otherwise, Merz’s diplomatic offensive will have come to naught.";-0,125
"Resistance in Ukraine: The Show Must Go On (Underground) in the Kharkiv Opera House It’s not obvious from the cellar’s appearance what a godsend it actually is: gray, concrete walls, dusty cement. Instead of an orchestra pit, there is just a yellow line on the floor. The stage is just six by eight meters and there is no curtain. No mystery. For the first act, the set includes a table, a couple of chairs and an standing mirror. This is where the Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre Mykola Lysenko, one of the best opera houses in Ukraine, is presenting Giuseppe Verdi’s ""La Traviata” on this Sunday afternoon. The 400 chairs for the audience are almost all occupied by middle-aged married couples, younger lovers holding hands and whispering groups of women. The prelude begins, softly plaintive strings in four-four time. The music from the orchestra is overlaid by a humming noise, either the ventilation system or the generator in the corner. But at least down here you can’t hear the explosions in the city up above, and the conductors also don’t interrupt the performances when the air-raid sirens go off. ""La Traviata,” the tragic story of the courtesan Violetta, begins with a lavish ball. Leading lady Yulia Antonova appears in a white corset gown, the men are in tails and the women of the choir swish their wide skirts. Soon, all of them are raising champagne glasses and singing the famous brindisi. ""Let’s drink from the joyful glasses where beauty is blossoming! Let the fleeting hour yield to our intoxication!” Down here, the piece, staged so often, is once again deeply moving. Every performance in this cellar is a tour de force. And a minor victory for Ukraine over Russia. In the three years since Russian strongman Vladimir Putin launched his full invasion of Ukraine, the opera house in Kharkiv has withstood quite a lot: Not only has the building been fired on, but the theater has also lost almost a third of its employees. Many fled, some were drafted into the military, and one died at the front. The battered opera house has – for now – found its salvation in the basement. As have so many other institutions in Kharkiv, the city below ground. Schools hold lessons in cellars and subway stations while city administrators, the university and the art museum have mostly moved below street level. Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine and an important hub of science and culture, is located dangerously close to the front. More than a million people live here 30 kilometers from the Russian border. Rockets fired by the Kremlin from Russian soil can reach the city in 30 seconds. Last year, Russia attacked Kharkiv 318 times with almost 20 different kinds of rockets and drones, killing 98 people and injuring over 1,000. There might have been even more victims had Kharkiv – the indestructible city – not gone into hiding. The opera house above the cellar is essentially a gigantic target. Its overhanging roof is larger than a football field at a height of 10 stories. The locals refer to the theater as the ""aircraft carrier.” Up on top of the building, it becomes clear why it is so dangerous inside. ""Here, up ahead,” says Igor Tulusov, the general director of the theater and the man responsible for the hundreds of people who are once again working in the building below after an almost two-year break. Tulusov walks quickly across the roof between small, rounded windows made of acrylic glass. It is a lovely view, with the golden onion domes of the Church of the Holy Myrrh Bearers sparkling in the spring sun. ""I moved here with my cat in the first year of the war."" Igor Tulusov, the general director of the Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre Mykola Lysenko The director points down at the roof we are walking across. Round patches can be seen stuck to the light-gray roof covering. Three years ago, during the first weeks of the war, shrapnel struck the roof and it caught on fire. On the other side of the roof lies a Russian artillery rocket that never exploded. The impacts and the shock waves from that early attack shattered 2,000 square meters of windows. They have since been replaced, says Tulusov. Because of the moisture, it is crucial to not merely board up the broken windows with plywood. ""It’s also psychologically important for us,” says Tulusov. Warm and welcoming, Tulusov, 67, is in shirtsleeves with a full beard and glasses. He studied theoretical physics and once led the Association of Aerospace Companies. Later, he became a consultant and crisis manager. That was his role, he says, when he was pulled into the theater 11 years ago. He was in the building when the roof was struck. ""I moved here with my cat in the first year of the war,” he says. His wife, he says, fled to Austria where their grandchildren live. He slept on a sofa in a room across from his office, keeping watch on the opera house with a couple of staffers, says Tulusov. The fire department had more than it could handle in the first months of the war. It was a period when Kharkiv frequently came under attack and people slept in the subway stations. Thousands of buildings were destroyed. Every day, trains brought more and more people out of the city. Hundreds of thousands of residents fled during that period. Since then, says Tulusov, he has known every corner of the building. The theater has floor space of 52,000 square meters. Hundreds of rooms, narrow hallways with worn parquet flooring and a large auditorium with 1,500 seats are packed in under the vast roof, along with a café, a pizzeria and even a sauna. The great hall can seat 1,500 people, but is currently unused. This post-modernist monster was designed in the 1960s as a cultural and entertainment center, but it was only completed in 1991, says Tulusov, one month before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The stone slabs from Armenia, which have grown porous, are falling from the façade, but otherwise the building is ""fully functional.” That, though, is of little help to Tulusov. He isn’t allowed to use the majority of the structure, with city authorities having shut down almost all above-ground event spaces. The imposing foyer on the upper floor has acquired a layer of dust, the choir rehearsal room and the ballet hall are empty. The director realized that the opera also needed a new home, which is why he decided to set up the cellar as a concert hall. Until then, it had been used for storage of backdrops and construction materials. Tulusov managed to collect all the necessary permits and for the past year, the opera has once again been able to sell tickets. There is no parquet flooring, no first and second tiers, no red carpet and no bar serving caviar and sparkling wine. But there are 400 black chairs, and they are usually sold out. The fact that this theater has survived, says Tulusov, is thanks to its status as a national theater, which secures its wages. And thanks to the cellar. It’s two days before the ""Traviata” performance and the orchestra and singers are holding a rehearsal without costumes and props. They sing the drinking song and clink their imaginary champagne glasses together. Verdi’s heroine Violetta – the 36-year-old soprano and crowd favorite Yulia Antonova – is wearing a leopard-print sweatshirt. She sings the love aria from the first act like it’s the premier on the big stage. Nobody in the room moves a muscle until the last notes fade away. Antonova has been part of the ensemble since 2016 and has played Violetta a number of times – up above in front of an opulently decorated set, and down here with nothing. The singer has taken a seat in one of the rows of chairs for the audience, sipping ginger tea from an insulated mug. She has nothing bad to say about the cellar. Sure, the stage is a bit small and you have to measure your steps so you don’t fall into the orchestra. And she can still feel the dust in her throat. ""But you should have seen what it looked like before,” says Antonova. The acoustics were like in a bathroom before everything was cleared out, she says, adding that a lot of work and effort went into it. Antonova is married to a fireman who is not allowed to leave the city. When Russia strikes yet another residential building, he pulls the dead and the body parts out of the rubble. ""I once asked him how he can stand it,” she says. ""He said: In the moment I reach in, I don’t really realize that it is a human being.” Antonova remained in the city with her children during the first months of the war. Her daughter was two months old at the time and her son had just started school. ""We slept on a mattress in the parking garage below our building,” she recalls. ""It was cold, but the worst thing were the fighter bombers flying over the city. The dreadful anticipation was the most terrible feeling.” Antonova was helped by the fact that she was soon able to resume performing. City leaders quickly realized that people needed more than just food and a place underground to sleep. The police started to drive the opera singer and the musicians left in the city from one subway station to the next to cheer up the scared populace. The singers, violinists and viola players would stand on the stairs leading down to the tracks. Never in her life, says Antonova, had she felt so useful. ""When we sang, the people could briefly forget about the war.” The rehearsal comes to an end and behind the stage, the director shows a young singer how to move on the stage. This production of ""Traviata” has been part of the theater’s repertoire for years and they chose to perform it in the cellar because they could fill almost all of the main roles with the soloists they still had. Even still, though, they have had to work in a couple of newcomers. Before the Russian invasion, the theater employed around 800 people. There was an opera ensemble, the orchestra, the chorus, the ballet, the makeup artists, seamstresses, the costume shop, the props, shoemakers, stage designers, lighting, gate and wardrobe. Tulusov says that his staff is now back up to 600. They have been able to fill the ranks with fresh graduates from the conservatory and have also taken on some musicians from the philharmonic. The director has mainly lost male soloists, some of his best singers and dancers. Ukraine drafts men between the ages of 25 and 60 for military service and nobody in this age group is allowed to leave the country without special permission. And that also applies to artists. Ten theater employees are currently serving in the army. The artistic welder Sergiy Puvovarov, who volunteered for service at the beginning of hostilities, was killed at the front near Izyum. ""He had golden hands,” says Tulusov. The war has made the director into an arbiter of life and death. The theater has been classified by Ukrainian officials as a strategically important operation. ""That’s why I’m allowed to reserve 50 percent of employees who are eligible for conscription.” It sounds as though Tulusov says ""reserve” so that he doesn’t have to say what he is actually doing. Saving the lives of those he holds onto. Mainly, says Tulusov, he has reserved the ""creative people” and a few technicians without whom the theater couldn’t function. ""It is morally difficult,” he says. ""The guys are part of the family.” It wasn’t always clear that this theater family would be able to stay together at all. At the Culture Ministry in Kyiv, someone apparently came up with the idea in the early days of the war to break up the theater company and distribute the artists among other national opera houses in Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv. Not only would they be safer there, was the apparent belief, but gaps in the ranks at those opera houses could be filled. Tulusov refused. ""No, the theater belongs to Kharkiv,” he said – at least according to the account provided by the opera house’s chief stage director Armen Kaloyan. Koloyan, 54, is a charming man who enjoys turning an interview into a soliloquy. His head is shaved, he wears a silver earring, and, on this day, he has on strikingly large basketball shoes. Like Tulusov and most of the others, Koloyan is from Kharkiv. Leaving the city or giving up on the theater is completely out of the question for him, now more than ever. ""We have been the vanguard of Ukrainian culture in the east ever since Russia occupied Donetsk and Luhansk in 2014,” he says. The chief stage director spent many years on stage as an actor himself. In his windowless office, historic swords and daggers hang on the walls. These days, Koloyan mostly stages operas and ballets. He isn’t just interested in the survival of the theater, he wants it to remain one of the best in the country. For that, though, he needs new productions. Yet creating new things is an immense challenge in times of war. During the months when they were mostly unable to work, he says, the artists declined from their peaks. Muscles lost their tone while singers and musicians were unable to practice ""If you don’t practice for a day,” says Koloyan, ""you notice yourself. If you don’t practice for two days, your teacher notices. If you don’t practice for three days, the audience notices.” In western Ukraine, to which hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Ukrainians had fled, Tulusov and Kaloyan were unable to find a theater in a position to allow so many artists a temporary stage. But then, Tulusov came up with the idea of organizing a Europe tour. In 2022, 200 singers, musicians, dancers and some of their family members traveled first to Lithuania and then to Slovakia. Antonova brought along her two children. The ensemble then toured through 14 additional countries, including Germany, where they performed Giacomo Puccini’s ""Madama Butterfly” at the Admiralspalast in Berlin. ""The trip through Europe helped us maintain our abilities,” says Koloyan. ""We learned to adjust our production to smaller stages.” That became important once they returned home last spring – where the cellar was waiting. The subterranean stage presents the greatest challenge to the dancers. They are unable to perform any diagonal jumps, and because the ballet hall on the seventh floor is too dangerous, they rehearse in semi-darkness on the former great stage on the fourth floor, where they have rolled out linoleum between old decorations and brought in mobile ballet barres. The space available isn’t the problem, says Antonina Radievska, at least not the biggest problem. Instead of a long diagonal all the way across the stage, they just do two smaller ones, thus maintaining the necessary dynamism. The 42-year-old prima ballerina and chief choreographer draws eights in the air with both hands. On the theater’s website, Radievska is identified with a different last name. The younger soloist to whom she was married and with whom she raised her daughter is no longer a part of the ensemble. He didn’t return to Ukraine. ""My family was torn apart by the war,” says Radievska. She doesn’t try acting as though she has overcome the pain. There has been some whispering in the ensemble that she tapped into her grief in her new piece ""Dragon Songs.” It is an erotic ballet about love and betrayal, and critics have celebrated the performance as Radievska’s resurrection. Before the war, she and her husband danced all of the great love stories in ballet history. Now, she has a new partner on stage. ""I am dancing with a very young dancer, who likely never dreamed that he would be able to perform with someone like me.” The war demands many sacrifices, says Radievska, but it also provides opportunities. She says she always tells her young dancers: ""Children, if the soloists we had before the war were still here, you would probably just be rearranging the backdrops.” Chief stage director Koloyan pops his head through the door. Radievska complains to him about a colleague. ""He does whatever he wants. I beg you, take care of it!” It’s obvious, says Radievska, that all of them are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. But she doesn’t care. ""Either you work and create something, or you leave and get your psyche repaired.” Tulusov has a board on the wall of his office on which he has scribbled physics formulas. On Saturdays, he still dips back into his old passion for science for a few hours. ""Everyone knows that they aren’t allowed to disturb me,” he says. The rest of the week, though, Tulusov’s door is open. He had no idea how difficult it could be to work with artists when he started at the theater. The most difficult moment, he says, was when the ensemble returned from its European tour. Those who had remained in Kharkiv had been exposed to such vastly different experiences than those who had performed at all the theaters in the West. ""We had a lot of conflicts at the time,” he says. Luckily, though, he says, they subsided after a few weeks. Before the war, the theater had 90 pieces in its repertoire, 30 of them ballet. Now, they have to choose which of them can be performed in the cellar. Tulusov’s favorite ballet, ""Spartacus” – he can hold forth for several minutes about its premiere – is not among them. They have neither sufficient space nor enough male dancers. The selection shrank even further when the theater had to remove all Russian composers from its program. In the first year of the war, the Ukrainian parliament banned performances by Russian artists and the presentation of Russian works. Two singers in the opera choir who had Russian passports were forced to leave. The elimination of anything Russian has hit the ballet hard: no ""Swan Lake,” no ""Nutcracker,” no ""Romeo and Juliet.” Tulusov hopes that the composer Peter Tchaikovsky, whose grandfather was from Ukraine, will ultimately be rehabilitated. ""But this is not the right time for that.” The director now wants to bring new works, Ukrainian works, to the stage. They already frequently stage the folkloric operas written by the Ukrainian romanticist Mykola Lysenko in the late 19th century. The most recent premier in April was a cabaret opera about the Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko that Koloyan commissioned himself. Once peace has returned, Tulusov hopes to bring international artists to the city and maybe even start a festival. For someone who has an unexploded Russian rocket on their roof, Tulusov’s dreams are grand. But that’s how everyone here sounds. Up on the fourth floor, the soprano Yulia Antonova is still in her dressing room. There is one advantage, she says, to no longer being able to sing in the big theater. ""At least I no longer have to wear the heavy stage makeup.” Absent the war, the makeup artist would now be applying thick contours to her cheeks and nose along with extra-wide eyeliner. Stage makeup has to be dramatic so that all members of the audience, even those sitting at the back, can see the artists’ facial expressions. Down below in the cellar, that, at least, is no longer much of a concern. Five minutes before the director launches into the overture, Antonova, dressed in a corset dress, gets into the elevator to head down. She’s going to have to run a fair amount this evening. Three costume changes across four floors, because there isn’t enough room down below. She will hardly be in a position to hear the prompter, who is sitting on the steps at the side of the stage. But she will sing and act, love and suffer, soak up the applause after her arias and then, with a shriek of pleasure, die of tuberculosis at the end. The loyal fans will line the stage to give the soloists flowers. And backstage, the old and new singers in Kharkiv will hug each other. ""So spektaklem!” they will say, just as they always have. ""Congratulations on the performance!”";0,325
"Recruited for the War in Ukraine: Meet the Chinese Soldiers Fighting in Russia's Army The solder who calls himself ""Little Hu” looks like a child, with round facial features and a slender upper body. He grins into the camera as he sits down on a stool wearing his army boots, next to him a bunkbed and lockers of a kind familiar from military barracks. ""You’re sure?” a comrade asks him. Hu nods. Then the shaver begins to hum and thick black hair rains down from his head until all that’s left is short stubble. ""Cool shit!” Hu says excitedly. His almost bald head now has the letter ""Z” shaved into it, the symbol of support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. DER SPIEGEL 17/2025 The article you are reading originally appeared in German in issue 17/2025 (April 17th, 2025) of DER SPIEGEL. SPIEGEL International And that is why he is here, Little Hu, born in 2005, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China from the eastern coastal province of Guangdong – and a soldier for the Russian Federation. The Chinese soldier ""Little Hu"" in a social media video The 19-year-old is one of likely hundreds of Chinese who have joined Putin’s invading army. Many of them document their daily lives on the battlefield on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. There is a video of a soldier showing the inside of a tank. In another, a fighter films his comrades during a tactical meeting. And Little Hu comes up over and over again. In one clip, posted two months after the video of him getting his head shaved, he reports from ""behind the front,” as he says. He has a small wound on his left cheek. ""From shrapnel,” he says matter-of-factly. Hu has copied the flags of China and Russia into his profile. According to his IP address, he is in Ukraine. In his profile, he writes: ""Thank you for your attention and your likes.” Kyiv in early April. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is sitting at a long table in a gold-ornamented room inside the presidential administration building in the Ukrainian capital. He is surrounded by two dozen journalists. In front of the Ukrainian president are photos of men with buzz cuts and bare chests, a copy of a Chinese passport with each of them. It is the moment when Little Hu becomes a player in global geopolitics – the moment when he is no longer just a teenager from Guangdong but seems to be a representative of the whole of China and its stance toward Ukraine. Because one of the passport copies on Zelenskyy’s table belongs to Hu. ""The Chinese question,” Zelenskyy says, ""is a serious one.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv The day before, Zelenskyy had posted a video on his Telegram channel of a Chinese prisoner of war. It shows a man describing his combat deployment in a mixture of Chinese, English and hand gestures. ""And then … my commander … boom,” the soldier says, swinging his hands, which are bound with zip ties. The Geneva Convention forbids parading prisoners of war before the cameras, but Zelenskyy defies the prohibition. He seems to want to make a point. Ukraine, he writes in the post alongside the video, has taken two Chinese prisoners, but ""many more” are fighting for Russia. Back in the gold-decorated room, he now wants to prove his claim. Ukrainian intelligence, he says, has established the identities of 155 Chinese men who are serving or who have served in the Russian military. Most of them, intelligence officials believe, were recruited in the second half of 2024 and belong to a number of different units, generally with a low rank. In addition, there are 13 men who, according to the Ukrainians, were in selection process for a regiment within the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division at the start of April, Hu among them. ""We think there are many more,” says Zelenskyy. It is completely out of the question, the Ukrainian president continues, that Beijing is unaware of the issue, particularly given that recruitment efforts for military service in Russia are openly promoted on Chinese social media. Zelenskyy says that he isn’t accusing Beijing of having ordered these men to fight for Moscow. But the list of those involved, he insists, clearly shows that the Kremlin wants to pull China into the war. It is a horror scenario. Should it come to that, yet another nuclear power would be at war in Europe. But is the claim true? The fact that Russia recruits fighters from allied or neutral countries is nothing new. There are proven cases from Cuba, Yemen, India and Bangladesh. North Korea’s military even sent an estimated 10,000 troops as part of an official mission. But soldiers from China, a global power and Russia’s most important partner, haven’t yet been involved. Or have they? Zelenskyy’s announcement didn’t surprise her, says Chai Jing. Until 2015, she was one of the best-known reporters in Chinese state television, but her career came to a sudden end when she published a film about smog in China and the health problems it creates. After going into exile in Spain, she now operates a YouTube channel. In mid-March, she uploaded a documentary about Chinese soldiers serving in the Russian army. ""They are quite high-profile on social media,” Chai writes in an email. Subtitled Russian recruitment videos have been circulating in Chinese networks for some time. One of them shows how a bored taxi driver, a fitness trainer and a supermarket employee suddenly discover their inner warrior. The clip is accompanied by heroic music and ends with the slogan: ""You’re a man. So be one!” Passports of Chinese prisoners of war captured by the Ukrainians Did Little Hu also see such clips? His passport, signed in the scribbly handwriting of a schoolboy, was issued in September 2024. It is quite possible that his trip into war was the very first time he left China. His videos make it clear that he quickly regretted his decision. In one spot, he is cursing as he trudges through a snow-covered landscape. ""My recommendation to people who are in China or Russia and thinking of joining the Russian army: Don’t do it!” He says he is in training in Rostov-on-Don, the Russian city not far from the Ukrainian border. ""The food is terrible, you only get two meals a day, and if you’re not fast enough, you get nothing,” he complains. DER SPIEGEL contacted Hu and two dozen other apparent soldiers on Douyin, some of whom have proper fan groups with hundreds of chat participants. In all cases, the IP addresses of the presumed fighters indicate that they are on Russian or Ukrainian territory. Most of the responses are negative, with something of a soldierly tone to them: ""Are you fucking with me?” ""Screw off.” An account presumably belonging to Hu also responds. Asked if the deployment has met his expectations, he writes only: ""No.” Then, he goes silent. One of those contacted, though, opens up. On Douyin, he calls himself ""Rabbit in the Bear Pit.” Videos show a man with a propensity for silliness. In one clip, he has stuffed animals shoved into the pockets of his military vest, another shows comrades dancing in a forest. The war is different than he thought it would be, he writes, ""the ground was covered by the sleeping.” What? ""By the eternally sleeping,” he specifies. Almost everyone in his unit is dead, he explains. He, too, urges his compatriots not to enlist. He answers questions for two hours, soberly and without emotion. His responses come quickly – perhaps the conversation is a welcome change of pace. None of his comrades speak Chinese, he writes, adding that he is unable to speak English and his Russian is still poor. Still, he sends his nom de guerre in Russian: ""Koshmar,” meaning ""Nightmare.” Douyin user ""Rabbit in the Bear Pit,"" aka ""Koshmar."" He declines to provide his real name and the city where he comes from, but does say that he is in his mid-30s and had gained military experience in China prior to his service for Russia. He says he has been fighting for Russia for almost two years, initially as a mercenary with the Wagner Group and now as a member of a special forces unit in the Russian army. It is not possible to verify his claims. He says the first battle he took part in was in Bakhmut, where fighting continued from summer 2022 to spring 2023. After spending more than a year at the front, he says, he is now in a barracks in Russia. Why did he join the Russians? He responds that his motivation was money rather than conviction. He says he also would have fought for Ukraine, just that to do so he would have needed an EU visa to travel into Ukraine through a European country and he doesn’t meet the criteria for such a visa. He has debts in China, he writes, more than a million yuan, the equivalent of over 120,000 euros. The restaurant he once operated went broke in the pandemic, he says. ""Debt collectors were after me day and night, all my bank accounts were frozen. I had to flee.” In Russia, he says, he earns the equivalent of 2,000 euros per month. It is an amount similar to the earnings claimed by a Chinese soldier interviewed in Chai Jing’s documentary, who says he was receiving 1,800 euros per month. ""Koshmar” writes that he misses his family in China. But he cannot afford to return, he says. If he dies in the war, then at least his debts will be paid – ""thanks to the compensation payments to my family.” ""Debt collectors were after me day and night."" ""Koshmar,"" soldier Financial hardship seems to be a common factor. Zelenskyy’s list includes a 42-year-old named Wang from the northeastern province of Jilin. An entry can be found in a Chinese court database involving a man from the same province with the identical first and last names and the same birthdate. The item in question is an enforcement order, issued in instances, for example, when a convicted person hasn’t paid a fine. The order was issued on January 17, 2025. It is conceivable that Wang, too, joined the Russian army to escape his debts. That some Chinese have sought better fortunes in the military of their neighboring country is hardly surprising. China is currently in the grips of an economic crisis. The pandemic hit the country hard, and youth unemployment is so high that the government ceased publishing statistics for a time. It seems reasonable to assume that some frustrated young Chinese booked a ticket to Moscow. The fighters appear to be foolhardy mavericks, many naïve, some reckless. They are apparently hoping to find adventure in the Russian army, their idea of comradery, the thrill of violence. Chai, the former television reporter, points out, however, that there are also Chinese fighting in the Ukrainian foreign legion, though likely far fewer than in the Russian military. She has produced a documentary about them, too. During his appearance in Kyiv, Zelenskyy says nothing about them. Instead, he speaks of the Chinese soldiers in the same breath as the troops sent by North Korea. They were Russia’s first major error, he says. The recruitment of the Chinese is the second. It is a somewhat fallacious comparison. Relative to the number of North Koreans sent by dictator Kim Jong Un, there aren’t many Chinese in the Russian ranks. There are just 170 documented cases – too many to simply dismiss the accusations as ""groundless,” as the leadership in Beijing tried to do. A Foreign Ministry spokesman rebuked the claims as ""irresponsible.” But when measured against the 1.4 billion population of China, it’s not a lot. And in contrast to the North Koreans, the Chinese are apparently coming on their own. That doesn’t make the People’s Republic a participant in the war. On the other hand, Zelenskyy has good reasons for turning public attention to the Chinese fighters, with the most important being Donald Trump. The U.S. president has made Kyiv’s nightmare scenario a reality by turning to Russia. Many in his Republican Party view U.S. support for Ukraine as a waste of energy and money – and believe that China is the real danger. Zelenskyy, it seems, is attempting to convince them that Ukraine is anything but a sideshow. That the war against his country is directly linked to China. Which is true – but not because of the fighters. Officially, China insists that it is neutral, but in reality, Beijing is one of Moscow’s closest partners. China provides its neighbor with important dual-use products, goods that can be utilized for both civilian and military purposes: semiconductors, drones, vehicles. Without them, Putin could hardly continue his war. Since the invasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Russian counterpart several times. The ""no-limits partnership” proclaimed in early 2022 between their two countries has since deepened. Xi’s next trip is likely on the immediate horizon. He is expected to take part in May 9 celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. The military parade on Red Square is expected to also include North Korean troops. The Kremlin’s propagandists will, no doubt , do their best to get the most out of the event. ""From the beginning to the end, we were never clearly told what unit we were in."" Chinese prisoner of war Wang Xi’s interactions with Zelenskyy, by contrast, have been limited to a single phone call. During that call, in spring 2023, the two heads of state agreed that a special emissary from China should travel to Ukraine. The man chosen for the post, the career diplomat Li Hui, had served as his country’s ambassador to Russia for 10 years starting in 2009. He now frequently spends several days in Moscow, but his visits to Kyiv have generally been just a few hours long. People who have met him describe Li as someone who sticks closely to the talking points. During his first visit to Kyiv, Zelenskyy received him in person. Now, per murmurs in his office, the president considers personal meetings with Li to be a waste of time. The Ukrainian president’s tone regarding Beijing has also changed. At a June 2024 conference in Singapore, Zelenskyy accused China of being ""an instrument in the hands of Putin.” In September 2024, he brusquely dismissed a Chinese-Brazilian peace plan, which was unacceptable for Ukraine, as ""destructive.” Still, Zelenskyy has used such direct criticism sparingly. But now, for the first time in the war, he not only has two Chinese troops in Russian uniform, he also finds himself in the desperate position of having to attract the attention of the U.S. government. And that attention is currently focused on China. Ever since Trump enacted punitive tariffs on countries around the world, China first and foremost, the back-and-forth between the two superpowers has ramped up almost daily. Zelenskyy apparently believes that publicly going after China is his best chance to reach Trump. Hence the list with Little Hu. And it also likely explains the press conference held on a recent Monday afternoon in Kyiv by the SBU, the Ukrainian intelligence agency. The two men whose capture Zelenskyy had announced on his Telegram channel are led into the packed hall of the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform: a man with the last name of Zhang, born in 1988, and another named Wang, born in 1991. They are wearing the same uniform jackets they had on during their interrogation videos. Their handcuffs have been removed. Armed men in masks are standing in the background. Press conference in Kyiv with Chinese prisoners of war The event raises a number of questions. Is it really true, as an SBU spokesman insists at the beginning, that they are speaking of their own free will? This is impossible to verify, nor is the spokesman’s claim translated for them. That makes it all the more difficult to know what to make of their statements. The two apparently understood very little of what happened to them. Nobody, it appears, spoke Chinese in the Russian army and communication took place using gestures. They don’t even seem to know for certain what their unit was called, ""because from the beginning to the end, we were never clearly told what unit we were in,” says Wang. It seems to have been the 7th Motor Rifle Brigade, a unit in occupied Luhansk. From the bits and pieces gleaned about the men’s lives, it at least becomes clear that they joined the Russian army of their own accord. There is no mention of geopolitics in their accounts. How did they know that one could become a soldier in Russia? From social media, says Wang. ""It was in July of last year. I had been unemployed for months, so I started scrolling through Douyin.”";0,15
"Interview with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen: ""If Trump Wants a Trade War, We Will Respond""In the conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, 47, has a lot to lose. Two days prior to her interview with DER SPIEGEL, the Social Democratic prime minister held a speech on Europe in Danish parliament and shortly thereafter published an open letter together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in which they sharply criticized the European Court of Human Rights. Getting to her requires passing through four security doors. Frederiksen is waiting at a conference table in her office, and she is quick to interpret her guests’ sweeping glances through the expansive space. ""Like in the Netflix series 'Borgen,’ yes.” She clearly has no interest in small talk. DER SPIEGEL: Ms. Prime Minister, it has been about five months since U.S. President Donald Trump again declared that he was interested in buying Greenland. At what point did you realize that he wasn’t joking? Frederiksen: I was convinced early on that Trump was serious. But we are serious, too. For me, it is clear – and this is enshrined in our laws – that the future of Greenland will be decided by the people there. It is their land. According to the UN Charter, international law, and everything upon which we have built our world order since the end of World War II, you cannot simply claim part of another country or take it by force. Our Kingdom of Denmark is a community, and it includes Greenland. That is the reality. DER SPIEGEL 23/2025 The article you are reading originally appeared in German in issue 23/2025 (May 31st, 2025) of DER SPIEGEL. SPIEGEL International DER SPIEGEL: Trump seems not much to care. Frederiksen: Many people around the world are wondering whether we are entering a new era. The more I think about it, the clearer it becomes to me that we are. I was born in 1977. My political awakening began with Nelson Mandela and his fight for freedom. At the age of 12, I was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) youth group that supported him. Looking back, the three-and-a-half decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall were almost a golden era – despite the wars in Yugoslavia, terrorism, and all the other crises. That era is over. We are at the beginning of a new age, one that is more uncertain and, therefore, more dangerous. DER SPIEGEL: What other factors make you believe this? Frederiksen: Russia is very aggressive. I am convinced that Vladimir Putin and his allies want to continue what we have been witnessing in Ukraine since 2022. They have restructured their economy for a prolonged war and are being supported by North Korea, Iran and, unfortunately, also by China. DER SPIEGEL: In April, during a visit to Greenland, you said that the Danes have always regarded the United States as a partner. How do you view the U.S. today? As an ally or as an adversary? Frederiksen: I hold on to my values. Even if things are changing in the U.S., that does not alter my view of trans-Atlantic relations. Without NATO, we would not be able to protect our population. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, the collective defense clause, is our most important insurance policy. DER SPIEGEL: It is questionable how long the mutual defense clause will remain valid. Frederiksen: You can accuse me of many things, but not of being naïve. I see our weaknesses. It was a historic mistake for Germany and Europe to buy gas from Russia and make itself dependent. We Europeans have paid a price for that. Today, we must clearly recognize the new reality. We will have to reconsider our decisions. I hope that everyone remains committed to NATO. But Europe must become capable of fully defending itself. DER SPIEGEL: It has been reported that the Americans have already begun calculating internally how much it would cost each year to take over Greenland. Denmark currently supports the island with the equivalent of $650 million per year. The U.S. might be willing to spend significantly more. According to reports in the American media, they are apparently looking for potential informants among the local population. What preparations are you making? Frederiksen: I can imagine many things, but I prefer not to share scenarios with you. The people of Greenland and their government have made their position clear: Greenland’s future can only be decided in Nuuk, the capital. I expect everyone to respect that – including us. DER SPIEGEL: The people of Nuuk are deeply concerned. One parliamentarian, for example, said she is worried that U.S. soldiers might land at night by plane, patrol the streets in military vehicles and dissolve the parliament. Frederiksen: I generally do not engage in speculation. Instead, I focus on what is actually happening. DER SPIEGEL: Your tone has become more urgent in recent months. During your last visit to Greenland, you addressed the American public directly in English. Frederiksen: I always say clearly what I think and what I want. We must try to de-escalate the situation. Conflicts between allies are not a good idea. What are we witnessing globally? An aggressive Russia that not only attacks Ukraine but also confronts us with hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, and disinformation. Then there is the situation in the Middle East, the ongoing threat of terrorism, and climate change. At such a time, we should not have conflicts between Europe and the U.S. DER SPIEGEL: You recently delivered an historic keynote speech on Europe’s future in Danish parliament. You referred to former French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, who supposedly rewrote his speech on the founding of the European Community nine times to find the right tone. How often do you adjust your messages? Frederiksen: Not often. I do not believe in constant strategy changes. Ten years ago, when I became chair of my party, I resolved never to change a plan spontaneously. Otherwise, you get overwhelmed – especially in today’s world. Things change so quickly. You have to stick to your own strategy and believe in it. DER SPIEGEL: What can Denmark do to stand up to a global power whose leader some observers describe as a tyrant? Frederiksen: When I talk about rearmament, I think in European terms. It was a grave mistake to cut our budgets so drastically after the end of the Cold War. As Europeans, we must ask ourselves: If we are not willing to fight for ourselves now, who are we? To me, Europe is not just a spot on the map. Europe represents our values, our ideas, our worldview, our way of living and building societies. If we lose the willingness to fight for that, we lose ourselves. DER SPIEGEL: U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening Europe with new tariffs. The former U.S. Ambassador to Copenhagen, Rufus Gifford, suggested that Denmark should stop exporting the weight-loss drug Ozempic to the U.S. as a symbolic countermeasure. Would you be prepared to fight fire with fire if necessary? Frederiksen: We are against any form of trade conflict. The consequences affect not only our companies but also the U.S. We have no intention of being divided. Tariffs are set jointly in Europe. But it’s clear that we have various means of defending ourselves. If Trump wants a trade war with us, we will respond. DER SPIEGEL: Some military officials and experts have suggested that European countries should support you and send a message by stationing troops in Greenland. What do you expect of your European allies? Frederiksen: The European heads of state and government already took a clear position in February. The European Council issued a joint statement supporting the Kingdom of Denmark. We are members of the European Union and NATO, and in the case of the latter, this includes Greenland. Regarding security in the Arctic region, all allies in the area need to do more, because the situation there is changing. But we need to do it together. DER SPIEGEL: Are you planning an increased presence in the region? Frederiksen: We are already working on that. I am primarily thinking of drones and frigates, and certainly more fighter jets. There is a lot of critical infrastructure in the region. Recently, we had a meeting in Oslo of the Joint Expeditionary Force, the UK-led military cooperation of northern European countries, where we discussed the High North. Greenland and the Faroe Islands were part of that discussion. DER SPIEGEL: The fact is, the GIUK Gap – the gap between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom – could allow Russian nuclear submarines to move undetected towards North America. Frederiksen: We are in intensive discussions with the UK on this. DER SPIEGEL: Recently, you announced plans for four new ships for the Arctic. The old ones have been operating for years without functioning weapons systems. Why did you wait so long? Frederiksen: If you look at the map, you can see that the area is vast. Everyone needs to do more. When I became prime minister, we were spending the equivalent of 1.3 percent of GDP on defense. Now it’s more than 3 percent. Denmark and Greenland have a long, sometimes troubled history that began with the colonization of the island in 1721. Frederiksen seems genuinely pleased when she hears that one of her most vocal critics, a member Danish parliament from Greenland, described her in a conversation with DER SPIEGEL as being compassionate in her approach to Denmark’s colonial history, despite all their differences. Her facial features briefly relax before she quickly regains her composure. DER SPIEGEL: You once studied African studies and have likely spent more time considering colonial legacies than most world leaders. Can you understand why some Greenlanders saw an opportunity earlier this year in aligning themselves with the United States? Frederiksen: I don’t know if my perspective has anything to do with my studies. But Greenland’s future belongs to the people of Greenland. I advocate for Greenland more strongly than almost any other Danish politician before me. I respect that Greenland wants to work globally with various partners. DER SPIEGEL: It doesn’t worry you? Frederiksen: The prime minister of Greenland has made it clear that his people do not want to become part of the U.S. but are open to business. I understand that. DER SPIEGEL: During your visit to Greenland, you spoke about ""modernizing” your relationship. What did you mean by that? Frederiksen: There are dark chapters in our shared history, and if we don’t openly address them, it will be difficult to shape a common future. Greenlandic children were once forced to move to Denmark, losing their families and their language. I have officially apologized for that. DER SPIEGEL: Earlier this year, a televised debate took place between politicians from Denmark and Greenland. A woman from Greenland was present who had been forcibly fitted with an IUD – a fate that befell half the women of Greenland in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These women have yet to receive an apology from Denmark. Frederiksen: We have found out that these things happened under Danish responsibility. But we also learned that this practice continued even after it was no longer our responsibility. It is primarily a Danish problem, but not exclusively. So we decided to establish a commission to examine the matter together with Greenland. Once the commission has completed its work, we will have a political discussion and find a way to address the issue. DER SPIEGEL: The women may not want to wait for a commission to complete its report. Their pain is acute. Frederiksen: I take this seriously and have spoken with several of these women. I acknowledge their pain and am not afraid to apologize officially. But I will wait for the results in coordination with the Greenlandic government. DER SPIEGEL: We have heard from people in your circle that you have great confidence in Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz. What do you expect from him? Frederiksen: Leadership. I know him well and I like him. He has a clear vision for Europe. A strong Germany means a stronger Europe. We work closely together in supporting Ukraine, as we do on security, defense and migration issues. I hope this strong cooperation will also be expanded further in the fight against climate change. We share the same sea and have interesting opportunities regarding renewable energy. DER SPIEGEL: You recently said that Denmark also needs new ships for the Baltic Sea. Would you be open to having them built in Germany? Frederiksen: I’ve told my military experts: buy, buy, buy! We must be able to defend ourselves in the short and medium term. Of course, we also want to increase our own capacities for strategic reasons. I visited one of your major companies, Rheinmetall. Cooperation with Germany is a given for us. DER SPIEGEL: Party allies in other countries praise you in conversations for your clarity. However, there is recurring discontent about how you speak about migrants – saying, for example, that mass migration is one of Europe’s most pressing problems or that living according to the Koran is incompatible with being a democrat. Do you still see yourself as being on the left of the political spectrum? Frederiksen: I am a Social Democrat. That shapes my stance, including on migration. And I suspect that the majority of Germans would agree with me. DER SPIEGEL: On what? Frederiksen: That mass migration to Germany and Denmark has destroyed parts of our everyday lives. DER SPIEGEL: What makes you think that? Frederiksen: I read German newspapers and see what is happening in your country as well, especially regarding crime. I don’t think people flee for fun. Those who are persecuted must be protected. But I am convinced that we cannot take in and protect everyone. I disagreed with German policy in 2015 and think it was a big mistake. The consequences are so enormous that we cannot simply continue as before. DER SPIEGEL: Is it possible that you speak about migration in this way because you speculate that your stance might appeal to, say, U.S. Vice President JD Vance? The prime minister’s face grows serious. She leans forward over the table and maintains eye contact as she searches in Danish for the right English word. It is clear that the issue is an important one for her. Her adviser takes a deep breath and says: ""She feels offended.” Frederiksen: Whoever says such a thing insults me. I’ve been saying the same thing about migration for more than years. People need to feel safe when taking the bus at night, going to work early in the morning, or at school. With the current level of crime in Europe, there are areas where people no longer feel safe. DER SPIEGEL: You recently published an open letter with Giorgia Meloni. In it, you sharply criticize the European Court of Human Rights. Its judges have repeatedly criticized your handling of migrants and demanded changes – for example, after the deportation of a mentally ill man. How much of the European idea remains when Social Democrats and post-fascists jointly question a pillar of European order? Frederiksen: We believe in the rule of law and in the idea of human rights. But if someone comes from the Middle East into our society and wants to destroy it, we must be able to defend ourselves. DER SPIEGEL: You wrote that the court has ""gone too far.” How so? Frederiksen: As far as I can tell, the Human Rights Convention was originally created to protect minorities, particularly after World War II. Today, however, we must protect the majority. It cannot be a human right to come to us from Afghanistan and rape a young woman or murder someone. If someone does that, we have a right to say: You must leave. If someone kills my partner, do I allow them to sit at my table? No. DER SPIEGEL: So far, only countries governed by conservative or right-wing parties have joined your letter, along with Estonia, which borders Russia. Sweden and Finland are not on board. What do you hope to achieve with this course? Frederiksen: My goal is for us to have control over our external borders. I want Europe to remain a safe place in the future. DER SPIEGEL: Donald Trump's place in the history books seems to be already predetermined. He is the U.S. president who possibly destroyed the Western world as we knew it. How would you like to be seen in 10 years? Frederiksen: I doubt that people will talk much about me in 10 years. But if they do, I hope they will say that I contributed to striking a balance between the hopes and aspirations of the ordinary people and the continued strengthening of Europe. And that I was among the leading voices in support of the defense of our continent in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine. DER SPIEGEL: Ms. Prime Minister, thank you for this interview.";0,175
"Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen: The Freestylist Magnus Carlsen strolls across the parking lot of Millerntor Stadium in Hamburg as the journalists scurry into hiding. As if the superstar of the chess world were a skittish doe that would take flight at the slightest rustle. Carlsen has been promised that no journalists will be on site, say the organizers of a meet and greet. Otherwise, he would have refused to come. A television team has already been sent away. No questions are allowed. DER SPIEGEL 16/2025 The article you are reading originally appeared in German in issue 16/2025 (April 12th, 2025) of DER SPIEGEL. SPIEGEL International This Monday in mid-January marks the first time that the world’s top-ranked player has competed for FC St. Pauli in Germany’s top chess league. Carlsen strides into the clubhouse and takes off his beanie but leaves on his down parka. Dozens of fans are waiting to take selfies with Carlsen and to get his autograph on their chessboards. “That is both the good thing and the bad thing about Magnus. He always does what he wants.” Jan Henric Buettner, Magnus Carlsen's business partner Oliver von Wersch, the deputy head of St. Pauli’s chess division, introduces the prominent guest to the members as Carlsen buries his hands in his coat pockets, swaying back and forth. He leaves again after just five minutes, disappearing across the parking lot – most of the selfies left untaken. Just five minutes? Or, rather: At least it was five minutes? The meet and greet almost didn’t happen in the first place. A friend had to convince Carlsen over the phone to come at all. Carlsen’s business partner, Jan Henric Buettner, was just about to tell the gathered fans that he wouldn’t be appearing after all when his friend called out: ""Magnus is coming!” The fans cheered. ""That is both the good thing and the bad thing about Magnus,” says Buettner. ""He always does what he wants.” ""Semi-Retirement"" Magnus Carlsen, 34, is one of the greatest sportsmen of our times, a beacon of chess. Never in the 1,500-year history of this game was a grandmaster as famous as the Norwegian. People call him a ""wunderkind,” and he became world champion at the tender age of 22. He has modeled for G-Star, put Bill Gates in checkmate on television and has had a cameo on the ""Simpsons.” Carlsen has become a pop culture icon. But two years ago, he gave up his world championship title without a fight, saying that classical chess had become too boring for him. Today, he primarily plays online, promotes his new passion of freestyle chess and says that he is in ""semi-retirement.” Nevertheless, he is once again engaged in a clash with the World Chess Federation (FIDE), engaging in a public dispute over a pair of jeans – and over who holds power in the world of chess. Carlsen does what he wants. And by doing so, he may well be changing the sport. It is a Friday evening prior to the chess league weekend at FC St. Pauli. Carlsen’s business partner Buettner has invited grandmasters, friends and journalists to a restaurant in the HafenCity district of Hamburg. On the sidelines of the dinner, Carlsen has time for a quick conversation. ""It has been a fantastic start to the year,” he says. ""I couldn’t be happier.” He got married to his partner Ella Victoria Malone just a few days earlier – and played blitz chess on his wedding night. Why is he playing in the German league despite now being bored of classical chess? ""It’s okay every now and then on special occasions,” says Carlsen. As he speaks with DER SPIEGEL, he continually glances over to the neighboring table, where teammates are playing a quick game. Carlsen once said that he thinks constantly about chess and analyzes moves even during conversations. St. Pauli appealed to him as a football fan, says Carlsen. During a meal together in Nice, Buettner, who became wealthy with the online service AOL and is a fan of the Hamburg club, asked Carlsen if he would be interested in playing for the club’s chess division. ""I thought: That sounds like fun,” says Carlsen. He simply can’t do without it. With an RV through Europe ""When Magnus is enthusiastic about something, he makes great progress. That was the case in the past and it's still the case today,” says Henrik Carlsen. Magnus’s father, born in 1962, is bald and wears wire-rimmed glasses. He joins the video call at precisely the time agreed on. Before Magnus was even two years old, he could complete puzzles with more than 50 pieces. At four, he was building large Lego sets meant for children of 10-14 years. At five, he memorized all the countries in the world including their capital cities, populations and flags. ""He could concentrate for hours at a time,” says Henrik Carlsen. The father is also a good chess player. He taught his son the rules when he was five. Magnus understood how the figures moved, but he didn’t grasp how to get them to work together. He didn’t much like the game at first. Perhaps Magnus Carlsen’s life would have taken a different path without his older sister Ellen. She would play chess against their father and Magnus would watch. At seven, he decided that he really wanted to beat his sister, who is one-and-a-half years older. He started taking out the board more often and playing games against himself. Soon, his parents began entering Magnus in tournaments, and in 2000, he won the Norwegian U11 championship. Magnus, says his father, was excited to realize that he progressed far more rapidly than other children. ""He is very competitive in everything he does.” His ambition, says Henrik Carlsen, was evident in every sport he participated in back then, including football, skiing and ski jumping. Other children are ambitious too, but very few go on to become world champions. Magnus Carlsen explained the difference between him and others his age in a recent podcast. ""They would go to chess training and maybe even do their homework, but they didn’t live and breathe the game like I did.” Chess is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Queens, knights and pawns each have their own way of moving across the 64 black-and-white squares to put the opposing king in checkmate. There are more possible chess games than there are atoms in the universe. Chess is a game dictated by logic. ""Magnus described this year, in which he was on the road a lot and didn't have to get up early in the morning to go to school, as crucial for his development."" Henrik Carlsen, Magnus Carlsen's father For Carlsen, chess was always a form of rebellion. As a child, he would go to training once a week, and he loved it, Carlsen says. But then, his trainer started giving him homework: ""I quickly told him that I didn’t like that,” says Carlsen. At age nine, Magnus would read chess books for hours, replaying games in his head, without a board. ""But I did that for fun.” Magnus only really blossomed fully when he no longer had to go to school, says Henrik Carlsen. Magnus’s father worked as an engineer in the oil industry and later as a freelance consultant. In 2003, he had enough time between projects to fulfill a family dream: He and his wife took their children out of school and they drove as a family through Europe in an RV – Salzburg, Athens, Rome. The Carlsen’s taught Magnus and his three sisters themselves as the family visited Europe’s sights. And Magnus played in chess tournaments. ""Magnus described this year, in which he was on the road a lot and didn't have to get up early in the morning to go to school, as crucial for his development,” says Henrik Carlsen: ""We saw how he matured."" Not long later, the entire world would see the same. On March 18, 2004, Carlsen was sitting in a dark hoodie in the City Hall of Reykjavik. It was the day he would make history. Just 13 years old at the time, he set one arm on the red tablecloth and used the other to make sure the white pieces in front of him were perfectly arranged. His opponent was late. But then, Carlsen’s foe entered: Garry Kasparov. The world’s top-ranked player, the former world champion, perhaps the best player of all time, strode up to the board. Dressed in a blazer, a vest and a tie, Kasparov laid his head in his hands and closed his eyes. The master had to concentrate. Magnus Carlsen, hands folded, sat across from him. Carlsen vs. Kasparov, Reykjavík 2004 Carlsen went on the attack, pushing Kasparov’s pieces back. Kasparov opened his eyes and wiped his face with his hand. Carlsen stood up, pacing back and forth, his hands in his pockets. Then, Kasparov managed to find an escape. Carlsen made a small mistake and the two agreed to a draw. It was a sensation. A 13-year-old had played the chess legend to the brink of a loss. Just a few weeks later, Carlsen cleared the final hurdle to the highest echelons of the chess world: At age 13 years, four months and 27 days, he became a grandmaster. The Washington Post christened Carlsen as the ""Mozart of chess,” saying he moved the pieces with the same virtuosity that Mozart had composed music. At 19, Carlsen became the youngest player ever to take over the top spot in the world rankings. Carlsen also had the opportunity to perhaps become the youngest world champion ever. But in 2010, he shocked the chess world with an open letter explaining that he was withdrawing from the world championships. He criticized the frequent rule changes made by FIDE and the confusing qualification criteria. FIDE was blindsided. Three years later in Chennai, Carlsen did finally become world champion. At age 22, he handily defeated defending champion Viswanathan Anand. And with that, there was no longer any doubt as to who was the best player in the world. ""It was huge,” says Henrik Carlsen today. ""India, the smells, the sounds, the intense atmosphere. It was a larger-than-life experience.” Magnus went on to defend his title four times, in addition to collecting 13 world championships in blitz and rapid chess and nobody won the ""Wimbledon of Chess” in Wijk aan Zee more often. At 2,882 points, Carlsen holds the record for the highest Elo number in the history of the world rankings and he has been at the top continuously since 2011. Feeling versus Logic If anyone knows why Carlsen is the best player in the world, then it is Peter Heine Nielsen. He has trained two world champions, Anand and Carlsen, and he has been at nine world championships. As a trainer, he has never lost a match in the world championships. On the sidelines of the Freestyle Chess tournament in the town of Weissenhaus in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein a few weeks ago, Nielsen met up with DER SPIEGEL for a stroll on the beach. It is a windy day and the tall man with his gray beard is easily recognizable from a distance. As the Dane walks across the sand, he continually glances at his mobile phone. He wants to know how Carlsen is doing in his match against the top German player Vincent Keymer. ""Magnus is the complete package, an incredibly versatile player,” says Nielsen. ""He has hardly any weaknesses. His intuition and his understanding of chess is simply stronger than that of the other players.” Carlsen’s feeling against the logic of the others. In training, chess players usually learn the square rule early on, an endgame tool for when only kings and pawns are left on the board. The rule helps determine if a king can reach a pawn in time as it advances toward the back rank. Carlsen never learned the rule. ""I just intuitively know it,” he says. He just played the way that felt right to him, he adds. ""I never really learned to organize my thoughts.” Garry Kasparov once described Carlsen’s playing style as a ""lethal combination” of the two former world champions Bobby Fischer and Anatoly Karpov. Fischer, he says, played an extremely dynamic game, using all the resources at his disposal and fighting to the bitter end. Karpov, by contrast, possessed the incomparable ability to use every piece to maximum effect with minimal resources. ""So now imagine that you merge these two styles,” Kasparov said of Carlsen. ""It’s like squeezing every stone for a drop of water, but doing it for 50, 60, 70, 80 moves.” “Many chess players have an academic approach. But Magnus has a sporting approach. He is a competitor.” Peter Heine Nielsen, Carlsen's trainer Back in Weissenhaus, Peter Heine Nielsen continues his walk through the sand. He also sees similarities to the former world champion Anand. ""Their work ethic is based on discovering new things,” says Carlsen’s coach. ""They are motivated when they find something new and interesting in chess.” Carlsen, though, hardly uses computer analyses, says Nielsen, and he doesn’t participate in months-long training camps like others do. But when it comes down to the board, he is extremely disciplined. That could be seen, says Nielsen, in the legendary sixth game of the 2021 World Championship Match. Against the Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi, Carlsen played on relentlessly despite a balanced position, until his opponent finally made an error on the 130th move. Carlsen won the longest game in the tournament’s history after 136 moves and almost eight hours. ""Many chess players have an academic approach,” says Nielsen. ""But Magnus has a sporting approach. He is a competitor.” Perhaps that helps explain why Carlsen is so famous outside the world of chess. People see him as an elite athlete and not as an eccentric chess nerd. International master Bill Hartston once allegedly said: ""Chess doesn't drive people mad, it keeps mad people sane.” That may have been true of the chess genius Bobby Fischer, who began spreading conspiracy theories following his victory in the 1972 World Championships, appearing in public as a confused anti-Semite. But it does not apply to Carlsen. The Fun Factor He seems like a star who just happens to play chess. His genius almost feels secondary. He has always found the world outside of chess interesting as well. He is a football fan and once had the opportunity to perform a ceremonial kickoff for Real Madrid. He has philosophized with Pep Guardiola about the similarities between chess and football and made headlines in 2019 when he was leading the Premier League’s fantasy football table. Carlsen also likes watching basketball and is a passionate golf player. ""I think it’s interesting for him to do something that he is not the best in the world at just for fun,” says Nielsen, his trainer. The walk in Weissenhaus has led into a small forest. Nielsen looks at his phone and curses. Carlsen has lost his game against Vincent Keymer. ""We should go back.” Back in front of the hall where the tournament is taking place, a remodeled barn, he looks around for Carlsen, but the player took off immediately after his game to his ""GOAT Villa,” the abbreviation for Greatest of All Time – which is what the house is actually called. He gave no interviews and provided no analysis. Carlsen hates losing. And when he does, he can be impulsive. Henrik Carlsen still has clear memories of the 2016 World Championships. His son was the clear favorite against challenger Sergey Karjakin, but lost the eighth game and fell behind. ""It was terrible. He was really very down,” says the father. After the match, Carlsen sat down for the press conference, but then got up and stormed out before it started. As world champion, Carlsen felt the pressure, and he hardly felt enjoyment any longer at the tournament. When he defended his title in 2021, he didn’t celebrate. All he said was: ""I’m relieved.” A New World Henrik Carlsen says he wasn’t surprised when his son relinquished the 2023 World Championship title. ""Every World Championship match he thought about whether he should play it at all,” So he quit. Magnus said he just didn’t want to play anymore. Carlsen lost interest in classical chess because it is rooted in planning. Months before the World Championship, trainers and their assistants use computers to analyze possible openings, which the players then learn by heart. In the Spanish Opening, is it better place the knight on a5 in the eighth move, or the bishop on b7? For 10 to 15 moves, players rattle off moves they have studied in the hopes of surprising their opponent. Those who do their homework become world champions. It was the exact opposite of Carlsen’s approach. New possibilities opened up when Carlsen met Jan Henric Buettner. The German millionaire offered to organize a chess tournament with him in complete accordance with his wishes. ""He was so excited,” Buettner recalls today. ""He thought it was really cool.” Carlsen decided to hold a Chess960 tournament. In this variation, the starting position of the pieces behind the pawns is randomly selected from 960 different possibilities. Standard openings are worthless, preparation basically impossible. Carlsen’s trainer, Nielsen, says that Chess960 is a battle of ""player versus player” and not a ""memory contest.” It’s about intuition and creativity, everything that Carlsen loves about chess. Buettner and Carlsen found a new name for Chess960, rechristening it freestyle chess. And in 2025, they are organizing an entire series of events, with the Grand Slam Tour making a stop in Paris last week. Carlsen won. Future tournaments are scheduled for Las Vegas, Delhi and Cape Town. Players will be competing for millions of dollars in cash prizes. The concept initially called for a Freestyle Chess World Champion to be crowned at the end of the tournament series, but FIDE, concerned about its monopoly over the chess world, has fought back. The global association insists that it alone has the authority to crown world champions. FIDE is even said to have threatened players, telling them that if they participate in the Freestyle series, they won’t be allowed to take part in classical world championships in the future. And that enrages Carlsen. ""Jeansgate"" The peak of the clash came in December, at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. In violation of the dress code, Carlsen played in jeans, and the chief arbiter banned him from playing in the next round. Carlsen said he had little patience with FIDE anyway. ""They can enforce their rules. That’s fine by me. And my response is: Fine, then I’m out. Like, fuck you.” He said he feels as though he were ""at war” with FIDE. The incident has gone down in chess history as ""Jeansgate.” Carlsen later auctioned off the jeans for charity, bringing in $36,100. “Chess will always be bigger than me, but certain organizations might not be."" Magnus Carlsen FIDE ultimately capitulated and loosened the dress code so that Carlsen could play in the subsequent Blitz Chess Championships. In the final, Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi were tied after six games, and they agreed to share the title. Carlsen could be heard in a video saying that if FIDE didn’t agree, they would just intentionally play draws. Who is actually making the rules here? Later, Carlsen said he had just been joking. FIDE allowed the two of them to share the title. But the conflict continued. Carlsen publicly accused FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich of abusing his power and breaking his word, even going so far as to demand his resignation. In the end, Carlsen’s Freestyle Chess Tour has agreed to refrain from awarding a world championship title, saying it doesn’t want to create problems for the players. ""Chess will always be bigger than me,” says Carlsen, ""but certain organizations might not be.” Back at the restaurant in Hamburg, one day before his guest appearance at FC St. Pauli, Carlsen continues to glance over at the chess game on the neighboring table. ""It’s not my goal to be rebellious,” he says. ""But on some days, I am.” He still gets angry about Jeansgate. ""It’s annoying when rules aren’t thought through.” An outfit of jeans, shirt and blazer, he says, is acceptable attire at every business meeting in the world, but not by FIDE. The arbiters, he insists, should have shown more tact. ""It bothers me when I and my team have to babysit them to make sure that they don’t make big mistakes.” He says he thinks he has achieved something positive for all players. Carlsen’s Legacy ""Magnus has a great sense for justice,” says Henrik Carlsen, his father. ""He feels responsible for the players.” That also, he says, plays a role in his new idea. Freestyle chess, Henrik Carlsen believes, could be Magnus’s legacy for the game, lending it commercial success and attention. ""Magnus really hopes that freestyle has a great future.” Will freestyle chess beat out classical chess? Should that happen, then Magnus Carlsen will have achieved something with his rebellion that no champion before him has been able to do. He will have revolutionized chess. The freestyle chess tournament in Weissenhaus comes to an end and a group of people has gathered in front of the old barn, including journalists, organizers and sponsors. Carlsen leaves the building. He was angry after losing the semifinal, but today, he seems rather satisfied. He has managed to come in third. Carlsen walks into the streaming studio, sits down on a brown leather sofa and takes questions about his tournament. After a few minutes, he leaves the studio. Does he have time for an interview? Carlsen declines, it’s almost 5 p.m. ""I’m off to play Freestyle Friday,” he says, an online tournament, and rushes off. At 5:06 p.m., he wins his first game.";0,1
OECD fordert von Deutschland harte Reformen, vor allem be Mathias Cormann versucht erkennbar, kein allzu düsteres Bild zu malen, als er am Donnerstag im Bundeswirtschaftsministerium den Bericht der OECD über die Lage in Deutschland vorstellt. Doch was der Generalsekretär der Industriestaatenorganisation im Beisein von Wirtschaftsministerin Katherina Reiche (CDU) zu sagen hat, klingt wie eine Generalabrechnung mit der deutschen Wirtschaftspolitik. Sicher, das Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP), das die jährliche Wirtschaftsleistung abbildet, werde laut neuester OECD-Prognose in diesem Jahr um 0,4 und im nächsten Jahr um 1,2 Prozent wachsen. Der Amtsantritt der neuen Bundesregierung habe die politische Unsicherheit gesenkt, auch wenn diese nach wie vor weit höher ist als in anderen Industriestaaten. Die Reallöhne würden den privaten Konsum beleben, Verteidigungsausgaben und Infrastrukturinvestitionen voraussichtlich stark steigen. Und auch die privaten Investitionen würden wohl wieder anziehen, heißt es im OECD-Bericht . Doch Cormanns Hauptbotschaft ist eine andere: Deutschland muss schmerzhafte Reformen einleiten, und zwar schnell. Unter den Vorschlägen befinden sich nicht nur Dinge, bei denen ein gesellschaftlicher Konsens relativ leicht herzustellen wäre – etwa der Abbau von Bürokratie, um Innovationen und Produktivität zu steigern, eine bessere Abstimmung der regionalen Wirtschaftsförderung mit industrie-, infrastruktur- und innovationspolitischen Maßnahmen oder die Bekämpfung des Fachkräftemangels mit Arbeitsanreizen für Geringverdiener und Frauen. Die OECD-Ökonomen legen der Politik auch nahe, die Lasten der Reformen gerechter von Jüngeren auf Ältere zu verteilen. Experten warnen schon lange vor massiven Problemen im Rentensystem, auch weil nun die geburtenstarken Jahrgänge der sogenannten Babyboomer in den Ruhestand gehen. Zugleich explodieren die Gesundheits- und Pflegekosten. Diesem »zunehmenden Ausgabendruck aufgrund der Bevölkerungsalterung« sollte durch »Reformen des staatlichen Renten- und Gesundheitssystems begegnet werden«, fordert die OECD – und macht konkrete Vorschläge. So sollten »fiskalische Frühverrentungsanreize sukzessive abgeschafft werden«. Gemeint ist damit etwa die Rente mit 63. Diese ist zuletzt durch Untersuchungen in Misskredit geraten, die nahelegen, dass vor allem Menschen in komfortablen Berufen vom abschlagsfreien Abschied in den Ruhestand profitieren – und nicht, wie insbesondere von der SPD gern suggeriert wird, Menschen mit belastenden Jobs. Die OECD kritisiert das scharf. Die Anreize zur Frühverrentung führten dazu, dass »viele gut ausgebildete und gesunde Arbeitskräfte vor dem gesetzlichen Rentenalter aus dem Erwerbsleben ausscheiden«, während die Volkswirtschaft unter Fachkräftemangel leide. »Diese Anreize sollten abgeschafft werden.« Stattdessen sollten »Anreize für ältere Arbeitskräfte, länger im Erwerbsleben zu verbleiben, verbessert werden«. Auch sollten kapitalgedeckte betriebliche Altersvorsorgemodelle gestärkt werden, notfalls auch durch Pflichtmitgliedschaften für Neueinstellungen. Ohne Maßnahmen zur »Dämpfung des alterungsbedingt steigenden Ausgabendrucks« droht laut OECD eine regelrechte Explosion der Staatsverschuldung von derzeit rund 60 auf etwa 130 Prozent der jährlichen Wirtschaftsleistung im Jahr 2045. Ob solche Maßnahmen zügig ergriffen werden, erscheint nach dem Auftritt Cormanns und Reiches unsicher. Denn die Ministerin stimmt der OECD im Grundsatz zu – sieht aber offenbar wenig Chancen, dass sich das Notwendige politisch durchsetzen lässt. Das Rentenalter werde zwar »langsam erhöht«, sagte Reiche. »Die Frage ist, sind wir schnell genug und ambitioniert genug? Ich würde sagen: nein.« Reiche verwies auf den Koalitionsvertrag zwischen Union und SPD, laut dem es keine Erhöhung des Renteneintrittsalters geben werde. Der CDU-Ministerin schmeckt das nicht. »Wenn Sie mich fragen, führt kein Weg daran vorbei, länger zu arbeiten«, sagt sie. Auch die Frühverrentung sei »ein Problem«: »Viele Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer würden gerne länger arbeiten.« Auch müssten mehr steuerliche Anreize zum Arbeiten geschaffen werden. »Es muss sich lohnen, zu arbeiten und nicht, zu Hause zu bleiben«, so Reiche. Die Dringlichkeit von Reformen unterstreicht die OECD mit einer ganzen Reihe von Zahlen. Zwar liege das BIP pro Kopf in Deutschland noch immer 16 Prozent über dem OECD-Durchschnitt und über dem von Frankreich oder Großbritannien. Doch der Vorsprung schmilzt dahin. »Vor fünf bis zehn Jahren hat die deutsche Wirtschaft aufgehört zu wachsen«, sagt Cormann. Insbesondere seit der Coronapandemie geht die Schere zwischen dem Wirtschaftswachstum Deutschlands und dem Rest der OECD-Länder immer weiter auf. Einer der Gründe ist der Arbeitskräftemangel. In einer Statistik mit 34 Ländern belegt Deutschland den Spitzenplatz bei »gravierenden Personalengpässen«, 36 Prozent der Unternehmen seien in den Jahren 2022 und 2023 davon betroffen gewesen. Insgesamt hätten über 80 Prozent der Firmen Schwierigkeiten bei der Besetzung offener Stellen gehabt – auch das einer der höchsten Werte im Ländervergleich. Vor allem unter Frauen gebe es eine zu hohe Teilzeitquote. Hier sollten besonders die Kinderbetreuung und das steuerliche Ehegattensplitting auf den Prüfstand. Doch auch dieser Forderung erteilt Reiche eine Absage: »Eine Abschaffung des Ehegattensplittings ist nicht in der Planung.« Viele junge Erwachsene in Deutschland haben laut OECD aufgrund von »unzureichenden Grundkompetenzen« keinen Berufsabschluss. Eine Besserung gab es zuletzt nicht, im Gegenteil. Laut der Pisa-Studie der OECD haben sich die durchschnittlichen Lernergebnisse von 15-jährigen Schülern zwischen 2018 und 2022 »stark verschlechtert«, heißt es in dem Bericht. Auch den durch den Strukturwandel steigenden Umschulungs- und Weiterqualifizierungsbedarf sieht die OECD nicht ausreichend gedeckt, hier müsse die Erwachsenenbildung verbessert werden. Immerhin: Die OECD hält Deutschlands Probleme für lösbar. »Deutschland ist ein wirtschaftliches Schwergewicht mit enormem Potenzial für eine neue starke Wachstumsdynamik«, sagt Cormann. Doch ob das dafür Notwendige getan wird, wagt der Australier nicht vorherzusagen. »Wir werden nicht bewerten, was die Regierung tun wird, bevor sie die Gelegenheit hatte, unsere Erkenntnisse und Empfehlungen zu verdauen«, so Cormann. Und zu verdauen gibt es viel.;-0,125
Karl Lauterbach: SPD-Politiker darf im Ministeriumskeller kein Tischtennis mehr spielen Der SPD-Bundestagsabgeordnete Karl Lauterbach, 62, hat nicht nur seinen Job als Gesundheitsminister verloren – er darf nun auch nicht mehr im Ministeriumskeller seiner Leidenschaft als Tischtennisspieler nachgehen. Seine Nachfolgerin im Ministeramt, Nina Warken von der CDU, habe ihm das Privileg ohne Begründung gestrichen, sagte Lauterbach der »Bild«. Demnach hatte er von der Ministerin für eine Übergangszeit eine Sondererlaubnis erhalten. Damit sei nun Schluss. Er hätte dort gern weiter gespielt, sagte Lauterbach der Zeitung. Der Raum sei im Keller. Wenn er dort spiele, habe er keinen Zutritt zum Ministerium und »störe niemanden«. Da er »immer spät am Abend gespielt habe, hat mein Spiel doch niemandem den Raum weggenommen«, sagte der SPD-Politiker. Auch für die ihn immer noch schützenden BKA-Beamten sei dies eine gute Lösung gewesen. Das Gesundheitsministerium ließ eine Anfrage der Zeitung dazu unbeantwortet. Lauterbach hatte zu seinem 60. Geburtstag im Jahr 2023 von Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern eine Tischtennisplatte geschenkt bekommen. Die will er nun dem Ministerium schenken. Der Politiker hat in der Vergangenheit bereits häufiger über seine Leidenschaft für Tischtennis gesprochen. »Ich will einfach besser werden, zu meinem Vergnügen, ich spiele aber nicht um Punkte«, sagte er 2022 im SPIEGEL-Gespräch. Zur Begründung sagte er im selben Jahr in einem TV-Porträt von SPIEGEL-Autor Markus Feldenkirchen, es gehe bei ihm beruflich ohnehin schon immer ums Punktemachen, ums Gewinnen. Da wolle er privat einfach mal entspannt spielen. DER SPIEGEL 27.03.2022 Nach dem Regierungswechsel hatte Lauterbach Ende Mai den Vorsitz des Bundestagsausschusses für Forschung, Technologie, Raumfahrt und Technikfolgenabschätzung übernommen. Vor wenigen Tagen wurde bekannt, dass er Mitglied einer Kommission für Klima und Gesundheit bei der Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO wird. aar/dpa;0,025
SPD: Olaf Lies wertet »Manifest« zur Außenpolitik als Angriff auf Parteispitze Ein Positionspapier zur Außenpolitik, unterschrieben von bekannten Parteimitgliedern, bringt Unruhe in die SPD . Nun hat sich Niedersachsens Ministerpräsident Olaf Lies in der Debatte geäußert und das »Manifest« zur Außenpolitik kritisiert. Er halte nichts von dem Papier, sagte Lies am Mittwoch bei einer Veranstaltung des Clubs Hamburger Wirtschaftsjournalisten. In dem Papier, das seit Dienstag in der SPD kursiert, drängen die Autoren auf eine Kehrtwende im Umgang mit Russland und in der Frage der Aufrüstung. Auf Unmut in der Partei stoßen vorwiegend die Sätze zu Russland . So fordern die Erstunterzeichner um Ralf Stegner und den früheren Fraktionschef Rolf Mützenich eine »schrittweise Rückkehr zur Entspannung der Beziehungen und einer Zusammenarbeit mit Russland«. Mehr zum Thema »Manifest« zur Außenpolitik: Jetzt knallt es in der SPD Von Christian Teevs Reaktionen auf Forderung von SPD-Linken: »Wunschdenken«, »ungeheuerlich«, »Realitätsverweigerung« Umgang mit Russland und Aufrüstung: Prominente SPD-Politiker stellen sich gegen Außenpolitik der Bundesregierung »Niemand von uns hat etwas gegen Diplomatie und Frieden«, sagte Lies dazu. Aber man dürfe die Realität nicht ausblenden und den ehrlichen Blick nicht verweigern. Er sehe niemanden auf der russischen Seite, der bereit wäre, in irgendeiner Form diplomatische Lösungen zu finden. »Man muss ein bisschen aufpassen, dass wir jetzt nicht das, was wir zu erreichen versuchen, ein Stück Stärke als Europa zu gewinnen, wieder infrage stellen«, so Lies. Hinter dem Papier stecken die SPD-Friedenskreise, Mitglieder und Aktivisten aus verschiedenen Vereinen und Arbeitsgemeinschaften der Partei. Zu den Erstunterzeichnern zählt auch der Ex-Parteivorsitzende Norbert Walter-Borjans. Auch der frühere Finanzminister Hans Eichel ist dabei. Streit in der Partei eskaliert Die alte Garde um Mützenich war stets unglücklich mit der Aufrüstung und den diplomatischen Bemühungen der Bundesregierung. Unter dem SPD-Kanzler Olaf Scholz und während des Wahlkampfes brach der Konflikt nicht aus. Doch jetzt eskaliert der Streit. Für Parteichef und Vizekanzler Lars Klingbeil ist das heikel. Ende Juni muss er einen Parteitag überstehen. Und kurz vorher findet der Nato-Gipfel statt, auf dem sich Deutschland dazu verpflichten will, die Verteidigungsausgaben deutlich zu erhöhen. Lies wertete das »Manifest« als Attacke auf die Parteispitze. »Ich halte davon nichts, von dem Manifest«, sagte er. »Ich bin davon überzeugt, das ist auch nicht die Position der Mehrheit der Sozialdemokraten, und erst recht nicht der Mehrheit der Personen, die gerade in der Sozialdemokratie an der Spitze stehen. Das ist auch sehr eng verbunden mit einem Angriff auf die Spitze.« Am Mittwoch hatten sich bereits führende Sozialdemokraten von dem sogenannten Manifest distanziert. SPD-Außenpolitiker Stegner verteidigte die von ihm mitverfassten Forderungen nach einer Wende in der deutschen Außenpolitik gegenüber Russland hingegen erneut. »Die Strategie, Russland militärisch an den Verhandlungstisch zu zwingen, ist doch gescheitert«, sagte der Bundestagsabgeordnete am Donnerstag im ZDF-»Morgenmagazin«. Es müsse mehr »diplomatische Anstrengungen« zur Beendigung von Kriegen wie dem in der Ukraine geben. Stegner verteidigt Papier als »Debattenanstoß« Im Umgang mit Russland gehe es auch seiner Meinung nach nicht um Verzicht auf militärische Abschreckung. »Niemand will Appeasement«, sagte Stegner mit Blick auf die Verfasser des sogenannten Manifestes. Auch er habe dem 100-Milliarden-Paket für die Bundeswehr im Bundestag zugestimmt. Es gebe »gar keinen Zweifel« daran, dass Russlands Präsident Wladimir Putin »ein Kriegsverbrecher« sei. Die Ukraine müsse auch weiter unterstützt werden, etwa bei der Flugabwehr. Stegner bezeichnete das Papier als einen parteiinternen »Debattenanstoß«, den die SPD »aushalten« müsse. asc/sh/cte/dpa;0,3
Polen: Donald Tusk erwägt Kontrollen an der Grenze zu Deutschland Polen erwägt laut Tusk die Einführung von Kontrollen an der Grenze zu Deutschland . Es sei »sehr wahrscheinlich, dass wir ab diesem Sommer solche teilweisen Kontrollen an der Grenze zu Deutschland einführen werden«, sagte Tusk im Parlament in Warschau. »Ich habe unseren Nachbarn, nicht nur Deutschland, sondern auch anderen Nachbarstaaten, mitgeteilt, dass ich nicht zögern werde, vorübergehende Kontrollen einzuführen«, sagte Tusk. Dieser Schritt werde kommen, »wenn die Lage an der Grenze angespannt ist und der Druck groß ist«. Tusk sagte aber auch, Grenzkontrollen würden für die vielen Polen, die zu ihrem Arbeitsplatz nach Deutschland pendeln, zu erheblichen Belastungen führen. Mit seiner Rede reagiert Tusk auf das Vorgehen der schwarz-roten Bundesregierung. Dobrindt hatte kurz nach dem Antritt der neuen Regierung vor einem Monat intensivere Grenzkontrollen verfügt. Gleichzeitig ordnete er an, dass künftig auch Asylsuchende an der Grenze zurückgewiesen werden können. An dieser Praxis hält die Bundesregierung auch nach einer Eilentscheidung des Berliner Verwaltungsgerichts fest. Das Gericht hatte festgestellt, die Zurückweisung von drei Somaliern bei einer Grenzkontrolle am Bahnhof Frankfurt (Oder) am 9. Mai sei rechtswidrig gewesen. Ohne eine Klärung, welcher EU-Staat für einen Asylantrag der Betroffenen zuständig sei, dürften sie nicht abgewiesen werden. Die drei Betroffenen waren nach Polen zurückgeschickt worden. Die polnische Regierung protestierte gegen die Maßnahmen. Tusk sagte nun, er habe die Bundesregierung gewarnt, dass Warschau »jeden Versuch, irgendeinen Migranten nach Polen zu schicken«, genau beobachten werde. Dobrindt und sein Amtskollege Siemoniak sicherten am Montag zu, die Auswirkungen von Grenzkontrollen für die lokalen Gemeinden und den Warentransport minimieren zu wollen.;-0,075
Kate Beckinsale: Wie sie für eine Filmszene gegen eine Wand geworfen wurde Wenn Hollywoodstars ihre Stuntszenen selbst drehen, dann ernten sie dafür oft große Anerkennung. Kampfkünstler Jackie Chan ist so ein Beispiel. Was aber, wenn Schauspielerinnen oder Schauspieler auf Stuntdoubles angewiesen sind, weil sie nicht für Actionszenen ausgebildet wurden? Die britische Schauspielerin Kate Beckinsale, 51, hat das offenbar am eigenen Leib zu spüren bekommen. Beckinsale verklagt nun die Produzenten des Actionthrillers »Canary Black«. In dem Film spielt sie die CIA -Agentin Avery Graves. Während der Dreharbeiten in Kroatien im Dezember 2022 wurde Beckinsale in ihrer Rolle als CIA-Agentin von einem anderen Schauspieler gegen eine Wand geworfen, berichten unter anderem »Variety« und der »Guardian« unter Berufung auf die Gerichtsdokumente . Dabei soll sie eine schwere Knieverletzung erlitten haben. DER SPIEGEL 13.06.2024 Beckinsale beklagt 15-Stunden-Arbeitstage »Frau Beckinsale beschwerte sich, dass die Szene nicht sicher wirkte und das Werfen gegen die Wand zu hart und zu gefährlich war«, heißt es demnach in der Klage: »Ungeachtet der Beschwerden von Frau Beckinsale wurden zahlreiche Takes dieser gefährlichen Szene gedreht.« Der Klage zufolge erlitt die Schauspielerin bei den Dreharbeiten einen Riss des linken Meniskus und konnte für einige Monate nicht arbeiten. In der Klage heißt es, die Szene hätte von Beckinsales Stuntdouble gedreht werden müssen. Warum das offenbar nicht der Fall war, lässt das Dokument offen. Allerdings heißt es, Beckinsales Stuntdouble habe sich während der Dreharbeiten den Knöchel gebrochen. Als Ersatz sei eine unqualifizierte Stuntfrau angeheuert worden. Auch abseits der Stuntszenen sollen die Arbeitsbedingungen nicht dem geschlossenen Vertrag entsprochen haben. In Beckinsales Klage heißt es, Drehtage hätten bis zu 15 Stunden gedauert. Dabei sei eigentlich eine Begrenzung von zwölf Stunden am Tag festgelegt worden. Dadurch sei Beckinsale Gefahren durch Ermüdung ausgesetzt worden. Die Produzenten des Films haben sich auf Anfragen laut »Variety« und »Guardian« bislang nicht zu der Anklage geäußert. Mehr zum Thema Britische Schauspielerin: Kate Beckinsale spricht über Übergriffe am Filmset Britische Schauspielerin: Kate Beckinsale hatte ein Loch in der Speiseröhre Jackie Chan feiert 70. Geburtstag: Ein Leben voller Schmerzen »Canary Black« erschien im Oktober 2024 bei Amazon Prime. Kate Beckinsale hatte zuletzt öfter mit gesundheitlichen Problemen zu kämpfen. Nach eigener Aussage erlitt sie im vergangenen Jahr ein Loch in der Speiseröhre und musste deswegen sechs Wochen ins Krankenhaus. Beckinsale schrieb auf Instagram, das sei die Folge der Trauer um ihren im Januar 2024 verstorbenen Stiefvater gewesen. ptz;0
"Ukraine and Russia exchange more prisoners of war under Istanbul deal Ukraine and Russia carried out another exchange of prisoners of war on Thursday, based on the Istanbul deal of 2 June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the latest swap focused on ""severely wounded and seriously ill warriors."" Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the POW issued a statement, saying ""this is part of a major exchange that continues in phases."" ""These soldiers require urgent medical care and will receive full assistance, including psychological rehabilitation and financial compensation for their time in captivity,"" the coordination HQ said. Kyiv is not revealing how many Ukrainian defenders have been exchanged at each stage. Ukrainian authorities are expected to release this information once the exchange is completed. Kyiv announced that many of the severely injured soldiers who had returned home on Thursday had served in combat operations across Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Some of the returned soldiers have been considered ""missing"" while many have been in Russian captivity for over three years. Kyiv and Moscow have been carrying out prisoner-of-war swaps for the last couple of days. During the Istanbul talks, the sides have agreed to exchange young soldiers under 25 and the severely injured and sick POWs. They have also agreed to repatriate the bodies of the soldiers. On Wednesday, Ukraine said it brought back the bodies of 1,212 fallen defenders. The repatriation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces, the Interior Ministry, the Ombudsman's Office, the State Emergency Service, and other national security and defence institutions. The International Committee of the Red Cross also supported the operation. Officials emphasised that investigative and forensic teams from the Interior Ministry and the Health Ministry are working to identify the bodies in the shortest possible time. Vladimir Medinsky, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of the Russian delegation at the Istanbul talks, claimed that Ukraine released the remains of 27 Russian service members. The Ukrainian side did not disclose how many Russian bodies were handed over to Moscow. After the meeting in Turkey on 2 June, Medinsky said that Russia would transfer 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers and officers.";0
"Far-right Turkish politician Ümit Özda? goes on trial for allegedly inciting anti-Syrian riotsA far-right Turkish politician accused of inciting public hatred and hostility went on trial on Wednesday in a case critics view as an effort to suppress opposition to the president. Ümit Özda?, the leader of the Victory Party, was detained in January over accusations he insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an in comments at a party meeting in Antalya. Özda? was then formally arrested and charged with inciting hatred against migrants. He was blamed for last year's anti-Syrian refugee riots in the central Turkish province of Kayseri, during which hundreds of homes and businesses were attacked. Prosecutors have presented a series of posts from Özda?'s social media as evidence against him. He faces up to four years in prison if found guilty. Meanwhile, the court in Silivri ruled that Özda? should remain in detention until his next hearing on 17 June. Ümit Özda?, the leader of the Victory Party, speaks to the media in Ankara, 6 May, 2022 AP Photo Özda?, a 64-year-old former academic, is an outspoken critic of Turkey's refugee policies and has previously called for the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees. Özda? acknowledged advocating the return of refugees at the opening hearing of his trial at a prison complex on the outskirts of Istanbul. He denied he had incited violence against them and told the court he had worked to calm tensions in Kayseri. In his defence statement, Özda? maintained that his imprisonment was politically motivated and aimed at silencing him over his criticism of the government's recent effort to end a decades-long conflict with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). ""The reason why I am here ... is because I criticised the talks held with the PKK terrorist organisation’s chief,"" Özda? said. The Victory Party strongly opposes any concessions to the PKK which Turkey, along with many Western states including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, considers a terrorist organisation. The conflict with the PKK has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since the 1980s. When the trial opened on Wednesday, Özda?'s lawyers requested more time to prepare and the proceedings were adjourned until next Tuesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an speaks during a business forum in Rome, 29 April, 2025 AP Photo Accusations of an opposition crackdown The politician's trial comes amid a widespread crackdown on the opposition to Erdo?an's Justice and Development or AK party. Officials from municipalities controlled by the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), have faced waves of arrests this year. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem ?mamo?lu was detained in March over allegations of corruption. ?mamo?lu was due in court on Thursday morning to face charges of attempting to influence a witness and attempting to interfere with a trial, but neither he nor his lawyers attended the session. The court rescheduled the trial date for 26 September. Many people in Turkey consider those cases to be politically motivated, according to opinion polls. However, Erdo?an's government insists the courts are impartial and free from political involvement. ?mamo?lu is widely viewed as the main challenger to Erdo?an's two-decade rule and is the CHP’s candidate for the next presidential election. The election is due in 2028 but could be held earlier.";-0,275
"More than 123 million people forcibly displaced by end of 2024, UNHCR saysThe UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said the number of people forcibly displaced by violence and persecution around the world rose to more than 123 million by the end of 2024 — an increase of around 2 million from the previous year. UNHCR said figures recorded at the end of last year show that displacement has almost doubled over the past decade. The report comes at a time when humanitarian groups are facing budget cuts from the United States and other traditional Western donors. UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi, however, highlighted what he called “rays of hope” in recent months, noting that nearly two million Syrians have returned home as the country begins to emerge from more than a decade of civil war. The findings were released alongside the UN refugee agency’s Global Trends Report on Thursday, which estimated that by the end of April 2025, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide had likely fallen slightly — down 1% to 122.1 million — marking the first decline in more than a decade. Among those figures, the number of internally displaced people jumped by more than 9% to 73.5 million at the end of last year. The numbers represent cumulative figures from years of conflict, violence, and persecution — and include people who returned home last year, even as others fled. UNHCR said nearly two-thirds of people who crossed national borders to flee remained in neighbouring countries, countering the ""widespread perception in wealthier regions"" that a majority of people were fleeing in a bid to reach places like Europe or the United States. Key areas for displacement The agency said Sudan, torn by civil war, is now the site of the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people uprooted — surpassing Syria’s 13.5 million. Many of those fleeing the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have fled to neighbouring countries like South Sudan, Chad and Egypt. Refugees fleeing war in neighbouring Ukraine queue at the Medyka border crossing with Poland, 10 March, 2022 AP Photo In Afghanistan, more than 10 million people have been forcibly displaced. While active fighting has largely ceased, the UNHCR notes that widespread poverty and hunger persist, and some countries have implemented policies to deport undocumented migrants, including Afghan nationals. The report also notes that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to drive large-scale displacement. Some 8.8 million Ukrainians have been displaced by the fighting, 3.7 million internally and 5.1 million who have sought refuge in other countries.";0,1
"Fabulous Paolini-Errani: Italian women tennis players conquer Roland Garros Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini conquered Roland Garros. The two Italian tennis players imposed themselves on the Serbian-Kazakhstan pair of Aleksandra Krunic and Anna Danilina at the end of a multi-faceted match: after an initial, 6-4 in favour of the Italians, the second set ended 2-6 in favour of the opponents. Decisive third set, dominated by the Italians In the third set, however, there was no mistaking who was in charge. The Italian Olympians hit two consecutive breaks and always held serve, taking a 5-0 lead. The match therefore ended with a score of 6-1, which gave the crown to the Italian pair. It was the second consecutive title for Errani-Paolini after the one they had just won at the Internazionali in Rome. And it is a rematch on French soil, after last year's final defeat against Katerina Siniakova and Coco Gauff. The Italian tennis player's total haul thus rises to seven titles, including the Olympic gold medal (also in Paris) in 2024. Four in particular triumphed in WTA 1000 tournaments. Related Tennis: Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani triumph at Internazionali d'Italia women's doubles Paolini also triumphed in mixed doubles with Vavassori Sara Errani reached 34 titles in doubles; Paolini eight. Together with Roberta Vinci, she had already won Roland Garros in 2012, the US Open in the same year, the Australian Open in 2013-2014 and Wimbledon in 2014. For the Bolognese tennis player, this year's is therefore the sixth Slam in doubles, while for Jasmine Paolini who also took home the mixed doubles title together with Andrea Vavassori, it is the first one.";0,025
"Tennis: Alcaraz wins longest French Open final against SinnerCarlos Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three match points to beat Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) on Sunday and win the French Open title for a second straight year. Alcaraz, who won his fifth Grand Slam tournament in as many finals, produced one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the clay-court tournament. It was even better than his performance in last year's final , when he came back from 2-1 down to beat Alexander Zverev. This time Alcaraz emulated Novak Djokovic’s feat from the 2021 FINAL at Roland Garros, when the now 24-time major winner fought back from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas. “I’m just proud. I’m just really, really happy,” Alcaraz said before praising Sinner: “I know how hard you are chasing this tournament. You’re going to be champion, not once, but many, many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making this story with you.” It was the first time that Sinner had lost a Grand Slam final, but the fifth time in succession he has now lost to Alcaraz, who clinched the 20th title of his career at the age of 22. Unending drama It was also the longest-ever French Open final — 5 hours, 29 minutes — in the Open Era. The sheer tightness of it reflected in the fact that Sinner won 193 points, Alcaraz 192. For after 3 hours, 43 minutes, Sinner had his first match point. But with just over five hours since the match began, Alcaraz served for the title at 5-4 up. Sinner made a remarkable retrieve from yet another superb Alcaraz drop shot. At the very limit he could stretch to, Sinner glided the ball over the net, with the ball landing with the softness of an autumn leaf and out of Alcaraz’s reach to make it 15-40. When Sinner won the game to make it 5-5, it was his turn to milk the applause and he was two points away from victory in the 12th game, with Alcaraz on serve and at 15-30 and at deuce. But Alcaraz made a staggering cross-court backhand to make it 6-6 and force a tiebreaker, with the crowd going wild when Alcaraz’s cross-court winner made it 4-0. Sinner could not find a way back and Alcaraz won the tiebreaker and the match with a superb forehand pass down the line and then fell onto his back to celebrate. Then he rushed over to dance and hug the team members in his box. “I'm very happy for you, and you deserve it, so congrats,” the 23-year-old Sinner told Alcaraz. ”It’s an amazing trophy, so I won't sleep tonight very well, but it's okay.""";0
Coco Gauff crowned Roland Garros champion after defeating Aryna SabalenkaAmerican Coco Gauff is this year's champion of the French Open. In the Roland Garros final, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in three sets. The incredibly hard-fought first game, which lasted 1 hour and 17 minutes, was won by the world number one on a tie-break - 7:6. In the second set, the American tennis player restored the balance - 6:2. The third game was also dominated by Gauff and ended 6:4. It was the 11th meeting between Sabalenka and Gauff, with the American taking the lead in the previously equal tally of face-to-face confrontations. Arina Sabalenka had many complaints about the referee. For the American tennis player this Grand Slam trophy is the second of her career. In 2023, she defeated Sabalenka in the final of the U.S. Open. This year's final in Paris was the first time a world number one and number two had met here since 2013, when Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova, and only the third such duel in the last 30 years.;0
"Los Angeles curfew continues amid protests over immigration raids | Euronews A curfew is in place for a second night in downtown Los Angeles after a full week of clashes between protesters and authorities sparked by immigration raids in the city. Police detained more than 20 people on the first night of the curfew, mostly for violating the lockdown. A demonstration in Los Angeles’ civic centre just before the start of the second night of the city’s curfew briefly turned chaotic when police in riot gear — many on horseback — charged at a group as police used projectiles to break up hundreds of demonstrators. The city’s nightly lockdown will remain in effect as long as necessary, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our streets, I would imagine that the curfew will continue,” Bass said. More than 400 people have been arrested by Los Angeles police since Saturday, the vast majority for violating the restriction on movement in the area. Prosecutors have charged three others for possession of a gun, a Molotov cocktail and assault against a police officer. Police confront protesters outside City Hall during protests over federal immigration enforcement raids on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. Ethan Swope/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved As the overnight curfew began, Bass wrote on X that it was designed to ""stop bad actors who are taking advantage of the president's chaotic escalation"". She earlier blamed the demonstrations on Trump's immigration raids, claiming that the move had ""provoked residents"".  ""A week ago, everything was peaceful,"" she told a news conference on Wednesday. Los Angeles was ""part of a national experiment to determine how far the federal government can go in taking over power from a local government, from a local jurisdiction,"" she suggested. More troops to come? Dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles area banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the immigration raids. Trump however, showed no sign of heeding their pleas. A total of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed by the US president to squash the unrest, despite objection from California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom. Around 500 of the National Guard troops deployed in LA were trained to accompany agents on immigration raids, Major General Scott Sherman said Wednesday. “We are expecting a ramp-up,” Sherman said. Newsom has asked a federal court to put an emergency stop  on the military helping immigration agents in LA. The Trump administration called the lawsuit a “crass political stunt endangering American lives"" in its official response on Wednesday. The city “would be burning to the ground” if he had not sent in the military, Trump said. The military is now closer to engaging in law enforcement actions such as deportations. The Guard has the authority to detain people who attack officers temporarily, but any arrests must be made by law enforcement. Demonstrations spread On Wednesday, demonstrations spread to other cities including Dallas and Austin in Texas and Chicago, where thousands rallied and more arrests were made — including 86 in New York. In eastern Washington's Spokane, officials declared a state of emergency and a curfew in certain areas after more than 30 were arrested following anti-ICE protests in the city. Large groups of protesters gathered in the city's streets on Wednesday, carrying signs and blocking roads outside an ICE facility. “As the crowd grew, as the crowd resisted several orders to disperse, I issued the curfew with ample time to let people leave the area,” Spokane's Mayor Lisa Brown said. There was ""tremendous fear"" amongst immigrant and refugee communities in the city, she added. Anti ICE protesters march in downtown San Antonio, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Eric Gay/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved In Texas, police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators on Monday. Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s office said Texas National Guard troops were “on standby"" in areas where demonstrations are planned. A 66-year-old woman in Chicago was injured when she was struck by a car during downtown protests Tuesday evening, police said. Sherman noted that protests across the nation were being discussed. “I’m focused right here in LA, what’s going on right here. But you know, I think we’re, we’re very concerned.” Activists in cities across the US say they will hold even larger demonstrations in the coming days, with “No Kings” events scheduled across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington.";0,125
"Myanmar on 'path to self-destruction' if violence doesn’t end, UN envoy says Myanmar is on ""a path to self-destruction"" if violence in the conflict-wracked Southeast Asian nation doesn't end, the UN envoy has warned. Julie Bishop told the UN General Assembly that ""alarmingly"" the violence didn't end after a powerful earthquake in late March devastated parts of the capital, Naypyidaw, and the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay, killing more than 3,000 people and injuring thousands more. Ceasefires announced by some parties have largely not been observed, ""embedding a crisis within a crisis,"" and people in Myanmar must now deal with the raging conflict and the earthquake's devastation, Bishop said. ""A zero-sum approach persists on all sides,"" she said. ""Armed clashes remain a barrier to meeting humanitarian needs. The flow of weapons into the country is fuelling the expectations that a military solution is possible."" A widespread armed struggle against military rule in Myanmar began in February 2021 after generals seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 6,600 civilians are estimated to have been killed by security forces, according to figures compiled by non-governmental organisations. The military takeover triggered intensified fighting with long-established armed militias organised by Myanmar's ethnic minority groups in its border regions, which have struggled for decades for more autonomy. It also led to the formation of pro-democracy militias that support a national unity government established by elected lawmakers barred from taking their seats after the army takeover. More than 22,000 political prisoners are still in detention, Bishop said, including Suu Kyi, who turns 80 on 19 June, and the ousted president, Win Myint. The UN envoy said she detected ""some openness to political dialogue with some regional support, but there is not yet broader agreement on how to move forward."" In meetings with the country's leaders, Bishop said she encouraged them to reconsider their strategy, which has left the country more divided. She also warned against elections, planned for December or January, saying they risk fuelling greater resistance and instability unless there is an end to the violence and they can be held in an inclusive and transparent way. Bishop said she has been coordinating further action with Othman Hashim, the special envoy for Myanmar from the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and they agreed to visit Myanmar together. The UN envoy said she had a meeting online on Monday with representatives of the Rohingya minority from Myanmar and Bangladesh. She said the situation for the Rohingya in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state remains dire, with up to 80% of civilians living in poverty and caught in crossfire between the government's military forces and the Arakan Army, the well-armed military wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority, and ""subject to forced recruitment and other abuses."" More than 700,000 Muslim Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar starting in late August 2017 when Myanmar’s military launched a ""clearance operation."" Members of the ethnic group face discrimination and are denied citizenship and other rights in the Buddhist-majority nation. Bishop said there's hope that a high-level conference on the Rohingya and other minorities called for by the UN General Assembly on 30 September will put a spotlight on the urgency of finding ""durable solutions"" to their plight.";0,25
"Chances of resolving US-EU trade dispute over tariffs remain slim, expert saysAfter the US president announced he would raise tariffs on aluminium and steel from 25% to 50%, a deal between the EU and the US is unlikely to be reached within the 90-day period set by Trump, according to Ignacio García Bercero, a former senior EU official and expert at the Bruegel think tank. Brussels and Washington have little chance of breaking the trade deadlock they have been in since mid-March and the imposition of the first US tariffs on steel and aluminium, Ignacio García Bercero, a former senior EU official and expert of the Bruegel think tank, told Euronews. “It seems to me very clear that if the US is not ready to take action to substantially mitigate the impact of the tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars. I don't really see how it is going to be possible to reach any kind of negotiated agreement,” García Bercero said. ""The increase of US tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50% hardens the position of the US, which is the only country capable of deciding how to end the crisis.” US President Donald Trump announced last Friday an increase in US tariffs imposed in mid-March on steel and aluminium coming into the country — including EU imports — from 25% to 50%, as of June 4. Those tariffs come on top of 25% US tariffs on cars and 10% US levies on all EU imports. US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the rain after arriving on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, MD, 30 May 2025 AP Photo However on 28 May, the US Court of International Trade ruled that an emergency law invoked by Trump did not give him unilateral authority to impose the 10% tariffs and ordered an immediate block on them. The day after, a US court of appeals paused the lower court's ruling to consider the government's appeal on 9 June. But the tariffs of 25% on steel, aluminium and cars were not challenged by the judges as they were grounded on a different law regarding national security. Several investigations are currently being conducted by the US on the same legal basis into the pharmaceutical, semiconductor and aircraft industries, which could lead to further US tariffs. “It is very clear that the US has already indicated that it is not ready to do anything on the 10% tariffs, which in any case are being challenged by a US court,"" García Bercero said. ""And it now appears that it is not very easy to do anything on the other tariffs which are based on national security – the tariffs targeting steel, aluminium and cars or cars parts,” the former EU official explained. “Quite frankly, I don't really see how it is possible to reach any kind of agreement.” “Therefore the EU need to adopt rebalancing action at least on steel, aluminium, cars and car parts increase,” García Bercero added. Deadlines coming in fast The EU has currently suspended until 15 July a first list of US products worth €21 billion to retaliate against US tariffs on steel and aluminium, after Trump decided a 90-day pause in the trade conflict until 9 July. A second package is under discussion in Brussels until 10 June to target €95 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for the 25% tariff on cars and 10% on EU imports, if negotiations with the US fail. Further countermeasures on steel and aluminium would need to be adopted by EU member states. After the negotiation between the EU and the US seemed to kick off 10 days ago, the US president already threatened to impose 50% tariffs on all EU imports. But a call between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen eased the pressure with the promise from both sides to ""fast-track"" the trade talks. Related What happens to Trump’s tariffs now a court has knocked them down? EU 'strongly regrets' Trump's announcement to double steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% Brussels stated that it did not alter its offer in the negotiation, which includes zero-to-zero tariffs on all industrial goods and the purchase of certain strategic US products, such as energy, AI, or agricultural products. “I'm not optimistic. But it doesn't mean that it's not the right tactic to continue to discuss and to see whether or not finally there is a willingness of the US to put something on the table,” García Bercero concluded.";-0,025
Why China biotech is getting a DeepSeek moment too The country is emerging as an attractive place for Big Pharma to chase billion-dollar licensing deals. Shuli Ren Workers working at a Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine production line in Beijing in 2021. So far, the biotech industry is relatively insulated from Mr Trump’s tariffs. PHOTO: XINHUA UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 05:31 AM Thanks for sharing! From artificial intelligence to military defence, China has offered a few DeepSeek moments in 2025 , showcasing that the country is more than just the world’s biggest factory, and that it also can compete with the US on the technology front. Now biotech is having its own. In late May, Pfizer agreed to pay a record US$1.25 billion (S$1.6 billion) upfront to license an experimental cancer drug from Shenyang-based 3SBio, as well as making a US$100 million equity investment in the Hong Kong-listed biotech company. Two weeks later, Bristol Myers Squibb said it would pay BioNTech US$1.5 billion guaranteed to license a similar cancer asset. It was a win for BioNTech, which bought Biotheus, the Chinese company that developed the drug, late in 2024 for US$800 million. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Biomedical/Biotechnology Pharmaceuticals sector China Donald Trump Tariffs Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions;0,025
"Burglar in $500k housebreaking case jumps bail; arrest warrant issued Long Zhihua, who was a member of a housebreaking syndicate, allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of jewellery. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE David Sun UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 09:17 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE – A foreign national, who was a member of a housebreaking syndicate, has jumped bail after he was charged over a burglary case where he allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of jewellery. Long Zhihua, 39, first failed to turn up for a court session on April 25. It was adjourned so his lawyer and the investigating officer could contact him. He failed to turn up for another session on May 23, which led to his bail being revoked and the issuance of a warrant of arrest. Police earlier revealed that foreign syndicates had been targeting landed properties in Singapore . Following a spate of cases in June 2024, police heightened their presence and enhanced security measures at private residential estates. Long, who faces a charge each of housebreaking and possession of stolen property, allegedly broke into a Windsor Park Road house on June 21, 2024, together with co-accused Luo Changchang , 44. According to court documents, the Chinese nationals climbed over a wall to enter the house. They made off with more than $570,000 worth of jewellery. The police trawled through security camera footage to identify the suspects. Long and Luo were arrested on June 26, 2024. A number of stolen items were allegedly found in their hotel room in Geylang . The duo were charged two days later on June 28, 2024. A review on Long’s warrant will be heard in court on July 4. Luo has remained in remand since he was charged. His case will be heard again on July 25. Those convicted of housebreaking can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. More on this Topic 3 men accused of burgling Bukit Timah home of items worth $684k taken back for investigations Pair accused of burglary each handed one more charge involving stolen items worth over $6k Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Theft/burglary Singapore crime Singapore courts Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions";0
NDP 2025: Some roads to be closed on three Saturdays in June for rehearsals Only authorised vehicles, as well as police and emergency vehicles, will be allowed access to these roads during the closures. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Elaine Lee and Wong Yang UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 04:50 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE - There will be some disruption to traffic in the vicinity of the Padang on three Saturdays in June to facilitate National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals. A number of roads and lanes will be closed to vehicles, and five bus services will skip some stops on June 14, June 21 and June 28, when rehearsals and the first National Education Show will be held. Only authorised vehicles, as well as police and emergency vehicles, will be allowed access to these roads during the closures, the police said on June 12 . Police officers, auxiliary police officers, security officers and Singapore Armed Forces marshals will be deployed at the affected junctions to assist and direct motorists. Traffic delays are expected in Beach Road, Bras Basah Road, Collyer Quay, Guillemard Road, Hill Street, Mountbatten Road, North Bridge Road, Raffles Avenue, Raffles Boulevard, Republic Boulevard, Temasek Avenue, Temasek Boulevard and Victoria Street. The police advise motorists to plan their routes early and to avoid these roads. Members of the public travelling to these affected areas are strongly encouraged to use public transport. Motorists proceeding to Suntec City and Marina Square from Bras Basah Road, Esplanade Drive or Nicoll Highway are to use alternative routes via Bayfront Avenue or Rochor Road leading to Temasek Boulevard. Parking restrictions along the affected roads will be strictly enforced, and vehicles found parking illegally or causing obstruction will be towed, said the police. Bus services 61, 502, 960, 960e and 961 will skip some stops in Bayfront Avenue, Beach Road, Bras Basah Road, Central Boulevard, North Bridge Road, Parliament Place, Raffles Avenue, Raffles Boulevard, Temasek Avenue and Temasek Boulevard. Affected bus stops include some at Bayfront, City Hall, Downtown, Esplanade, Marina Bay and Promenade MRT stations, The Float @ Marina Bay and the Suntec convention centre. Some bus stops will be skipped from 8am to 11.59pm, while other stops will be skipped for parts of the afternoon and evening. Only bus service 961 will skip a stop at the Supreme Court in Parliament Place and a stop after Raffles Hotel in Beach Road for the entire day. Commuters can find out more from the SMRT customer hotline on 1800-336-8900 from 7.30am to 8pm daily, or visit www.smrt.com.sg for more information. The public may also call the parade organiser on 1800-637-2025 for inquiries. The NDP on Aug 9 will be held at the Padang and Marina Bay. More on this Topic NDP 2025: Five bus services to skip some stops in June due to rehearsals, NE show NDP 2025 pack to come in 7 designs, feature works by artists with disabilities Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. National Day Parade 2025 National Day Parade Traffic/Road rules Police Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions;0
Over 3 months’ jail for man who assaulted maid as his wife tried to shield her The man was handed a jail term of three months and 10 days after being convicted of voluntarily causing hurt, using criminal force on his wife and insulting the maid’s modesty. PHOTO: ST FILE Nadine Chua UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 07:02 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE – A man who asked his maid to sexually stimulate him and later hit her with a belt has been sentenced to more than three months in jail. On June 11 , the 62-year-old man was handed a jail term of three months and 10 days after being convicted of voluntarily causing hurt, using criminal force on his wife and insulting the maid’s modesty. He was also ordered to pay a compensation of $1,000 to the maid. The names of the offender, his wife and their maid were redacted from court documents. Deputy public prosecutors Andre Chong and Cheronne Lim said the maid was employed by the offender’s wife, identified in court documents as B1, in July 2022. At their home on Sept 1 that year, while B1 was at work, the man told the maid: “I need some stimulation, I want to take out something.” When the maid asked him to “do that” with B1, he replied that he had been “doing it” himself. The man then asked the maid to shake his hand as a promise that she would not tell B1 about their conversation. Later that day, the maid told B1 about the conversation, adding that she rejected his advances but felt afraid. B1 assured the maid that she had done the right thing. On Sept 4, at around 4am, the offender asked B1 for “intimacy” but she refused as she was tired. They argued, and B1 told him not to “disturb the maid”. Realising that the maid had told his wife about their conversation, the man banged on the maid’s door to confront her. When she opened the door, the man slapped and punched the maid on her cheeks, eyes and the top of her head. He then dragged her to the master bedroom and hit her head and back with a belt repeatedly as his wife hugged the maid to shield her. During the same assault, the man also used the belt to hit his wife, who did not suffer any injures. According to court documents, the man stopped hitting the maid only after his wife pointed out that there was blood on her head. The prosecutors said the assault left patches of blood on the headdress that the maid was wearing, and bruising on her right cheek and both eyelids. The man’s offences came to light the next day, when the maid was taken by her agency to the Ministry of Manpower to register her thumbprint. Bruises were seen on the maid’s face, and a police report was made after she broke down and revealed what happened. For using criminal force, an offender can be jailed for up to t hree months, fined up to $1,500, or both. Those who insult the modesty of a victim can be jailed for up to one year, fined, or both. More on this Topic Repeat offender gets 7 weeks’ jail for molesting 72-year-old woman 3 months’ jail for man who molested 12-year-old girl at Jalan Besar Swimming Complex Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Singapore courts Maid/Domestic worker Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions;0
First SCDF guard of honour contingent at NDP 2025 | The Straits Times NDP 2025 to feature first SCDF guard-of-honour contingent (From left) SAFVC vounteer Arlene Pang, who will lead the corps' inaugural full contingent, with parade commander Firdaus Ghazali, as well as SCDF guard-of-honour contingent commander Lee En Hao and SCDF participant Thenmoli Silvadorie. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Ng Keng Gene UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 09:02 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE – For the first time in National Day Parade (NDP) history, the 2025 parade and ceremony will feature a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) guard-of-honour contingent on Aug 9. NDP 2025, which marks Singapore’s 60th year of independence, will also see the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) field its first full contingent to mark its 10th anniversary. Colonel Lim Yu Sing, the NDP 2025 parade and ceremony chairman, said on June 12 that the parade will feature 40 marching contingents – the largest number at the Padang since 1990, when 70 took part. While participants will train for about 14 weekends – similar to previous years – the higher number of guard-of-honour contingents has added complexity to their movements, said the 44-year-old Col Lim. Meticulous planning has gone into technicalities such as where the contingents turn, their spacing, marching speed and where they stop, said Col Lim, who was also parade and ceremony chairman for NDP 2023. SCDF Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Resilience Ling Young Ern said the decision to include the SCDF in the guard-of-honour contingent was made following public feedback. The force will remain a part of the guard of honour in future NDPs. The inclusion of the SCDF means that its service personnel have to be trained to handle the SAR21 rifle – which is not part of the SCDF’s personal equipment but a standard weapon borne by guard-of-honour troops. For this reason, the SCDF was not part of the guard-of-honour contingent for previous NDPs, Deputy Commissioner Ling and NDP 2024 Exco chairman Brigadier-General Low Wilson said in 2024 in response to an ST forum letter. NDP 2025 will be led by parade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Firdaus Ghazali, 38, and parade regimental sergeant major, Master Warrant Officer Lim Jie Hui, 46. About 2,100 participants will take part in the parade. They include members of six guard-of-honour contingents, the SAF colours party, several SAF and Home Team supporting contingents, uniformed youth organisations, numerous civilian contingents, a combined band and a live choir. In addition, 142 soldiers are involved in the presidential gun salute. Training for contingents from the SAF and Home Team began in April, while civilian contingents joined in from May. The first combined rehearsal at the Padang will take place on June 14. For LTC Firdaus, being a parade commander was his childhood dream. In 2002, he participated in the NDP as a performer for the closing act in the show segment when he was a Temasek Secondary School student. “I had a glimpse of the parade and ceremony segment during one of the training sessions from the stands of the (old) National Stadium,” said LTC Firdaus, who is commanding officer of the SAF’s Motorised Infantry Battalion Training Centre 1. “I developed a deep appreciation for the parade and its significance as the heart and core of our NDPs.” In total, the parade at NDP 2025 will involve about 2,100 participants. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Major Lee En Hao, 34, commander of the SCDF’s inaugural guard-of-honour contingent, said Aug 9 will be a “ historic moment” for the force. He added that he is excited to see how future parades may evolve, with the SCDF guard-of-honour contingent now a permanent fixture in the NDP. With the rest of the guard of honour, the SCDF contingent will fire blanks using SAR21 rifles during the feu de joie or fire of joy, which is a ceremonial salute. Sergeant 3 Thenmoli Silvadorie, a 28-year-old SCDF paramedic, said learning how to use and fire a SAR21 rifle has been exciting for her . “Initially it felt heavy, but with more training... it has become a part of us,” she said. “It instils a lot of discipline and accountability.” NDP 2025 will be the second time in three years that the number of guard-of-honour contingents has increased. In 2023, the SAF’s Digital and Intelligence Service – inaugurated in 2022 – joined the NDP for the first time, fielding a guard-of-honour contingent along with the army, navy and air force contingents as well as the Singapore Police Force. More on this Topic NDP 2025 pack to come in 7 designs, feature works by artists with disabilities NDP 2025: Live show to mark SG60 will extend from Padang to Marina Bay for first time The SAFVC was first represented at the NDP in 2019, as part of a combined contingent that also featured members of the police’s Volunteer Special Constabulary and the SCDF’s Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit. The combined volunteer contingent did not feature again until NDP 2024. SAFVC contingent commander Arlene Pang, 42, said the fact that the volunteer corps is able to field an entire contingent in 2025 reflects how it has grown over the past decade. Ms Pang, who joined the SAFVC in 2015 as part of its first batch of volunteers, feels as if she has “grown up from primary school to secondary school” with the corps. “ I’ve seen it from its genesis to where it is right now. I’ve seen how different leaders have come in to bring SAFVC to the next level and to make it what it is today,” said Ms Pang, who serves with the navy. This year, the public can get up close with the SAF colours at an uncasing ceremony in Marina Square from 5.15pm before the parade and ceremony begin. During the parade and ceremony segment, spectators will be near the live choir, who will perform on “island stages” positioned near the seating galleries. The 127-member choir is formed by Greendale Secondary School students and singers from arts group Voices of Singapore. Accompanying them is a 100-piece band, with members from the SAF Band, SPF Band, Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band and National Police Cadet Corps Band. As the National Anthem plays during the state flag flypast – just after the President arrives at the Padang – members of the uniformed youth contingents at the parade will form the words “Majulah 60” using umbrellas, a nod to NDP 2025’s theme Majulah Singapura and the country’s 60th birthday. The parade and ceremony will conclude with the onward march as contingents from the SAF, Home Team and uniformed youth organisations march past the spectator stands while exiting the Padang. People without tickets to the parade at the Padang can still get in on the action at Marina Bay, where four 25-pounder guns will sail around the bay on the SAF’s Mobility 3rd Generation rafts, coming near those gathered at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. More on this Topic NDP 2025: Five bus services to skip some stops in June due to rehearsals, NE show NDP 2025: Some roads to be closed on three Saturdays in June for rehearsals Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. 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Apple plays it safe on AI despite Wall Street pressure Apple insisted on June 9 that it was still very much in the AI race, announcing incremental updates to its Apple Intelligence software. PHOTO: REUTERS UPDATED Jun 10, 2025, 07:43 PM CUPERTINO, United States - Apple on June 9 remained on its cautious path to embracing generative artificial intelligence (AI) even as rivals race ahead with the technology and Wall Street expresses doubts over its strategy. The pressure was on Apple not to disappoint at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) a year after the iPhone juggernaut made a promise it failed to keep – to improve its Siri voice assistant with generative AI. The annual WWDC is addressed to developers who build apps and tools to run on the company’s products. Despite 2024’s disappointment, Apple insisted on June 9 that it was still very much in the AI race, announcing incremental updates to its Apple Intelligence software, including the ability for app makers to directly access a device’s AI capabilities. This would allow users to engage with apps using generative AI while offline, letting them interact ChatGPT-style with a hiking app, for example, while in remote areas without a connection. Apple chief executive Tim Cook briefly mentioned that Siri’s AI makeover was still under development and “needed more time to meet our high quality bar”, which includes Apple’s standards on privacy and data security. “We are making progress, and we look forward to getting these features into customers’ hands,” he added. For Mr Gadjo Sevilla, a senior analyst for Emarketer, “the delays to Apple’s in-house AI efforts will continue to draw scrutiny”. “Especially since rivals like Google and Samsung are moving ahead by introducing new on-device AI capabilities, or partnering with AI start-ups like Perplexity, (in Samsung’s case) to provide users with AI features,” he said. The biggest announcement at the event was the renaming of Apple’s operating systems so that releases better match their release year. The next operating system will be iOS 26, and will be available across all of Apple’s devices – including the Mac, Watch and Vision Pro headset – in the autumn, in time for the likely release of the next iPhone 17. Today, Apple’s operating systems have vastly different nomenclatures across devices, including the current iOS 18 for the iPhone or macOS 15 for Mac computers. Apple also announced that the new operating system will be the first major iOS redesign since 2013, calling the new look “liquid glass”. More on this Topic Apple under pressure to shine after AI stumble Apple to lean on AI tool to help iPhone battery life for devices in iOS 19 Wall Street divided The relationship between Apple and app-making developers has been strained in recent years, with developers chafing at the iPhone maker’s high fees for getting access to the App Store. A marathon lawsuit by Fortnite maker Epic Games ended with Apple being ordered to allow outside payment systems to be used in the US App Store. Adding to doubts about Apple’s direction is the fact that the legendary designer behind the iPhone, Mr Jony Ive, has joined with ChatGPT maker OpenAI to create a potential rival device for engaging with AI. Apple also has to deal with tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in his trade war with China, a key market for sales growth and the place where most iPhones are manufactured. Mr Trump has also threatened to hit Apple with tariffs if iPhone production was not moved to the US, a change which analysts say would be impossible given the costs and capabilities required. Wall Street analysts remain divided on Apple’s prospects, with the stock down about 17 per cent since the start of the year, wiping over US$600 billion (S$772 billion) from its market value and far outshone by its Big Tech rivals. While some analysts remain optimistic about Apple’s long-term AI monetisation potential, others worry the company’s cautious approach may prove costly in the longer term. WWDC “was void of any major Apple Intelligence progress as Cupertino is playing it safe and close to the vest after the missteps in 2024”, said Mr Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities. “We have a high level of confidence Apple can get this right, but they have a tight window to figure this out,” he added. AFP More on this Topic Is Trump’s ‘Made in America’ iPhone a fantasy? US stocks end mostly up as markets eye trade talks Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. AI/artificial intelligence Apple Technology sector;-0,05
"Taiwan is hiring more foreigners to care for its elderly. Does that clash with filial piety? TAIPEI – Indonesian caregiver Astuti is preparing lunch for her elderly Taiwanese employer, and she is set on making it as mushy as possible. The 26-year-old mashes silken tofu and mee sua in the wok until the mixture looks like white pulp. “Ah Gong (Grandpa) cannot chew very well, but he likes to eat noodles. So this is what I do,” the Java native said in halting Mandarin. Cooking is just one of the many things she does as a live-in caregiver to Mr Tong Fu-chien, an 86-year-old who has kidney disease and dementia. For the past 1½ years, she has cared for him in his New Taipei City home, where he lives with his 52-year-old freelance television producer son, Mr Tong Shih-chieh. After the senior Mr Tong wakes up, Ms Astuti – who like many Indonesians goes by one name – helps him from his bed to the living room couch before bringing him his toothbrush and cup. Later, she records his blood sugar and blood pressure levels before administering his daily dose of insulin. Three times a week, she wheels him to a clinic for dialysis. “She’s yi ji bang,” said the elderly Mr Tong, using Mandarin slang that means “first-rate”. Foreign live-in caregivers like Ms Astuti are crucial in supporting Taiwan’s rapidly ageing silver population amid a declining birth rate – a trend seen across East Asia. But in a society heavily shaped by Confucian values, they also serve as surrogates practising filial piety, stepping in when children of the elderly are unable to take on care work themselves. Freelance TV producer Tong Shih-chieh (right) hired Indonesian Astuti to care for his father, Mr Tong Fu-chien, who has dementia. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE “In Taiwan, it’s widely understood that the responsibility of caring for one’s parents should be kept private, within the comforts of one’s own home,” said the younger Mr Tong, who hired Ms Astuti to care for his father when his own commitments began to pile up. “As my father’s only son, it’s only right that I do it this way.” Changing norms in ageing Taiwan Today, it is common to see foreign caregivers pushing seniors in wheelchairs in Taiwan’s shopping malls and public parks, but this was not always the case. When Taiwan opened its doors to foreign caregivers in 1992, only 306 were brought in. The number has ballooned to 214,514 in 2024, according to official figures. The majority hail from Indonesia (171,693, or 80 per cent), followed by the Philippines (23,337, or 10.8 per cent) and Vietnam (19,204, or 8.9 per cent). Workers from Indonesia make up 80 per cent of the foreign caregivers in Taiwan Several Taiwanese told The Straits Times that it would be unthinkable to send their parents to assisted living facilities, as it would be seen as unfilial. According to a 2022 survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 97.91 per cent of Taiwan’s roughly four million seniors aged 65 and older live at home; only 2.09 per cent reside in a care facility. Hiring a foreign live-in caregiver is increasingly seen as “a solid compromise”, said Associate Professor Liang Li-fang, a sociologist at National Dong Hwa University who has researched Taiwan’s migrant caregivers for nearly 20 years. “While a lot of elderly Taiwanese still have concerns about having a stranger in their home – and a foreigner at that – it has become more socially acceptable that one’s caregiver may not have any blood relations with them,” she told ST. Sociologist Liang Li-fang of National Dong Hwa University: “Moving into a care facility is usually seen as a last resort.” According to the same 2022 Health Ministry survey, only 1.28 per cent of Taiwan’s seniors, aged 65 and older, said they would opt to live in institutional facilities if they had a choice; an overwhelming 91 per cent would choose to live at home. Out of this number, some 56.7 per cent said they would like to live with their children, if possible. With filial piety being a core family value in Taiwan, the majority of its elderly receive some form of financial support and care from their adult children, noted Professor Lin Ju-ping, a family science researcher at National Taiwan Normal University. “Studies of East Asian families have found that compared with their counterparts in Japan, South Korea and mainland China, adult children in Taiwan adhere even more to traditional filial norms,” she said. But the traditional expectation that children should be the main care providers for their elderly parents has evolved, driven by changes in family structures such as more women joining the workforce and amendments to government policies that have made it easier to hire foreign help. Foreign caregivers from South-east Asia taking their elderly charges out for fresh air are a common sight in Taiwan. FILE PHOTO: EPA “Ideally, elderly Taiwanese would want to be looked after by their own children. But that’s not realistic for many families, so they have to outsource the work,” said Prof Liang. Foreign caregivers are seen as the next best option, as local ones cost more to hire. Taiwanese caregivers typically charge upwards of NT$50,000 (S$2,160) a month, while foreign ones are paid a minimum monthly salary of NT$20,000 for the same services. The shift in mindset comes as Taiwan is on track to becoming a “super-aged” society by 2025, when more than 20 per cent of its population of 23.4 million will be aged 65 or older. While several economies across East Asia are also grappling with the effects of such a trend, the pace of ageing in Taiwan is among the fastest ever seen. People aged 65 and over are projected to make up more than 30 per cent of the Taiwanese population by 2039 This shift is driven by longer life expectancy and plummeting birth rates. In 2024, Taiwan’s total fertility rate plunged to 0.89 – one of the lowest in the world. Singapore’s total fertility rate in 2024 was 0.97. At the same time, the average household size in Taiwan has become smaller as more young people live on their own, shrinking to a record low of 2.52 people per household in 2024. This is below Singapore’s 2024 average household size of 3.09. Given the traditional gender norms in Taiwan – where women often shoulder more caregiving responsibilities – an increase in female participation in the workforce has created a caregiving gap at home. In 1994, the participation rate was about 44 per cent, growing to 51.6 per cent in 2022. Caregiver policies, Taiwan-style When Taiwan began allowing migrant workers to join its workforce in 1992, the goal was to address a labour shortage in specific industries, including caregiving, construction and agriculture. Prof Liang noted that the island had looked towards Hong Kong and Singapore for lessons, as both places had introduced foreign domestic workers in the 1970s. They were seen as relevant models because of their ethnic Chinese majorities and similar rapid economic trajectories. However, Taiwan took a slightly different approach. Unlike Hong Kong and Singapore, where hiring foreign workers is largely driven by market demand and one’s ability to pay, Taiwan requires strict medical assessments to determine if someone truly needs a caregiver. In addition, the roles foreign domestic workers take on differ between these places. In Hong Kong and Singapore, they could end up handling a wide range of tasks – from household chores to childcare and eldercare. Taiwan, however, clearly defines a caregiver’s job scope. The majority of its foreign helpers are hired specifically to look after the elderly and those with disabilities. A small proportion are employed to assist with childcare and household tasks, but only if families meet strict points-based criteria, such as having three children below the age of six. Indonesian live-in caregiver Astuti with  86-year-old Mr Tong Fu-chien, who lives with his son in New Taipei. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE Indonesian caregiver Nunung Nurani lives alone with her 80-year-old charge, Madam Lee Shu-ru, in Tainan city. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE Initially, foreign caregivers were allowed to work in Taiwan for a maximum of two years, with no option to return to the island. As Taiwan’s elderly population has grown over the years, government policies have gradually eased. Today, foreign caregivers can work in Taiwan for up to 12 years, with potential extensions of two years if they meet certain criteria, such as professional training. In 2022, the government introduced a scheme allowing those who have worked for six consecutive years and meet certain salary and skill criteria to apply to be recognised as “intermediate skilled” manpower, a status that allows them to live in Taiwan without a time limit. After five years in that category, they can apply for permanent residency. As at February 2024, some 15,000 foreign caregivers had been designated intermediate skilled workers. The hiring of a foreign domestic helper has also become less difficult – with Taiwan loosening restrictions several times – and it is set to become even easier. In January, amendments to a law in the opposition-dominated legislature were passed to allow seniors aged 80 and older to bypass strict health evaluations when hiring foreign help. Expected to take effect by July, the amendments will also extend the waiver to people aged 70 to 79 with stage 2 or more advanced cancer. It is estimated that the revised law would make an additional 530,000 Taiwanese eligible to hire migrant caregivers. Taiwan’s main opposition, the Kuomintang, believes this would help relieve the burden of younger Taiwanese caring for elderly family members. But the government has criticised the amendments, with the Ministry of Labour warning that this could cause demand for migrant caregivers to outstrip supply. Past data suggests that around 30 per cent of eligible families are likely to apply to recruit a live-in caregiver, potentially creating sudden demand for an additional 160,000 caregivers, the ministry said. Families stay involved Dr Chen Chen-fen, head of the Department of Long-term Care at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, questions the need for hiring caregivers for seniors without disabilities. “It’s understandable that older people would feel more at ease to have the option of 24/7 care, but they should make better use of some of Taiwan’s long-term care options instead, such as community centres for seniors,” she told ST. “The idea that the elderly should be cared for at home, because of traditional family values, has made many Taiwanese families think that hiring a foreign caregiver is their only option.” Prof Liang, however, believes that even as foreign caregivers play a growing role in caring for the elderly, the families remain in the picture. “Even in the cases where the elderly live alone with their foreign caregivers, adult Taiwanese children are often very much involved – either visiting them often, or being the main communicator between their parents and the care worker,” she said. “In this sense, the main responsibility of caregiving still lies with the care recipient’s family.” Foreign caregivers in Taiwan were never meant to replace the role of the family entirely – they’re supposed to supplement the family during times of need. Sociologist Liang Li-fang of National Dong Hwa University Dr Lynn Yu Ling Ng, an expert on migrant care workers and a Banting postdoctoral fellow at Canada’s York University, observed more than 30 households across Singapore and Taiwan, where she interviewed caregivers and employers. She found that live-in foreign caregivers in Taiwan would often share the care burden with their female employers who had day jobs, wherever possible – a practice which was less obvious in Singapore. “Taiwanese employers were more likely to be personal carers who were being assisted, rather than replaced as family caregivers,” she said, attributing this to both filial norms and the relative difficulty of securing a caregiver. The strict medical requirements in the hiring process mean that Taiwanese employers are forced to learn how to do care work themselves, and remain very involved even after they have hired a caregiver. She added: “The old people in Taiwan – they don’t feel that the migrant caregiver can take over what they think should be the natural duty of their own children.” Freelance TV producer Tong Shih-chieh (right) wiping his father's mouth after a meal, while their hired caregiver Astuti looks on. He remains very involved in caring for his father, who has dementia. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TONG SHIH-CHIEH The younger Mr Tong moved back into his old family home to live with his father a year ago — around the same time he hired Ms Astuti. He sees his wife and two adult sons on weekends. “I hired a caregiver for my father to have peace of mind, so that there would be someone watching him whenever I cannot be around,” he said. I wanted to make sure that I spend as much time with him as possible, too. Astuti is helping me to take care of him, but I am his son. Freelance TV producer Tong Shih-chieh, on hiring a foreign caregiver for his father A progressive society, but cultural barriers remain While Taiwan may have become more open to hiring foreign caregivers, settling into a new household presents hurdles, with the language barrier being a major one. This is unlike more multicultural societies such as Singapore and Malaysia, where many families can communicate in English with Filipino domestic workers, and often in some Malay or Bahasa Indonesia with Indonesian helpers. Foreign caregivers heading to Taiwan often have little or zero exposure to Mandarin before their arrival, which increases the chance of miscommunication. Some Taiwanese families also lack an understanding of caregivers’ religious customs. Indonesian caregiver Ririn Arumsari told ST that she lost 20kg in the first three months after her arrival in Taiwan in 2012. At the time, she was assigned to care for an elderly grandmother in Tainan city. The employer’s family was aware that as a Muslim, she does not consume pork, but they “did not care about it”, said Ms Ririn. “The employer would keep giving me meals with pork in them, even after I pointed it out several times. They didn’t treat me with respect.” Indonesian caregiver Ririn Arumsari with some Indonesian kueh she made to share with friends. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE Prof Liang said that in the early days of her research, she came across more than one Taiwanese employer who would demand that their Indonesian caregivers remove their headscarves. “Taiwan is much more culturally homogenous than Singapore, and there are seniors who have never seen a Muslim head covering before in their life,” she said. “In order to not stand out too much when they’re out in the community together, they would forbid their caregivers to wear them.” And despite Taiwan’s reputation as one of Asia’s most progressive societies, activists say that discrimination against South-east Asian migrant workers, including caregivers, is a perennial problem. Under Taiwanese regulations, foreign caregivers are supposed to focus solely on care work. But in practice, this rule is often flouted. “Because they live in their place of work, foreign caregivers are often treated as household servants. Instead of just caring for the elderly, they are often asked to also clean the whole house and prepare meals for the entire family, 24 hours a day with no rest,” said Mr Lennon Wang, a director at Serve The People Association, a non-governmental organisation advocating for migrant workers. Mr Lennon Wang works in a non-governmental organisation advocating for rights for migrant workers. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE As foreign caregivers are often hired via a broker system – where private employment agencies act as intermediaries between caregivers and employers – workers are also subject to potential exploitation by bad actors. Activists say it is not uncommon for brokers to hold workers hostage by withholding access to their passports. Despite charging exorbitant fees, some agencies shirk their responsibilities altogether, such as by refusing to help workers settle any disputes with their employers. At a workers’ protest rally in Taipei in May 2024, Indonesian caregiver Maesaroh said that in her home country, she had signed a contract to come to Taiwan to take care of an elderly man. But it turned out that she also had to do back-breaking farm work. When she asked her broker for a change in employer, the broker was not on her side. “They threatened me, saying that if I switched to another employer, I would have to pay tens of millions of Indonesian rupiah as penalties for violating the contract,” Ms Maesaroh said, tearing up. Foreign caregivers in Taiwan staging a protest in Taipei in June 2024 calling for better legal protections. PHOTO: LENNON WANG An activist calling for more rights for migrant workers during a protest held in Taipei in June 2024. PHOTO: LENNON WANG ‘I see her as another daughter’ Still, there are many positive stories to be told, with some foreign caregivers becoming extended family members in Taiwanese households. In the southern city of Tainan, ST paid a visit to Madam Lee Shu-ru, 80, who lives alone with her Indonesian caregiver Nunung Nurani, 39. Madam Lee has Parkinson’s disease and needs help with walking. Before hiring Ms Nunung two years ago, she had fallen twice, fracturing different bones. She is grateful for her caregiver’s watchful eye. “I see her as another daughter,” said Madam Lee, whose three adult children work in different parts of Taiwan. Indonesian caregiver Nunung Nurani (right) lives in Tainan with 80-year-old Madam Lee Shu-ru (centre). Next to Madam Lee is her own daughter, Ms Teresa Hu, who lives in another part of the city. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE The increase in the number of South-east Asian migrant workers has also made Taiwan more culturally diverse. Taipei Main Station, the massive transport hub of Taiwan’s capital, has become a home away from home for many Indonesian migrant workers, who gather in the central atrium and catch up with their friends. At Beiping West Road, a hidden alley diagonally across from the station, local residents and Indonesians alike browse stores hawking Indonesian food and groceries. An influx of migrant workers has given rise to a cluster of restaurants around Taipei Main Station selling South-East Asian food. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE Migrant workers from South-east Asia often hang out at Taipei Main Station on Sunday. ST PHOTO: YIP WAI YEE Some employers like Mr Tong Shih-chieh go the extra mile to treat their caregivers like family. Whenever he is in Taoyuan, a city west of Taipei, for work, Mr Tong will stop by the district of Zhongli to shop for Indonesian instant noodles and snacks for Ms Astuti. “She likes more intense flavours – and deep-fried snacks,” Mr Tong said. He appreciates the vital role that foreign caregivers play in Taiwan, where adults such as himself are unable to provide their parents with round-the-clock care. “It’s only right that we treat these foreign caregivers decently, because you hope that they will, in turn, take better care of your loved ones. It’s about showing each other mutual respect.” Hearing this, Ms Astuti broke into a smile.";0,1
"Empty shops, boarded windows: Has Holland Village lost its mojo? Empty shops, boarded windows: Has Holland Village lost its mojo? Holland Village is known for its bohemian vibes, trendy cafes, restaurants and a mix of old and new local businesses. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Hazel Tang UPDATED Jun 06, 2025, 05:55 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE – In October 2024, a party celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bynd Artisan – a home-grown brand known for handmade leather and paper gifts – was in full swing at its flagship store in Jalan Merah Saga. The energy was unmistakable as guests mingled, admired the anniversary collection and lined up to personalise keepsakes with the craftsmen. Beneath the conviviality, however, was a quiet sense of transition. After all, this was not just a celebration – it also marked the closing of a meaningful chapter in Holland Village and the beginning of new possibilities as the brand completed its lease in February 2025. 2024 was a year of change for Holland Village. Many well-known names, such as Thambi Magazine Store , ice cream parlour Sunday Folks and party paraphernalia shop Khiam Teck, had shuttered. “It was bittersweet,” says Bynd Artisan’s co-founder Winnie Chan, 53. She and her husband James Quan set up shop in Chip Bee Gardens in 2015 during Singapore’s 50th year of independence. The store was a tribute to Ms Chan’s grandfather, one of Singapore’s pioneering hand bookbinders. His legacy lived on through the personal touches in the space – most notably, the towering Heidelberg letterpress. Home-grown brand Bynd Artisan’s 10th anniversary party in October 2024 was not only a celebration but also a farewell to its flagship store in Jalan Merah Saga. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR For years, the iconic machine stood proudly outside the shop, drawing the curiosity of passers-by who thronged the streets of Holland Village. But foot traffic has dwindled over the years to a point where staying on no longer makes business sense. On a typical weekday afternoon, fewer than 10 people walk past the storefront and only one might step inside. Even on weekends, the numbers barely improve. What led to this decline in foot traffic and whether Holland Village can ever return to its former vibrancy are questions that business owners grapple with. From kampung to trendy hangout Holland Village – spanning Lorong Mambong, Lorong Liput, Holland Avenue and Chip Bee Gardens – is known for its bohemian vibes, trendy cafes, restaurants and a mix of old and new local businesses. It began as a kampung, later giving way to terraced houses and walk-up apartments in Chip Bee Gardens – built as married quarters for the British military – and shophouses that became the defining features of the area. Contrary to popular belief, Holland Village is not named after the Netherlands. It is believed to have been named in the early 1900s after Hugh Holland, an architect and amateur actor who reportedly lived there. An aerial view of the intersection between Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Among locals, it was once affectionately called Hue Hng Au, meaning “behind the garden” in Hokkien, a reference to its proximity to the Botanic Gardens. A turning point came in the 1990s, when nearby Orchard and Tanglin became prime residential zones and there was an influx of Western expatriates. Retail brands moved into Holland Village, transforming the tranquil neighbourhood into a lifestyle destination. Ms Chan fondly remembers Holland Village in its heyday – buzzing with energy and creativity. In 2014, the arrival of lifestyle and magazine brand Monocle in Jalan Kelabu Asap further sealed the neighbourhood’s reputation as one of Singapore’s hippest enclaves. That spirit peaked in 2018, when Singapore Design Week transformed Holland Village into a mega block party venue celebrating the fusion of arts and community. “It was very happening,” Ms Chan recalls, saying Holland Village was often featured in guidebooks, attracting mini-tours and crowds of both locals and tourists. The expatriate families also organised their own funfairs, where children ran barefoot on the lawns and in the shaded lanes. The Heidelberg letterpress outside Bynd Artisan’s flagship store in Holland Village. The brand’s co-founders made the difficult decision of letting the machine go as the business moved out. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Uniqueness versus survival That lively charm and authenticity has faded in recent years, according to Bynd Artisan’s founders. This reflects the challenge of preserving the neighbourhood’s unique identity amid current pressures – from rising rents and dwindling foot traffic to inflation and competition from trendier districts. It is a tricky dance – one that Holland Village must master if it hopes to revive the spirit and vitality that once defined the area. “For those who make the effort to visit Holland Village, there is not enough to convince them it’s worth the trip,” says Mr Quan, 57. He draws a comparison with Tokyo’s Cat Street and Omotesando neighbourhood, where tourists often head to a particular vintage shop mentioned in guidebooks – only to discover dozens more in the same area, along with hidden restaurants. “Over here, if a guidebook says Bynd Artisan is in Chip Bee Gardens, and someone makes the trip only to realise it’s just that – one shop and nothing else – they may not come back. They’d rather go to a shopping mall where they can get everything in one place,” he says. Bynd Artisan co-founders James Quan and Winnie Chan outside the flagship store in October 2024. The store closed in February 2025. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Mr Chua Tiang Hee, 74, owner of Fosters Steakhouse, believes the new developments – One Holland Village , which opened in December 2023, and Holland Piazza, launched in 2018 on the site of a former mall that featured an iconic windmill at the top – have diluted the area’s uniqueness, making it more like other neighbourhoods with malls housing familiar retail chains. In the past, “Holland Village had this indescribable charm”, Mr Chua recalls. Fosters Steakhouse, located in Holland Avenue, had outdoor seating surrounded by greenery. “It fits my concept of building an English greenhouse restaurant perfectly. I would sit outside, watching the trees and feeling as though I am not in Singapore.” The British-themed restaurant moved out in October 2022 and reopened three months later, as a modest cafe tucked inside YewTee Point. But in just two years, Mr Chua closed the business for good. Mr Chua Tiang Hee, owner of Fosters Steakhouse, which moved out of Holland Village in 2022. He reopened the business as a modest cafe in YewTee Point, but closed it two years later. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI He misses the old Holland Village that lives in his memory. “Right now, if you walk around the area, you don’t know which shops or restaurants are exactly there because they are constantly moving in and out,” he says. “Yes, there are new hypes, but they definitely changed the area’s appeal, which is now gone.” During a quick walk around Holland Village on June 5, The Straits Times spotted nine vacant shop units along Lorong Mambong and Holland Avenue. High rental costs appear to be driving business turnover. More on this Topic Rising rents put the squeeze on small businesses in S'pore: Should the Govt do more? End of an era as Thambi Magazine Store closes down after more than 80 years When Fosters moved out of Holland Avenue in 2022, Mr Chua was offered a unit along Lorong Mambong for over $20,000 a month. “I was flabbergasted when I found out another F&B establishment there was paying $50,000 a month for two floors,” he says. “I often wonder how these shops can afford the rent. For some of them, I don’t even see a lot of customers inside. Maybe they go online, but still, it’s challenging.” Fosters Steakhouse was famous for its English scones with clotted cream and jam. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI As at June 5, rental listings on property websites show that shophouse rents range from $13,700 for a 797 sq ft unit to $62,000 for a two-storey corner space measuring 3,468 sq ft. On average, monthly rents hover around $17 to $18 per sq ft – comparable with those in the heart of Orchard Road. ‘We want to be here’ Some old-time businesses have chosen to stay, holding fast to the spots where they were founded years ago. “Holland Village has always been in a state of change,” says Mr Michael Hadley, owner of Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant Original Sin. When he opened the restaurant in Chip Bee Gardens in 1997, the surroundings were far from polished. There were no steps or paved roads outside. It was the Euro-chic appeal and relaxed sophistication that drew him and his wife Lorraine to the area. Both passionate food lovers, they dreamt of bringing quality Western cuisine and fine wines to locals – without sky-high prices. Mrs Hadley says they used to host group dinners and wrap wine bottles in foil to let diners guess their value – often surprising the guests that good wines did not always have to come from France and could be affordable. As Original Sin gained popularity, the couple, both in their 50s, would give back to the community by hosting special needs children for free annually. Still, like many other businesses, it has felt the impact of a changing landscape and the area’s waning appeal. Mr Michael Hadley opened Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant Original Sin in 1997 to introduce locals to quality wine and meatless cuisine. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY When Holland Village MRT station opened in 2011, there were high hopes that it would draw larger crowds to the area. “The MRT is great,” says Mrs Hadley. “But what it really did was take people out of the neighbourhood. There was no boom. Many people left to explore other areas.” The situation worsened in 2019 when two carparks were closed to make way for the One Holland Village development. Parking has long been a nightmare in Holland Village, Mr Hadley notes. Even before the closures, it was common for drivers to circle the area for a spot, often ending up in Chip Bee Gardens and crossing the road to get to the main stretch. This, in turn, deprived visitors to Chip Bee Gardens of parking spaces. Then came the pandemic. “Covid-19 changed the dynamics of Chip Bee Gardens,” says Mrs Hadley, noting that many expatriate residents left. Although business picked up slightly in the aftermath, the momentum has subsided, according to the couple. The greatest challenge now is whether Original Sin can continue operating in Chip Bee Gardens. Bosco Misto, a popular menu item at Original Sin, features spinach, feta and tofu patties coated in almonds and sesame, served with asparagus and a mushroom plum sauce. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ORIGINAL SIN The terraced houses and walk-up apartments in the precinct are managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). They are let out on a two-year lease via open tenders. This approach aims to promote transparency and ensure that anyone who is interested in renting has an equal opportunity. While the Hadleys emphasise that they are not asking for preferential treatment and agree that the area needs diversity, they hope the authority can offer small businesses – especially those that have long been part of the community – a chance to stay. “We want to be here,” Mrs Hadley says. “But we don’t know what rental prices they will throw at us... We are not sure how important it is for someone else who wants to rent a space here, but for us, it is important because we have always been here.” A spokesperson for the SLA says it proactively seeks innovative ways to further unlock the potential of state-managed properties. On top of rental prices, tender proposals are also evaluated based on their creativity, contribution to the precinct’s vibrancy and incorporation of green and sustainable initiatives. The goal is to enhance community engagement and ensure Chip Bee Gardens remains interesting and relevant to the evolving lifestyles of both locals and internationa l visitors. Terraced houses and walk-up apartments in Chip Bee Gardens are state properties managed by the Singapore Land Authority and are let out on a two-year lease via open tenders. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Another business that has adapted to the changes is Joo Ann Foh. Nestled within Holland Road Shopping Centre, it has evolved significantly since it was established as a Chinese medicinal hall in 1906. In the 1960s when the British military forces moved into the area, the medicinal hall expanded its offerings to include daily goods and provisions for the new community. This continued until the 1990s, when the second generation took over, turning it into a photography and printing service shop. “The only constant in Holland Village is change,” says Mr Kenneth Ng, 48, a third-generation owner. “It’s not something we love, but something we have learnt to accommodate.” His younger brother Adam, 46, weighs in: “We are doing our best to keep the business going because our customers already see us as part of Holland Village... they trust us, and they recommend us to their friends.” Holland Village used to have a laid-back feel, he reminisces. There were shops selling rattan goods, antiques and party supplies – quirky, niche places that made the area special. “These unique offerings drew people in,” he says. Brothers Adam Ng (left) and Kenneth Ng are the third-generation owners of Joo Ann Foh. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG “Now, whatever you find here... you can find elsewhere. There is nothing exclusive here to generate foot traffic.” While they understand why landlords lease spaces to big-name chains with deep pockets, they believe this is neither sustainable nor beneficial for the neighbourhood. “We need to take a broader view,” says Mr Kenneth Ng. “Imagine: Thambi now reopens at the front of One Holland Village. It is just a modest magazine stand, but it is also a beloved local landmark. So why not consider lowering the rent to bring in more businesses like this to make this place special?” The Ng brothers anticipate further shifts in the area’s dynamics following the completion of the mixed-use development. “It is too early to say exactly how things will change, but we will see a new wave of residents moving in, and the office tower will be filled as well,” says Mr Kenneth Ng. A family photo taken at Joo Ann Foh’s original shop in Holland Avenue in the 1980s. A section of the shop carried photography-related products, while another section offered daily provisions. Seen here are business founder Ng Chin Wah (with glasses), second-generation owner Paul Ng and his wife Irene Mah, and the couple’s young sons Kenneth Ng (left) and Adam Ng. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOO ANN FOH Ms Clara Ong, who has a pet corgi with her boyfriend, were regulars at One Holland Village when it first opened as they were attracted by its pet-friendly appeal , but their visits have since tapered off. “Most stores still require pets to be in carriers or strollers and many restaurants allow them only in the outdoor seating areas,” the 29-year-old marketing executive explains. “We usually end up going elsewhere like East Coast Park or places with more open space and a more relaxed vibe for pets.” Ms Ong remembers Holland Village as a place once known for its hidden gems. “Now, it feels too commercial.” Giving the space a chance If uncertainty breeds opportunity, it might explain why Mr Lee Joon Peng, 45, took a leap of faith three years ago in setting up That Wine Place – a restaurant-bar and wine academy – at 261 Holland Avenue. The very same address once housed Palm’s Wine Bar, one of the first restaurant-bars in Holland Village, which helped shape its vibrant drinking and dining culture in the 1980s. A 1988 photo of Palm’s Wine Bar (right), one of the first restaurant-bars in Holland Village. It helped shape the enclave’s vibrant drinking and dining culture. The site is now home to That Wine Place. PHOTO: ST FILE Opening That Wine Place was a blend of two passions – his wife’s nostalgic fondness for Holland Village and his love affair with wine bars. “Holland Village used to be very chill,” Mr Lee recounts, sharing that his wife often lunched here during her PhD days at NUS. Meanwhile, his regular business trips to Taiwan exposed him to the island’s buzzing wine bar culture, which inspired him with its warmth and charm. However, what began as a promising venture has become increasingly difficult to sustain. “Seriously, I also want to know why people are not coming to Holland Village,” Mr Lee says. The busiest times are typically the first and last weeks of each month. “Midweek is usually quiet, we don’t see many people, not even on the road,” he adds. Mr Lee believes the slowdown is part of a broader shift across Singapore’s food and beverage (F&B) industry. “We see the closure of many dining places. For wine, in particular, people are no longer buying them in Singapore, they would prefer to do it overseas.” At the same time, diners are spoilt for choice and rising inflation has made them more price-conscious. It is little wonder, he adds, that some businesses are pulling out of Holland Village altogether or choosing to open second outlets closer to the city centre. Mr Lee Joon Peng says opening That Wine Place was a blend of two passions – his wife’s nostalgic fondness for Holland Village and his own love affair with wine bars. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH “Most of our customers here are families or couples. At most, they will open one bottle, maybe two,” Mr Lee explains. “If I have an outlet in town, I could cater to business meetings and company events where we would sell more. Holland Village could do so much better if we manage to attract the office crowds from the nearby Star Vista area.” Like other business owners, Mr Lee feels that the newer developments do not blend well with the character of the original Holland Village, and more importantly, that they lack a strong pull factor. One Holland Village may attract pet owners as a casual hangout, with a few go-to spots like Surrey Hills Grocer or Fireplace by Bedrock, he says. But beyond that, people come and go, and the crowds do not spill over. “I don’t see it’s a place that will bring more people in here... because there is nothing new and exciting to make them think, ‘Oh, I need to come back again.’” That’s why he calls his business venture a bit of a gamble. “It is a ‘hit or miss’,” he admits. “This place is not making a profit, but we are fortunate to have a reasonable landlord. I also believe F&B is the kind of business where you nurture and invest for the long run.” One visitor who finds Holland Village worth discovering is Mr Maro, an Italian business consultant who has been visiting Singapore frequently since 2017. While the area does not draw the kind of crowds he sees at Orchard Road, he believes that has not affected the quality of what is on offer. “I still remember my first visit here – it was to 2am: dessertbar . The level of creativity and finesse in the desserts was something I had not seen elsewhere,” says the 57-year-old, who did not give his full name. Lorong Mambong, home to a cluster of bars and restaurants. While Holland Village may not buzz with the same energy as Orchard Road, it has not affected the quality of what is on offer, says a regular visitor. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG More recently, he dined at Le Bon Funk and was equally impressed by its curated wine list. “I cannot speak about what Holland Village used to be, but there are some seriously high-calibre restaurants here – if you know, you know.” Can Holland Village be revived? Mr Lee believes Holland Village still holds a lot of untapped potential. One idea is to spruce up Holland Village Park just outside That Wine Place. Outdoor seating, for example, could make the space more inviting without obstructing foot traffic. “I once spent an evening under those trees with my friends,” Mr Lee recalls. “The breeze, the vibe, everything just felt perfect – like the old Holland Village coming back all over.” He adds: “If we have more places like that, where people could sit, relax and unwind in the space... it could create a brand-new reason for people to stay longer and keep coming back.” Mr Lee hopes outdoor seating can be added to the communal space in front of his restaurant-bar. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Some other tenants in Chip Bee Gardens told ST that they have been asking for a sheltered walkway linking the MRT station to the shops for a few years. Instead, they were offered a piecemeal solution: the option of installing standardised clear shelters in front of each store. But the tenants worry these static structures will create new problems – collecting leaves, heating up under the sun and making outdoor seating uncomfortable. Summing up the general frustration, Mr Hadley says: “If Holland Village is a brand, then right now, no one is managing it.” Mr Lee adds that the lack of serious discussion about the area’s commercial direction is hurting businesses and customers alike. As for Mr Quan, he believes the area needs better curation. “Many of the stores here are service-based. If you were a tourist or a local from another neighbourhood, would you come all the way to visit a dentist, a pet shop, a pilates studio or a kitchen supply store? Probably not.” But he acknowledges the other side of the coin. “They have been here for 10, 20 years and their loyal customers keep them going. The question then becomes: Should Holland Village be a hub for services or a place for unique small local businesses?” For the Ng brothers, the answer lies in embracing Singapore’s retail heritage. Business owners believe there is a lack of serious discussion about the area’s commercial direction, and that if Holland Village is a brand, no one is managing it at the moment. ST PHOTO: TAYRN NG “Some people don’t even realise we have been around for so long,” says Mr Kenneth Ng. “Others come in and tell us they are third-generation customers. That says a lot.” He is committed to business growth, but says there is only so much he and his brother can do. He notes that even some popular home-grown names, like Charles & Keith and TWG, had to reinvent themselves to survive. “They have gone international and polished up their image, but they don’t feel local any more,” he observes. “They are selling a lifestyle, an idea, rather than holding on to their original identity. “It seems like this is the reality for local brands – you either pivot, sell the business or franchise, or you risk getting left behind.” Ms Chan says the perception of local brands has changed over the past decade. More Singaporeans now embrace them for their thoughtful design and small-batch craftsmanship. Ironically, this has led to fewer home-grown brands eyeing Holland Village. “In the past, when there was little awareness of supporting local brands, it was hard for them to enter major shopping malls, so they turned to niche areas like Holland Village. Now, many malls open their doors to local brands, promising them better foot traffic and visibility,” she says. “So, where do the local brands prefer to be – there or here?” More on this Topic New scheme to support and grow Singapore’s heritage brands opens for nominations New task force to help grow and sustain heritage businesses in Singapore’s historic precincts Still, some believe there is room for revival – and it may lie in collaboration. Mr Hadley suggests establishing a merchant association to give business owners a platform to voice concerns, propose improvements and initiate partnerships with others in the neighbourhood. Past efforts fell through due to disagreements between small businesses and franchise operators, which he believes could be resolved by a neutral body – likely a government body – with a clear mandate to represent all parties. Mr Lee has already teamed up with nearby Wala Wala Cafe Bar to run cross-promotions: buy a specific wine at one venue, get perks at the other. “These are the kinds of ideas that bring energy back to the village,” he says. “Business owners should be brainstorming together: What do people want and how can we offer it? These innovations will only make Holland Village more lively and exciting.” More on this Topic ‘The streets were full of laughter’: What happened to Clarke Quay, Keong Saik Road and Club Street? Holland Village MRT’s 10m-long mural honours Thambi Magazine Store, Chip Bee Gardens At Bynd Artisan’s 10th anniversary party, Ms Chan had a poignant exchange with her mother, who asked why she was celebrating the closure of the Chip Bee Gardens outlet. Her reply? “Because there is beauty in difficult moments.” Ms Chan believes such times are exactly when resilient entrepreneurs shine – finding creativity in chaos and growth in challenge. “Running a business involves more than sentiments. We may not always know how things will turn out, so this chaos – unexpected and demanding as it is – is something we have learnt to relish.” More on this Topic Rising rents lead Siglap Drive shophouse businesses to close; Flor Patisserie to shut by July Several Parkway Parade mall tenants leave or downsize amid rising rents Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Insight Singapore Business closures Retail Food and beverage sector Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions";0,075
"Sun, sand and saving the planet? With marine and coastal tourism being a major part of the ocean economy, Insight looks into its role in helping communities earn a living, while protecting nature. A group of students taking part in coral planting, one of the activities organised by the social enterprise Sea Communities in Les, Bali, on Sept 25. ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN Audrey Tan UPDATED May 24, 2025, 06:09 AM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE – They have scuba-dived in many parts of Asia, from the reefs of Manado, Indonesia, to the mysterious depths of Yonaguni, Japan. While on the Indonesian isle of Bali last September, the Chua family – Amanda, 37, her brother Irwin, 33, and their cousins Gabriel, 28, and Zachary, 20 – embarked on a new underwater adventure: planting corals with Livingseas, a dive centre in Padangbai town. The coral restoration programme ropes in tourists to help bring life back to the seafloor, left barren after the original reef had been destroyed by blast fishing, a fishing practice involving the use of explosives to stun or kill large schools of fish. For a fee of around $200 a person, tourists can go diving to help install artificial reef structures, known as reef stars, on the seafloor, with baby corals attached to them using cable ties. At the same time, they can learn more about coral reefs – tropical habitats that cover less than 1 per cent of the global seafloor. The fee goes towards restoration efforts and also covers costs of equipment rental and dive guides. In September 2024, assistant news editor Audrey Tan installed The Straits Times reef star at a dive site in Padangbai, Bali. It is now part of the growing reef. PHOTO: LIVINGSEAS ASIA Over time, the coral fragments will grow, covering the original structure and recruiting a greater diversity of coral and fish species. Said Mr Gabriel Chua, an entrepreneur: “We joined the coral restoration exercise out of a deep love for the ocean. Over the years, we’ve watched some of our favourite dive sites decline, and it made a real impact on us.” He added: “This felt like a meaningful way to give back to the underwater world that has given us so much.” Clockwise from top left: The Chua family – Gabriel, Amanda, Zachary and Irwin – took part in a coral planting activity at Livingseas in September 2024. ST PHOTO: SAMUEL RUBY The Livingseas coral restoration experience is part of the marine and coastal tourism sector, which has been a major contributor to the global ocean economy, found a March report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The ocean economy – which also includes the maritime, energy, aquaculture and fisheries sectors, among others – doubled in real terms from US$1.3 trillion (S$1.68 trillion) of gross value added in 1995 to US$2.6 trillion in 2020. That would make the ocean the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2019, if it were a country. Of the seven ocean sectors analysed in the report, the two largest economic activities between 1995 and 2020 were marine and coastal tourism and offshore oil and gas extraction, which together generated two-thirds of the total gross value added. Gross value added generated by marine and coastal tourism reached a high of US$1.06 trillion in 2019, before falling to US$910 billion in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. Offshore oil and gas and offshore industry peaked at US$987 billion in 2020. Titled The Ocean Economy To 2050, the report also highlighted the importance of ensuring the marine realm remains healthy, so the ocean can continue to buoy up the many economic sectors reliant on it. But ocean perils are numerous, spanning local threats like destructive fishing practices and pollution, to global ones such as climate change and marine heatwaves. Tourism can sometimes provide alternative livelihoods for communities, so they are able to carry on using the sea as a resource without damaging it. More on this Topic Eco-conscious and dreading 2025? Here are some green shoots of hope Shoots of hope: Meet the people ensuring a future for mangroves in Indonesia But some ventures have also been associated with environmental damage, when tourists get too close to wildlife, destroy habitats, or pollute the environment. Ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference, which will be held from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France , with the aim of discussing how the oceans and marine resources can be conserved and sustainably used, Insight explores the role of eco-tourism in protecting South-east Asia’s coastal ecosystems from local menaces. In seeing the world, can tourists help to save the planet – by preserving nature and also by supporting the livelihoods, culture, and well-being of the communities who call the coast home? What makes an eco-tourist? There is no single definition of what it means to be an eco-tourist. As Ms Elaine Kwee, who co-founded social enterprise Sea Communities in 2012 , said: “Eco-tourism is one of those terms that give you a warm, fuzzy feeling, but can mean anything to anyone.” A hotel, for example, may label itself an eco-destination for changing the linens once every three days instead of daily. Holiday-makers may consider themselves eco-tourists for simply being out in nature. “There is no legal definition,” said Ms Kwee , 58, a Singaporean and former corporate finance lawyer. “But I’d like to think that our programmes attract tourists who want to learn about the coastal environment and the local communities.” Sea Communities is an Indonesian enterprise that creates employment and income opportunities for the local community through its eco-tourism programmes. Since 2012, it has been working with Les Village in north-eastern Bali to conduct educational programmes, including coral restoration, for groups from universities, boutique travel agencies and special interest organisations all over the world. The revenue from such activities reduces the need for fishermen there to turn back to their former livelihoods – fishing for ornamental fish with cyanide, a poison that was used from the 1980s to the early 2000s . The sustained use of the toxic substance ended up destroying the reefs in the waters near their homes . Reef rehabilitation programmes involving tourists and scientists from Singapore are now ongoing at Les. Tourists gain a unique experience – planting corals – but more crucially, the money they spend on it helps ensure the continuation of the restoration efforts, Ms Kwee said. “It is the fishermen who need to dive regularly to do coral maintenance, to renew the plantings if some coral babies die... tourist dollars help to fund the tanks and the diving for the community”, she said. Marine biologist Sam Shu Qin (left) and Made Merta, affectionately known as Pak Eka, observing a coral nursery in Les, Bali, on Sept 25, 2024. ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN Ms Kwee said Sea Communities uses a business model that ensures the revenue is distributed evenly throughout the community, not just among the fishermen. “We cost up – whatever the home stay charges, whatever the fishermen charge, whatever the salt farmers charge, we put that into the price, and then we charge something extra for arranging the educational programmes and logistics. We don’t try to capture all the wealth at the top,” she said. “It’s more motivating and incentivising for the local community to see that conservation can make their livelihoods better.” When Sea Communities introduced the concept of eco-tourism to the community in 2012, a former ornamental fish trader known in the community as Jro Bau – his real name is Mr Gede Yudarta, 65 – sold his car to build five villas for tourists. Mr Gede Yudarta, also known as Jro Bau, owner of Les Homestay, with his wife Made Srestiandnyani, who manages the on-site restaurant, in Les, Bali, on Sept 23, 2024. ST PHOTO: SAMUEL RUBY When tourism took off, Jro Bau built 11 more villas, while his wife Made Srestiandnyani, 48, opened a restaurant in the village in 2015. Today, her kitchen is even equipped with a pizza oven, she said, and the kitchen crew – all women from Les Village – are able to whip up all sorts of dishes, from Indonesian delights to hamburgers. One of the air-conditioned chalets established to welcome tourists taking part in the village’s eco-tourism activities, including coral planting. ST PHOTO: SAMUEL RUBY During the peak season for tourists, which is usually between May and August, as well as from September to early December, Sea Communities conducts tours for about three to four big groups of 20 to 60 guests every month, said Ms Kwee. At Livingseas, its Singaporean founder Leon Boey, 45 , said the coral restoration experience it offers differs from regular dive trips in Bali. “When you go diving to see manta rays, you go down, float around, and enjoy the view,” he said. “But when you are planting coral, it is not you looking at the fish, but sometimes, the fish looking at you. You’re not just taking, but giving back, in a way.” Livingseas started out as a dive centre based in Sanur, Bali, in 2011, conducting diving courses and offering dive trips to many popular sites around Bali, such as to Manta Point where manta rays are regularly sighted. In 2016, it moved its operations to Padangbai – about an hour’s drive from Sanur. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and tourism ground to a halt in 2020, Mr Boey said he started experimenting with reef restoration in the area, to try to help the local reef recover from the blast fishing. Since then, the endeavour has grown, with over 80 per cent of the dive centre’s revenue coming from its coral restoration programme, he told The Straits Times. Prices start from 650,000 rupiah (S$51) per person for a half-day snorkelling experience. Scuba divers can also “plant” a reef star with a personalised bamboo tag for about 2.5 million rupiah, which is inclusive of two dives. His team has also grown, from a small crew of three to now almost 35, many of whom are local youth. “We scaled up because of the restoration, and because of the tourism income, we trained them to dive, we trained them in coral restoration, and many of them are moving on to become divemasters who are certified to lead dives,” Mr Boey said. Currently , about 98 per cent of the 100 to 200 guests that Livingseas receives every month opt for the coral restoration activities, instead of regular diving, Mr Boey said. Livingseas’ aim is to cover 5ha of the degraded seafloor – slightly larger than the size of the Padang in Singapore – with artificial reef structures. Currently, about five years into the effort, about 10 per cent of the target has been achieved, according to Mr Boey . He said: “Before we started restoration, the place was pretty much a barren desert. Most of the coral reefs had been destroyed, and the seafloor was mainly rubble.” The ecosystem is being rebuilt slowly but surely, with small fish to larger animals, such as sharks and turtles, spotted in the regenerating reef. Dolphins, too, have been spotted near the restoration site. This has made an impact on the community, said Mr Boey. “The village knows there’s a lot of benefit from the reef restoration, from changing destructive fishing practices, and generally, having more mindfulness about the ocean,” he added. Mr Boey said that Livingseas did an impact study which showed that in 2024, more than US$270,000 from guests flowed into the village for accommodation, food, and transport activities. This represented the yearly income of about 108 local families, or about 13 per cent of the total number of families living in Padangbai, he added. More on this Topic Conserving S-E Asia peatlands, mangroves can help climate far more than restoration: Study New study aims to improve Singapore’s green spaces for humans and wildlife The ocean and the economy The vast ocean can seem too big, too remote, and too unrelatable for many. Yet, it is the backdrop against which the theatre of life carries on, affecting how goods from around the world are transported, providing the ingredients for many an omakase dish, and hosting the many urbanites who seek solace and “vitamin sea”. The ocean also generates 50 per cent of the oxygen people need, absorbs 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by these emissions, according to the UN. The OECD report pointed to the mounting pressures on the ocean, including from climate change and overfishing, and highlighted the importance of ensuring the ocean remains healthy, if countries are to continue reaping economic benefits from it. “Successfully developing a resilient and more productive ocean economy will depend largely on the world’s ability to control climate change and mitigate its worst effects, by enhancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and restoration as well, and harnessing the expected transformation of the global energy system,” the report said. The publication comes at a time when the private sector is also starting to take stock of the value of the ocean. As Dr Alfredo Giron, the head of ocean at the World Economic Forum, told The Straits Times in the Green Pulse podcast : “In the past, we focused a lot of our attention on caring about the ocean for the sake of the ocean, the sake of the animals, the sake of the ecosystem health, and not so much linking it to why it also matters to people.” He added: “And that is a key thing – we need to start thinking a little bit more about the concept of prosperity, not only the concept of nature and conservation, (but also) about food security, jobs, energy, even recreation and cultural values.” Philanthropists also see that eco-tourism has a role to play in helping communities earn a living in a sustainable way. Ms Carol Liew, the managing director of ECCA Family Foundation, which has an office in Singapore, said the foundation supports a small but growing number of eco-tourism initiatives, primarily in South-east Asia. These include a Sea Guardians project in Thailand, which aims to empower local fishing communities as stewards of marine conservation through the creation of locally managed protected areas. Alternative livelihood models, such as eco-tourism, are introduced to reduce over-reliance on activities like fishing. The region offers significant opportunities for eco-tourism due to its vast and diverse coastlines, coral reefs, and natural ecosystems, Ms Liew said. “Many local communities depend on natural resources, and tourism – when done right – can offer an alternative livelihood that incentivises environmental protection,” Ms Liew added. “The region also holds deep cultural connections to nature, which can enhance the authenticity and resilience of eco-tourism efforts.” However, the foundation also assesses the ventures it supports to ensure the tourism activities are not associated with environmental damage. Some of the red flags it watches out for include tourism models that drive overdevelopment or degrade ecosystems from unregulated boat traffic or coral trampling; projects that shift control away from communities; and greenwashing. Such practices can include the use of eco-labels without accountability or long-term conservation outcomes. Identifying good eco-tourism practices While there is the potential for reef restoration activities to be integrated with tourism ventures, one marine scientist said it is important that tourists learn more about the reasons for the restoration. Dr Jani Tanzil, a coral reef scientist and the facility director of the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, said: “I’ve seen some places where the natural reef is growing very nicely, but artificial reef structures are still installed, squashing all the recruiting corals.” Even if a reef is degraded, it has the capacity to regenerate naturally, and it is important that this is assessed before active restoration efforts are launched, Dr Tanzil said. “My take is that if there has been no natural recovery for a very long time, then active intervention is justified,” she added. Regardless of this, she noted that there are intangible benefits to coral restoration, such as raising awareness of these habitats, and educating people on their importance. “We do need to convince people that coral reefs are worth protecting, but it’s hard to create that emotional awareness with numbers and facts. People can’t love what they don’t know,” Dr Tanzil said. Coral restoration as an eco-tourism activity is a double-edged sword, she acknowledged. Tourists can help by being more discerning about the activities they join, she said – they can ask themselves why restoration is needed, whether the coral restoration activities are guided by scientific advice, and whether local communities are engaged and benefiting from the enterprise. They should also find out the source of the coral fragments used for restoration, and whether the restored corals’ survival rates are tracked, she added. More on this Topic Lazarus Island can be an ‘eco-classroom’ while fostering tourism: Nature groups Science Journals: A long journey to restore carbon-rich peatlands in Indonesia’s Riau province At Les Village, Singaporean marine biologist Sam Shu Qin , a lecturer at NUS College, provides scientific advice to the coral restoration effort. “We want to find out the best methods and strategies to grow corals here in Les Village, and to find out the methods that the local communities can use,” said Ms Sam. “It has to be an accessible method, so that the community can eventually scale up the restoration on their own.” Ms Sam said that the scientists also share with the community the various scientific methods of assessing the health of the reef over time. “Eventually, we hope that they develop the skills to protect and then take care of their own reef,” she added. Ms Kathy Xu is the founder of Dorsal Effect, an eco-tourism enterprise that enlists shark fishermen in Lombok, Indonesia, to take tourists out on shark-spotting tours instead. She said that the concept of eco-tourism is gaining popularity, especially with many people on social media endorsing the benefits of engaging in nature-related activities while on holiday. Excessive tourism is a real threat, she said, as large numbers of tourists can cause a lot of environmental harm. “Travellers need to be more discerning, but also more willing to part with their money to pay the premium, that will go directly to local communities and wildlife, to ensure these communities are empowered,” she said. “Avoid mass tours, do your research before travelling, and be willing to spend more on legitimate eco-tourism outfits,” Ms Xu said, adding that tourists can also consider taking less emissions-heavy forms of transport, such as trains instead of planes, or going vegan, to reduce their environmental impact. Ultimately, it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of his or her own impact on the environment, rather than just rely on the claims of an operator, she added. Ms Ni Luh Andari Widya Lestari, 31, from Les Village, is the Sea Communities ground manager who coordinates the tourism activities. For her, eco-tourism demonstrates “pure heart in doing work for the environment, and for the community”. “It’s not just about the environment, but also (about) humans,” she said. Audrey Tan is an assistant news editor overseeing sustainability coverage. She has reported on the environment for more than a decade and hosts the Green Pulse podcast series. This feature was supported by One Degree 15 Marina. Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here . World Insight Tourism Oceans Environmental issues Climate change Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions";0,375
Man charged with stealing $1.5k worth of potted plants from Yishun HDB block The potted plants were stolen from Block 418 Yishun Avenue 11. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE Nadine Chua UPDATED Jun 12, 2025, 02:45 PM SINGAPORE – A man has been charged with stealing $1,500 worth of potted plants from a Housing Board block in Yishun. On June 12, Lee De Yuan, 42, was handed a theft charge over allegedly stealing 18 potted plants, two plant racks and three flower pots from Block 418 Yishun Avenue 11 , sometime from June 5 to 8, between 2am and 4am. Two of the plants were large Lohansong bonsai worth $388 each. In total, the items he allegedly stole were worth $1,514. The police said on June 11 that they had been alerted to multiple cases of theft of potted plants in the area last week. Through follow-up investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established Lee’s identity and arrested him on June 10. The stolen items were subsequently recovered. Lee’s case was adjourned to June 19. Those who commit theft can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.;0
3 weeks’ jail each for married couple who smuggled dogs from Malaysia Soon Boon Khong (left) and Reina Wong Si Qi stood to earn between $900 and $1,000 for each completed transaction, according to court documents. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG Christine Tan UPDATED Jun 05, 2025, 11:05 PM Thanks for sharing! SINGAPORE - A married couple who smuggled a pomeranian and a dachshund across the Causeway for a quick buck have been jailed. Soon Boon Khong and Reina Wong Si Qi, both 28, stood to earn between $900 and $1,000 for each completed transaction, according to court documents. On June 4, they were each jailed for three weeks after pleading guilty to two charges under the Animals and Birds Act. Two similar charges for each of them were taken into consideration. In court, District Judge Wong Li Tein said importing animals without proper licensing poses public health risks, which Singapore as a densely populated community cannot afford to take. The buyer of the dachshund, Tok Su Wen, 41, was fined $7,000 in December 2024 – the first time the National Parks Board (NParks) had prosecuted a purchaser for abetting animal smuggling. NParks prosecutor Lim Chong Hui told the court that in late 2022, Soon and Wong noticed a demand for pets sold at prices lower than those at pet shops in Singapore. They began advertising animals from various sources in Malaysia for sale on social media platforms and chat groups on messaging application Telegram. Initially, the couple only introduced potential buyers to sellers in Malaysia, earning between $50 and $100 for acting as middlemen. Both dogs had an umbilical hernia, while the dachshund had a bloated belly, patches of hair loss and dirty ears. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD After the sellers said they preferred to deal directly with the couple instead of the buyers, Soon and Wong started getting involved in the transportation of the animals. They were aware that importing animals from Malaysia without the requisite licence was illegal but chose to disregard the legal requirements due to the high fees involved. Before their arrest, the couple smuggled a pomeranian and a poodle on Feb 1, 2023, without being detected. The dogs’ current status is unknown. Tok had reached out to Soon and Wong in January 2023 after seeing an ad they had posted for dogs for sale on Telegram. She was informed that the importation of animals would be done illegally, but she decided to go ahead. On Feb 2, 2023, Soon and Wong collected two dogs from a pet shop in Johor Bahru. Soon had got the pomeranian as a gift for Wong while the dachshund was to be delivered to Tok’s home. The offence came to light when the couple’s vehicle was stopped for an inspection at the Woodlands Checkpoint around 6pm that day. Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority found both dogs at the foot area of the front passenger seat. Wong had placed her handbag in front to obscure them from view. More on this Topic 42 cases of animal smuggling at S’pore borders in 2024, highest in recent years Dog buyer fined $7k, first time NParks has prosecuted purchaser over animal smuggling Both dogs had an umbilical hernia while the dachshund had a bloated belly, patches of hair loss and dirty ears. But they were otherwise alert and hydrated. The couple’s lawyer Tan Cheng Kiong argued for a fine instead of jail, noting that the dogs they had brought in were not mistreated or suffering from any canine diseases. Mr Tan also said his clients were first-time offenders. “They are still relatively young, and I think this is going to be a lesson for them that they will certainly learn from,” he said. In response, Mr Lim said it was purely fortuitous that the dogs had no diseases, and it was not because the couple had taken measures to ensure it. In an earlier statement, NParks said the smuggling and illegal trade of pets pose a threat to public health and also compromise animal welfare. NParks strongly encourages prospective owners to adopt their pets from animal welfare groups or to purchase them from licensed shops. The agency also warned that buyers who abet the illicit importation of their pets into Singapore may also end up facing prosecution. Under the Animals and Birds Act, offenders caught importing any animal or bird without a licence can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. More on this Topic Could animals seized from the illegal wildlife trade strain S’pore’s capacity to keep them here? Man caught at Woodlands Checkpoint with 6 kittens hidden in car dashboard Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Crime National Parks Board Smuggling Thanks for sharing! Let's Go! Terms and conditions apply Frequently asked questions;0,025
"Salman Khan cancels an event in solidarity towards the Ahmedabad plane crash: 'We are with the country'An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London with 230 passengers and 12 crew members crashed after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm. Following the tragic event, numerous celebrities expressed their support and condolences. In response to the crash, Salman Khan cancelled his scheduled appearance at a brand event in Mumbai as a gesture of solidarity. An Air India plane going towards London carrying 230 passengers which had taken off at 1:38 pm from Ahmedabad had a crash. Air India flight was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner twin jet had 12 crew members. As this tragic event took place, several celebrities came out in support and expressed their grief towards those who lost their lives. As this incident took place, Salman Khan cancelled an event which was supposed to take place today. The actor was to be announced the brand ambassador of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL). It was a brand event which was supposed to take place with Salman. But the organisers along with the actor cancelled the event in solidarity towards the tragic plane crash. The organisers announced that the event stands cancelled due to this incident and added, ""As you all know, a tragic incident occurred earlier in the day. It's a sad time for everybody. ISRL and Mr Salman Khan stand by united with the nation in these tough times. We have taken a responsible joint decision to reschedule this event as its not a time for celebration."" They added, ""We stand by the nation united. All our condolences and prayers with the families of the dead. Stay strong, India."" They told the media present for the event, ""Somebody will be in touch with you (regarding when the event will take place)."" They thanked the press and also apologised to them. Many other Bollywood celebs took to their social media to express grief over the heartbreaking incident. Sunny Deol posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying with all my heart for survivors — may they be found and receive the care they need. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this unimaginable time.” Parineeti Chopra also reacted to the tragedy, sharing, “Can’t imagine the pain of the family members of the ill fated Air India flight today. Praying for God to give them strength during this time.” Actor Riteish Deshmukh conveyed his condolences, stating, “Absolutely heartbroken and in shock after hearing about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My heart goes out to all the passengers, their families, and everyone affected on the ground. Holding them all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” Sonu Sood, Randeep Hooda, R Madhavan and many others also expressed sorrow towards this tragic incident.";0
From Bill Gates to Steve Jobs, 2 powerful habits all high achievers share— And how you can use them too While most people want to be successful in life, not many can do so. But why is it so? What are the things that most successful people are doing right that set them apart from the rest? Bestselling author-entrepreneur Tim Ferriss set out to discover what makes successful people tick, and that's when he spent over a decade interviewing some of the world’s top performers. From tech founders and elite athletes to mental health experts and billionaires, he uncovered two surprising habits that consistently showed up in most high achievers, which helped them succeed in life. Talking about this, in a conversation with CNBC Make It, Ferriss explained how these two habits have helped countless high achievers stay focused, calm, and productive. It’s something he’s seen time and again through his popular podcast The Tim Ferriss Show, where he’s spoken with everyone from Oprah to Ray Dalio. So, what are these powerful habits, and how do they shape one's success? Read on to know more: 1. Meditation: A powerful workout for your mind Ferriss says that around 70% of the top performers he’s interviewed have some form of meditation or mindfulness routine. And it’s not just sitting in silence. Meditation can include anything that helps clear the mind— and it includes journaling, walking, or swimming. His personal favourite? Transcendental Meditation (TM)— a simple technique where you silently repeat a mantra for 20 minutes twice a day. Big names like Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and even Ray Dalio swear by it. Even Bill Gates , who once dismissed meditation as “mystical,” now practices it for about 10 minutes a few times a week and says it helps him stay focused and sharp. If traditional meditation feels hard, Ferriss suggests rhythmic activities like running, biking, or even swimming. These can serve as meditative moments that calm your thoughts and center your focus. 2. The power of saying “No”: The productivity superpower While meditation helps calm the mind, saying “no” helps guard your time. Ferriss noticed that high achievers are incredibly intentional about what they say “yes” to. He cites Steve Jobs , who once said, “Focusing is about saying no.” It’s not about being rude— it’s about protecting your time, peace, and energy. Warren Buffett agrees. He famously said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Ferriss believes that learning to say “no” politely but firmly is one of the most powerful habits you can build in a world full of distractions. How you can start practice these habits You don’t have to be a billionaire to use these strategies. Ferriss says anyone can benefit from them with small, consistent effort. Try meditating for just 5 minutes a day to start. You can take the help of guided meditation videos online or even use certain apps for it. Once you get used to it, try increasing the duration gradually. Practice gentle ways to say “no”, like: - “Let me think about it and get back to you.” - “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll have to pass this time.” The more you build these habits, the more clarity, energy, and focus you’ll have for what truly matters. In a noisy, always-on world, success often comes down to just two things: Quieting your mind and guarding your time. These aren’t just habits of the wealthy— they’re skills that anyone can learn and apply. And they just might be your edge in achieving more with less stress.;0,025
Philadelphia Eagles' Jihaad Campbell faces setback—but Nick Sirianni hints at star potential upon returnPhiladelphia Eagles' first-round pick, Jihaad Campbell, is currently sidelined due to offseason shoulder surgery, delaying his NFL debut. Despite the physical setback, the Eagles are prioritizing Campbell's mental preparation through film study and walkthroughs. Coaches emphasize his versatility and future role as an inside linebacker, ensuring he's ready to contribute upon his return. Photo by Terence Lewis/Getty Images When the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to snag Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a versatile talent with sky-high potential. What they didn’t anticipate was having to wait to see him in action. Campbell, who signed a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $14.844 million—including a $7.465 million signing bonus—has spent his first months in the NFL recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. And while he hasn't hit the field yet, the Eagles are making sure his mind is locked in even as his body heals. Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell recovering from shoulder surgery as Nick Sirianni outlines mental reps plan and future linebacker role Jihaad Campbell didn’t participate in any of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason workouts, which officially wrapped up on Tuesday, June 11. He isn’t expected to be ready when training camp opens on July 22 either. But instead of rushing him, Philadelphia is prioritizing his mental development during recovery. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at the team’s training facility, head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear that there’s no pressure being put on the rookie’s rehab timeline. “We’ll see,” Sirianni said when asked about Campbell’s return. “I never want to put a timetable on anybody… some guys get through things quicker than others and vice versa.” In the meantime, the Eagles are making use of the time in other ways. “He’s doing everything he can to get himself ready,” Sirianni added. “Our goal for him right now is making sure he can get all the mental reps he possibly can get at this particular time.” The coaching staff has emphasized film sessions and walkthrough observations to keep Campbell engaged. Sirianni noted, “You’re not working the fundamentals of block destruction or tackling… but what you’re trying to make sure is they have the mental part of the game down.” Jihaad Campbell set for breakout role with elite versatility and strong mental prep Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio confirmed earlier this month that Campbell is being trained to handle the inside-linebacker responsibilities. But Sirianni isn’t ruling out other roles for him either. Trump Cracks Up Philadelphia Eagles, Jokes About Owner Jeffrey Lurie's 'Size' | WATCH “Looking forward to being able to get our hands on him when he’s able to start practicing,” Sirianni said on Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex. “We know that he’s versatile and able to do multiple things.” While Campbell’s on-field debut remains on hold, the Eagles are laying the groundwork for his long-term success. With mental reps taking center stage and coaching staff keeping faith in his potential, Campbell’s NFL journey is just getting started—even if it’s from the sideline for now.;0
"Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: There’s a new programming language. It is called…Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently highlighted AI's transformative potential, stating it democratizes programming by enabling users to instruct computers using natural language. He likened programming AI to guiding a person, emphasizing the ease with which AI can now perform complex tasks like writing poems. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said that programming artificial intelligence (AI) is similar to how one “programs a person”. Speaking at London Tech Week recently, Huang said that AI is a “great equalizer” as it enables anyone to program using everyday language. Admitting that computing was hard historically, he said “We had to learn programming languages. We had to architect it. We had to design these computers that are very complicated”. “Now, all of a sudden ... there’s a new programming language. This new programming language is called ‘human,’” Huang added. ""Most people don't know C++, very few people know Python, and everybody, as you know, knows human.” Jensen Huang continued: “The way you program a computer today, to ask the computer to do something for you, even write a program, generate images, write a poem — just ask it nicely.” “And the thing that’s really, really quite amazing is the way you program an AI is like the way you program a person.” Poll Do you agree that AI is becoming the “great equalizer” in technology? No, it still requires technical expertise Yes, it’s making tech more accessible Explaining further, Jensen Huang gave an example saying, “You say, 'You are an incredible poet. You are deeply steeped in Shakespeare, and I would like you to write a poem to describe today's keynote.' Without very much effort, this AI would help you generate such a wonderful poem.” “And when it answers, you could say, 'I feel like you could do even better.' And it will go off and think about it and it will come back and say, 'In fact, I can do better.' And it does do a better job.” Jensen Huang’s AI warning Jensen Huang’s comments after he warned of changing workplace due to AI. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in May this year, he said “You’re not going to lose your job to an AI, but you’re going to lose your job to someone who uses AI.” Huang’s message underlines a critical paradigm shift — the disruption caused by AI won’t simply be about outright job loss through automation but about a growing divide between those who harness AI as a tool and those who do not. Your iPhone's NEW Home is India: Apple's new Manufacturing HUB! AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now";0,175
UAE firm introduces long-lasting meals designed to be eaten up to 25 years laterRed Planet, a UAE-based company, is set to revolutionize food security with its ready-to-eat meals boasting a 25-year shelf life. Utilizing advanced freeze-drying technology, these halal-certified meals retain taste and nutrition without artificial preservatives. Targeting humanitarian aid, armed forces, and space agencies, Red Planet's diverse menu includes local Emirati and international dishes. All meals are halal-certified and crafted to retain flavor and nutrition for 25 years/ Image: RedPlanet In a groundbreaking development for food security and emergency preparedness, a UAE-based company, Red Planet, is introducing ready-to-eat meals that can remain consumable for up to 25 years. These ultra-long shelf-life meals are made possible by cutting-edge freeze-drying technology that retains taste, nutrition, and safety, all without artificial preservatives or refrigeration. The process, as explained by Jassim Al Nowais, CEO of Red Planet, involves removing more than 95 per cent of moisture from the food in a carefully controlled environment. “We start by removing moisture from the food in a controlled environment, which helps retain its original taste, texture, and, most importantly, nutritional value,” said Al Nowais. “From there, we seal it in multi-layered, oxygen-absorbing packaging that protects against light, air, and moisture. This ensures the product stays safe, fresh, and nutritious for up to 25 years, without refrigeration or preservatives. ” More Than Shelf Life: A Commitment to Food Security Though the products have not yet reached UAE retail shelves, Red Planet has already completed a fully developed menu and is targeting critical sectors including: Humanitarian aid organisations Armed forces Space agencies Government institutions Al Nowais emphasized the broader mission behind the technology: “We don’t just focus on extending shelf life. For us, food security is about more than storing something for emergencies — it’s about having access to reliable, nutritious food that people would actually want to eat, whether it's five, ten, or even twenty-five years from now,” he said. While retail availability is in the pipeline, Red Planet has been actively promoting its innovation to strategic partners and global stakeholders. Most recently, it participated in the Saudi Food Show 2025, held from May 12 to 14 in Riyadh, where the company showcased how its solutions contribute to sustainability, emergency preparedness, and long-term nourishment across the region. Diverse, Halal-Certified Menu with Local Flavour Red Planet’s offerings are both diverse and culturally conscious. The firm provides a mix of local Emirati dishes and international favourites, all of which are halal-certified. Their ready-to-eat menu includes: Chicken biryani Meat machboos Balaleet with eggs Scrambled eggs Pasta with minced meat Vegetable rice Each recipe is engineered to maintain its original flavour and nutritional profile even in extreme conditions. “We’re not just offering variety for the sake of it. Every dish is carefully crafted to retain its flavour, texture, and nutritional content, even in the harshest environments,” Al Nowais said. “To us, food is more than fuel, it’s a source of comfort, a reminder of home, and a key element of resilience.” Looking Ahead: Approvals and Retail Launch Red Planet is currently in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals in the UAE, a crucial step before products reach store shelves. “This isn’t just a formality, it’s a core part of our promise to deliver food that’s not only safe and high-quality, but also trusted by the communities and institutions we serve,” said Al Nowais. “I personally oversee this part of the process because it matters deeply to us.” Once the green light is received from regulators, consumers in the UAE can expect to see Red Planet meals available for retail purchase, marking a major step in accessible, long-lasting, and high-quality food security solutions made in the UAE.;0,075
Indian-origin doctor Mona Ghosh sentenced to 10 years in prison in US for $2.4 million medical fraud Indian-American physician Dr Moa Ghosh (OB-GYN) who pleaded guilty last year to the fraud charges has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the $2.4 million medical fraud that she committed through her medical office. The 52-year-old doctor, Ghosh, has been charged with defrauding insurance firms from 2018 to 2022 by submitting false claims for procedures that were either unnecessary or never conducted. These included endometrial ablations, biopsies, ultrasounds, vaccinations, blood tests, and STD screenings. Officials said Ghosh exaggerated the length and complexity of both in-person and telehealth visits, using billing codes that didn’t match the actual services to claim higher reimbursements. She also allegedly prepared fake patient records to justify the fraudulent claims. “When physicians submit fraudulent claims to federal health care programs, they divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said US Attorney Boutros. “Dr Ghosh’s fraud scheme was particularly egregious because she endangered the health of her patients by performing unnecessary medical procedures, including procedures that severely limited some patients' ability to have children in the future. We applaud the victims’ strength to come forward and confront this defendant. Our Office will fight tirelessly for victims and work diligently with our law enforcement partners to safeguard taxpayer funds and hold accountable those who steal from the American public.” “Dr Ghosh spent years traumatizing patients, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money to feed her greed,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “The depraved conduct uncovered in this case represents an extreme betrayal of trust toward patients who were simply seeking care and integrity from their doctor. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable any medical professional who seeks to harm patients for their personal enrichment. ” The convicted doctor has been ordered to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution.;0,025
Google offers buyout option to Core Googlers, Senior VP Nick Fox sends email to employees, says: Goal here is to ...Google has initiated voluntary buyouts in its Core, Search, Ads, and K&I divisions amidst an AI-focused restructuring, announced on June 10, 2025. Senior VP Nick Fox cited the program as a supportive exit for those not aligned with Google's strategy. Simultaneously, a stricter return-to-office policy mandates hybrid schedules for remote employees near Google offices. In a strategic move, Google has started a new round of voluntary exit programs, commonly referred to as buyouts. The tech giant is now offering voluntary buyouts to employees in its Core, Search, Ads, and Knowledge & Information (K&I) divisions as part of its ongoing AI-focused restructuring. This move of the company was announcedJune 10, 2025, comes alongside a stricter return-to-office mandate, requiring remote employees near a Google office to adopt a hybrid schedule. Senior Vice President Nick Fox, who leads Google’s Knowledge & Information group sent an email to employees explaining the rationale behind the buyout program. He emphasised that the goal is to provide a supportive exit path for those who don’t feel aligned with Google’s strategy, aren’t energised by their work, or are struggling to meet expectations. The voluntary exit program offers a minimum of 14 weeks’ salary, plus one additional week for every year of service. Employees in affected divisions have until July 1, 2025, to enroll in the program. ReadGoogle Senior VP Nick Fox’s email sent to employees here Hey all-- It’s been an incredible few months -- we shared our vision at I/O and GML, and we’ve been shipping at a dizzying pace. We’ve seen a super positive response to AI Mode including our shopping announcements, heard excitement about our new ads experiences directly from businesses, and are bringing Maps to cutting-edge new surfaces like Gemini Live and XR glasses. It’s been intense – but also intensely fun and energizing – and I’ve seen and heard the same from many of you. I took on this role to lead K&I because I believe there’s no better place to transform the lives of billions of users through this AI moment. This is the opportunity of a lifetime -- and it’s here right now. In this exciting time and with so much important work underway, my goal is for every single one of us here to be all-in on building the future of our products. To support this, I’ve made two decisions. Offering a Voluntary Exit Program (VEP) for K&I Googlers in the U.S. Some orgs at Google have offered a Voluntary Exit Program (VEP) over the past few months, and I’ve been paying close attention and considering whether we should do the same for K&I. After hearing positive feedback on those pilots as well as requests within our org, I’ve decided to offer a VEP -- this gives eligible U.S-based K&I Googlers (my direct reporting org) the ability to voluntarily leave the company with a severance package. I want to be very clear: If you’re excited about your work, energized by the opportunity ahead, and performing well, I really (really!) hope you don’t take this! We have ambitious plans and tons to get done. We need your energy and dedication, and I want you at Google! On the other hand, this VEP offers a supportive exit path for those of you who don’t feel aligned with our strategy, don’t feel energized by your work, or are having difficulty meeting the expectations of your role. Work location policy change for Local Remote K&I Googlers in the U.S. For hybrid K&I Googlers, coming into the office on a hybrid schedule is part of our expectations. You’ve heard me say that I believe we innovate better and make decisions faster when we’re working together in the office. I’ve decided to update our work location policy to be more consistent, so U.S. K&I Googlers who are currently fully remote and live within 50 miles of one of our K&I return sites will transition back to the office. This means they’ll align to the 3/2 hybrid schedule that nearly all K&I Googlers are already on. We’re working to ensure our offices are ready to support our team as we welcome more Googlers back into the office, and we are offering relocation support if Local Remote K&I Googlers wish to be closer to their return site. Looking ahead My goal here is to ensure that everyone on our team is fully committed -- it’s not to achieve a headcount target. In fact, we continue to hire where needed, and we expect to backfill many of the exited roles -- which will also create new opportunities for internal mobility and growth. We’ll follow up with all U.S.-based K&I Googlers and with U.S. Local Remote K&I Googlers to share relevant details by the end of the day. I hope you feel empowered to make the decision that’s right for you, and I really hope that you’re inspired by the opportunity here and choose to stay and build with us. Thanks, -Nick;-0,05
"How this one-sentence by Elon Musk made him richer by $191 millionElon Musk's net worth saw a rise. This happened after he apologized to Donald Trump. Musk regretted his social media posts. He had criticized Trump earlier. The apology followed a phone call. Trump acknowledged Musk's statement. The market reacted positively. Musk's wealth increased by $191 million. It reached $411.4 billion. File Image Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s net worth saw a notable increase of $191 million, reaching $411.4 billion, shortly after he publicly expressed regret for his critical social media posts directed at President Donald Trump. The apology, posted on X (formerly Twitter), followed a brief phone call between Elon Musk and Donald Trump , signalling a potential reconciliation after days of heated exchanges. Musk’s dispute with Trump began when he criticised a Trump-backed bill, calling it “The Big Ugly Bill” after stepping down from a government role. The disagreement escalated, with Musk posting a series of harsh comments about Trump, some of which he later deleted. Elon Musk apologises to Donald Trump publicly Now in a post on Twitter that tags Trump, Elon Musk has expressed regret. ""I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,"" said Musk in the post. There were signs of reconciliation on Saturday itself, when Elon Musk deleted some of his most damaging posts on Trump. In what appeared as clear sign of de-escalation after almost full blown war, Elon Musk deleted some Twitter posts made against Donald Trump on Thursday morning. Other than posts that linked Trump to Epstein files, Musk also deleted posts where he supported Trump's impeachment as President and that JD Vance should replace him as the US President. Donald Trump’s response to Elon Musk’s apology According to reports, Musk placed a phone call to Trump on Monday, prior to his public statement on Wednesday. Following the apology, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had seen the message and ""is appreciative of it."" Trump himself later commented, ""I thought it was very nice that he did that,"" during an interview. Increase in Elon Musk’s net worth Following the apology, Trump acknowledged Musk’s statement and expressed appreciation for the gesture. The market responded swiftly, with Musk’s net worth increasing to $411.4 billion, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker. After the public apology , Elon Musk’s wealth increase by $191 million. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now";0,025
"Explained: What are '17 Elements' that make Rare Earth Minerals at the centre of China-US trade war and that had made Donald Trump furiousChina dominates critical mineral production and processing, holding significant leverage over global industries. Amid trade tensions, China restricted rare earth exports, leading to negotiations with the U.S. While a potential deal was announced, Beijing is unlikely to relinquish control without substantial concessions. The U.S. lags in domestic production, facing challenges in building a rival supply chain. Heavy equipment moves earth in Ganzhou in southern China's Jiangxi province on March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) China reportedly controls roughly 60% of global critical mineral production and nearly 90% of processing, dominating materials essential for electronics, automotive, and defense industries. U.S. reliance on China for these minerals is seen as a strategic vulnerability. In April, China restricted rare earth mineral exports in response to Trump’s tariff increases. The export restrictions on rare earth minerals is said to have made President Donald Trump furious. On Wednesday, June 11, Trump announced on Truth Social that China agreed to supply the U.S. with these minerals as part of a trade deal, calling it “done” but noting it awaits final approval from him and President Xi Jinping. China’s control over critical minerals is a powerful bargaining chip in trade talks, as seen in recent US-China discussions. By easing export restrictions, China can secure concessions, such as tariff relief or relaxed visa policies, as hinted in negotiations where Trump claimed progress on access to Chinese magnets and minerals. However, Beijing is unlikely to dismantle its export controls without significant US concessions, such as removing tariffs on Chinese goods, as suggested by Chinese experts. The US imports over 70% of its rare earths from China and lags far behind in domestic production. Building a rival supply chain could take decades, despite recent efforts. What are '17 Elements' called Rare Earth Minerals Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements, including Scandium, Yttrium, and the 15 Lanthanides, found in the Earth’s crust. Despite their name, they are relatively abundant, but extracting and processing them is complex, costly, and environmentally damaging. These minerals are critical for high-tech industries, powering everything from smartphone screens and electric vehicle motors to defense systems and medical devices. For example, ""heavy"" rare earths like dysprosium are used to make powerful, heat-resistant magnets for missiles and EVs, while others, like neodymium, are essential for wind turbines. Other critical minerals, such as Tungsten, Gallium, Germanium, and Antimony, are also vital for advanced technologies, particularly semiconductors and defense applications. Tungsten, for instance, is used in armor-piercing ammunition and nuclear reactors due to its extreme hardness. How and why China dominates China controls the global supply chain for rare earths and other critical minerals, giving it significant leverage in international trade and geopolitics. Since the 1990s, China has strategically built a robust industrial ecosystem for mining, processing, and refining these minerals. In 1992, leader Deng Xiaoping famously declared, ""The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths,"" signaling Beijing’s intent to capitalize on its reserves. Today, China produces about 60-80% of the world’s rare earths, tungsten, gallium, germanium, and antimony. Ganzhou, a southern city, is a global epicenter for rare earth mining and processing. Its mines and factories, supported by generations of local expertise, underpin China’s dominance. However, resource depletion is a growing challenge, pushing Chinese firms to import raw materials from Africa and Cambodia or invest in overseas projects, like a $25 million tungsten plant in Thailand. China uses export licenses to regulate shipments of critical minerals, creating supply chain bottlenecks for countries like the US and Japan. This system, tightened in response to US tariffs and tech restrictions, allows Beijing to disrupt global manufacturing. For example, delays have halted European auto parts production and impacted Tesla’s robotics projects. Even when minerals are mined elsewhere, China processes most of the world’s supply. For instance, the US’s only rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, ships its ore to China for refining, as the US lacks sufficient domestic facilities. Historically, China has wielded this leverage before. In 2010, it halted rare earth exports to Japan over a territorial dispute, prompting Japan to diversify and stockpile. Today’s export controls create similar risks for the US and Europe, where industries face production delays and rising costs.";-0,125
"US based Datadog unveils new AI security tools to tackle emerging risks at DASH 2025Datadog unveiled new AI-powered tools at DASH Conference 2025, designed to enhance security and observability across enterprise AI environments. The company introduced Bits AI, intelligent agents automating tasks for SRE, security, and development teams. New capabilities like GPU monitoring and the APM Investigator aim to optimize performance and detect bottlenecks, addressing the unique security challenges of AI-native applications. New York: Datadog, the New York-based cloud monitoring and security company, announced a series of new tools on June 10 to help businesses identify and resolve security threats in their artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The unveiling took place on the opening day of DASH Conference 2025 , Datadog’s annual two-day flagship event. With AI becoming central to how software is developed and operated, Datadog is seeking to play a leading role in ensuring that businesses can safely adopt the technology. The company introduced several products aimed at improving observability, developer productivity, and security across enterprise AI environments. One of the highlights of the launch was Bits AI , a suite of intelligent agents designed to automate key tasks across site reliability engineering (SRE), security operations, and software development. The agents are capable of troubleshooting incidents, managing alerts, and recommending fixes, reducing the burden on human teams. Also introduced were new capabilities such as GPU monitoring, AI agent monitoring, and the APM Investigator, each aimed at helping enterprises optimise performance, control costs, and detect latency bottlenecks. “We can all agree that change is happening much faster today with AI than ever before,” said Olivier Pommel, co-founder and CEO of Datadog. “Our job at Datadog is to make sure that you can tame that complexity, that you can get those risks out of the way, so that you can happily and productively ride those technology waves all the way to success.” Pommel highlighted that Datadog is making substantial investments in research and development to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI. One such result is a new AI model named TOTO , created by Datadog’s AI Lab for time series analysis. The company is releasing it as open-weight on the Hugging Face platform to foster transparency and innovation. Alexey, co-founder of Datadog, said the new solutions were designed to enhance the day-to-day experience of developers and engineers. “We ask ourselves, how can we apply these new techniques to make a difference in your daily work?” he said. In addition, Datadog announced a voice interface for its oncall platform to streamline incident response for support teams. The company also spotlighted its expanding partnerships with AI pioneers such as OpenAI and Cursor, with plans to embed more third-party agents into enterprise workflows. A key concern addressed at the conference was the security challenges unique to AI-native applications. As AI systems increasingly act autonomously—writing code, making decisions, and interacting with other software—they introduce new vulnerabilities that traditional security tools struggle to detect. “AI has exponentially increased the ever-expanding backlog of security risks and vulnerabilities organisations deal with,” said Prashant Prahlad, Vice President of Security Products at Datadog. “This is because AI-native apps are not deterministic; they’re more of a black box and have an increased surface area that leaves them open to vulnerabilities like prompt or code injection.” To mitigate these risks, Datadog unveiled tools across three core areas: development, application usage, and real-time operations. These include a code security feature that scans external code for hidden threats and suggests fixes using AI, and a LLM Observability tool that tracks unusual behavior in large language models. The Cloud Security module now ensures compliance with standards like those from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), while a sensitive data scanner prevents personal data from being accidentally included in AI training datasets. To protect live systems, Datadog also launched the Bits AI security analyst , which helps teams swiftly investigate alerts and anomalies, providing actionable insights to reduce both risk and downtime. (This correspondent was in NY to attend the DASH conference on invitation.)";0
"May was world's second-hottest on record, EU scientists say The world experienced its second-warmest May since records began this year, a month in which climate change fueled a record-breaking heatwave in Greenland, scientists said on Wednesday. Last month was Earth's second-warmest May on record – exceeded only by May 2024 – rounding out the northern hemisphere's second-hottest March-May spring on record, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said in a monthly bulletin. Global surface temperatures last month averaged 1.4 degrees Celsius higher than in the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, C3S said. That broke a run of extraordinary heat, in which 21 of the last 22 months had an average global temperature exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial times – although scientists warned this break was unlikely to last. ""Whilst this may offer a brief respite for the planet, we do expect the 1.5C threshold to be exceeded again in the near future due to the continued warming of the climate system,"" said C3S director Carlo Buontempo. The main cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Last year was the planet's hottest on record. A separate study, published by the World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists on Wednesday, found that human-caused climate change made a record-breaking heatwave in Iceland and Greenland last month about 3C hotter than it otherwise would have been -- contributing to a huge additional melting of Greenland's ice sheet. ""Even cold-climate countries are experiencing unprecedented temperatures,"" said Sarah Kew, study co-author and researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. The global threshold of 1.5C is the limit of warming which countries vowed under the Paris climate agreement to try to prevent, to avoid the worst consequences of warming. The world has not yet technically breached that target – which refers to an average global temperature of 1.5C over decades. However, some scientists have said it can no longer realistically be met, and have urged governments to cut CO2 emissions faster, to limit the overshoot and the fueling of extreme weather. C3S's records go back to 1940, and are cross-checked with global temperature records going back to 1850.";0,225
"Demonizing CSOsPresident Prabowo's communication style, while a key part of his nationalist branding, reflects populism, which tends to divide society between ""the people"" and ""others"", who are often framed as a common enemy threatening the nation. Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 12, 2025 Published on Jun. 11, 2025 Published on 2025-06-11T17:11:30+07:00 Last year, just a month after winning the election, President Prabowo Subianto told a business forum about the country's democracy, which he said was ""very tiring, very messy and costly."" He might just be expressing his frustration, given his 15-year journey to the highest office, but still, seven months into his presidency, space for civil society continues to shrink. The Prabowo administration's emphasis on national unity and stability, reflected in its large coalition and expanded Cabinet, appears to be a strategy for consolidating power. This approach seemingly resists dissent, public scrutiny and any questioning of government policies. Negative reactions to criticism have included Prabowo's use of the rude Javanese expression ""ndhasmu"", uttered against a Gerindra Party event, the police's arrest of a student for an ""offending"" meme and most recently, Prabowo's accusation that foreign entities fund civil society organizations to create disunity. “With money, [foreign entities] fund CSOs to pit us against each other,” Prabowo said during the commemoration of Pancasila Day on June 2. “They claim to uphold democracy, human rights and press freedom, but those are merely their own versions [of these values].” Such an attack on the credibility of CSOs is a common tactic in countries where democracy is backsliding or hijacked by oligarchs to obtain legitimacy. In some of those states, the rulers enact legislation to curtail the ability of independent civil society to operate, granting the governments sweeping powers to control their funding and activities. Even the ""foreign agent"" law has been enforced to stigmatize and marginalize CSOs. It was not the first time that Prabowo displayed suspicion, if not dislike, of what Oliver, Marwell and Teixeira termed as “the critical mass”. Back in February, he warned the public of “foreign lackeys” in reference to CSOs and media outlets, which he said are being used by foreign actors to shape public opinion. President Prabowo's communication style, while a key part of his nationalist branding, reflects populism, which tends to divide society between ""the people"" and ""others"", who are often framed as a common enemy threatening the nation. In fact, since the 2014 elections, Prabowo has consistently adopted a populist communication style rooted in a crisis narrative and the creation of a common enemy. One of his key narratives is the “leakage of national wealth”, which implies that Indonesia's wealth and natural resources are flowing abroad due to the negligence or weakness of the domestic elite. In the logic of populism, this crisis is linked to two “enemies”, namely foreign parties accused of robbing Indonesia's wealth and a local elite perceived as weak or compromising. Prabowo’s Pancasila Day speech has the potential to frame CSOs as “enemies” of the state, regardless of the fact that many of them, including foreign-funded ones, have long played crucial roles as public watchdogs and agents of transformation. They may criticize government programs that contradict the principles of deliberative democracy, but they also fill the gaps in areas where the government fails to perform, for instance, in poverty alleviation, environmental issues, education, social affairs and health. Civil society groups, as well as students and the previously silent middle class, took part in demonstrations that marked the first few months of Prabowo’s presidency. They protested controversial policies, especially the revision of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law, which allows active officers to hold more civilian posts. Students and civil society groups filed 10 judicial review motions with the Constitutional Court, with five of them turned down. The noise they created in their activism might be seen as a direct challenge not only to Prabowo’s high approval rating, but also to his authority. Such fears, however, are baseless given the current government’s legitimacy as a result of a democratic election. In a democracy, CSOs are partners, rather than rivals, to progress. Their role in providing critical feedback, the ""checks and balances"", should be valued as a mechanism to prevent corruption, protect human rights and create more effective, equitable policies.";0,425
"Beijing hails improving Vatican ties after Pope Leo names first Chinese bishopBeijing hailed on Thursday improving ties with the Vatican after the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Pope Leo XIV, signaling the new pontiff's support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor. The Holy See expressed ""satisfaction"" on Wednesday at the recognition by China of the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, capital of eastern Fujian province. The pope made the nomination on June 5. Beijing's foreign ministry said the naming of the first Chinese bishop under the new pope had ""enhanced understanding and mutual trust through constructive dialogue"" with the Vatican. ""China is willing to work together with the Vatican to promote the continuous improvement of China–Vatican relations,"" foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing. The Vatican and China do not have formal diplomatic relations because the Holy See recognizes Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own territory. However, they agreed in a historic deal in 2018 to let both sides have a say in the naming of bishops in China, home to about 12 million Catholics. The deal -- the text of which has never been made public -- has drawn criticism within the Church, with some seeing it as allowing the Communist Party government a stranglehold over China's Catholics. The deal was renewed several times as Pope Francis sought to make inroads for the Church in China, most recently in October 2024 for four years. ""With the joint efforts of both sides, the provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops has been smoothly implemented,"" Lin Jian said.";0,1
"Australia 'confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite reviewThe 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. AFP Sydney, Australia Thu, June 12, 2025 Published on Jun. 12, 2025 Published on 2025-06-12T15:25:08+07:00  Australia said Thursday it is ""very confident"" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review. The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defense confirmed Thursday. Defense Minister Richard Marles said he was ""very confident"" Australia would still get the American submarines. ""I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise,"" he told public broadcaster ABC. ""We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."" Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. In the United States, critics question why Washington would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge. ""That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving,"" he said. Australia's focus is on ""sticking to this plan and on seeing it through"", Marles said. He criticized Australia's previous conservative government for ""chopping and changing"" its submarine choice. On the eve of announcing its participation in AUKUS in 2021, the government of the time abruptly scrapped plans to buy diesel-powered submarines in a lucrative deal with France -- infuriating Paris. The AUKUS submarine program alone could cost the country up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy. Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact. ""Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?"" he posted on X. Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might ""save Australia from itself"". Australia should carve its own security strategy ""rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire"", Keating said. ""The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?"" Any US review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. But it is ""fundamentally a good deal for the US"", he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement. ""I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS,"" Graham told AFP. ""I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable.""";-0,175
"Stocks slip, dollar droops as trade, geopolitical tensions weighGlobal stocks and the dollar slipped on Thursday as investors sized up a benign US inflation report and the fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing, while rising tensions in the Middle East and lingering tariff anxiety dented risk sentiment. Attention in financial markets this week has been on the US-China trade talks which culminated in a framework agreement that would remove Chinese export restrictions on rare earth minerals and allow Chinese students access to US universities. ""We made a great deal with China. We're very happy with it,"" said US President Donald Trump. Markets though were guarded in their response, awaiting fuller, concrete details of the agreement and remained wary of another flare up. Trump also said the US would send out letters in one to two weeks outlining the terms of trade deals to dozens of other countries, which they could embrace or reject, adding yet another dose of uncertainty in the markets. ""The US China deal really just leaves the tariffs in place after they've been cut back following the Geneva meeting, so it doesn't really change things,"" said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital. ""Ultimately the trade tension is yet to be resolved between the US and China."" MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.3 percent lower in early trading after hitting a three year-high on Wednesday. Japan's Nikkei slipped 0.7 percent, while US and European stock futures fell. China's blue-chip stock index fell 0.37 percent, moving off the near three-week top it touched in the previous session. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 0.74 percent, also inching away from Wednesday's three-month high. Trump's erratic tariff policies have roiled global markets this year, prompting hordes of investors to exit US assets, especially the dollar, as they worried about rising prices and slowing economic growth. The euro, one of the beneficiaries of the dollar's decline, rose to a seven-week high and was last at $1.1512. The Japanese yen was 0.4 percent firmer at 144.03 per dollar. That pushed the dollar index, which measures the US currency against six other key rivals, to its lowest level since April 22. The index is down 9 percent this year. Data on Wednesday showed US consumer prices increased less than expected in May as cheaper gasoline partially offset higher rents, but inflation is expected to accelerate in the coming months on the back of the Trump administration's import tariffs. The soft inflation report led Trump to renew his call for the Federal Reserve to push through a major rate cut. The president has been pressing for rate cuts for some time even as Fed officials have shrugged off his comments. Traders are pricing in a 70 percent chance of a quarter-point reduction in the Fed policy rate by September. Policymakers are widely expected to keep rates unchanged next week. AMP's Oliver said the higher prices will flow through either in the form of higher inflation or lower profit margins. ""I suspect it's probably going to be a combination of the two. Therefore, it makes sense for the Fed to wait and see what happens rather than rushing into a rate cut."" In commodities, oil prices were pinned at two-month highs, close to $70 a barrel, on worries of supply disruptions in the Middle East after Iran said it will strike US bases in the region if nuclear talks fail and conflict arises with Washington. Gold prices also got a boost from safe-haven flows, with spot gold up 0.5 percent at $3,370.29.";-0,075
"Airbus revises up 20-year jet demand forecast despite trade tensionsAirbus revised up its forecast for airplane demand over the next 20 years on Thursday, telling investors and suppliers the air transportation industry was expected to ride out the current wave of trade tensions. The European planemaker said it expected the industry it and its US rival Boeing dominate to deliver 43,420 commercial jets between 2025 and 2044, an increase of 2 percent from its previous rolling 20-year forecast issued a year ago. That includes 42,450 passenger jets, up 2 percent from the previous forecast, and 970 factory-built freighters, up 3 percent. Airbus stuck to its previous projection that air traffic would grow on average by 3.6 percent a year, despite chopping half a percentage point off its forecast for annual growth in trade to 2.6 percent and shaving its projection for global GDP growth slightly to 2.5 percent. ""There is certainly some turbulence thanks to the recent geopolitical and trade situation,"" Antonio Da Costa, vice president for market analysis and forecast, told reporters. ""It is still very early days [...], nevertheless, the early signals are giving us some level of hope."" The aerospace industry has been roiled by US tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump and the prospect of reprisals by the European Union, as well as wild swings in punitive duties exchanged between the US and China. US and Chinese officials agreed on Tuesday on ways to restore a trade truce and roll back duelling restrictions. Airbus officials said the latest forecasts assume that base tariffs of 10 percent imposed by the Trump administration on most imports would stay in place for a while, contrasting this with the deeper disruption threatened by larger punitive tariffs. Air transport, which is closely tied to the economy and rising numbers of middle classes with disposable incomes, has frequently proven itself resilient to shocks, Da Costa said. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has called for a return to tariff-free trading for aerospace, joining a chorus of US industry leaders in warning of damage from a tariff war. Airbus raised its demand forecast for single-aisle planes like the A320neo family and competing 737 MAX, which account for four out of every five deliveries, by 2 percent. It expects 34,250 of them over 20 years, of which 56 percent would be additional capacity. Airbus revised up its forecasts for wide-body passenger jet deliveries by 3 percent to 8,200 planes. That part of the market for long-haul jets has seen growing demand led by Gulf carriers.";0
"Traveloka launches largest online travel sale, names Ji Chang Wook as brand ambassadorSoutheast Asia's leading travel platform Traveloka has launched EPIC Sale, its largest online travel promotion ever with global superstar Ji Chang Wook tapped as its brand ambassador in Indonesia. Running simultaneously in six countries – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia – from July 30 to Aug. 11, Traveloka’s EPIC Sale offers unbeatable deals and offerings for a wide range of top destinations, from exotic beach escapes, cultural exploration, mountain adventures, honeymoon cruises or a quick city getaway. Traveloka CEO of Transportation, Iko Putera, said the company was thrilled to welcome Ji Chang Wook as its newest brand ambassador, noting that the appointment of the Korean actor was part of Traveloka’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences for its consumers. “His global appeal and passion for exploring the world align perfectly with Traveloka's mission to make travel inspiration and experiences even more accessible. To celebrate this collaboration, Traveloka is offering spectacular discounts as a token of appreciation to our loyal consumers and an invitation for new travelers to plan exciting and unforgettable journeys with Traveloka,"" he said. As Traveloka’s brand ambassador, Ji Chang Wook will collaborate on various projects to revitalize the local tourism industry and promote domestic and international travel destinations. For his part, he has experienced the rich cultural and tourism heritage of Bali and Labuan Bajo using the Traveloka app. “I am honored to collaborate with Traveloka as a brand ambassador to promote the region’s rich cultural and tourism heritage. I was able to experience Traveloka directly through the app, and I hope that others will have a wonderful experience after seeing this project with me,” he said. For those looking to follow in Ji Chang Wook’s footsteps in experiencing what Traveloka has to offer, the Traveloka EPIC Sale 2024 offers a range of promotions to make travel planning more convenient and affordable with discounts of up to 80 percent for Flights, Hotels, Xperience and other travel products. The EPIC Brand Day promotion features exclusive Buy One Get One offers from top global brands, while the Super EPIC Deal highlights the biggest discounts on select products for a limited time each day. In addition, the EPIC Hour Deal brings special flight promotions every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. WIB as well as exclusive hotel offers every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. WIB. The list of participating brands include Turkish Airways, Air China, Ascott, Accor, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and LEGOLAND Malaysia. Those looking to spend some time in the country can opt for offers from Trans Entertainment Group (Trans Studio, Trans Snow World and Trans Studio Mini), while the ones with their passports ready can enjoy deals from RWS Group (Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and SEA Aquarium), Merlin Group (Madame Tussauds Singapore & Bangkok, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World and Wildlife Sydney) and Sun World Group (Sun World Fansipan Legend Cable Car in Sapa and Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang). Completing the array of promotions, Traveloka ensures any holiday plans are safe, comfortable and enjoyable with the #DontWorryNoRugi flexibility feature for various travel products. This includes a 100 percent refund guarantee, a variety of rescheduling and payment options and other flexible features. Source: Traveloka";0
"Israeli forces seize Gaza aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg Israeli forces have taken command of a charity vessel that had tried to break a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and the boat with its crew of 12 including activist Greta Thunberg is now heading to a port in Israel, officials said on Sunday. The British-flagged yacht Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza later on Monday and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there. However, the boat was boarded during the night before it could reach shore, the FFC said on its Telegram account. The Israeli Foreign Ministry later confirmed that it was under Israeli control. ""The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,"" the ministry wrote on X. All passengers were safe and unharmed, the ministry later added. ""They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over."" Among the 12-strong crew are Swedish climate campaigner Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. ""The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 a.m.,"" Hassan posted on X. A photograph showed the crew seated on the boat, all wearing life jackets, with their hands in the air. The yacht is carrying a small shipment of humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula. The Foreign Ministry said it would be taken to Gaza. ""The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities' will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels,"" it wrote. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military on Sunday to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza, calling the mission a propaganda effort in support of Hamas. Israel imposed a naval blockade on the coastal enclave after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. The blockade has remained in place through multiple conflicts, including the current war, which began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 people, according to an Israeli tally. Gaza's health ministry says over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel's military campaign. The United Nations has warned that most of Gaza's more than 2 million residents are facing famine. The Israeli government says the blockade is essential to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. The United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has supported the FFC operation and on Sunday, urged other boats to challenge the Gaza blockade. ""Madleen's journey may have ended, but the mission isn't over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza,"" she wrote on X.";0,3
KAI Commuter to operate 96 new electric railcar carriages soonKAI Commuter has received eight new trains, consisting of 96 carriages, from China to replace aging units, as part of a total order of 27 new electric trains, totaling 324 electric rail cars. Commuter Line train operator PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KAI Commuter) received two more complete trains from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) on Friday, from a contract for eight trains, consisting of a total of 96 electric railcar carriages. KAI Commuter public relations manager Leza Arlan said the newly arrived trains were numbered 6 and 7, the third and fourth sets of the eight on contract. The procurement of the new electric railcars aims to support Commuter Line services in the Greater Jakarta area. KAI Commuter Indonesia is the subsidiary of state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). To date, eight complete trains have arrived, consisting of seven from CRRC and one from state-owned railway rolling stock manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA). “KAI Commuter has brought in a total of 8 new commuter trains. Each consists of 12 railcar carriages, making a total of 96 carriages,” Leza said in his statement on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com . The new carriages were brought to replace trains that are entering a conservation period or decommissioned due to their technical age. Leza said the delivery process for the new trains was carried out in stages from Jan. 30 to May 22. In total, KAI Commuter ordered 27 new trains, or 324 carriages, produced both domestically by PT INKA and overseas by foreign manufacturers. The import of these new trains was supported by PT Pelindo Solusi Logistik (SPSL), a subsidiary of state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). PT SPSL has handled the arrival and mobilization of 60 electric railcars from China as of April. All new trains will undergo parameter and dynamics testing in accordance with Transportation Ministerial Regulation No. 49/2023 on standards, testing procedures and certification of normal-speed self-propelled trains. KAI Commuter hopes the newly arrived trains can soon become operational to serve users, once all safety and operational feasibility tests have been completed.;0
Holidays sustain consumer spending post-RamadanData from the Mandiri Spending Index show that middle- and upper-class consumers drove spending growth during both the Ramadan-Idul Fitri holiday and postholiday periods this year, albeit not as much as compared to last year. Ramadan and Idul Fitri have passed, and consumer spending during this year’s Muslim holiday season was quite good, although not as high as in 2024. Overall, this trend is reflected in the household consumption component of GDP for the first quarter of 2025, which grew 4.89 percent year-on-year, slightly lower than the 4.91 percent growth recorded in 2024. We conclude that the general mood during Ramadan-Idul Fitri 2025 was more cautious. After the festive period, consumer spending usually enters a normalization phase characterized by a slowdown. Using data from the Mandiri Spending Index (MSI), this pattern occurs repeatedly and consistently. In 2023 and 2024, the average decline in spending during the normalization phase compared to the holiday peak was around 8.67 percent. The same happened this year, with average spending declining after the holiday peak around 7.34 percent. Impact on consumer spending Based on our observation, the normalization period in 2025 was not as deep as in previous years. What made the difference were the holidays and collective leave days after the festive season in 2025. Historically, holidays and collective leave days have been key drivers of increased consumer spending. MSI data shows that spending during holiday periods increased 14.4 percent on average compared to normal (non-holiday) periods. While the impact varies depending on holiday characteristics, such as timing and length, some patterns stand out. Generally, consumer spending increases significantly during holidays that fall at the beginning or the end of the month, compared to holidays in the middle of the month. Holidays at the beginning or the end of the month lead to an 11.5 percent increase in spending, while mid-month holidays result in only a 2.6 percent increase.;0
Iran sends mixed signals on US, Israel as Middle East tensions spiral Reports emerged on Wednesday evening that the US was preparing to evacuate non-essential State Department personnel and families from several locations in the Middle East. This included Iraq and states in the Gulf, all of which are near Iran. Rumors spread of a number of incidents that appeared to pave the way for a possible conflict between Iran, the US or Iran and Israel . However, for Iran it seems to be almost business as usual. How is it possible that Iran’s foreign minister was in Oslo attending a forum, while tensions were supposedly spiraling out of control? On the one hand, it could be that Iran’s foreign minister and president don’t know what plans are afoot within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This has happened in the past when the IRGC planned attacks on Saudi Arabia back in 2019 and when they attacked ships in the Gulf of Oman. In those cases it often appeared that Iran’s government was almost oblivious to the plans happening under their feet. This isn’t to excuse the government and pretend it negotiates in good faith, but it is a pattern in Iran that the foreign ministry and other officials will appear to be doing one thing, while other hands of the state do something else. Iran and the US were supposed to be preparing for a new round of talks in Oman on Sunday. These talks were aimed at easing tensions and moving toward an Iranian nuclear deal. However, Iran is likely not pleased with the progress of a resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which could lead to the country being referred to the UN Security Council for not meeting certain non-proliferation agreements regarding its nuclear program. What does Iranian state media IRNA say? It says that Iran has ordered a new enrichment plan in response to what Iran sees as a “politically motivated” IAEA resolution. The state media IRNA also says that Iran’s foreign minister has called for “regional unity” against Israel. Iran has also said it might withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty if UN sanctions are reinstated. It also says that European countries lack legal authority to activate “snapback” sanctions on Iran. Yet Iran is also focused on the yearly Hajj in Saudi Arabia in which 18 Iranians died this year, Tehran says. There is no doubt that Iran is angry over the moves by European countries and the IAEA. It is also clear that Iran’s friends, such as Moscow, are non-plussed. Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov “warned European countries against their insistence on a new anti-Iran resolution at the IAEA and the threat to activate the ‘snapback’ mechanism.” He said this was “playing with fire.” Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, he condemned a threat by three European countries to activate snapback sanctions. “This is simply playing with fire, the result of which is obvious: destabilizing the Middle East and undermining international peace and security,” Ulyanov stated, encouraging diplomacy as the way forward. Iran’s Vice-President Mohammad Eslami dismissed the report by the IAEA and said Iran will respond in “due time” to what he said was a provocative action. Meanwhile, in a formal letter to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Saeed Iravani, warned that Iran would take proportionate measures if it is sanctioned. It could withdraw from the NPT. Iran’s responses so far have hinted at a number of moves designed to ratchet up pressure. However, none of the moves appear military in nature. They all appear to be about condemning the moves by western countries at the IAEA. The country also wants more support from Russia and other powers. Iran is not acting like it is in the middle of a military alert. It hints at long-term changes, such as more enrichment and building a new nuclear facility. All of that will take time.;0
Benjamin Netanyahu decides Shin Bet deputy to be interim Bar replacement | The Jerusalem Post Netanyahu's office: Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's deputy to enter interim role on Sunday The deputy chief will fill this role until the completion of Major-General David Zini's appointment process, or within a month, whichever comes first. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) deputy chief “S” will replace outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar this coming Sunday, a source in the Prime Minister's Office told The Jerusalem Post . The deputy chief will fill this role until the expected completion of IDF Maj.-Gen. David Zini's appointment process, or within a month, whichever should come first, the source noted. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara confirmed the legality of S’s appointment of “S” in a legal advisory opinion penned by Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon. Limon wrote that “exceptional circumstances have arisen,” and that despite the prime minister being in a conflict of interest on the matter, it is possible to assign the role to the proposed Shin Bet candidate for the period of one month. (L-R) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar (credit: Canva) Bar's intention to step down Bar announced in April that he would step down on June 15. The conflict of interest refers to investigations the agency is carrying out into Qatari connections to and influences on figures close to Netanyahu and in the PMO. This conflict of interest was cemented by an advisory opinion from Limon on May 26, where he said that Netanyahu can't touch the appointment and should transfer the responsibility to another minister, something that has not yet been done. This followed a similar ruling by the High Court of Justice. Limon did not mention Zini in his opinion, but rather insisted that the responsibility be transferred to another minister, which was in line with the previous legal opinions. The Movement for Quality Government echoed this, stating, “The High Court of Justice has already ruled that Netanyahu has a conflict of interest and is prohibited from being involved in the appointment of the Shin Bet head. On the same day, the appointment of... was announced. Zini was published, the attorney general ruled that this decision was “invalid and illegal.” On Wednesday, MQG filed a petition to the court asking that it prevent the position of Shin Bet head from being vacant. “The country cannot have an interim appointment in the most sensitive security position, during a time of war and while the Shin Bet is investigating serious security investigations in the prime minister's office,” it said. MQG also noted that Bar must remain in his position until a replacement is appointed. As noted, Bar said he would resign on June 15. Netanyahu has been trying to fire Bar since November 2024. On March 15, Netanyahu informed Bar of his intent to propose his dismissal, citing a “continued lack of trust,” which he argued dates back to October 7. However, Bar said in his affidavit submitted to the High Court of Justice that his removal from office was initiated after he refused several requests by the prime minister, including to recommend that the testimonies in his criminal trial cannot be heard at this time, and to surveil civilians who are active in the protest movement against the government. The Shin Bet chief had already made clear his intention to end his tenure as head of Israel's intelligence agency, confirming the date at the memorial event for fallen Shin Bet personnel at the agency's headquarters in late April. Bar cited the October 7 massacre as the reason, stating that it was incumbent on every public service that “failed to provide a blanket of security” on October 7 to “bow their heads humbly before the murdered, the fallen, the wounded, the hostages, and their families, and act accordingly. All of us.”;-0,1
"Staten Island leaders speak out against antisemitism ‘We are here standing with one voice’: Staten Island leaders speak out against antisemitism ""Wherever we come from, when we come to Staten Island, we are united in peace, and we treat people with respect,"" Borough President Vito Fossella. More than a dozen people representing various organizations, interfaith communities and law enforcement gathered to speak out against antisemitism at a press conference at the Jewish Community Center in Sea View on Wednesday. Borough President Vito Fossella, the event host, said that the idea for uniting against antisemitism originated in the wake of the increased attacks against Jewish people nationwide. Antisemitism is at a record high. “What we are seeing now is antisemitic attacks that are not just verbal or rooted in true hate but result in murder and the killing of innocent people exclusively and solely because they are Jewish‚“ Fossella said. “They do so, these animals, because of their warped concept or view of their own little world. What we want to say today is that antisemitic attacks, including assault and murder of Jews, are being cloaked as forms of activism or social justice, falsely legitimizing hate under the guise of progressive causes.” Fossella highlighted national incidents of antisemitic crime, including the murders of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, outside an event for the American Jewish Committee in Washington, DC , and the attack of Amnon Shemi, who was targeted while hanging up posters of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Manhattan. Standing united against antisemitism in Staten Island “Here on Staten Island, we are saying provoke somebody for just being Jewish, and you attack somebody for just being Jewish, you will be prosecuted and you will go to jail,” Fossella said. “We are here standing united with one voice, the people of Staten Island of all religions, of all faiths, wherever we come from, when we come to Staten Island, we are united in peace, and we treat people with respect.” District Attorney Michael E. McMahon discussed the harsh ramifications of taking part in antisemitism on the borough. “We come together Jew, Christian, Muslim and Hindu to say with one strong voice that there is no place for hate in our world because of someone’s faith, religion, creed or national origin,” McMahon said. “As the borough president said, if you commit an act of hate here on Staten Island you will be prosecuted and you will be held accountable.” McMahon went on to highlight a three-and-a-half-year sentence that his office was able to secure against a person who assaulted a Staten Islander with a baseball bat because of their Jewish identity. Inspector Matthew Harrington, representing the New York City Police Department on behalf of Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the borough commander, spoke about the steps law enforcement is taking to make sure that all Islanders are in good hands. He also emphasized the NYPD’s commitment to protect the Jewish communities it serves. “Since the recent tragic events in Colorado and DC we have been in constant communication with state and local counterparts,” Harrington said. “The sad reality is that after the events of October 7, 2023, New York City must always be on guard for these potential attacks.” Leaders from Jewish synagogues, Hindu temples, Catholic churches and Muslim mosques spoke at the event, discussing the importance of unity and sharing insights from their respective backgrounds. Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center in Tompkinsville emphasized his support for Jewish residents. “I am here for the right reason, I stand against hate, regardless of who does it,” Kukaj said. “I firmly believe that this group here would stand with me if the victims were Islamic.” To accept or participate in hate, Kukaj emphasized, is akin to swallowing a poison that spreads throughout one’s body. Lori Weintrob, a professor who has been instrumental in running the Wagner College Holocaust Center, discussed what makes hate escalate and the ways we can challenge that narrative. “When Jews are killed on American soil because of their identity or heritage or when anyone is harmed we must respond with outrage and moral courage,” Weintrob said. “We need courage and empathy now especially from those outside the Jewish community. Courage says that Jews count even when we disagree about political issues.”";0
"New York mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani aligns with antisemitism | The Jerusalem Post An existential threat: New York cannot have a mayor who fans the flames of antisemitism - opinion For mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to say Israel does not have a right to exist as a Jewish state, he is aligning himself with the world's most notorious antisemites. NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani against backdrop of pro-Palestinian protest in New York. (illustration) ( photo credit : REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo, Yuki Iwamura/Pool ) By RABBI MARC SCHNEIER JUNE 12, 2025 16:53 Updated : JUNE 12, 2025 17:36 For more than 40 years, I have served as a rabbinic leader in New York, building bridges across faith communities and ethnicities. In all that time, I have never encountered a political figure as dangerously divisive and indifferent to Jewish concerns as Zohran Mamdani . Mamdani is running for mayor while embracing rhetoric and positions that are fueling an unprecedented climate of fear for Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani has repeatedly been recorded chanting for “BDS” on camera at violent antisemitic protests, where dangerous slogans, such as ""one solution, intifada resolution"" and ""globalize the intifada,"" were heard. This is a clear attack on Jewish New Yorkers and an incitement to violence. He refuses to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, a position that is deeply offensive to Jewish people who have endured 2,500 years of persecution and oppression. The right of return to our homeland is not a political bargaining chip. It is a matter of survival. Mamdani would not even support a resolution condemning the Holocaust. As Politico reported, in January, he declined to co-sponsor New York State’s Holocaust Remembrance resolution. His campaign later claimed he supported it by voice vote, but his refusal to visibly stand behind it speaks volumes. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York.  (credit: YUKI IWAMURA/REUTERS) He had the audacity to proclaim that he would arrest Israel’s democratically elected prime minister if he visited New York following the International Criminal Court’s controversial warrant. Mamdani has also trafficked in antisemitic tropes, with false claims that New York lawmakers’ trips to Israel are funded by taxpayers, when they have been historically privately funded through numerous philanthropic organizations. During the recent mayoral debate, Mamdani would not affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Instead of saying yes, like any individual with an ounce of knowledge of what brutality Jews faced before Israel’s existence, he provided listeners with some word salad, saying Israel should be “a state with equal rights. Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo , by contrast, is standing up for the Jewish community at a moment of real danger. During the debate, he directly addressed the rising antisemitism facing our city and made it clear that Mamdani’s rhetoric is part of a larger problem. The same rhetoric that led to Jews being gunned down in front of the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, and a man throwing Molotov cocktails at Jews in Boulder, Colorado, in which both attackers screamed “Free Palestine.” The largest Jewish community outside of Israel faces an existential threat How is it possible that the largest Jewish community outside of Israel is now facing an existential threat in New York City politics unlike ever before? We are seeing a historic rise in antisemitic attacks in New York City, and we cannot have a mayor who sets fire to the antisemitic flame. To oppose the largest Jewish community outside of Israel so blatantly is beyond the pale. It is a sheer hatred for the Jewish right of self-determination in our Biblical homeland after millennia of suffering, culminating with the Holocaust. For Mamdani to say Israel does not have a right to exist as a Jewish state, he is aligning himself with the world’s most notorious antisemites and showing us that he is comfortable with offending Jews across our great city. This is why every registered Jewish Democrat in New York City must show up and vote in the Democratic primary on June 24th. We have both an obligation and a responsibility to protect ourselves and our families, thus making it clear that we will not tolerate any form of antisemitism or anti-Israel rhetoric and diatribe. Our safety is on the ballot. The stakes could not be higher. Rabbi Marc Schneier, one of New York’s most prominent religious figures, is recognized as a global leader in interfaith relations. See more on New York | BDS | mayor | Diaspora Jews | antisemitism RECOMMENDED STORIES Israel Navy attacks Houthis for first time in Hodeidah Port strike JUNE 10, 2025 Russia to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran JUNE 9, 2025 Greta Thunberg among voluntarily deported activists, eight remain in detention JUNE 10, 2025 Jewish woman reveals plot to poison Israelis at Boom Festival in Portugal JUNE 9, 2025 Hot Opinion Antisemitism facing American Jews is dangerous for everyone By JPOST EDITORIAL Editor's Notes: What’s left? Is there still a left wing in Israel? By ZVIKA KLEIN Muddling through the 'Madleen': How Israel got the better of Greta Thunberg By GIL HOFFMAN The media’s war on Israel: The lies, the bias, and the real story By GIL TROY";-0,5
Six of Madleen detainees to be deported, two remain in Israel Six out of the eight detainees from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the Madleen, who were detained early on Monday morning, boarded a flight at Ben-Gurion Airport for deportation , Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, whose lawyers are representing the detainees, and the Foreign Ministry, announced on Thursday. The group includes Mark van Rennes from the Netherlands, Suayb Ordu from Turkey, Yasemin Acar from Germany, Thiago Ávila from Brazil, Reva Viard from France, and Rima Hassan from France. Adalah said its team had a hard time visiting the detainees at the airport. Six more passengers from the ‘selfie yacht,’ including Rima Hassan, are on their way out of Israel. Bye-bye—and don’t forget to take a selfie before you leave. pic.twitter.com/Han9oQcTTc — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 12, 2025 Since their detainment, all were held at the Givon detention facility in Ramle. The other two, Pascal Maurieras and Yanis Mhamdi, both from France, are still being detained in Givon and are set to fly out later today. “While in custody, volunteers were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures, and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement. Adalah protested this inhumane treatment to the Israeli authorities and demanded that it cease,” the organization said. Activist Greta Thunberg sits aboard the aid ship Madleen, which left the Italian port of Catania on June 1 to travel to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, in this picture released on June 2, 2025 on social media. (credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/via REUTERS) Activists intended to reach Gaza The group of pro-Palestinian activists sailed out from Sicily on Saturday night with the intention of reaching the Gaza Strip . The flotilla carried a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. Per the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military operations in October 2023, carried out in response to the Hamas massacre attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. One of the detainees was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg , who chose deportation and flew out, along with three other volunteers, on Tuesday. According to Israeli law, people who have been issued deportation orders have 72 hours in detention before they are forcibly removed – unless they leave beforehand of their own accord.;0,225
"Where are the key facilities hiding Iran's nuclear program? - explainer Iran is now enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, close to the 90% of weapons-grade, at two sites, and has enough material if enriched further for six bombs, believes the IAEA. A VIEW of the Bushehr main nuclear reactor, 1,200 km. south of Tehran, in 2010 ( photo credit : REUTERS ) By REUTERS JUNE 12, 2025 11:09 Updated : JUNE 12, 2025 16:29 A sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks will be held on Sunday in Muscat, the Omani foreign minister said on Thursday, after US President Donald Trump reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Trump said on Wednesday that US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because ""it could be a dangerous place."" Below are some of Iran's main nuclear facilities. Where area Iran's nuclear facilities? Iran's nuclear program is spread over many locations . While the threat of Israeli airstrikes has loomed for decades, only some of the sites have been built underground. Does Iran have a nuclear weapons program? The United States and the UN nuclear watchdog believe Iran had a coordinated, secret nuclear weapons program that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic denies ever having had one or planning to have one. The main known sites of Iran's nuclear program. (credit: REUTERS) Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions under a 2015 deal with world powers. That pact fell apart after Trump - then serving his first term as president - pulled the United States out of it in 2018 and Iran started abandoning the restrictions in the following year. Is Iran increasing its enriched uranium? Yes. Iran has been expanding its uranium enrichment program ever since the pact broke down, reducing the so-called ""breakout time"" it would need to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear bomb to days or little more than a week from at least a year under the 2015 deal. Actually making a bomb with that material would take longer. How long is less clear and is the subject of debate. Iran is now enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, close to the 90% of weapons-grade, at two sites, and in theory it has enough material enriched to that level, if enriched further, for six bombs, according to a yardstick of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN watchdog. Natanz A complex at the heart of Iran's enrichment program on a plain abutting mountains outside the Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. Natanz houses facilities including two enrichment plants: the vast, underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP). An exiled Iranian opposition group revealed in 2002 that Iran was secretly building Natanz, igniting a diplomatic standoff between the West and Iran over its nuclear intentions that continues today. The FEP was built for enrichment on a commercial scale, able to house 50,000 centrifuges. Around 16,000 centrifuges are currently installed there, roughly 13,000 of which are in operation, refining uranium to up to 5% purity. Diplomats with knowledge of Natanz describe the FEP as being about three floors below ground. There has long been debate about how much damage Israeli airstrikes could do to it. Damage has been done to centrifuges at the FEP by other means, including an explosion and power cut in April 2021 that Iran said was an attack by Israel. The above-ground PFEP houses only hundreds of centrifuges but Iran is enriching to up to 60% purity there. Fordow On the opposite side of Qom, Fordow is an enrichment site dug into a mountain and therefore probably better protected from potential bombardment than the FEP. The 2015 deal with major powers did not allow Iran to enrich at Fordow at all. It now has around 2,000 centrifuges operating there, most of them advanced IR-6 machines, of which up to 350 are enriching to up to 60%. The United States, Britain and France announced in 2009 that Iran had been secretly building Fordow for years and had failed to inform the IAEA. US President Barack Obama said then: ""The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful program."" Isfahan Iran has a large nuclear technology center on the outskirts of Isfahan, its second largest city. It includes the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP) and the uranium conversion facility (UCF) that can process uranium into the uranium hexafluoride that is fed into centrifuges. Iran also stores enriched uranium at Isfahan, diplomats say. There is equipment at Isfahan to make uranium metal, a process that is particularly proliferation-sensitive since it can be used to devise the core of a nuclear bomb. The IAEA has said there are machines for making centrifuge parts at Isfahan, describing it in 2022 as a ""new location."" Khondab Iran has a partially built heavy-water research reactor originally called Arak and now Khondab. Heavy-water reactors pose a nuclear proliferation risk because they can easily produce plutonium which, like enriched uranium, can be used to make the core of an atom bomb. Under the 2015 deal, construction was halted, the reactor's core was removed and filled with concrete to make it unusable. The reactor was to be redesigned ""to minimize the production of plutonium and not to produce weapon-grade plutonium in normal operation."" Iran has informed the IAEA that it plans to start operating the reactor in 2026. Tehran Research Center Iran's nuclear research facilities in Tehran include a research reactor. Bushehr Iran's only operating nuclear power plant, on the Gulf coast, uses Russian fuel that Russia then takes back when it is spent, reducing the proliferation risk. See more on Iran | Nuclear | United States | uranium | nuclear talks with iran | Spotlight RECOMMENDED STORIES Israel Navy attacks Houthis for first time in Hodeidah Port strike JUNE 10, 2025 Russia to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran JUNE 9, 2025 Greta Thunberg among voluntarily deported activists, eight remain in detention JUNE 10, 2025 Jewish woman reveals plot to poison Israelis at Boom Festival in Portugal JUNE 9, 2025 Hot Opinion Antisemitism facing American Jews is dangerous for everyone By JPOST EDITORIAL Editor's Notes: What’s left? Is there still a left wing in Israel? By ZVIKA KLEIN Muddling through the 'Madleen': How Israel got the better of Greta Thunberg By GIL HOFFMAN The media’s war on Israel: The lies, the bias, and the real story By GIL TROY";0
How a dual-life rabbi-doctor navigates faith, medicine, and war | The Jerusalem Post From Brit Milah to blood tests: notes from a split-screen life - opinion This is what Jewish life looks like. It’s loud and layered. It’s WhatsApp and weddings. It’s birth announcements alongside battle briefings. It’s holding pain and joy in the same hand. NEW IMMIGRANTS are welcomed at Ben-Gurion airport, last year. Since October 7, 2023, over 43,000 people have made aliyah, the writer reports. ( photo credit : TOMER NEUBERG/FLASH90 ) By JONATHAN LIEBERMAN JUNE 12, 2025 00:00 Updated : JUNE 12, 2025 00:02 After two straight weeks of emotional, tear-stained writing about war and mourning and meaning, my wife insisted that it was time to lighten the mood. One of my community members told me at the kiddush on Shabbat that she was fed up of with having to walk around with dark glasses and a packet of Kleenex. So I’m writing about something far more baffling: my calendar. You see, I live what can only be described as a schizoid existence. I’m a rabbi in Israel and a physician in Manchester. I spend my time commuting not only between countries, but between entire personas. In Israel, I discuss God, the weekly Torah portion , and which bakery makes the best rogelach. In Manchester, I assess blood tests, consult on patient care, and occasionally explain to people that no, paracetamol cannot fix a broken leg. A good chunk of my medical work is expert witness reporting for clinical negligence cases. This means I spend hours poring over detailed records, medical jargon and timelines, all in the hopes of offering a clear, unbiased opinion. It’s a world of deadlines, precision, and very polite lawyers. Then I get on a flight, land in Israel, and the next morning I’m giving a shiur on whether King Saul suffered mental illness, or how to put on tefillin if you are ambidextrous. Doctor holds a stethoscope in front of a hospital background (illustrative) (credit: INGIMAGE) Lots of WhatsApp And then there’s WhatsApp. I’m almost in more WhatsApp groups than there are mitzvot . There’s one for each of the separate shiurim I give (currently five, each with its own title and emoji). Several more for the shul. One for the gabbaim (synagogue managers), one for the community, and one that the community doesn’t see – two in Hebrew, two in English – and one a reminder Whatsapp just for me. Then there’s the doctors’ group, the rabbis’ group, the rabbis-who-are-also-doctors group, and yes, the mohalim (circumcisers) group! Sometimes I wake up to 276 unread messages across 14 chats, half of which are halachic questions, the other half are blurry pictures of rashes. Occasionally the two overlap, which is especially awkward when someone asks whether their baby’s brit milah wound is healing normally and I respond with a link to a shiur on the covenant of the flesh. Living in multiplicity BUT WHEN the dizziness from all the toggling between roles begins to take hold, I remind myself: This is actually a very Jewish problem. Our greatest heroes didn’t fit into tidy professional boxes. Rabbi Akiva was a shepherd. Rashi was a winemaker. Hillel the Elder chopped wood for a living. The Baal Shem Tov was a schoolteacher, a healer, and something of a coach driver. Even the Talmud tells us about Reb Yochanan the Shoemaker – Hasandler – who mended sandals by day and souls by night. If LinkedIn had existed in the time of the geonim (6th-11th century CE talmudic sages), it would’ve had a serious formatting problem. Being a Jew has never been about one career or one calling. It’s about layers. Identities in motion. Shepherd and sage. Doctor and mohel. Comedian and comforter. It’s not that we’re unfocused – it’s that we’re built to live in multiplicity. One eye on heaven, one hand on the job, and one foot trying not to trip over the WhatsApp cable. And maybe most importantly: we never stop building. Even in times of darkness, our people seem to have a mysterious instinct to plant, to grow, and to just show up. Making aliyah – and babies – during war SINCE OCTOBER 7, in a year that most would assume would deter people from boarding a plane to Israel (if you can actually find an airline willing to fly here other than El Al, for which you need a small mortgage – over 43,000 people have made aliyah. Let that sink in. Forty-three thousand souls who looked at the chaos and fear and said, “I’m coming home.” And over half of them are between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people with their whole lives ahead of them, choosing to plant their futures in this complicated, noisy, stubborn, beautiful little land. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s this: Since October 7, approximately 243,000 Jewish babies have been born in Israel. That’s nearly a quarter of a million cries and giggles – and a lot of circumcisions. That’s a nation saying, “You can hurt us – but you will not stop us.” You can feel it in the energy of the streets – there’s grief, yes. But there’s also life: weddings still take place (sometimes in bomb shelters), circumcisions still happen (sometimes with IDF uncles Zooming in from Gaza), and children still run barefoot through sprinklers shouting “ Abba, ani rotzeh glida! ” – “Dad, I want some ice cream!” Loud and layered life So yes, I may be a Manchester-based physician who moonlights as an Israeli rabbi (or is it the other way around?) – and yes, I may occasionally send Torah sources to a solicitor and wound-care instructions to the shul board – but I wouldn’t change a thing. This is what Jewish life looks like. It’s loud and layered. It’s WhatsApp and weddings. It’s birth announcements alongside battle briefings. It’s holding pain and joy in the same hand – and still reaching out with the other. Here’s to all of us navigating our patchwork lives. May we find clarity amidst the chaos, purpose within the pileups, and, at the very least, the strength to mute the ubiquitous WhatsApp group when it all gets too much. The writer is a rabbi and physician who lives in Ramat Poleg, Netanya. He is a co-founder of Techelet-Inspiring Judaism. See more on Torah | rabbi | Jewish | doctor RECOMMENDED STORIES Israel Navy attacks Houthis for first time in Hodeidah Port strike JUNE 10, 2025 Russia to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran JUNE 9, 2025 Greta Thunberg among voluntarily deported activists, eight remain in detention JUNE 10, 2025 Jewish woman reveals plot to poison Israelis at Boom Festival in Portugal JUNE 9, 2025 Hot Opinion Antisemitism facing American Jews is dangerous for everyone By JPOST EDITORIAL Editor's Notes: What’s left? Is there still a left wing in Israel? By ZVIKA KLEIN Muddling through the 'Madleen': How Israel got the better of Greta Thunberg By GIL HOFFMAN The media’s war on Israel: The lies, the bias, and the real story By GIL TROY;-0,05
Your Taxes: Negotiating a wartime M&A deal In Israel, there is the added complication of the Israel-Hamas War. Is it business as usual in Israel? What do potential sellers and buyers need to consider? The war has dampened M&A (mergers and acquisitions) exit activity in Israel a bit, but deals are still being done. The recent Wiz acquisition by Google for $32 billion confirms that. Here are a few points based on recent experience. Our remarks may be relevant to international M&A deals of all sizes in hi-tech and low-tech. All negotiators have their own style. Here are a few tips to consider incorporating in your style: First, decide who your negotiators are. Second, decide your valuation (price) range. Third, a letter of intent/term sheet and a nondisclosure agreement are needed when things get serious before the main agreement. Fourth, prepare everything else and everyone on the M&A team and in the due diligence data room, including financial, contractual, and business items. War issues Typically, agreeing on the price valuation is the main sticking point. In Israel, there is the added complication of the Israel-Hamas War. Is it business as usual in Israel? What do potential sellers and buyers need to consider? For hi-tech start-ups, the motive in an M&A deal is generally to develop something good and sell it to a multinational group with better marketing abilities. For the multinational group, the motive in an M&A deal is often to avoid falling behind its competitors with the least risk. The war is, therefore, problematic because it represents a risk factor. Even if the buyer intends to acquire Israeli technology and lay off the Israeli workforce, that is not the end of the story. Technological development and supplies from Israel may become doubtful for an unknown time period. Some Israelis are still evacuated, many are serving as reservists in the IDF, and not all airlines are flying to and from Ben-Gurion Airport. The war has already lasted more than 600 days. On the other hand, not all start-up personnel are drafted into the IDF, and some are able to work remotely or part-time at different hours of the day. Working nights is fine if you work with others in the US, which is seven to 10 hours behind Israel. The art of the wartime deal So, how is an Israeli start-up ripe for exit (M&A) valued, and how does the war affect the price valuation? What we are seeing at present is the extensive use of earn-out clauses in Israeli M&A deals. That means part of the agreed-upon purchase price is conditional on business as usual and isn’t paid if something goes wrong. That way, all sides may be satisfied. Israeli sellers may assume nothing will go wrong and that the war will soon end. The buyer knows the purchase price may be adjusted downward if there is a period of instability due to the fighting. Moreover, if this is a cash deal using borrowed money, the buyer’s source of finance might be reassured by an earn-out clause to limit the war risk. In practice, the war presents greater inducement to pay for an M&A deal with share consideration rather than cash, i.e., shares/stock of the buyer. This is more likely if the buyer’s shares are publicly traded on a stock exchange. The share consideration may, of course, be combined with an earn-out clause. This way, the seller shareholders lose less in tax, and the buyer doesn’t need to find cash. Also, inventories, other assets, personnel, development, and production may all be partly or entirely shifted abroad, with the extent depending on individual circumstances. The tax side The tax side is complex in any M&A deal. There are several common problems. First, if part of the consideration is variable depending on an earn-out clause, it is necessary to request a tax ruling from the Israel Tax Authority, allowing part of the capital-gains tax to be postponed. Normally, Israel collects capital-gains tax within 30 days after a deal is done, even if the price is paid in installments (unlike the US). However, if part of the consideration may never be paid, the ITA has said that is different, but a tax ruling is highly advisable. Second, if the buyer buys the shares of the Israeli seller only to shift the technology and business out of Israel (because of the war or another reason), that can trigger double capital-gains tax and dividend-withholding tax. The result can be 70%-90% Israeli tax if no action is taken). So, advance tax planning is legitimate and absolutely vital. Third, don’t overlook other taxes in such situations: VAT, real-estate taxation, employee taxes on an ESOP (employee share option plan), etc. As always, consult experienced advisers in each country at an early stage in specific cases. leon@hcat.co The writer is a certified public accountant at Harris Consulting & Tax Ltd.;0
"Jewish group calls to dissolve French Samidoun after Oct. 7 reenactmentThe pro-Palestine organization Samidoun France should be disbanded because it reenacted the October 7 massacre last weekend in Brussels, the Jewish Observatory of France (OJF) said Thursday. The French Interior Ministry should dissolve Samidoun France, pursuant to Article L212-1 of the Internal Security Code, OJF president René Levy said. The OJF said was also referring the matter to the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office due to publicly condoning acts of terrorism and inciting hatred. The OJF felt “profound outrage” at the pro-Palestinian activists’ reenactment of the October 7 massacre that took place in front of crowds during the third annual “Resistance Festival,” which ran from June 6-8 in Brussels, Levy said. “This staging, which glorified Hamas terrorist attacks with inert bodies, fake blood, and cries of victory, exceeds all moral and legal limits... France must never become a refuge for those who celebrate terrorism,” he said. Pro-Palestinian activists stage October 7 reenactment ""France must never become a refuge for those who celebrate terrorism,"" he added. Pro-Palestinian activists dressed as Hamas terrorists reenacted the October 7 Massacre in central Brussels during the third annual Samidoun-organized ""Resistance Festival,"" which ran from June 6 to Sunday, June 8. Videos from the event show masked men in keffiyehs and army fatigues pointing prop guns, while other actors play dead bodies heaped on the floor. When the men playing Hamas terrorists see that everyone is dead, they put their arms around one another and raise their hands in victory. Fake blood is also seen in the video.";-0,075
"Former CIA analyst pleads guilty to leaking Israeli plans to strike Iran | The Jerusalem Post Ex-CIA analyst sentenced to prison for leak of classified Israeli plans to strike Iran A former CIA analyst who pleaded guilty in January over a leak of classified Israeli plans to strike Iran was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Wednesday, the US Department of Justice said. In pleading guilty, Asif William Rahman, who had worked at the US intelligence agency since 2016, acknowledged that he illegally downloaded, printed, and distributed classified information on multiple occasions, including several in 2024. In the midst of high tensions US ally Israel and its regional rival Iran were in the midst of high tensions at the time and exchanged some blows. Israel, at the time, was preparing to strike some Iranian sites in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack that the Iranian government said was a response to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination by Israel in Tehran. Israel Katz receives warning of an impending attack from Iran via Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, August 5, 2024. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST, REUTERS) Access to sensitive information Rahman had a ""Top Secret"" security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) until his employment was terminated after his arrest in late 2024. The documents, which entailed plans by Israel to strike Iran, later appeared online after a pro-Iranian Telegram account called ""Middle East Spectator"" published them. Rahman, 34, is from Vienna, Virginia, and was arrested in Cambodia, according to court records. ""Asif Rahman violated his position of trust by illegally accessing, removing, and transmitting Top Secret documents vital to the national security of the United States and its allies,"" Erik Siebert, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said on Wednesday.";0
UAE: Some residents feel the heat as electricity bills soar in summer This rise is due to prolonged use of air conditioning, increased cooling needs, and more frequent use of household appliances Published: Thu 12 Jun 2025, 6:00 AM Updated: Thu 12 Jun 2025, 9:56 AM By: SM Ayaz Zakir As temperatures continue to range between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius across the UAE, some residents have reported an increase in electricity bills during the summer months . Residents across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi say their monthly electricity usage has increased, in some cases doubling or tripling compared to winter or spring months. This rise is due to prolonged use of air conditioning, increased cooling needs, and more frequent use of household appliances such as washing machines, irons, and microwave ovens. 'My bill jumped from Dh400 to Dh927' Shyam S., an Indian resident of a two-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda, Dubai, said his Dewa bill rose from an average of Dh350–Dh400 in the winter to Dh927 last month. “We have not made any major changes to our routine, but the air conditioners are being used more frequently,” he said. “We have tried using fans and limiting cooking time, but some appliances like the washing machine and iron are used more regularly now due to the need to wash clothes daily.” Hottest May The increase in usage corresponds with temperature data from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which reported that May 2025 was the warmest in over 20 years. The average maximum temperature reached 40.4 degrees Celcius, above the historical average of 39.2 degrees Celcius recorded between 2003 and 2024. Change in AC usage Fatima K., a homemaker living on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, reported her electricity bill rising from Dh450 to Dh1,100 in two months. She said air conditioning was rarely used in winter, and table fans or open windows were sufficient. “Now, central cooling is used continuously,” she said. “We are also storing more food in the refrigerator during the summer, and we have reduced the use of the dishwasher to manage consumption.” 'Our bill went from Dh310 to Dh780' Egyptian expat Mohammed Amr, a resident of Al Tawoon, said his electricity bill increased from Dh310 in March to Dh780 in May. His apartment has a central AC system without separate controls for each room. “The AC cools the entire apartment even if only one room is in use,” he said. “We spend more time indoors during summer, which leads to continuous AC use. We are now considering moving to an apartment with individual room controls.” Tips to save on electricity With electricity bills soaring during the summer months, especially due to increased air conditioning and appliance use, it's essential to adopt energy-saving practices. According to Dewa, residents can significantly cut down on their electricity consumption, and bills, by making small yet effective changes at home. Here’s how you can save on your electricity usage: Air Conditioning Set thermostat to 24°C: DEWA recommends this as the optimal temperature for comfort and efficiency. Clean AC filters regularly: Dirty filters make the unit work harder and use more power. Close doors and windows: Keep cool air in and hot air out when the AC is on. Use fans: Ceiling or pedestal fans help circulate cool air and reduce the need for low AC settings. Instal smart thermostats: They automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. Lighting Switch to LED bulbs: They consume less power and last longer. Use natural light: Make the most of daylight and switch off unnecessary lights. Instal timers or motion sensors: These help control lighting and prevent waste. Use dimmers: Lower light intensity to suit your needs and save energy. Appliances Unplug devices when not in use: Chargers, TVs, and computers consume energy even on standby. Use delay start features: Run heavy appliances like washing machines during non-peak hours. Wash full loads: Avoid running the washing machine for just a few clothes. Choose energy-efficient appliances: Look for models with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).;0
UAE: 9 injured in 20-vehicle collision in Fujairah involving cars, trucks Nine people sustained minor to moderate injuries in a 20-vehicle collision on the road leading from Waib Al Hannah to Dibba Al Fujairah, authorities said on Wednesday. The accident involved 16 vehicles and four trucks, resulting in a complete closure of the road to traffic. Emergency response teams from the Dibba Al Fujairah Police, the Traffic and Patrols Department, Masafi Comprehensive Police Station, and the National Ambulance were immediately dispatched to the scene. According to authorities, eight individuals suffered minor injuries, while one sustained a moderate injury. The injured were promptly assisted and transported to the hospital for treatment. The accident site was cleared, and the road was subsequently reopened to motorists. Investigation into incident Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision and to take appropriate legal action. The Fujairah Police General Command urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, adhere to posted speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance — especially when navigating mountainous roads or congested areas. Accidents involving school buses On Monday, June 9, 13 students and a teacher were injured after two school buses were involved in a collision. The incident occurred along the national highway E311 around 3pm. On Tuesday, June 10, Ajman Police had reported a minor accident that involved two school buses, saying that it did not result in any injuries among the students. The accident had taken place in the Al Mowaihat area. 6 deaths, 137 accidents Meanwhile new data shows that traffic congestion caused by trucks along the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road (E311) has resulted in six fatalities and 137 accidents since January. 384 road deaths in 2024 According to the Ministry of Interior (MoI) ‘open data’, a total of 384 road deaths were recorded last year, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022.;0
"UAE motor insurance premiums spike by 40%; lawmaker demands reformsMotor insurance premiums in the UAE have surged by more than 40 per cent in some cases, prompting the Federal National Council (FNC) to question insurers’ pricing practices and limited coverage options, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). During a council session on Wednesday, FNC member Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi called on the Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohammed Al Hussaini, to clarify what steps are being taken to regulate the sector . He pointed to rising costs, reduced benefits, and mounting concerns from younger drivers and EV owners who are either being charged significantly higher rates or denied comprehensive coverage altogether. “Insurance has become an additional financial burden,” Al Hammadi said, noting that some companies are charging double for third-party cover and imposing deductibles of up to 15 per cent. The Central Bank of the UAE, which oversees the insurance sector, responded in writing, stating that all companies must operate within a unified pricing framework that includes both minimum and maximum rate thresholds. It confirmed that a standardised policy document is in place across the market to ensure consistency in basic coverage. The regulator added that discounts of up to 25 per cent are permitted for electric or natural gas-powered vehicles, depending on factors such as risk and operational costs. However, it acknowledged that insurers face several technical and logistical challenges when it comes to EVs. Among them, high repair costs, limited availability of spare parts, especially batteries, and a shortage of certified service centres are the major ones. Many EV models sold in the UAE also lack official dealerships or warranty coverage, particularly those bought through independent showrooms. The central bank cited the 2024 flooding as a key example of risk, where water-damaged EVs were often written off entirely . It also pointed to a lack of long-term performance data for electric vehicles, which has led some insurers to adopt more conservative pricing strategies. Al Hammadi questioned whether exceptional weather events should justify sustained price hikes. “These are rare seasonal incidents that should not affect individual premiums or driver records,” he argued. He also flagged the practice of reducing a vehicle’s insured value at renewal, which could leave policyholders at a disadvantage in the event of a total loss. Younger drivers, particularly those under 30, are also facing access issues. Despite the legal driving age being lowered from 18 to 17, some insurers have declined to provide cover for drivers in this age group — raising concerns about inclusivity and alignment with national policies. “These gaps directly impact EV adoption and exclude a large segment of young drivers,” Al Hammadi said, calling for updates to the unified insurance document to better regulate pricing, improve access, and align with the UAE’s clean energy goals.";0,2
Father's martyrdom, sense of purpose: Why UAE's female soldiers joined national service Emirati women share how they were inspired to serve in the armed forces, overcoming challenges and with the support of fellow recruits UAE recruit Maryam Abdulla Saleh Albadri, 18, had never seriously considered joining the national service. “Honestly, I never thought about it,” the Abu Dhabi-based Emirati told Khaleej Times. However, everything changed after her beloved father, who served in the UAE Armed Forces, was tragically martyred in 2022. “After my father passed away, I felt my true place was in the army, where he served with honour and gave his life for our country.” Maryam is among hundreds of Emirati women who serve in the armed forces. The UAE national service, which is mandatory for all medically fit men, is optional for women. Maryam has now completed eight months of service as part of an approximately 11-month programme. She had originally hoped to pursue academic studies abroad, but her father's martyrdom reshaped her life's goals. Once spoiled and rebellious, she experienced a significant transformation, becoming more independent, responsible, and self-sufficient. Challenges such as homesickness and emotional stress tested her resilience, but she credits the strong support from her fellow recruits for helping her persevere. Today, Maryam is more disciplined and physically active, integrating a dedicated fitness routine into her busy daily schedule. She aims to further her military career by applying to the prestigious officer candidate school. Initially, her family was concerned about her path, but their feelings have shifted to deep pride, with her sister becoming her strongest and most steadfast supporter. “National service isn’t just about physical endurance. It builds character and brings out the best in you, especially for Emirati women,” she added. She is currently completing her service at the distinguished Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School in Al Ain, which includes fully equipped residential facilities and specialized training campuses. From shyness to strength For Kamla Mohammed Hassan Alblooshi, seeing Emirati women proudly in military uniform on TikTok sparked passion to serve the country. Despite her quiet upbringing, focused on home and university life, she made the courageous decision to join national service. The 20-year-old woman living in Ajman initially missed her mother during her early days. However, she soon grew into a more independent and confident young woman. Her mother recognized this positive change and began to rely on her more. “I became calmer with my family and more aware of myself,” she said. Kamla, currently studying electrical engineering, paused her university studies to fully commit to national service and plans to resume them after completing her service. She is also considering a continued career in the military if the opportunity arises. In the beginning, she faced difficulties with the intense heat, feelings of homesickness, and adapting to a strict routine. However, with the support of her fellow recruits and trainers, she managed to overcome these challenges. “National service provided me with invaluable leadership skills and greatly boosted my self-esteem.” Media dreams to military When serving the country is a priority, it takes precedence over personal dreams. This was the case for Fatma Ahmed Alebri, a 24-year-old from Al Ain, who once envisioned a thriving career in media. However, with encouragement from her mother, she decided to join the national service and discovered a renewed sense of purpose. During her service, she emerged with greater discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. She rose to become the respected team leader of her squad and now proudly represents Emirati women in uniform. She did not give up on her dream, as she plans to return to her studies in media after completing her service and encourages other young women to take the leap without fear. One of Fatma’s most cherished moments was participating in the “Waaqfat Walaa” (Loyalty Stand) on December 2, coinciding with the UAE’s 53rd National Day and the 10th anniversary of the National and Reserve Service Law. “We trained intensively to be ready. I’m truly grateful to the dedicated trainers, instructors, and officers who supported us. When we finally stood there and saw Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in person, tears of pride rolled down my cheeks. It was a profound feeling of pride and achievement I will never forget.” Fatma later followed the public reaction on social media and was moved by the widespread appreciation. “I saw people talking about the Loyalty Stand on social media. It made me feel that my participation was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done.” The Loyalty Stand featured the largest-ever military assembly in the UAE’s history, with thousands of national service and reserve recruits in a powerful display of unity. It marked a significant moment in the country’s Union Day celebrations. ‘I’m proud of who I’ve become’ When an individual knows they are supported by their family, it contributes to strengthening their self-confidence and abilities. With her father's continuous encouragement, Dana Helal Alshamsi, 19, from Sharjah, initially planned to enroll in university after high school. However, she eventually decided to follow her father's lead. “I wanted to continue studying, but my dad wanted me to join the army,” she said. The adjustment was tough. New routines, strict discipline, and early mornings changed her lifestyle completely. “Everything changed: my sleep, food, and lifestyle,” she said. But strong support from her trainers helped her push through. Now eight months into the programme, Dana is more self-assured, organized, and capable. She has developed strong leadership skills and greatly improved her communication. “One of the hardest moments was when I thought of quitting,” she admitted. “But my father believed in me and wouldn’t let me give up.” Today, Dana is more self-assured. She has developed leadership skills and improved her communication abilities. The programme, explained The comprehensive programme spans 11 months and is divided into three progressive phases: foundational, specialized, and operational. Recruits receive extensive training in marching, weaponry, marksmanship, and engineering, alongside rigorous academic lectures. Their development is continuously evaluated through demanding tests. According to the official national service website, the conditions for enlistment include: 1.?Emirati citizenship (passport and family book) 2.?Age between 18 and 30 for men, and up to 35 for women 3.?Medical fitness 4.?Approval from the National and Reserve Service Committee 5.?Guardian’s approval for female recruits;-0,125
Ahmedabad plane crash: Dubai's Indian residents pay tribute to victims The overall mood was subdued as Indian expats in the emirate learnt of one of their homeland’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory.In a tribute to the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, members of the Indian community observed a minute’s silence at the Indian Consulate in Dubai on Thursday.The gathering, originally convened to launch the 11th International Day of Yoga in Sharjah, also had a somber tone as residents reflected on the victims of the Air India crash.Addressing the attendees, Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, requested the audience to pay their respects.“Considering the huge disaster that has happened just about a couple of hours back in Ahmedabad, I would request everybody to rise for a minute's silence in honour of the departed souls,” he said, inviting the audience to pay their respects.The overall mood was subdued as Indian residents in the emirate learnt of one of their homeland’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory.An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed on Thursday morning, shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.The flight, bound for London, had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board.According to initial reports, there were no survivors.Wellness and unity through yoga Meanwhile, encouraging residents to find inner peace, the Indian mission launched the International Day of Yoga in alignment with the UAE’s Year of Community.This year’s event will take place in Sharjah at the Expo Centre on Saturday, June 21, from 5pm to 7pm, and is open to people of all nationalities.The mission is expecting approximately 5,000 participants to attend the rejuvenating session.Those interested can register by scanning a QR code or visiting the official registration website: https://cgidubai.zohobackstage.in/InternationalDayofYoga2025-11thEdition#/Speaking about the significance of the event, the Consul General noted that yoga is a timeless gift from India to the world and continues to foster wellness and unity across cultures.Satish Sivan said, “The interest and the participation has been growing year on year.Last year we had about 6000 people at least joining us at the World Trade Center in Dubai.This year we are doing it in Sharjah.”“There's a lot of Indian community, which calls Sharjah their home.We thought it would be apt to take yoga to the Indian community in Sharjah.It is open for everybody in all across UAE.We hope to have good participation from the Indian community and also the wider international community.We know that yoga is today treasure for the whole world, and it is practiced across the world.We know that there are a lot of yoga enthusiasts across nationalities, and we hope to have all of them join us on that.Our website is now open.”He also added, “We have provision for yoga mats as well.Also, registration will help in securing a reserved space.”;0,05
"Video: Sudden swerve causes multi-car pile up in Ajman; police warn of Dh1,000 fine Ajman Police shared footage from a three-car crash to raise awareness about reckless driving as part of their Be Careful campaign To warn traffic violators of dire consequences for reckless driving, Ajman Police has shared a video of a multi-car pile up that was caused by one car's sudden change of track. In the video, a red car is seen indecisive about the route, and changing track suddenly which causes multiple vehicles to pile up behind it. Three car crash into each other as a result. The video ends with a reminder of Dh1,000 fine for sudden swerves and Dh400 for failing to keep a safe distance. Sharing the video, Ajman Police talked about a new initiative where they will be using video footage captured by surveillance systems to warn traffic violators of consequences. The ‘Be Careful’ campaign has been launched as part of its commitment to enhancing road safety and the safety of motorists. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of committing traffic violations and incorrect behaviors that cause accidents and endanger lives and property. Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Humaid Bin Hindi, Deputy Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department, emphasized that the 'Be Careful' initiative seeks to raise traffic awareness among drivers and alert them to the dangers of serious violations and transgressions such as running a red light, swerving suddenly, and not adhering to lane guidelines. He added that disseminating these real-life scenes will enhance public awareness and encourage adherence to traffic laws to avoid the dire consequences of negligence or reckless driving. Lieutenant Colonel Noura Sultan Al Shamsi, Head of the Media and Public Relations Department at Ajman Police, explained that the initiative is part of a comprehensive traffic awareness plan based on modern and effective methods of addressing the public. She emphasized that actual footage from the field leave a significant impact on viewers, prompting them to reconsider their traffic behaviour. She added that Ajman Police is constantly working to innovate and develop media outlets and awareness programs that promote a culture of road safety. The initiative relies on publishing videos of real traffic accidents captured by smart road monitoring systems that occurred on Ajman's roads. The goal is to enhance traffic awareness and alert road users to the dangerous behavior of some drivers, which pose a threat to the safety of lives and property and have caused, or nearly caused, serious traffic accidents. This step comes within the framework of using effective interactive tools that contribute to delivering awareness messages in realistic and direct ways to various categories of drivers. Ajman Bahni Bandyopadhyay bahni@khaleejtimes.com";0
UAE: School bus collision injures 13 children aged 6-12 on first day after Eid breakThirteen students and a teacher were injured after two school buses were involved in a collision on Monday, the first day back to school for students across the country after the long Eid Al Adha weekend. The incident occurred along the national highway E311 around 3pm. The National Ambulance said it had received an emergency call at 3.11pm on June 9 about the incident. Emergency medical teams were on the scene in 13 minutes, attending to casualties. The injured students were aged between 6 and 12 years. In its initial tweet, the authority stated that the accident took place on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road in Sharjah. However, it has since retracted the tweet. Khaleej Times reached out to Sharjah Police, who also confirmed that the incident did not happen in Sharjah. Further details are awaited. Tragic incidents, safety measures Incidents of this scale tend to be few and far between in the UAE. In February last year, three students and two supervisors sustained minor injuries when a school bus made a sudden turn, causing it to drift and collide with the pavement. In August of the same year, a tragic accident led to the death of a seven-year-old student and injuries to 11 others when an illegal transport vehicle carrying 12 students, beyond the permissible passenger limit, swerved on a Dubai highway and flipped over. The impact of the swerve caused it to crash into an iron barrier and overturn in a sandy area on the side of the Hatta-Lahbab Road. Authorities regularly issue warnings about road safety, urging motorists to adhere to traffic rules and avoid speeding. Stringent penalties are in place with fines ranging up to Dh200,000 for serious violations. In Dubai, school bus operators and transport companies are mandated to provide drivers with comprehensive training to ensure student safety. In Sharjah, cameras and safety devices were installed in as many as 2,000 buses to allow parents to monitor their children as they travelled back and forth to school.;0
"Step into the golden spirit of summer with Collection Été??Step into the golden spirit of summer with Collection Été A radiant fusion of Mediterranean charm, golden light, and effortless summer style Published: Wed 11 Jun 2025, 8:06 AM Partner Content Collection Été captures the golden warmth and vibrant tones of summer in the south of France, designed to be elegant yet inviting, easy to wear, and perfect for mix and match for any occasion. Inspired by the key elements of the region such as the smooth pebbles, ""Les Galets"", the radiant sun rays, and the stunning shades of the Mediterranean, each piece embodies the essence of this beautiful landscape. The elegant pebble designs reflect the natural coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, giving each piece an organic and soft feel. These designs echo the smooth, rounded shapes of the pebbles found along sun-drenched beaches, embodying the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of the region. Les Galets, French for pebbles, take the center stage of this collection, extending this design to our merchandising, display, and of course, accessories that are carefully made with our custom-made galets fabric. Minimal motifs of sunshine rays have been incorporated to symbolise the warm, golden light that bathes the South of France. These subtle yet striking designs add a touch of brightness and joy to each piece. The palm tree shapes, and the interplay of light and shadow are key elements in this collection. They represent the iconic silhouettes of palms that line the picturesque promenades, bringing a sense of tropical elegance and a hint of adventure for those who love the allure of the Mediterranean. To enhance these designs, we have included beautiful summer stones like turquoise and malachite. These vibrant stones add pops of color and a fresh, seasonal elegance that perfectly complements the golden hues of the collection. We have focused on the rich glow of yellow gold to tie all these elements together, creating standout pieces that are both luxurious and playful. We can’t wait for you to discover the Collection Été, and hope it brings a little bit of the South of France into your life.";0,05
"Saudi Arabia resumes e-visa services for visitors after Hajj concludes Those holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visit visas — or who are residents of the EU, UK, or US — are also eligible for visa-on-arrival at Saudi entry points Saudi Arabia has now resumed e-visa applications, the country's tourism authority has said. The e-visa process resumed on June 10, which means travelers from eligible countries can apply online with ease, making it simpler to plan a trip to Saudi this summer. Those holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visit visas — or who are residents of the EU, UK, or US - are also eligible for visa-on-arrival at Saudi entry points. As summer unfolds across Saudi, the country is alive with cultural festivals, coastal escapes, and international headline events like the Esports World Cup. Whether you're looking to explore ancient heritage sites, cool off in the mountains, or catch the global gaming action in Riyadh, this could be one of the most exciting times to visit the country. Umrah visas resume As Muslim pilgrims wrapped up days of worshipping and praying during Hajj in the holy sites of Makkah, Saudi authorities announced on Monday the resumption of issuing Umrah visas starting Tuesday, June 10. Over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 nations visited Makkah during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, authorities said earlier. The pilgrims performed the final leg of the highly significant religious journey by circling the Kaaba in a what is called the ""farewell tawaf"". It was also revealed that restrictions which were put in place for entering Makkah during the Hajj season were to be lifted starting Wednesday, June 11. Visa issues ahead of Hajj season In April 2025, ahead of the Hajj season, travelers were facing issues with their visa applications to Saudi Arabia. According to some travel operators, visa issuance was suspended in preparation for the Hajj season . Authorities in Saudi Arabia had announced that Umrah pilgrims could last enter the country on April 13 . Umrah operators had said they were unable to get any categories of visas issued whether they are multi-entry, single-entry, Umrah, or family visit.";-0,075
"UAE Islamic banks' assets cross Dh1-trillion mark in 2024Financial institutes in the Emirates operate in a stable environment supported by diversification efforts and structural reforms, which will continue to promote growth Published: Sun 25 May 2025, 11:40 AM By: Waheed Abbas The UAE Islamic banks' assets have crossed the Dh1 trillion mark in 2024, according to the global rating agency Moody's Ratings. ""Islamic asset growth rebounded after the pandemic slow down. The total assets of the UAE's Islamic banking during 2021-2024 increased at a much faster pace of 11 per cent CAGR to reach Dh1.089 trillion ($296 billion) as of end-2024. The share of Islamic banks in the total banking assets was 24 per cent as of end-2024,"" said Moody's analysts. ""Currently, the banks in the UAE operate in a stable environment supported by diversification efforts and structural reforms which will continue to promote growth in the non-oil economy,"" said Moody's analysts. The UAE recently announced plans to significantly increase the assets of Islamic banks in the federation and the value of locally listed sukuk by 2031. Specifically, the government aims to increase the assets of Islamic banks to Dh2.56 trillion, the total amount of listed local Islamic sukuk to more than Dh660 billion and the total amount of international sukuk to Dh395 billion. In 2024, $12.7 billion (Dh46.60 billion) of sukuk was issued in the UAE, of which UAE banks issued $4 billion. The Central Bank of the UAE is advancing the Islamic finance sector to establish the country as an international centre for Islamic finance. This regulator aims to enhance market development, competitiveness, and sustainability. The UAE already boasts a well-established Islamic financial sector, which includes Islamic banks, Islamic banking windows, Islamic finance companies, and Islamic insurance (Takaful) companies. The country has nine fully-fledged Islamic banks and ten Islamic insurance (Takaful) companies. Moody's analysts said that the UAE's decision to boost the Islamic finance sector is expected to considerably expand the global sukuk market, currently dominated by Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, with total global issuance reaching approximately $242 billion in 2024. ""The projected increase in Islamic banking assets will cement the UAE's position as the third-largest contributor to the Islamic finance market,"" it said.";-0,05
A walk on the wild side in Nagarahole National Park | Khaleej TimesDriving into CGH Earth Saha Coorg Wild Walk’s gates, passing coffee bushes and tall trees, our first glimpse of the villa encircled by electric fencing, with light flooding out of the expansive picture windows is magical. The only sound in the air is the strident sound of cicadas under the star-spangled sky. The villa-style safari lodge is near Kutta’s Nanachi Gate, in Coorg, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, minutes from the entrance of Nagarahole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The park is nestled in the Kodagu and Mysuru districts of Karnataka, India. Once this area was the exclusive hunting grounds of the royalty of Mysuru. Covering an impressive area of around 643 square kilometres, it was declared a national park in 1988 and is part of the expansive Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. The park derives its name from Nagara which means snake, and hole, meaning river or stream in the Kannada language. Nagarahole is home to a diverse range of mammals, including majestic elephants, tigers, elusive leopards, wild dogs and sloth bears. For bird enthusiasts, the park is a paradise with over 270 species, such as the Malabar trogon and the striking Malabar pied hornbill. Our villa furnished in an earthy, rustic style, is amid a lush estate planted with robusta coffee, orange and pepper, that belongs to a local planter and has been in his family for five generations. CGH Earth has renovated the property into a cozy safari lodge, with stone clad walls, two lounges and four rooms, that offer a tryst with nature and quietude. Our room is well furnished, with large picture windows that looked into the surrounding greenery and forest with a spacious bathroom with a rain shower. Wildlife photographs of leopards, elephants and tigers adorn the walls of every room, reminding you of where you are. The lounge downstairs is furnished in shades of olive green, shelves are equipped with binoculars and books on wildlife, with walls decorated with art and artefacts from the region.  We hear stories of how leopards have been sighted approaching the property at night, recorded on cameras. The lodge arranges for safari drives in the neighbouring Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, home to tigers, leopards, wild boar, Asiatic elephants, Gaur, Mouse deer, Langur monkeys and a prolific bird life. You can also choose to take plantation walks or go for picnics in the surrounding areas. An early morning jeep safari drive takes us through red-dirt trails, and beautiful misty landscapes of open meadows, dense forests and winding streams, with rosewood, silver oak, sandalwood, silk cotton and teak trees standing tall, punctuated by the brilliant yellow flowers of the golden shower tree. Herds of sambar deer and wild boars lurk in bamboo thickets, as langurs with black and silver faces gazed at us curiously from branches. The guide points out the  fissured bark of the crocodile bark tree that resembles the rough scales of a crocodile, is resistant to fire, and blooms just before the monsoon, the axle wood tree that was traditionally used to make agricultural implements, and is known for its gum and resins, and the silk cotton tree. Though we see the tracks of a sloth bear and fresh paw marks of a tiger, they remain elusive. We spot a Malabar pied hornbill with its large beak, on the branches of a silk cotton tree. Near a water hole, we see a huge congregation of lesser whistling ducks, as river terns and Brahminy kites soar overhead. Crested serpent eagles and fishing hawks circle over ponds and streams. A mugger crocodile basks on a stone bridge, as we come across a herd of elephants including a calf, that was just a month old, nestling close to the matriarch. Not far from here we spot a herd of sinewy Gaur or wild bison that can weigh up to 1,000 kg each – our guide tells us that they are the favourite prey of tigers providing them around nine days’ food. Nagarahole of course is not only about its wildlife – it’s also the home of the Jenu Kuruba tribes, and we see the schools in forest clearings for their children, and meet some of them as they walk, carrying firewood. They still depend on ancient wisdom and forage for honey, roots and other forest goodies to sustain them. Come evening, we sit around a bonfire and listen to our naturalist Sharath Abraham, and his tales of the jungle. He showed us videos of a face-off between the fabled black panther of Kabini and a leopard on the branches of a tree, and a safari drive where the python lies on the road ahead and a tiger evaluates the danger and walks away. An afternoon walk through the coffee plantation, takes us through white coffee blooms with their heady fragrance. We spot huge heaps of elephant dung and understand that these marauders enter the plantation in the nights. It’s not uncommon that even tigers and leopards stray here. Though we don’t spot tigers or leopards on our safari drives, magic exists everywhere. Each safari is like a new story that unfolds before your eyes. From the reddish-brown Malabar squirrels with long tails that scramble up the trees on our property, to the paw marks of the sloth bears that we see on our safari drive and the flash of a blue bearded bee-eater on the branches of a tree. Best of all are the birds that I see on our property, with my binoculars, from the white-cheeked barbet which makes a strident sound through the day, to the Asian fairy bluebird. I sketch what I see before me, trying to capture the sights of the forest, so that I can recall them back in the urban jungle.;0,05
"Türkiye to export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia: Erdo?an Türkiye will produce and export 48 homegrown Kaan fighter jets to Indonesia under a new defense agreement, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an announced on June 11. In a post on X, Erdo?an hailed contributors to the Kaan project, particularly the Defense Industries Presidency ( SSB ) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSA?), as a record export deal is signed. Indonesia's local capabilities will be utilized in the production of Kaan, he said. ""I hope this agreement, which highlights the progress and achievements of our domestic and national defense industry, will be beneficial for both Türkiye and Indonesia,"" Erdo?an added. Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter jet, made its maiden flight last year at 230 knots and 8,000 feet. TUSA? plans to have at least two Kaans flying within 2025, with a goal of having three airborne, its general manager, Mehmet Demiro?lu, said last month. By the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, the second prototype will take to the skies, followed by the third prototype a few months later, he added. ""After these tests, we will produce three more, and by the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029, we plan to deliver Kaan jets to the Turkish Air Force in batches,” he said. Some 83 Anka unmanned aerial vehicles and 92 Atak helicopters produced by TUSA? are currently in service, Demiro?lu informed. TUSA? has received 55 orders for the Hürku? training aircraft and will deliver 10 of these orders this year, he said. The company already received orders from the Turkish army for 16 the light attack aircraft Hürjet, and Spain inked an agreement to buy those aircraft, he noted. By 2034, TUSA? plans to produce 500 Kaan, Hürjet and Hürku? aircraft, he said, noting that additionally, more than 350 Gökbey, Atak, Atak-2 helicopters and similar platforms are planned for production. The firm also foresees the production of nearly 600 platforms, including unmanned combat aerial vehicle Anka-3, unmanned aerial vehicles Anka-1 and Aksungur as well as similar models, Demiro?lu stated. TUSA? is expanding into new markets, aiming to boost revenue from around $3 billion last year to $4.3 billion in 2025, he said. Unveiling the company’s 10-year plan, Demiro?lu said the target is to achieve $12 billion in revenue by 2034. “We are growing in the African market and working to open offices in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Brazil,” he noted, adding that they presently have offices in the U.S., Germany, France, Spain, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia.";-0,15
"Manisa bids farewell to mayor as condolences pour in MANISA A funeral ceremony was held in the western city of Manisa on June 10 for Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek , who passed away after being exposed to an electric shock, with condolences pouring in from across the political spectrum. The mayor from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) suffered an electric shock on June 6 while inspecting an issue in the swimming pool of his home. The 48-year-old went into cardiac arrest but he was resuscitated following several minutes of effort. However, despite three days of intensive care treatment, his heart stopped once again and he succumbed to his injuries on June 9. “This must be the hardest speech I’ve ever given. Since the age of six, I have been speaking on podiums, holding microphones. But this … This speech is unlike any other,” said CHP leader Özgür Özel, visibly overcome with emotion at the funeral in Manisa. “Our burden is heavier than ever. He entrusted Manisa to us and now he is gone. I don’t know what we will do. When he was here, I had no doubts. But now that he’s gone, I truly don’t know,” Özel expressed. Zeyrek made history in the 2024 local elections when he became the first CHP mayor elected in Manisa in 74 years — an achievement Özel described during the funeral as nothing short of a miracle. Following a ceremony in front of the Manisa Municipality building, Zeyrek were laid to rest in the city’s family cemetery. His wife and three daughters were present at the service. A beloved figure within CHP and the broader landscape of local governance, Zeyrek’s passing sent shockwaves and sorrow through his party, with numerous politicians offering messages of condolence. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an also expressed his grief over the loss, writing in a message on X: “I extend my condolences to his family, colleagues, the citizens of Manisa and the entire CHP organization.” Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli likewise shared his sorrow on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones and the Republican People’s Party.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who also leads Socialist International, paid tribute to Zeyrek’s dedication to public service in his message of condolence. ""Mayor Zeyrek was a devoted public servant who set an example for many through his commitment to his community and his unwavering dedication to the values of justice, equality and social progress,” Sanchez said in a statement. “His leadership within CHP and his service to the people of Manisa reflected the principles we champion as part of our international movement,"" the Spanish premier said. Former Florence Mayor and President of Eurocities — a network fostering cooperation among European cities — Dario Nardella also honored Zeyrek’s legacy. ""Our duty now is to carry forward his ideals of democracy and freedom with all our strength,"" he remarked. Meanwhile, investigations into the circumstances surrounding Zeyrek’s accident continue after prosecutors questioned two individuals over possible negligence. Shortly after the incident, Zeyrek’s daughter, Nehir Zeyrek, posted on Instagram, hinting that negligence may have played a role in her father’s death. An expert report has indicated that the mayor was exposed to an electric current for a duration of three to five minutes.";0,125
Turkish, Saudi foreign ministers discuss Gaza, upcoming OIC meeting Turkish, Saudi foreign ministers discuss Gaza, upcoming OIC meeting News Türkiye June 12 2025 13:09:43 Turkish, Saudi foreign ministers discuss Gaza, upcoming OIC meeting ISTANBUL Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke by phone with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, to discuss the situation in war-torn Gaza , Turkish diplomatic sources said on June 12. The two top diplomats addressed efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory. They also reviewed preparations for the upcoming meetings focused on the Palestinian issue, including the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) foreign ministers’ council that will be hosted by Türkiye in Istanbul on June 21–22. The Israeli army resumed its attacks on the Gaza Strip on March 18 and has since killed 4,821 people and injured 15,535 others, shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.;0,125
Turkish national held on Gaza-bound aid ship expected to be released Thursday ANKARA A Turkish citizen detained by Israeli forces aboard a Gaza-bound aid vessel is expected to be released and leave Israel on Thursday, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. The sources said Wednesday that officials from the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv remain in contact with ?uayb Ordu and his lawyers. It also noted that the case of Yasemin Acar, a German citizen, is being closely followed and that the families of both Acar and Ordu are being kept updated about the process. The aid ship Madleen was seized by Israeli naval forces early Monday while sailing in international waters and redirected to the port of Ashdod. Part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the aid ship had a 12-strong crew on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Other activists aboard the Madleen included Acar and Ordu, as well as Baptiste Andre, Pascal Maurieras, Yanis Mhamdi and Reva Viard from France, Thiago Avila from Brazil, Sergio Toribio from Spain, Marco van Rennes from the Netherlands, and Omar Faiad, a journalist with Al Jazeera Mubasher, also from France. As Israel has continued to close all Gaza’s border crossings to humanitarian aid since early March, aid agencies have warned of the risk of famine among Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.;0,35
"AKP to hold workshop on sustainable, quake-resistant cities ANKARA The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will convene a two-day workshop focused on strategies to develop sustainable and earthquake-resistant cities, party officials have announced. Titled “Breath to the Future, Resistance to Cities,” the event will open with speeches by AKP vice chairman Efkan Ala and Sevilay Tuncer, head of the party’s environmental and urban policies unit. The workshop aims to tackle critical topics such as achieving the net zero carbon emission target by 2053, promoting sustainable urban development, popularizing the ""Zero Waste"" movement, accelerating green transformation efforts, protecting Türkiye's historical, natural and cultural heritage, rebuilding cities in earthquake-prone zones and implementing urban transformation projects. Leaders of the AKP’s environmental and urban policy unit from all 81 provinces, along with party members, will participate. The event will also feature speeches by top board member Mahir Ünal, MPs Ali ?ahin and Emel Gözükara Durmaz, ?ükrü Karatape, member of the presidential board on local government and disaster policies, Halil Hasar, head of the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry's Climate Change Presidency, as well as several mayors and journalists. The Zero Waste project is an initiative led by first lady Emine Erdo?an and launched in 2017. She recently said it has saved 552 million trees, prevented 150 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and conserved 1.7 trillion cubic meters of water. The initiative has recycled over 74 million tons of waste, generating economic savings amounting to 256 billion Turkish Liras ($6.5 billion). The 2023 earthquakes in southern Türkiye have underscored the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. A subsequent moderate quake in Istanbul renewed concerns about the potential for a larger earthquake in the megacity, placing urban earthquake preparedness back at the forefront of the national agenda.";0,125
"Turkish activists on Gaza aid boat leave Israel Turkish activists ?uayp Ordu and Yasemin Acar left Israel on June 12 three days after the Israeli authorities seized a Gaza -bound aid ship and detained the crew members, the Turkish Foreign Ministry sources have stated. In a prior statement, the ministry announced that Ordu was expected to be deported to Germany. Turkish diplomatic authorities have been in close contact with Acar’s family, who holds German citizenship, providing them with updates regarding the situation. Twelve people were on board the Madleen aid ship when it was intercepted by Israeli forces in the eastern Mediterranean about 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Gaza on June 9. Four, including two French citizens and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, agreed to be deported immediately. The remaining eight were taken into custody for more than 72 hours after they refused to leave Israel voluntarily and appeared in court. All 12 of them have been banned from Israel for 100 years. “After more than 72 hours in Israeli custody following the unlawful interception of the Madleen Freedom Flotilla in international waters ... six volunteers are now being transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation,"" said the Adalah rights group, an Israeli NGO representing detained activists. Another two French nationals remain in Israeli custody awaiting deportation on June 13, Adalah said. Adalah also said that Israeli authorities had placed Rima Hassan, a member of European Parliament for the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party who is of Palestinian descent, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila in solitary confinement, with Hassan later removed. ""While in custody, volunteers were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement,"" it added.";0,275
"Ukraine, Russia say exchanged new group of POWs Ukraine and Russia said Thursday they had swapped a fresh group of prisoners of war , the third exchange this week as part of a deal agreed at peace talks in Türkiye. In Istanbul last week the two sides agreed to each free more than 1,000 prisoners of war — all wounded or under the age of 25 — and return the bodies of killed fighters. ""Today, warriors of our Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service are back home,"" Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media. ""They all require medical treatment,"" as they were ""severely wounded and seriously ill,"" he added. Russia's defence ministry also confirmed the swap, saying in a Telegram post that ""a group of Russian servicemen was returned"" from Ukraine. The swapped Russian soldiers were now in Belarus, Moscow's close ally. ""We continue working to bring everyone home from Russian captivity. We thank everyone who helps make these exchanges possible — so that each and every one of them can be home, in Ukraine,"" Zelensky said. He published pictures of the Ukrainian servicemen, all with freshly shaved heads — draped in national flags. The oldest Ukrainian soldier freed on Thursday was 59, with the youngest 22, and they include some who were believed to be ""missing in action,"" Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said. Russian state media showed Moscow's troops in camouflage chanting ""Russia, Russia"" with national flags around their shoulders. The exchanges are the only concrete outcome from two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, at which Russia rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire and demanded Ukraine give up large swathes of territory and its bid to join NATO. The first stages of the swap took place on Monday and Tuesday, with Russia on Wednesday handing back the bodies of 1,212 Ukrainian soldiers killed fighting Moscow's invasion.";0
?mamo?lu refuses to attend hearing in expert witness case ?mamo?lu refuses to attend hearing in expert witness case News Türkiye June 12 2025 14:55:07 ?mamo?lu refuses to attend hearing in expert witness case ISTANBUL Istanbul Mayor Ekrem ?mamo?lu and his legal team on June 12 boycotted the first hearing of a case initiated over his remarks on an expert witness, citing procedural irregularities. The hearing, initially scheduled to be held at Istanbul’s Ça?layan Courthouse, was relocated to a courthouse inside the Marmara Prison complex in the Silivri district just 24 hours prior. ?mamo?lu from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has been held at the Silivri prison since late March over a separate corruption-related case targeting the Istanbul Municipality, several district mayors and top officials. The June 12 hearing concerns remarks ?mamo?lu made on Jan. 27, in which he accused court-appointed expert Sat?lm?? Büyükcanayak?n of submitting fraudulent reports in corruption investigations targeting district municipalities governed by the CHP. Prosecutors alleged that these comments constitute an attempt to influence judicial proceedings and have requested a prison sentence of between two and four years, along with a political ban. If convicted, ?mamo?lu could be barred from holding or running for public office. With the mayor and his lawyers’ absence, the court scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 26. Before the hearing, the CHP released a statement saying the mayor and his lawyers would not attend the hearing due to what they described as an “unlawful change of venue.” From prison, ?mamo?lu issued a written statement calling the hearing “irregular” and “in violation of fundamental legal principles,” adding, “I refuse to be a part of such a process and therefore will not attend the hearing.” This is not the only legal challenge facing the prominent opposition figure. In a separate case, ?mamo?lu has been also under investigation for remarks he made on Jan. 20, in which he criticized Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Ak?n Gürlek. During a panel discussion, ?mamo?lu condemned the legal action against CHP Youth Branch head Cem Ayd?n, saying, “Your aim is to intimidate the people. Chief Prosecutor, I’m telling you…”;0,35
"Australia 'confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review Australia said Thursday it is ""very confident"" in the future of a U.S. agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review. The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence confirmed Thursday. Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was ""very confident"" Australia would still get the American submarines. ""I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise,"" he told public broadcaster ABC. ""We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."" Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The U.S. Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. In the United States, critics question why Washingon would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. Marles said boosting the U.S. production of U.S. Virginia Class submarines was a challenge. ""That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving,"" he said. Australia's focus is on ""sticking to this plan and on seeing it through"", Marles said. He criticised Australia's previous conservative government for ""chopping and changing"" its submarine choice. On the eve of announcing its participation in AUKUS in 2021, the government of the time abruptly scrapped plans to buy diesel-powered submarines in a lucrative deal with France — infuriating Paris. The AUKUS submarine programme alone could cost the country up to U.S.$235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy. Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact. ""Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?"" he posted on X. 'Fading Atlantic empire' Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the U.S. review might ""save Australia from itself"". Australia should carve its own security strategy ""rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire"", Keating said. ""The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?"" Any U.S. review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. But it is ""fundamentally a good deal for the U.S."", he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement. ""I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS,"" Graham told AFP. ""I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable.""";-0,025
"Beijing hails improving Vatican ties after Pope Leo names first Chinese bishop Beijing hailed on Thursday improving ties with the Vatican after the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Pope Leo XIV, signalling the new pontiff's support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor. The Holy See expressed ""satisfaction"" on Wednesday at the recognition by China of the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, capital of eastern Fujian province. The pope made the nomination on June 5. Beijing's foreign ministry said the naming of the first Chinese bishop under the new pope had ""enhanced understanding and mutual trust through constructive dialogue"" with the Vatican. ""China is willing to work together with the Vatican to promote the continuous improvement of China-Vatican relations ,"" foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing. The Vatican and China do not have formal diplomatic relations because the Holy See recognises Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own territory. However, they agreed in a historic deal in 2018 to let both sides have a say in the naming of bishops in China, home to about 12 million Catholics. The deal -- the text of which has never been made public -- has drawn criticism within the Church, with some seeing it as allowing the Communist Party government a stranglehold over China's Catholics. The deal was renewed several times as Pope Francis sought to make inroads for the Church in China, most recently in October 2024 for four years. ""With the joint efforts of both sides, the provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops has been smoothly implemented,"" Lin Jian said.";0,05
"Israel fire near aid center kills at least 57 in Gaza Israel fire near aid center kills at least 57 in Gaza GAZA CITY Israeli forces opened fire on people waiting to enter a U.S.-backed food distribution centre on June 11, killing at least 57 and wounding more than 363, as Israel has moved to paralyze Palestinian economy to respond U.K. sanctions. ""We transported at least 31 martyrs and about 200 wounded as a result of Israeli tank and drone fire on thousands of citizens... on their way to receive food from the American aid centre,"" civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Bassal said thousands of Palestinians had been gathering since 2 a.m. (23:00 GMT on June 10) in the hope of reaching the U.S. and Israeli-backed food distribution centre. ""Israeli tanks fired several times, then at around 5:30 am intensified their fire, coinciding with heavy fire from drones targeting civilians,"" he said. There have been a series of deadly shootings since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) first opened aid distribution points in the Palestinian territory on May 27, as Israel faced mounting international condemnation over the humanitarian conditions. Meanwhile, Israel moved to respond after Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway on June 10 ordered sanctions against two hard-liner Israeli ministers for ""repeated incitements of violence"" against Palestinians, upping their condemnation of Israel's actions in the Gaza war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir will be banned from entering the U.K. and will have any assets in the country frozen, Britain's foreign ministry said in a statement. Following the announcement, Israel cancelled a waiver that had allowed Israeli banks to work with Palestinian ones, threatening to paralyse Palestinian financial institutions, Smotrich said in a statement. ""Against the backdrop of the Palestinian Authority's delegitimization campaign against the State of Israel internationally, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has instructed Accountant General CPA Yali Rothenberg to cancel the indemnity provided to correspondent banks dealing with banks operating in Palestinian Authority territories,” Smotrich's office said in a statement. Smotrich had threatened in May 2024 to cut the vital connection between Israel and Palestinian banks in the occupied West Bank in retaliation for the recognition of the State of Palestine by three European countries. The Palestinian financial and banking system is dependent on the regular renewal of the Israeli waiver. It protects Israeli banks from potential legal action relating to transactions with their Palestinian counterparts, for instance in relation to financing terror. death toll , Quark.Models.Entities.Ancestor?.Title?.ToUpperInvariant() 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran LATEST NEWS 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran Russia's military economy showing signs of fatigue Meta makes major investment in Scale AI, takes in CEO Germany's annual inflation stable in May at 2.1 percent Oil price surges, stocks tumble on Middle East fears Recommended 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran UN General Assembly calls for Gaza ceasefire, pressure on Israel Trump says had advance notice of Israeli strikes on Iran: Fox News Six nuclear scientists killed in Israel attack on Iran: media As NATO ups defense spending, can Europe produce the weapons? Judge blocks Trump's use of National Guard in protest-hit Los Angeles Rescue teams comb site of Air India crash that killed at least 265 WORLD 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran World leaders urged restraint on Friday after Israel pounded Iran, striking 100 targets including nuclear and military sites, and killing senior figures, including nuclear scientists and the armed forces chief of staff. ECONOMY Russia's military economy showing signs of fatigue After three years of doom-defying growth, Russia's heavily militarized economy is slowing, facing a widening budget deficit and weak oil prices, all under the threat of more Western sanctions. SPORTS Galatasaray completes signing of Leroy Sane on free transfer Turkish Süper Lig champion Galatasaray has completed the signing of Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane on free transfer. ?";0,125
Montenegro Approves Troop Deployment to EU Mission Supporting Ukraine Montenegro’s parliament on Thursday approved a request to send a non-combat military contingent in support of Ukraine as part of an EU mission. Montenegro’s parliament on Thursday voted to send members of the armed forces to join the European Union’s Military Assistance Mission, EUMAM, in support of Ukraine – the first of its kind since the beginning of the war. The decision was supported by 49 MPs in the 81-seat parliament. Most remaining lawmakers were absent or abstained. Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic emphasized that Montenegrin troops would not be deployed to Ukraine itself but would instead hold non-combat roles within the EU mission framework. “There is no question or possibility that any Montenegrin soldier will be engaged on Ukrainian soil,” Krapovic told the debate on Wednesday. “I want this to be crystal clear” He said participation in such missions should not be used for political gain, noting that some EU member states have opted not to join the initiative. “No one should be blamed for choosing not to participate,” he said. Krapovic, a former critic of Montenegro’s NATO membership, acknowledged he once had doubts about joining the alliance but now sees the benefits. “I see the positive aspects today,” he stated. During the debate, opposition leader Danijel Zivkovic, of the Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, recalled that the current ruling majority was largely opposed to NATO membership at the time of Montenegro’s accession. “Ninety percent of today’s majority didn’t support NATO membership,” Zivkovic said. “But now you’ve evolved– you’re following DPS policies. That’s good. It shows growth and an embrace of NATO values.” Despite being absent from Wednesday’s discussion, most MPs from the once pro-Russian coalition For the Future of Montenegro supported the decision. The mission, EUMAM, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It provides training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on EU soil.;0,1
Slovenia Urged to Recognise Serbian and Croatian as Minority LanguagesSerbian, Croatian and German minority languages remain underrepresented in Slovenian education and media, and raising public awareness of this issue is necessary, the Council of Europe said in a new report on Slovenia published on Wednesday. The report by its Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages acknowledges the efforts Slovenia has made to protect minority languages in the country but recommends strengthening their presence in education, including through teacher training, and in mass media. “In Slovenia, the Hungarian and Italian languages continue to enjoy a relatively high level of protection,” the report stated, noting that bilingual education in Hungarian and Slovenian, as well as in Italian, are provided at all levels of education apart from university level. But Slovenia’s legal framework makes no provision for the recognition of Croatian, German and Serbian as traditional minority languages, and the Committee of Experts recommends such recognition. It stresses the need to raise awareness in Slovenia about regional or minority languages, their history and cultures, as an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage in mainstream education and in the mass media. The Council of Europe proposes also that Slovenia take a more proactive approach to facilitate the use of Hungarian and Italian in administration. “The Committee of Experts also emphasises the need to ensure the provision of radio and television programmes in Hungarian and Italian at an appropriate level,” the report said. As regards Romani, afternoon lessons have been provided since 2021 as part of a pilot project at two schools, but so far, there is no regular teaching of the language in Slovenia. Romani is present to some extent in the media. The committee recommends teaching the Romani language and culture at all appropriate levels. In 2014, the Council of Europe called on Slovenia to recognise German, Croatian and Serbian as traditional minority language and apply the Charter to these languages in cooperation with the respective minority communities. They reached the same conclusions in reports published in 2019 and 2021, and now in 2025. Slovenia says its legal framework on the recognition of national communities and their languages is linked to their historical presence and constitutional provisions. “The Croatian, German and Serbian communities in Slovenia are not constitutionally recognised as indigenous national communities,” the Slovenian authorities commented on the 2025 report.;0,25
Moldova Urged to Toughen Fight Against Human TraffickingMoldova has made progress against human trafficking, but must do more to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable, a Council of Europe report says. The Council of Europe’s anti-trafficking body, GRETA, in a new report says Moldova has improved its laws and support services for victims of human trafficking in the last five years, but more effective measures are needed to prevent child trafficking, bolster victim assistance and ensure thorough investigations and prosecutions. The report released on Tuesday also said vulnerable groups, including children and migrant workers, remain at particular risk. During the reporting period, Moldovan authorities identified 935 victims of human trafficking, with labour exploitation being the most prevalent form, followed by sexual exploitation. Sixty per cent of these victims were men and 15 per cent were children. One of Europe’s poorest countries, squeezed between Romania and war-ravaged Ukraine, people are emigrating in search of better pay and a brighter future abroad. Many of them fall victim to fraud and exploitation. While Moldova continues primarily to be a source country of victims trafficked to EU nations and Russia, the report warns that it is increasingly becoming a destination country, particularly due to an influx of migrant workers. Despite the progress made, GRETA expressed concern over persistent challenges in protecting children from trafficking. Roma children, children living on the streets and those in state care institutions are especially vulnerable. The report urges authorities to increase inspections in residential institutions and expand social and economic support systems for at-risk minors. Another concern is the limited capacity of frontline professionals to identify trafficking victims. Labour inspectors, in particular, are described as lacking the authority and resources to detect cases effectively. In this context, GRETA calls on the Moldovan government to broaden inspectors’ mandates, improve training and lift restrictions on unannounced workplace inspections. The report also highlights a troubling decline in the number of investigations and convictions related to human trafficking. GRETA urges Moldovan police and judicial bodies to take swifter, more decisive action to ensure that cases are pursued effectively and result in proportionate penalties. While acknowledging steps forward in victim support, such as opening a shelter specifically for male victims, GRETA says more must be done. It recommends improving access to employment, healthcare and social services for survivors, and stresses the need to guarantee residence permits and work rights for foreign victims. Access to compensation remains a major gap. Despite training initiatives and guidance for professionals, the report notes that trafficking victims in Moldova still lack access to state compensation. GRETA calls for a review of the legal framework to ensure victims can claim compensation, and better data collection on compensation awarded through the courts. GRETA commended Moldova’s progress in digital safety, including a new guide for prosecutors on online child abuse and national standards for internet safety adopted by the Ministry of Education. However, it recommends further investments in digital investigation capabilities and stronger partnerships with ICT firms to combat online trafficking. The report concludes with a call for Moldova to intensify efforts across all fronts – prevention, protection and prosecution – to ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to eradicating human trafficking.;0,175
Kosovo Agrees to Shelter up to 50 US Deportees | Balkan Insight Kosovo has agreed to host up to 50 immigrants deported from the US – one of the few countries to respond positively to a US request for its allies to take in deportees. Kosovo on Wednesday offered to shelter up to 50 people deported from the US as President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal or unauthorised immigrants steps up. “Individuals who are subject to this decision, during the time of their stay in Kosovo, will act in line with the legislation in force and enjoy rights designated according to the law,” the Kosovo government said. Albin Kurti, the Acting Prime Minister, said the decision followed a US request for its allies to admit citizens from third countries. “Our country will accept and shelter up to 50 individuals for a one-year period with the aim to facilitate their safe return to their countries of origin. Selection of these individual will be done from a proposed list as long as they fulfill the designated criteria regarding rule of law and public order,” Kurti said. “The United States remain our unwavering partner and the Republic of Kosovo will always be their trusted partner,” he added. Last week, Bloomberg reported that Trump’s administration is pushing Serbia and other Balkan nations to take in migrants deported from the US. Serbia’s authorities have not commented on the proposal. The Trump administration, which claims to have deported 17,000 people in April, is currently facing protests across the country opposing federal immigration raids and the deployment of Marines.;-0,075
"Czechs Rush to Sign Nuclear Deal but Possible EU Review Still Looms After months of legal uncertainty, the Czech government rushed to sign the contract for the construction of two new nuclear reactors, but an EU investigation into the deal is still a possibility. In the end, the Czech Republic’s ‘deal of the century’ took only a few hours to sign. After months of legal limbo and frenzied diplomatic activity, on June 4 the Czech authorities finalised the contract for the construction of two new nuclear reactors at the power plant of Dukovany with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), selected as the winner of the 16-billion-euro tender last summer. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the deal was already locked and signed by both parties just hours after the Czech Supreme Administrative Court earlier that morning lifted a preliminary injunction that had been blocking the deal. “The contract for the completion of Dukovany has just been signed. One of the largest projects in the modern history of the Czech Republic aims to ensure the energy security and self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic – for today’s and future generations,” Fiala told a press conference. What has for years been floated as the biggest public procurement contract in modern Czech history was thus signed – digitally and remotely by both parties – in a very evident hurry. And for good reason. EDU II (the subsidiary of the Czech utility CEZ in charge of the project) and KHNP’s failure to immediately sign the deal back in July 2024 allowed the French state-owned conglomerate Electricite de France (EDF), a losing bidder in the tender, to litigate the decision, setting off a diplomatic spat between the two countries that may not be quite over yet. French resistance A key pillar of Czechia’s long-term energy security policy, with the goal of reaching half of the country’s electricity generation from nuclear sources (compared with around 35 per cent today), the deal involves the construction of two new nuclear reactors at the Dukovany power plant, and potentially two smaller units at the second plant of Temelin. Along with the Canadian-American firm Westinghouse, another unfortunate contestant, EDF launched a series of judicial actions contesting the decision and the tender proceedings at the Czech and EU levels, a recourse most analysts agreed – at least at the time – was fair game in a contract of this magnitude and complexity. After reaching a licensing agreement with KHNP on the use of its technology, Westinghouse dropped its litigious efforts in January. EDF, on the other hand, has doubled down. A first appeal in front of Czech competition watchdog UOHS was eventually dismissed in April. But it was followed at the start of May – with a sizeable South Korean delegation already in Prague to sign the partnership – by a local regional court issuing a preliminary injunction blocking the finalisation of the contract pending time to assess EDF’s claims. Frustration with the French side began to boil over. “I don’t want to get personal with EDF, but I would never sign the contract they offered us,” said Daniel Benes, head of CEZ, warning that any further delay could cause damage worth hundreds of millions of crowns and threatening to sue EDF to make them shoulder the costs. The Czechs and Koreans had no choice but to put on a brave face, reiterating their mutual commitment to the deal and expressing their certitude that justice will be swift. The cassation complaints filed by both KHNP and EDU II to fast-track the process eventually led last week to the Supreme Administrative Court annulling the injunction and paving the way for the rushed signing a few hours later. “What is certain is that EDF will not abandon the case until all the investigations have been conducted,” Thomas Chemel, a French journalist for Contexte specialising in energy issues, told BIRN some time before the signing. In the face of EDF’s continuous litigious efforts and under fire from an opposition in campaign mode accusing it of incompetence and diplomatic embarrassment, the Czech government had no choice but to rush the signing of a deal that could otherwise have been left to the next government after October’s parliamentary elections. Yet there remains uncertainty over whether the deal could face further EU scrutiny. European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stephane Sejourne, speaks during a press conference following the EU’s College of Commissioners meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 21 May 2025. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET Brussels looming In early May, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stephane Sejourne sent a letter reminding Czech Trade and Industry Minister Lukas Vlcek that EU authorities were still gathering information to decide whether or not to open an investigation into market-distorting subsidies possibly received by KHNP. In addition to legal appeals in Czechia, EDF had turned to the EU in the autumn of 2024 for a review of the contract under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation – a European regulation that entered into force the year before to address “distortions caused by [non-EU] foreign subsidies in order to ensure a level playing field for all companies operating in the single market”. In the letter – whose timing and French authorship sparked an uncommon bout of anti-Gallic feeling among the Czechs, including the president and prime minister – Sejourne urged Prague not to take any action with irreversible consequences that could “jeopardise the [European] Commission’s right to effectively conduct its investigations”. Summarising in blunt terms the mood in Prague, CEZ boss Benes lashed out: “The Czech Republic should reject what is in this letter… The French will do everything to prevent such a power plant from being built here.” According to the French journalist Chemel, it’s uncertain whether a Foreign Subsidies Regulation review will indeed be launched at the EU level, as the European Commission has not yet formalised such a move. Chemel explained that European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who recently discussed the issue with Czech President Petr Pavel, has one of two main options at her disposal: appeal to the French authorities – who’ve been feeling “very embarrassed” by EDF’s confrontional attitude – to make the state-owned conglomerate put the brakes on their litigious claims; or make this a case example in the dutiful application of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. After announcing the signing last week, Prime Minister Fiala appeared to dismiss concerns the historic deal could face more EU scrutiny, assuring that the European Commission was only conducting an “informal dialogue” on this issue with Prague and that no formal proceedings had been initiated. But the mood in Brussels is still difficult to read. On June 5, a European Commission spokesperson told Czech Television that the EU executive body had taken note of the deal signing the previous day, but was still conducting a preliminary investigation into the 400-billion-crown tender.";-0,025
"Orban’s Referendum on Ukraine EU Membership Divides Transcarpathian HungariansThen again, no one in the Hungarian government has bothered to consult with these ethnic Hungarians on the issue. On June 20, a national poll in Hungary on whether Ukraine should be allowed to join the EU will close. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claims that this “ Voks2025 ” (Vote2025) referendum and other “national consultations” allow the people to weigh in on important policy issues. Critics however argue that the process, typically financed by public funds, is highly manipulated. In the run-up to the current referendum, which was launched on March 15, Orban gave interviews on state-controlled media saying that there is nothing more important than preventing Ukraine’s EU membership. The government is also spending heavily to secure a “no” vote. These PR messages feature a strong “us vs. them” populist flavour pitting outsiders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and EU politicians against the Hungarian people. This comes against a backdrop of frosty relations that have existed between the two countries for several years, in large part over Ukraine’s treatment of an ethnic Hungarian minority group in the western Transcarpathia region (Zakarpattia Oblast). A 2017 education law directed at Ukraine’s regional governments to increase the number of classes taught in Ukrainian has been blamed by politicians in Budapest for making it harder for the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia to speak Hungarian in public and teach the language in school. In 2023, Kyiv bowed to Hungarian pressure and legislators eliminated the law’s most objectionable provisions. Orban now says that he’s worried about corruption and Ukraine draining EU financial resources, even as his foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, still complains that Ukraine is violating EU minority protection standards. No one is going to reveal their name if they support EU membership for Ukraine because they’ll be going against their mother country. – Unnamed official at a humanitarian organisation While in Hungary the Voks2025 referendum has drawn public attention to Transcarpathian Hungarians’ challenges and difficulties, in Transcarpathia itself the ethnic Hungarian community has decidedly mixed feelings about the poll. I have visited Transcarpathia six times in the last two years. After Orban announced the referendum in March, I visited again and contacted the leaders of political, business, non-governmental and educational organisations whom I had previously interviewed. These figures report that the means the government has chosen to use – especially the populist PR campaign – have produced unintended consequences: it has heightened tensions with Ukrainian officials, for example; more ironically, it has left some Transcarpathian Hungarians questioning Orban’s motives for calling the referendum. As a consequence, the topic of Ukraine’s bid to join the EU has become a touchy subject in the region, with many of my previous sources now declining to comment, citing fears about political retaliation and potential professional harm. “Anyone with a position [ hivatal ] is not going to talk,” one religious leader predicted after declining to be quoted by name. In the civil society sector, an NGO leader doubted that many of his colleagues would be prepared to go on the record. “This in itself shows what the current situation is like,” he explained, along with a sarcastic jab at the Ukrainian government. “We live in a free country and we’ve freely decided not to speak.” While this NGO leader blamed Ukraine for the reluctance to speak out publicly, other civil society professionals rather see the pressure coming from the direction of the Hungarian government. An official at a humanitarian organisation said that just the day before he’d talked about the referendum with ethnic minority coworkers who, in his estimation, tended to agree with the Hungarian government on political issues. The official expressed frustration at the heightened tension surrounding the issue and complained it had essentially become a test of loyalty to Hungary. “No one is going to reveal their name if they support EU membership [for Ukraine],” he explained, “because they’ll be going against their mother country.” More complex than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ Even so, I was still able to interview 12 ethnic Hungarian community leaders, some of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, while others agreed to give only their first names and line of work. These individuals offered a range of opinions. Some echoed the talking points about corruption and economic capacity that have made their way into the Hungarian government’s current advertising campaign around Voks2025. But few spoke in terms that could be easily reduced to the poll’s yes-or-no question. In Uzhhorod’s central tourism district, I met business owner Gyorgy Rusnyak at his restaurant, Under the Castle. Decorated with antique signs from the periods when Transcarpathia belonged to Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Ukraine, Rusnyak said he wanted Under the Castle to be a multilingual cultural centre as well as a restaurant when he opened it in the late 1980s. Proudly Hungarian and touting his cross-border political friendships – “Hungary’s ambassador eats here all the time” – Rusnyak nevertheless said the referendum shows how politicians needlessly stoke ethnic tensions and dismissed Orban’s campaign against Ukraine’s EU bid as a minor stumbling block. As a committed European who wants to get rid of Russian influence – “We’ve had enough of the Russians here” – he explained that like his café, Ukraine’s future was going to be in Europe and multicultural. “It would be better if Ukraine were a part of the EU,” he declared without hesitation, “In fact, we’re already Europeans – it’s really just a matter of formalities.” A Transcarpathian Hungarian woman who works as a translator at a multinational company said that EU membership would benefit the business community more broadly, not just restaurants and the hospitality industry. “Those companies that do business abroad will be able to export more easily,” she explained. Currently, it takes so long to export from Ukraine that there are often lines of trucks at external border crossings – a problem, she said, that would disappear under the EU single market regime: “Customs regulations wouldn’t be so strict.” Some Transcarpathian Hungarians echoed Orban’s concerns about the potentially negative economic consequences of granting Ukraine EU membership. They also described Ukraine as a financial burden and, echoing Orban, predicted that other member states might blanch at the idea of sending so much money to such a corrupt and destroyed country. Even while indicating their opposition to Ukraine’s EU bid, these conversations revealed Transcarpathian Hungarians have their own rationales that depart from Hungary’s jingoistic messaging. Government-funded PR frequently verges on a “love it or leave it” message that disparages so-called outside or foreign criticism of Hungary. But Jolan, a translator from a village near Berehove, was open about her negative view of Hungary’s environmental conditions, in particular. I met Jolan as she boarded a bus from Hungary to Uzhhorod. She was returning for the Easter break from her job at a foreign-owned factory outside Budapest. Jolan said that workers were in the dark about the disposal of dangerous chemicals at the factory, even though Hungary is subject to EU environmental rules. Based on this experience, she was sceptical that EU membership would benefit Ukraine’s environment. “It’ll be the same as it is in Hungary,” she observed. “The water, the air – it’s all polluted here.” “EU membership will mean more income,” she continued, “but there will be a lot of ruin to nature and the environment.” Jolan did not want Ukraine to join the EU, but not for the reasons cited on government-funded advertisements; she did not care whether “Brussels” or Zelensky “went over our heads”, in the words of one advertisement. In fact, Transcarpathian Hungarians are willing to put down Hungary’s poor environmental record if this provides a reason for not joining the EU. I don’t know – is it better for Roma in Hungary being in the EU? Unfortunately, all over the world there’s discrimination against Roma. – Roma activist Eleonora “Lola” Kulcsar Uzhhorod’s Hungarian-speaking Roma NGO leaders definitely want Ukraine in the EU, according to Roma activist Eleonora “Lola” Kulcsar. I met Kulcsar at the headquarters of the Blaho Foundation, where she runs educational programs for Roma children. Transcarpathia has a large Roma population. Many speak Hungarian as a first language at home, including Kulcsar. “Hungarian is my mother tongue,” she insisted proudly. “If it means peace for Ukraine, absolutely,” Kulcsar replied when asked for her opinion on Ukraine’s EU bid. “Peace is the most important thing.” Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine displaced many Roma who fled to Transcarpathia, where the Blaho Foundation began setting up shelters. Ongoing Russian attacks are still forcing Roma from their homes. Just the day before, Kulcsar said, a new family arrived at Blaho’s shelter. The invasion would stop this and these families could return home, she reasoned, if Ukraine were progressing toward membership. Right now, though, she complained that funders were using Ukraine’s position outside the EU to shift money away from organisations in Uzhhorod. Some international funders have declined requests to focus on groups operating in Ukraine’s frontline cities. Others, even though they traditionally support only EU-based projects, donated out of concern following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Blaho has now lost these funding sources, too. “We’re asking some people but they’re saying, ‘You’re not in the EU. We can’t support you’.” But Kulcsar was sceptical whether, in the long term, EU membership would really improve the conditions for Transcarpathia’s Hungarian-speaking Roma. “I don’t know – is it better for Roma in Hungary being in the EU?” she asked rhetorically. “Unfortunately, all over the world there’s discrimination against Roma.” Conditions for Roma have not historically improved when geopolitical affiliations change, Kulcsar explained. EU accession did not bring about enough change in Hungarian society to eliminate racism. Anti-Roma racism would persist in Uzhhorod, no matter how thoroughgoing an effect the EU accession process would have on Ukrainian society. Transcarpathia’s leading Hungarian politicians, including members of the Ukrainian Hungarian Democratic Union political party, have already gone on the record in favour of EU membership. Eighteen months ago, after the EU launched accession negotiations with Ukraine, a group of UHDU leaders issued an open letter urging Viktor Orban to support this process. Professor Laszlo Zubanics, who teaches European Affairs at the National University of Uzhhorod and helped draft the letter, said he still supported Ukraine’s EU membership despite Orban’s ongoing PR campaign against the bid. “In the current situation,” Zubanics told me from his university, “for Transcarpathian Hungarians as much as for the whole of Ukraine, it would be the kind of step forward that would solve many painful problems.” Zubanics detailed recent successful negotiations with Kyiv lawmakers as well as efforts to build solidarity among Ukraine’s ethnic minority groups. He noted that as of last year, such minority students are now legally allowed to use their native languages between classes and during breaks. Various national minority groups worked together to negotiate the change. “We were able to include every national minority one after the other in this effort,” he said. Zubanics’s success with this approach has led him to be doubtful that Hungary’s national consultations and other referenda can foster dialogue and debate. Voks2025 was, in his words, “inexpedient” and an example of a policy to intimidate migrants and other marginalised groups. Reason, not emotions, should guide voters, he said. “It would have been worthwhile to follow through with these topics at the state level,” Zubanics observed. “Hungary and Ukraine, first and foremost, need to deal with these difficult questions at an international or ministerial level.” With so much attention focused on what Hungarian voters want, several people I interviewed wondered aloud why no one from the Budapest government had asked their opinion. After all, Transcarpathian Hungarians would be most affected by Ukraine’s EU accession. In the words of one civil society activist: “They haven’t even bothered to ask us! I’m Hungarian. But I’ve never heard once someone say, ‘What do you think about this?’” Another NGO worker reiterated this point. “We don’t understand why they have to do it,” he said. “And we’re the ones living here.” Zubanics agreed that the average Transcarpathian Hungarian feels Voks2025 has left them feeling like their opinions don’t matter. He couldn’t say, for example, if anyone from the minority community’s political leadership had been consulted. “They must have asked some people,” he replied, “But I didn’t get this kind of request.” Dr Marc Roscoe Loustau ( www.marcloustau.org ) is a cultural anthropologist and expert on Eastern European religion and politics. He is the author of the Substack newsletter, At the Edges with Marc Loustau. He has given commentary for the BBC and France 24, and he is a repeat guest on the Fast Politics Podcast with Molly Jong-Fast. His opinion articles and reported features have appeared in Balkan Insight, the Christian Science Monitor, America: The Jesuit Review, La Croix International, the Christian Century, The Tablet, and the National Catholic Reporter. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BIRN.";-0,05
RSF Report: Media Freedom Tumbling in Most Balkan CountriesPress freedom has continued a downward slide in most Balkan countries according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders – although Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have bucked the trend.;0
How Allocation of EU Rapporteur Jobs Might Impact Western Balkan Accession Hopes | Balkan Insight The names of the new EU rapporteurs for each of the six Western Balkan countries will emerge over the coming weeks. The relative strength of the various party groupings in the European parliament indicates how some countries might fare better than others. In the realm of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, further light is being shed on the so-called Standing Rapporteur jobs. Those members of the European Parliament appointed rapporteurs are responsible for handling a specific legislative proposal in procedure and in substance, which in the case of the Western Balkans will be directly related to the EU accession paths of each of the six candidate countries. For example, the rapporteurs will draft the annual reports on the situation in the specific country in consultation with experts and other stakeholders. Negotiations among the political groupings in the European Parliament have concluded that the European People’s Party (EPP) will hold the Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo portfolios, while the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) will be in charge of Serbia and Albania. The liberals of Renew Europe (RE) will hold the Montenegro portfolio, while the Greens/EFA group will be entrusted with North Macedonia. The names of the new rapporteurs for each of the six countries should emerge over the coming weeks. A firewall against the radical right At first glance, it comes as no surprise that the two largest political groups, the EPP and the S&D, at 188 and 136 MEPs respectively, are reaping the largest benefits and have retained two rapporteurships each. This was already the case in the previous European Parliament whose term expired prior to June’s European elections. Although the gap between the number of MEPs between both parties was smaller, the EPP held the Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina portfolios, and the S&D held Albania and Montenegro. RE and the Greens have been awarded with one portfolio each, as happened in the previous mandate: while RE was in charge of North Macedonia, the Greens were overseeing the Kosovo file. The Greens are arguably one of the main winners in this allocation process, as the possibility that they would succeed in garnering one of the rapporteur positions was not a certainty, especially given their poor election result back in June, which relegated them to the sixth largest political grouping in the chamber at just 53 MEPs. The Greens fortune comes at the expense of the radical political groups to the right of the EPP: the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Patriots for Europe (PfE), and the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN). It is clear that these three groups – despite two of them being larger than both RE and the Greens in terms of MEP numbers – have been deliberately left out of the portfolio equation, and potentially also out of the negotiations. The six rapporteur positions have, therefore, been distributed among the four parties that voted for Ursula von der Leyen to serve a second term as head of the European Commission – a clear indication that the sturdy parliamentary majority is holding together. As such, the three radical and far-right groups, which did not vote in favour of von der Leyen, have been barred from these positions, effectively putting in place a cordon sanitaire around them for now. (L-R) European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, Montenegro PM Milojko Spajic, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Kristo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Albania PM Edi Rama, Kosovo PM Albin Kurti and North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski pose for a family picture ahead to a working lunch at EU commission, in Brussels, Belgium, 19 September 2024. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET Match made in heaven? The rapporteur allocations have opened up several threads of speculation, as most of the names of the MEPs that will be tasked with leading on each of the portfolios remain unknown. The mere party distribution, however, already reveals the underlying political priorities for each of the groups, and indicates a shifting balance of power – where some of the Western Balkan countries might fare better than others. The S&D have earned the most coveted prize: the Serbia portfolio. Serbia, as the biggest country in the region, but also as the most politically unaligned with the EU, was previously the responsibility of the EPP for the past two mandates. Slovak EPP MEP Vladimir Bilcik, who held the position of Rapporteur for Serbia between 2019 and 2024, faced huge criticism for appearing to whitewash the actions of the Serbian authorities. The S&D’s openly disapproving stance vis-à-vis the Serbian government, which included calls for enacting EU restrictive measures against Belgrade, will be led by Croatian MEP Tonino Picula as rapporteur. Picula’s appointment, made public on October 22, was immediately met with suspicion in Serbia, where some consider him a “Serb hater” . Beyond the domestic reservations that Picula might arouse in Serbia, a greater challenge for him as rapporteur will be to withstand the pressures that are likely to come from within the S&D group. The German S&D delegation, currently the third largest at 14 MEPs, will attempt to protect Serbia’s image following the lucrative EU-Serbia lithium agreement that the Social Democratic German Chancellor Olaf Scholz oversaw and praised earlier in July. Given the profitability of this deal for Germany, what German S&D MEP would allow any outright criticism of Serbia? Montenegro could likely emerge as one of the winners of this portfolio allocation, as might Albania. Montenegro, possibly awarded to the RE after the EPP and the S&D had made their first picks, could afford a good opportunity for the group to endorse the next EU accession success story. Similarly, the oversight of Albania by the S&D could be portrayed as a significant counterpoint to the Serbia portfolio. Unlike Belgrade, Tirana is an ideologically aligned government that, after being decoupled from North Macedonia, is making cautious progress in its EU aspirations through the opening of chapters, never mind Prime Minister Edi Rama’s autocratic tendencies. The Bosnian rapporteurship is not leaving the hands of the EPP, which could endow the country with a more secure and stable relationship with a similarly-minded MEP from an enlargement-friendly member state. A problematic turn would be the potential appointment of one of Croatia’s six EPP MEPs, who could seriously jeopardise a balanced and neutral reporting given their high stakes around the political and institutional configuration of Bosnia. (L-R) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Kosovo PM Albin Kurti at a meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue in the European external Action Service building in Brussels, Belgium, 02 May 2023. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS Kosovo and North Macedonia: the most to lose? On the other side of the coin, a harsher situation will likely be endured by Kosovo. Its portfolio will be held by the EPP, a group where some of its member parties do not even recognise it, especially those from Cyprus, Slovakia and Spain. The decision is bound to dramatically shift the political dynamics that prevailed up until now: for the past three mandates, the Kosovo rapporteurship had fallen under the responsibility of the Greens, who engaged in critical but sympathetic reporting and never spared Serbia of criticism. The EPP’s ideological affinity with Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) – itself affiliated with the EPP – and its aversion towards Kosovo’s incumbent government could transform the reporting responsibilities into an exercise of subtle political erosion and distortion in favour of Belgrade. The EPP understands the relevance of keeping Kosovo at bay and doubling down on its criticism against the Albin Kurti government. It’s clear that the EPP, as the biggest and most influential political grouping, did not choose the Kosovo portfolio just for the sake of it. North Macedonia, whose rapporteur will come from the Greens, is expected to face sharper criticism of its right-wing nationalist government. In parallel, a tougher stance against Bulgaria, which currently stands as the main stumbling block to Skopje’s EU accession process, should likewise be expected from the responsible MEP. In the last mandate, the rapporteurship was held by Bulgarian RE MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, who remained protective of Bulgaria’s position and lukewarm at best in his calls against Sofia’s instrumentalisation of its bilateral issue with North Macedonia. As the remaining rapporteur appointments play out over the coming weeks, it is likely that these will open up a new set of political and institutional challenges and reconfigurations. The work of rapporteurs will only serve an effective purpose as long as the European Commission and member states alike prove their commitment to a merit-based EU enlargement process – wishful thinking that’s perhaps not ready to materialise just yet. Alejandro Esteso Pérez is a political scientist and researcher specialising in EU enlargement and Western Balkan politics. He is a 2023 Fellow at the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG) and an external lecturer on contemporary Western Balkan politics at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). He currently pursues doctoral studies at the University of Graz in Austria and is a Visiting Fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in Prague. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BIRN. Aleksandar Vucic EU accession European Commission European Parliament Western Balkans;0,3
"Central and Southeast Europe’s Populists Celebrate Trump Win | Balkan Insight The region’s populists could hardly contain their glee at the return of the former president to the White House. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the only EU leader to openly back Donald Trump in his bid to reclaim the White House, was unsurprisingly among the first to congratulate the former president on Wednesday morning, even before the final results were in and rival Kamala Harris had conceded. “The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!” Orban rejoiced on X (formerly Twitter). Orban, who will be hosting European leaders in Budapest later this week, was swiftly joined by other illiberal leaders and fellow populists in Central and Southeast Europe, likewise unable to contain their glee at the return of Trump, who by midmorning Europe time had gained 266 electoral votes — just four shy from the 270 he needs to be elected the 47th US president. Another close ally of Trump in Central Europe, Polish President Andrzej Duda, who met the former president in New York earlier this year, posted excitedly, complete with emojis: “Congratulations, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump! You made it happen! ????????????????”. In the Czech Republic, the former prime minister and Trump admirer Andrej Babis posted on X: “Sensational comeback @realDonaldTrump! He wasn’t stopped by an assassination attempt, nor by politically motivated lawsuits, nor by a systematic smear campaign in the media. American citizens have made it clear who they want as US President. I am confident that his victory will bring prosperity to the United States and peace to the world.” More subdued comments came from Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who Babis is looking to oust in 2025, also on X: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on winning the presidential election. Our shared goal is to ensure that the relations between our countries remain at the highest level, despite changes in administration, and that we continue to develop them for the benefit of our citizens.” Populist Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico, is currently on a state visit to China, though his ally, President Peter Pellegrini, offered his congratulations to Donald Trump on X. “I wish you and the American people all the success. Slovakia remains to be a strong and reliable Ally on NATO’s tested Eastern Flank living up to our shared commitments. I sincerely wish for a continuation of our good cooperation. Let’s make the transatlantic bond great again.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who visited the White House during Trump’s first term in office that ended in 2020, welcomed Trump’s win on X. “Congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory. Together we face the serious challenges ahead. Serbia is committed to cooperation with the USA on stability, prosperity and peace,” Vucic wrote. Turkey’s strongman leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he wanted to congratulate his “great friend” Trump on his victory. “In this new period that will begin with the election of the American people, I hope that Turkey-US relations will strengthen, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will come to an end; I believe that more efforts will be made for a more just world,” Erdogan wrote on X. The first to hail Trump’s win from Bosnia and Herzegovina was, unsurprisingly, the president of the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik. “One of [the] most important electoral wins in recent history of the USA but the World as well! Congratulations, Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America!” Dodik wrote on his official X profile. Late last year Dodik said that a victory for Trump would mean a “better geopolitical situation for Republika Srpska”, claiming that he regretted not declaring his entity’s independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina during Trump’s 2016-2020 presidency. North Macedonia’s conservative prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, sent his “heartfelt congratulations” to Trump on Wednesday morning. “This victory is a confirmation of the deep faith of the American people in the principles of freedom and democracy,” Mickoski, whose conservative, right-wing government came to power earlier this year, wrote on Facebook. Mickoski and his cabinet are not among European leaders who fear a second Trump term could wreak havoc with transatlantic and international relations. His ruling VMRO-DPMNE party nurtures close ties with one of the biggest Trump endorsers on the continent, Hungary’s Orban, and over the summer Mickoski’s series of meetings with close Trump associates made his preference even more obvious. “We look forward to further deepening our strong partnership and cooperation,” Mickoski added. Warm words from the Balkans The president of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, congratulated Trump on his victory. “Montenegro and the USA are friends and steadfast partners, united by shared goals and values, focused on advancing democracy, security, stability, and freedom. As NATO allies, we look forward to working very closely with Your administration on strengthening our friendship and deepening cooperation,” Milatovic wrote on X. Montenegro’s first congratulatory message came earlier from the president of the parliament and leader of the pro-Serbian NOVA party Andrija Mandic. “I am sure that together we will build bridges of cooperation and preserve peace and stability in the Western Balkans,” Mandic wrote on X. From Kosovo, which has deep ties with the US since the 1998-99 war, President Vjosa Osmani also congratulated Trump on his White House comeback. “The US remains Kosovo’s steadfast partner and indispensable ally. I look forward to working with the new administration to further deepen our unique bond and strategic alliance,” Osmani said on X. A similar message came from Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. “Congratulations on a convincing victory and a second presidential term,” Plenkovic wrote on X. “I look forward to our cooperation and further progress in Croatian-American relations.” Plenkovic’s domestic political rival, President Zoran Milanovic, hailed “the will of the majority of voters” in choosing Trump. He wrote on Facebook: “Since Croatian independence, the USA has been a partner and friend, I am convinced that this will remain the choice of the new president”. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was also effusive in his congratulations: “I look forward to the great privilege of working with the 47th President to further enhance our partnership for peace, prosperity and further progress,” Rama wrote on X. In Bulgaria, Boyko Borissov, leader of recent election-winners GERB and former prime minister, posted a photo of himself with Trump on social media, saying: “I’m ready for us to work together, again!” Bulgarian President Rumen Radev also congratulated the Republican victor: “I am confident that our effective dialogue at the highest level will continue in the interest of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA,” Radev said. Opposition party We Continue the Change’s Kiril Petkov described Trump’s comeback as US president as “a serious achievement”, while noting: “Of course, Bulgaria’s fate depends first and foremost on the will of the Bulgarians, but good cooperation with the US is crucial in the positioning of our country amid the changing geopolitical reality.” In Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis added his voice to the congratulatory messages from countries across the region. “Greece looks forward to further deepening the strategic partnership between our two countries and working together on important regional and global issues,” Mitsotakis wrote on X. Katarina Baletic in Belgrade, Xhorxhina Bami in Pristina, Claudia Ciobanu in Warsaw, Jules Eisenchteter in Prague, Hamdi Firat Buyuk and Azem Kurtic in Sarajevo, Edit Inotai in Budapest, Sinisa Jakov Marusic in Skopje, Fjori Sinoruka in Tirana, Eleni Stamatoukou in Athens, Vuk Tesija in Osijek, Svetoslav Todorov in Sofia and Borislav Visnjic in Podgorica contributed reporting to this article.";-0,4
"Poland-Belarus Border: How Many Migrant Bodies Lie Undiscovered in the Forests? The Polish authorities have absented themselves from responsibility for migrants dying on the border with Belarus, leaving NGOs and activists to find and identify bodies lying in the forest areas. Volunteer rescuers are the only ones looking for migrants missing on Poland’s border with Belarus. Since the migration crisis on the border exploded into life in 2021 , it has happened that a random walker comes across the corpse of a migrant and the Polish authorities are contacted; otherwise, they have left it to us to deal with this terrible situation. On February 16, 2023, 22 volunteers set out to search the Bialowieza Forest in the first collective search for a missing migrant organised by the Podlaskie Voluntary Humanitarian Rescue Service (POPH). We were looking for Abdulkareem from Yemen, who had gone missing near Czerlonka a couple of weeks earlier. We had no illusions; we knew that we were likely looking for a body. In extremely difficult surroundings, trekking around the swamps and windbreaks, we tried to walk in a line a couple of metres from one another, as scientists from the Institute of Mammal Biology at the Polish Academy of Sciences in Bialowieza had taught us. Around noon, Agnieszka Pilecka, a photographer involved in providing humanitarian aid to migrants, noticed something. “A body!” she cried out. “Body! Body!” the other volunteers echoed. We broke the line, carefully approaching a small depression in the ground. What we saw was an unnaturally small pile of bones and tissue amongst the scraps of clothes that had been dragged around by wild animals. The head was intact, but there was little chance of promptly identifying the deceased. Next to the remains was an empty phone case and strewn around were soaked ID photos. We did everything in our power to give the deceased a name and a past. Ultimately, it turned out this was not the man that we were looking for, but 24-year-old Abdi Biratu Fite from the town of Nekemtie in the Oromia province of Ethiopia – a Christian, local youth leader, and computer science graduate from the University of Amboo. Abdi’s identity was established by Piotr Czaban, a journalist and POPH activist, together with Malgorzata Rycharska from Hope&Humanity Poland. They suspected the deceased was an Ethiopian citizen who went missing in December 2022 in this locale. He was part of a group of five Ethiopians who were wet, hungry and in despair when they had contacted local activists asking for help. The quest for a better life did not end well for any of them. A second man in the group died in Belarus after Polish border guards pushed a group that included him back out of Poland without providing any help, Czaban later discovered. He and other activists receive hundreds of calls from families looking for disappeared loved ones and that is how he came into contact with Abdi’s family, who had been searching for the young man’s whereabouts. Czaban showed Abdi’s family the photos found in the forest, which began a several-months-long procedure of officially establishing his identity, applying for a visa for the deceased’s brother so that DNA could be compared, and eventually organising the funeral. While it is normally the responsibility of state authorities to deal with these matters, they have neither the capacity nor – in many cases – the will to deal with missing migrants, leaving much of the work on the shoulders of activists like Czaban. We buried Abdi on June 10, 2023 at the parish cemetery in Bialowieza. The ceremony was led by the same pastor, Krzysztof Flasza, who just a few weeks earlier had conducted the funeral of 44-year-old Livine Solange Njengoue Nguekam from Cameroon. Her body was found by a border guard patrol in the border river of Swislocz on February 16, 2023, the same day we found Abdi in the forest. Many others missing These are far from the only corpses lying undiscovered in the Polish woods. According to the statements of many migrants made to myself and other journalists and activists, they have experienced pushbacks, cold and miserable conditions, and violence from border guards of both sides. We first started suspecting there were bodies in the forest as early as the fall of 2021 , when migrants who had made it over the border started recounting their experiences. Already in September 2021, a group of Iraqi and Turkish Kurds I spoke to were insisting that there were many bodies lying in the border forests. When I met them, they were desperate to avoid being sent back to Belarus and requested asylum in front of the guardhouse in Michalowo. At the time I was working as a journalist for Gazeta Wyborcza, covering the humanitarian disaster on the border which was being fomented by the regime of Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko with Russia’s assistance in order to destabilise the EU through artificially generated migration pressures. One Kurdish refugee in the Michalowo group was explaining why it would be dangerous for them to be returned to Belarus and the fate that awaited them if they were pushed back into the forests: there were bodies there, he had seen them, and they didn’t want their children to die in the same place and in the same manner. There were nine children in this group of Kurds, one not even a year old. We made a video of them and I asked my Kurdish friends to help with the translation. Ultimately, however, this group was pushed back in Belarus and I don’t know what happened to them after that. A group of migrants behind the border fence in May 2023. Photo: Joanna Klimowicz How many bodies out there? According to my calculations, based on police and prosecution office statistics as well as reports collected by activists, the number of victims of this deadly game of ping-pong at the border exceeds 60. This figure rises to around 130 when Belarus’s borders with Latvia and Lithuania are included, according to the report “ No Safe Passage ”, published last year by Fundacja Ocalenie together with three other humanitarian NGOs from the Baltics and Belarus. Katarzyna Czarnota, a sociologist with the Helsinki Foundation For Human Rights (HFHR) and co-author of the first comprehensive analysis into the issue, “ Disappearances on the Polish-Belarusian border: Pushbacks as a factor in enforced disappearances in Poland ”, is trying to arrive at a more exact figure. Thanks to the efforts of civil society organisations and We Are Monitoring association, HFHR has been able to examine approximately 400 unstructured and uncategorised reports of individuals reported missing in the border zone, either temporarily or permanently, between the autumn of 2021 and August 2023. After eliminating duplicates, Czarnota found that 374 cases of lost contact were verified, involving 80 women and 284 men, including 39 minors and 149 adults (in other cases, the age and/or gender could not be confirmed). Of these, 174 cases indicated the disappearances occurred in Poland (130 people), Belarus (36), Latvia (3), Lithuania (2) and Ukraine (3). In 39 cases, the exact location of the disappearance was not specified. Between August 2023 and the end of June 2024, HFHR received information on a further 57 missing persons. Undocumented pushbacks by the Polish Border Guard should be considered as a key factor in the rising number of fatalities and disappearances. Among the estimated 130 deaths, the most shocking case for me was that of a pregnant Kurdish woman, Avin Irfan Zahir . Because of the dire conditions in the forests, the 24-week-old foetus died inside her. She herself died a few weeks later in hospital from complications. Given the difference in the number of confirmed deaths and the number of the disappeared, it is clear there are many more unidentified bodies lying in the forests, despite the desperate appeals of their families to the authorities to help locate them. “There is no institution or actor who can provide accurate or verifiable data, as the state has created this ‘grey zone’ of violence. No one can properly estimate how many victims of the border crisis have passed away in the border zone… There are no search-and-rescue mechanisms and the criminalisation of humanitarian aid is also rising,” says Czarnota. “In Poland, there is a need to implement the system of guidelines for the search of missing persons developed by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances (“ Guiding Principles for the Search for Disappeared Persons ”), in particular in the following cases: conducting search operations for an individual until their fate has been determined, respecting the right to participate in the search, and taking into account vulnerable migrant groups, including children. The immediate cessation of pushback practices, which are incompatible with national and international law, is also necessary. If not, the number of fatalities and missing people will rise gradually each year, especially during winter time,” Czarnota says. On January 13, 2023, an army patrol in the Bialowieza Forest came across the body of a man and the remains of another, just the skull. The Polish Border Guard immediately initiated a search after the soldiers indicated there were likely more victims where they had found the first two bodies, but it gave up the effort quickly. Our group of activists, volunteers and journalists under the banner of Podlaskie Voluntary Humanitarian Rescue Service (POPH) kept searching and on February 12, 2023, in the suburbs of Hajnowka, Czaban and Katarzyna Mazurkiewicz-Bylok found the body of a woman, 28-year-old Mahlet Kassa, a teacher from Ethiopia, alongside a prayer book with images of Christian saints lying next to her. They had been looking for her for a week, at the request of her relatives. The bodies of Mahlet Kassa and the others deserve to be found and buried, their families deserve information so they can mourn the death of a loved one. Only activists and volunteers are looking for these bodies, because they believe it cannot be right that people are dying in our forests and being eaten by wild animals. The volunteers and activists pay a huge price for this – we are all civilians and none of us are prepared for playing such a role. As such, we have an antipathy towards our state, especially to the current liberal-democratic government of Donald Tusk. While it was foreseeable that an authoritarian government led by Law and Justice, a right-wing populist party, would ignore the law and persecute activists, we have been amazed that such practices have continued under the new government which took office in December 2023. We had hopes that a change of government would mean human rights, international law and domestic law will start to be respected. However, we still see pushbacks happening and more find bodies turning up in the forests. The latest was in November 28, 2024, when workers maintaining the border fence came across a man’s body near Lipszczany. As the prosecutor’s office announced, the victim was a 28-year-old man from Eritrea and the cause of death was most likely hypothermia. Joanna Klimowicz is a lawyer by training and for 17 years a journalist connected with Gazeta Wyborcza. She now supports and socially co-creates an independent medium dedicated to borderland issues, with the website and YouTube channel “Czaban robi raban”. Twice nominated for the “Pióro Nadziei” Award from Amnesty International, winner of the AFrykas of the Year 2009 for intercultural dialogue, and the Border Grand Press 2022 for Journalist of the Year (activist’s award). Listed by “Wysokie Obcasy” magazine as one of the ?mia?e 2023 – 50 women who are changing Poland. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BIRN.";0,225
Kosovo, Serbia Media Focus on 'Crisis Situations’, Report Says | Balkan Insight Media in Kosovo and Serbia mostly focus on incidents and crisis situations on the ground when they report on relations between the two countries, a report published by Internews Kosova and BIRN Serbia concludes. The report, “Journalistic Perspectives on Serbia-Kosovo Relations”, launched on Monday, says stories on economic, cultural relations or any other cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia are “sparse”. “Stories are mostly presented through the lenses of high politics, while the realities of everyday lives remain unseen,” it reads. The report reviewed patterns and trends in cross-border media reporting on issues between Kosovo and Serbia by analysing 942 articles from seven different media sources between September 2022 and February 2023. Tanja Maksic, from BIRN Serbia, on Monday stated that “when [the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia] high-level dialogue stops, the media loses interest in reporting, especially in Serbia. There’s no human perspective. “This vacuum allows disinformation to spread. Stories of cooperation are limited to donor-backed projects. We need long-term investment. Few journalists truly understand the societies on both sides, and we live in entirely different realities,” Maksic said. Eva Palatova, deputy chief of the EU Office in Kosovo, said divisive narratives fuel mistrust and polarisation. “We continue to see polarisation and divisive narratives that shape public opinion, create mistrust and affect reconciliation. We need to see stories of everyday people who face various challenges in their daily lives.” Tatjana Lazarevic, director of the North Mitrovica-based media outlet in Kosovo KoSSev, emphasised that language is one of the biggest barriers for the Serbian community in Kosovo. “Language barriers push Kosovo Serbs toward the Serbian media. Correspondents on both sides would help. But under current conditions, even positive interethnic stories are distorted by hate speech,” she said. Kreshnik Gashi, editor-in-chief at Kallxo.com, said most newsrooms promote monoethnic journalism. “This prevents quality reporting on interethnic relations. Official institutions contribute to misinformation by issuing one-sided press releases to distract from failures and corruption. Public discourse on interethnic cooperation in areas like healthcare, or the economy, is absent due to stigma and hate speech,” he said. Dibran Istrefi, from the Pristina-based broadcaster RTV Dukagjini, said: “A major problem is access to information from Serbia-the government rarely responds, even at press conferences.” Amra Zejneli-Loxha, head of the Radio Free Europe Kosovo Office, explained that, “for us, our Belgrade office and colleagues are a huge asset. It’s essential to report both sides of the story and to speak the language of the community you’re covering”. Dalibor Stupar, from the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, in Serbia, said that Kosovo is not a priority for the Serbian media, as “attention is focused on domestic protests after the Novi Sad tragedy. The government is on the defensive. There were even accusations that [Kosovo PM Albin] Kurti is financing the Serbian student protests”. Participants noted that as international funding fades, especially following the suspension of USAID and other US-based programmes, media in both countries are struggling to remain financially independent. They called for long-term investment in journalism, including more cross-border exchange programmes, consistent funding for fieldwork and the development of media professionals fluent in both languages and cultures.;0,1
"Ailing Baltic Sea in need of urgent attentionAiling Baltic Sea in need of urgent attention 2025-06-05 LETA/AFP/TBT Staff Photo: www.pixabay.com HELSINKI - Decades of pollution and climate change have caused fish to disappear from the Baltic Sea at an alarming rate, with the European Union on Thursday vowing to make the sea an ""urgent priority"". Unveiling its road map to protect Europe's seas, the European Ocean Pact, Brussels announced a summit on the state of the Baltic Sea in late September. The semi-enclosed sea is surrounded by industrial and agricultural nations Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the three Baltic states. Connected to the Atlantic only by the narrow waters of the Danish straits, the Baltic is known for its shallow, low-salinity waters, which are highly sensitive to the climate and environmental changes that have accumulated over the years. ""Today, the once massive Baltic cod stocks have collapsed, herring stocks in several sub-basins are balancing on critical levels, sprat recruitment is at a record low and wild salmon stocks are in decline,"" Swedish European MP Isabella Lovin, rapporteur for the EU Committee of Fishing, warned in a report, calling the situation ""critical"". The Baltic Sea is home to some of the world's largest dead marine zones, mainly due to excess nutrient runoff into the sea from human activities on land -- a challenge the sea has long grappled with. The runoff has primarily been phosphorus and nitrogen from waste water and fertilizers used in agriculture, as well as other activities such as forestry. It causes vast algae blooms in summer, a process known as eutrophication that removes oxygen from the water, leaving behind dead seabeds and marine habitats and threatening species living in the Baltic. Today, agriculture is the biggest source of nutrient pollution. Marine biodiversity in the relatively small sea has also deteriorated due to pollution from hazardous substances, land use, extraction of resources and climate change, according to the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). ""The state of the Baltic Sea is not good,"" Maria Laamanen, a senior advisor at the Finnish environment ministry, told AFP. Climate change poses ""a massive additional challenge"" for the marine environment, she said. Of the world's coastal seas, the Baltic Sea is warming the fastest. A 2024 study said sea surface and sea floor temperatures have increased by 1.8 and 1.3 degrees Celsius respectively in the Finnish archipelago in the northern Baltic Sea, in the period from 1927 to 2020. The consequences of rising temperatures already affect species, while increased rainfall has led to more runoff from land to sea. Better waste water treatment and gypsum treatment of agricultural soil, as well as an expansion of protected marine areas in Finland, have had a positive effect on the maritime environment, according to Laamanen, who said environmental engagement had grown in recent years. ""The situation would be much worse without the measures already implemented,"" she said.";0,2
"Minister Sabutis Builds Regional Coalition and Calls for EU Response to GNSS Interference Minister Sabutis Builds Regional Coalition and Calls for EU Response to GNSS Interference 2025-06-10 Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania Photo: EU ministers of transport Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis, together with twelve other European Union (EU) ministers for transport and digital affairs, has sent a joint letter to the European Commission urging immediate and coordinated action in response to interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) originating from Russia and Belarus. Following Lithuania’s initiative, the letter also highlights the urgent need to accelerate the deployment of interference-resistant GNSS services, enhance the overall resilience of critical infrastructure, and strengthen safety and security across Europe. “The current security environment demands a unified response to hybrid threats posed by hostile regimes, as well as close cooperation to strengthen Europe’s preparedness and resilience. Disruptions to GNSS signals have a direct impact on strategic sectors such as transport, energy, and telecommunications. To prevent potential incidents, we must act swiftly and decisively at the European Union level – not individually, but in a coordinated manner,” stated Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis. In a letter addressed to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaja Kallas; Commissioner for Defence and Space, Mr. Andrius Kubilius; Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas and other members of the European Commission, the ministers emphasise that since 2022, two types of interference to GNSS – jamming  and spoofing – have been observed in the airspace of the Baltic Sea Region, posing a threat to various modes of transport, particularly civil aviation and maritime navigation. In the joint letter signed by the ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Slovakia, Finland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, and Romania, it is emphasized that GNSS interference cases are not random incidents but a systematic, deliberate action by Russia and Belarus, which can be used as a hybrid attack on strategic radio spectrum, essential for modern technology, regional safety, and security, particularly in transport. Furthermore, the ministers call on the EU to increase diplomatic efforts to address the interference and apply pressure on the responsible parties, including legal action against responsible individuals and entities involved in the deliberate interference with GNSS signals, to enhance European safety and security. Among other immediate actions, the ministers propose to intensify radio frequency monitoring and enhance civil-military coordination mechanisms among Member States for shared monitoring, data exchange, and possible response to GNSS interference. They also advocate for accelerating the deployment of interference-resistant GNSS services, particularly the anti-spoofing features of the Galileo program, and for upgrading and modernizing conventional navigation infrastructure.";0,15
Minister Sabutis: We Must Ensure the Best Conditions for Air Passengers Minister Sabutis: We Must Ensure the Best Conditions for Air Passengers At the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council meeting in Luxembourg, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis, alongside his EU counterparts, discussed measures to enhance air passenger rights. Minister Sabutis voiced concerns regarding proposals to raise the minimum delay time required for compensation and to reduce compensation amounts. “While we recognize the need to review and clarify the regulation, our priority remains ensuring that air passengers receive fair treatment. We have reservations about proposals that would increase the delay threshold for compensation and reduce compensation levels, as they could reduce several key elements of passenger protection”, said Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis. Lithuania welcomes the proposal to update the regulation on air passenger rights, as it aims to provide greater clarity for both passengers and air carriers by more precisely defining various aspects of travel disruption. However, one of the key elements of the draft – extending the delay threshold for compensation eligibility and reducing compensation amounts – is, in the view of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, a significant step backward in protecting passenger rights. To clarify certain key principles and unclarities that exist around the current regulations, the Commission proposed an update of the regulations in 2013. After years of stalled negotiations, The Polish Presidency subsequently decided to take up this file again as one of their priorities. According to the Council’s proposal, compensation for flight delays would be set at €300 for delays of more than four hours on journeys under 3,500 km, and €500 for delays exceeding six hours on journeys over 3,500 km. In addition, in cases of flight cancellations or passenger requests for a refund, airlines would be required to provide pre-filled compensation request forms, eliminating the need for passengers to submit separate applications. The Council’s position on the revised regulation, which aims to enhance the rights of air passengers, should recognize diversions to other airports or significant changes in departure times as equivalent to flight cancellations. Furthermore, the regulation should ensure minimum comfort standards in cases of tarmac delays, enable passengers to independently select alternative travel arrangements, establish clear and timely complaint-handling procedures, and strengthen provisions for passengers with special needs.;0,25
Baltic foreign affairs committees to meet in LithuaniaBaltic foreign affairs committees to meet in Lithuania 2025-06-05 LETA/BNS/TBT Staff TALLINN - The foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of the Baltic states are to meet this week in Birštonas, Lithuania, to discuss further cooperation in supporting Ukraine and enhancing security in Europe. The meeting will be opened by Remigijus Motuzas, chair of the committee on foreign affairs of the Seimas of Lithuania. After that, geopolitical challenges will be discussed with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania K?stutis Budrys. The second part of the working meeting will be dedicated to discussing strengthening security and defense, and the situation of defense industry in the European Union. Simonas Šat?nas, head of the Cabinet of European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, will be the keynote speaker at this discussion. Chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Estonian parliament Marko Mihkelson said that the meeting of the foreign affairs committees of the three countries is an annual tradition to coordinate positions and plan further activities. According to him, the relations between the committees are characterized by intensive and close cooperation towards common goals, the most important of which are the victory of Ukraine in the war of aggression launched by Russia, and the strengthening of deterrence and defense capabilities in Europe. At the end of the meeting, the delegations of the foreign affairs committees will visit Grand Duchess Birut? Uhlan Battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf together with Minister of National Defense of Lithuania Dovil? Šakalien?. The Estonian delegation to the meeting of the foreign affairs committees of the Baltic states consists of Mihkelson and members of the committee Henn Põlluaas and Juku-Kalle Raid.;0,075
"Zelensky on peace talks after Russia drone attack: 'You'll see everything'Zelensky on peace talks after Russia drone attack: 'You'll see everything' VILNIUS - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday declined to comment on the impact Kyiv's recent massive drone attack on Russian air bases might have on peace talks with the Kremlin. ""You'll see everything,"" Zelensky told reporters in Vilnius when asked about the potential impact of the attack on peace talks in Istanbul, set to take place later on Monday. The Ukrainian president is in Vilnius for a summit of leaders from NATO's eastern and northern member countries. NO POSITIVE STEPS FROM RUSSIA EXPECTED Russian and Ukrainian officials are expected to hold a second round of direct talks in Istanbul on Monday to exchange their plans for how to end Moscow's invasion, now in its fourth year. The talks come a day after Ukraine launched a massive drone assault on Russian military aircraft, hitting several air bases thousands of kilometers from the border. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Sunday evening that the estimated damage stood at 7 billion US dollars (6.17 billion euros). Zelensky said earlier that Ukraine had used 117 drones in the operation. ""We have to demonstrate that every country is ready to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,"" the president said. ""And Ukraine, I think, is a very strong example for everybody and that's why we need the support of our European partners and American partners, because now to strengthen Ukraine means to strengthen the front line of Europe,"" he added. Zelensky said he did not think the Russian delegation in Istanbul would be ""ready for some productive meetings."" ""For us, (what is) very important is a ceasefire - unconditional, of course - and humanitarian issues, such as bringing back abducted children and, of course, the exchange of warriors, as well as doing everything possible for other prisoners: civilian prisoners, journalists and political prisoners,"" he said. NEED FOR TOUGHER SANCTIONS The Ukrainian president said that if the second round of talks fails to yield results, new and tougher sanctions against Russia's energy and financial sectors would be needed. ""If the Istanbul meeting brings nothing, that clearly means strong new sanctions are urgently needed from the EU's 18th package and from the US, specifically, the strongest sanctions President (Donald) Trump promised,"" Zelensky told other leaders at the summit in Vilnius. ""Sanctions should hit Russian energy, especially oil, and tankers, price caps, of course, and also Russian banks and the financial sector overall,"" he said. Following Trump's remarks on sanctions, US lawmakers have also stepped up calls for sanctions. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on X that it was ""time for sanctions"" that were strong enough for Putin to know it was ""game over."" Two other senators, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, also called for heavy ""secondary"" sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and raw materials. The EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Moscow in May, but some member states are already pushing for an 18th round. ALLIES URGED TO WATCH BELARUS In Vilnius, Zelensky thanked allies for their support so far and expressed hope for continued cooperation. ""Ukraine can cover up to 40 percent of its weapons needs with domestic production, but this requires stable funding. Our operations show how much impact investments, especially in drones, can have,"" the president said. ""And we still urgently need air defense, especially Patriot systems and the missiles for them,"" he added. Zelensky also called on allies to seek intelligence on Belarus' plans during Zapad, a large-scale joint military exercise with Russia. ""Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus. If they are bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together,"" he said. Held every two years since 2009, the Zapad exercise is scheduled for September. The officially stated objectives are to practice joint defensive and offensive operations, improve cooperation between the armed forces and test troops' readiness for various security scenarios. However, the drills always raise concerns among officials in neighboring countries about the risk of unintentional incidents. No Zapad exercise took place in 2023. British intelligence has cited Russia's shortage of troops and equipment, as well as the Kremlin's unwillingness to face criticism for holding yet another show of force during the war in Ukraine, as likely reasons for the cancellation. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said that Tarassis 25 - a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) exercise scheduled to run at the same time as Zapad - will be the largest since the multinational force was established. This fall, the Lithuanian Armed Forces' combat units will also take part in the Thunder Strike exercise, which will include tactical maneuvers across various locations and military training areas, in line with the country's national defense plan.";0,5
"NATO defense buildup must 'outpace Russia': US envoy NATO's push to ramp up defenses must outstrip Russia's rearmament drive as Moscow is already gearing up for its ""next move"" beyond Ukraine, the US ambassador to the alliance said Wednesday. The warning came ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers Thursday that will seek to forge a deal on hiking military spending for a summit later this month. US President Donald Trump has called on Washington's allies to commit to spending five percent of their GDP on defense. NATO chief Mark Rutte looks on track to secure a compromise deal agreement at the upcoming summit in the Hague for 3.5 percent of GDP on core military spending, and 1.5 percent on broader security-related areas such as infrastructure. ""The urgency of this moment is undeniable as the Russia-Ukraine conflict grinds on, Moscow is already preparing for its next move,"" US ambassador Matthew Whitaker told journalists. ""We are already seeing the Kremlin aims to rebuild its military. NATO allies must outpace Russia. We have no other choice. Let me be clear, the time is now."" Whitaker said ""the United States expects every ally to step up with concrete plans, budgets, timelines, deliverables, to meet the five percent target"". ""This is not going to be just a pledge. This is going to be a commitment. Every ally must commit to investing at least five percent of GDP in defense and security, starting now again, this is not a suggestion,"" he said. The US envoy said that Washington remained committed to NATO's Article Five mutual defense clause -- but expected allies to step up their spending. ""We will defend every inch of allied territory, and we will do it from a position of unmatched strength,"" Whitaker said. NATO ministers will sign off at their meeting in Brussels on new capability targets for the weaponry needed to face the threat from Russia. ""We are going to take a huge leap forward,"" Rutte said. ""These targets set out what forces and concrete capabilities the allies need."" Rutte said he was ""absolutely, positively convinced"" that NATO countries would agree to a new spending deal in The Hague. The NATO chief insisted that the United States ""have made totally clear their commitment to Article Five"". He similarly insisted that Washington remained committed to backing Ukraine despite defense secretary Pete Hegseth skipping a meeting of Kyiv's backers in Brussels on Wednesday.";-0,15
Leading innovation in CRISPR: the story of Caszyme CEO Dr. Monika Paule Leading innovation in CRISPR: the story of Caszyme CEO Dr. Monika Paule 2025-06-10 Linas Jegelevicius Photo: Dr. Monika Paule is the CEO and co-founder of Caszyme, a pioneering Lithuanian biotechnology company specializing in CRISPR gene-editing technologies When you talk about bold moves in biotechnology, the journey of Dr. Monika Paule stands out. As the CEO and co-founder of Caszyme , a pioneering Lithuanian biotechnology company specializing in CRISPR gene-editing technologies, she helped transform a world-class academic discovery into a dynamic biotech company pushing boundaries in the global CRISPR field. With a blend of scientific legacy and entrepreneurial insight, Paule is not only redefining the biotech landscape in Lithuania but also serving as a model of leadership, innovation, and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated industry. From academic roots to a commercial mission Caszyme’s origin story begins in the lab, not the boardroom. It was built on groundbreaking research by renowned Lithuanian scientists Professor Virginijus Siksnys and Dr. Giedrius Gasiunas, both are the other co-founders of the company – among the first in the world to demonstrate programmable DNA editing using CRISPR systems. CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. It refers to a natural genetic system found in bacteria, which they use as a kind of immune defense against viruses. Scientists adapted this system to develop CRISPR-Cas gene-editing technology, which allows precise and targeted changes to DNA in plants, animals, and humans. “Recognizing its revolutionary potential beyond academia, we decided to commercialize this technology by founding Caszyme,” Paule told The Baltic Times Magazine. With her unique background bridging business and science, Paule brought the critical management and development perspective to the founding team. The vision was clear – to move CRISPR from theory to application, from Petri dishes to life-changing products. The company's mission is to develop and provide advanced CRISPR solutions for various applications, including therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. Caszyme offers expertise in CRISPR nucleases, mRNA synthesis and optimization, protein evolution, and the development of customized gene-editing tools. Blending economics with biotechnology Despite her academic foundation in economics and management, Paule’s path to biotechnology felt almost inevitable. “Both my parents are biochemists, so science was always a part of my life,” she says. Her professional journey includes work at Johnson & Johnson and roles in biotech firms, as well as heading the IP Management and Commercialization Office at Vilnius University – experiences that organically led her into the world of life sciences. “Biotech didn’t feel foreign,” she adds. “It felt like coming home, with a business toolkit in hand.” Navigating the leadership landscape As a woman leading a biotech company, Paule is candid about the hurdles. “Proving yourself as a female CEO isn’t a straightforward path,” she notes. Gender-related and cultural barriers still exist in many corners of the industry, but Paule views this challenge as part of a broader mission. “The increasing number of women in executive roles is encouraging. It sends a signal to young women that they, too, belong in this space.” At Caszyme, that belief is practiced, not just preached – evident in the company's strong female representation in both leadership and research teams. Simplifying CRISPR for the world For those unfamiliar with gene editing, Paule breaks it down simply. “CRISPR is like a pair of molecular scissors that can cut and modify DNA with high precision.” This precision is what makes CRISPR such a game-changer, offering possibilities from treating genetic disorders to improving agricultural resilience. Caszyme is advancing the field through its proprietary Cas12l nuclease platform , which Paule describes as central to their efforts in therapeutics and diagnostics. “We tailor high-quality CRISPR solutions for various industries – from healthcare to sustainability,” she explains. Who Caszyme serves Caszyme operates behind the scenes, partnering with major life sciences companies and emerging startups alike. “While we mainly serve corporate clients, the ultimate goal is end-user benefit – patients, farmers, communities,” says Paule. Whether it’s enabling therapies for eye diseases or developing crops that thrive in harsh climates, Caszyme’s work fuels real-world solutions. Trailblazing in Lithuania and beyond Caszyme is more than a local success story. It’s a global contender in a highly competitive space, especially with dominant players in the U.S. and Asia. Still, Lithuania’s rapidly maturing life sciences ecosystem, supported by exceptional scientific talent, offers a strong platform for growth. “We were early movers in CRISPR, not just in Lithuania but internationally,” Paule notes. “That scientific credibility remains our core strength.” Regulation and progress Operating under the European Union’s tight regulatory framework, Caszyme must navigate one of the world’s most cautious landscapes for gene editing. “It’s stringent, especially in agriculture and therapeutics,” Paule acknowledges. However, she remains optimistic that ongoing EU-level dialogue will lead to modernization of the framework, balancing innovation with safety. Diagnostics and the road ahead Caszyme is deeply invested in the future of diagnostics and advanced therapies. “Diagnostics is about speed and accuracy. Therapies are about better tools and compatible delivery systems,” Paule says. She believes that the convergence of traditional biology with AI and data science is accelerating progress in both domains. Affordability and accessibility remain core goals. “We can’t just innovate for the sake of it. The technology has to reach people and lead to tangible outcomes,” she emphasizes. Bringing AI into biotech At Caszyme, AI is not a replacement for lab work – it’s an enhancer. “We use AI models to predict and design new gene-editing tools,” Paule explains. However, those ideas are always validated in the lab. “AI gets us further, faster – but it’s the combination of in silico and in vitro methods that ensures reliability.” The next decade Looking to the future, Paule envisions Caszyme becoming a cornerstone in the global gene-editing space. “Our Cas12l nuclease has huge potential in clinical settings,” she says. “We want to see it helping real patients, real diseases.” The company also aims to expand its diagnostic pipeline and keep pushing CRISPR innovation further. With a strong foundation in science, a forward-thinking approach to business, and a commitment to making biotech more inclusive and accessible, Caszyme seems well on its way. “I believe the best science is collaborative, inclusive, and impactful.” Paule says concluding: “At Caszyme we are Courageous, Curious, Collaborative, Caring and Committed to Change. That’s the kind of legacy we’re building at Caszyme – leveraging CRISPR to empower a world that’s healthier, equitable and more sustainable.”;0,225
"President points to crucial role of forthcoming NATO SummitPresident points to crucial role of forthcoming NATO Summit 2025-06-10 LETA/TBT Staff If the NATO Summit in The Hague fails to reaffirm NATO unity, we will see another Russian campaign claiming that the West is divided, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics said in his address at the Riga StratCom Dialogue 2025 conference dedicated to strategic communication. In his address, the President said that looking at the geopolitical situation, Ukraine continues to fight and Russia is becoming more aggressive. ""Russia feels that it is winning this war, and in politics, especially in international relations, sometimes it is the perception that is more important than the reality. Those who work in the field of strategic communication know very well that perception is key in the 21st century,"" Rinkevics said. He pointed out that Europe and NATO are still trying to fully grasp that the world has changed significantly, that we are no longer living by the old rules and that much more resources need to be allocated to defense. ""And this is not just about a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), but about real capabilities,"" the President said. Speaking about the next NATO Summit in The Hague from the perspective of strategic communication, Rinkevics said he hoped that this would be a summit of unity, where a clear message would be sent - the Alliance is stronger than ever. In addition, the President expressed the hope that a decision would be taken in Latvia to allocate 5% of GDP to defense. ""It will not be easy, there are many other challenges - demography, healthcare, social security, education - but the government and the parliament understand that next year spending 5 percent of GDP on defense is a top priority,"" Rinkevics said. The President also pointed out that there is not much time to develop our capabilities and reach the capacities agreed in NATO. ""We very much hope that those countries, where there are still discussions about allocating 2 percent of GDP to defense, will change their position and take decisions both on increasing funding and on actually developing capabilities,"" Rinkevics said. At the same time, the President stressed that in addition to hybrid threats, migration being used as an instrument of influence, disinformation campaigns, social media manipulation and attempts to interfere in elections, there is a new threat - attacks on underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Similarly, artificial intelligence offers both enormous opportunities and risks. In addition, the President stressed that an important aspect is how we continue to support Ukraine, and how the pledges made last year at the NATO Summit in Washington - on air defense, more ammunition, support for strengthening drone capabilities - are being kept. ""These are three things that Ukrainian President [Volodymyr] Zelensky underlined when we met in Vilnius last week,"" Rinkevics said. The President stressed that Ukraine's future lies not only in the European Union, but also in NATO. Rinkevics said that ways must be found to increase support for Ukraine on the battlefield and also how to win the information war. The NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence (Stratcom) in Riga is a multinational, NATO-accredited military organization working to improve the strategic communications capabilities of the Alliance and its partners. The Center was established in 2014.";-0,075
"State Security Service has opened criminal proceedings against RoslikovsState Security Service has opened criminal proceedings against Roslikovs 2025-06-09 LETA/TBT Staff Photo: www.pixabay.com RIGA - The State Security Service (VDD) on Monday opened criminal proceedings against MP Aleksejs Roslikovs (Stability) on suspicion of providing assistance to the aggressor state Russia in its actions against Latvia and inciting national hatred, the service informed LETA. The criminal proceedings were initiated after the service assessed Roslikovs' statements at the June 5 Saeima session, as well as other recent activities. The VDD reminded that the service on several occasions had already held preventive talks with the leader of the Stability party, warning about the criminal liability in case of committing criminal offences. As reported, the VDD held talks with Roslikovs in early February this year in connection with his public statements against Latvians. At that time, Roslikovs was also warned of the liability in case of incitement to national hatred or other criminal offences. On June 5, Roslikovs was expelled from the Saeima chamber by the majority of parliamentarians. Roslikovs in a raised tone used Russian language from the rostrum of the Saeima while debating on he draft decision ""Declaration on the criminal Russification of Latvia by the Soviet occupation regime and the prevention of its linguistic consequences"". The Saeima recently adopted amendments to the Saeima's Rules of Procedure in the final reading, which, among other things, strengthen the obligation of Members of the Saeima to use the state language in their communication.";-0,15
Football in the Baltics: Low Scoring, High Stakes for BettorsFootball in the Baltics: Low Scoring, High Stakes for Bettors 2025-06-11 Photo: www.pixabay.com When someone mentions football in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, most people just shrug—“Who even watches football there?” We’re used to associating the Baltics with basketball, hockey, or maybe track and field, but the truth is, there’s been a solid—if quiet—football scene growing there for years. The stadiums may not be packed, and the games rarely go over two or three goals, but for those who know what to look for, there’s serious value to be found. There’s not much glamour, but what bettors care about most is there—statistical consistency, defensive tactics, and teams that aren’t afraid to shut the game down the moment they take the lead. That makes it a perfect hunting ground for those looking for value off the radar—whether it’s betting on unders, corner counts, cards, or even high odds on draws, which happen more often in Baltic leagues than most people realize. That’s why spordiennustusportaalid — sports betting portals in Estonian have started highlighting Baltic leagues more often in their previews and analysis. Some do it for the numbers, some for the soft margins, and some simply because there’s still an edge to be found before the bookmakers fully catch on. Estonia’s Meistriliiga, Lithuania’s A Lyga, and Latvia’s Virsliga might not be in the spotlight of European football media, but for sharp bettors who like to think for themselves, that’s where the real fun is just getting started. Baltic leagues Let’s take a look at each of the Baltic leagues one by one and what makes them interesting for everyday bettors. Estonian Meistriliiga The top league in Estonia is mostly played on artificial turf because of the cold and wet weather a lot of the year. Games tend to be slower and more defensive, especially when teams play at home. This league is known for having low-scoring matches—lots of 0-0, 1-0, or 1-1 results. So, betting on fewer goals is usually a good idea here. Matches can be tight and tense, but don’t expect many goals. Also, home teams usually have an edge since they’re used to the conditions and the pitch. Lithuanian A Lyga Lithuania’s A Lyga has fewer teams than most leagues, so the same teams face each other several times in a season—sometimes up to four times. This makes it perfect for “pattern betting,” where you look at how teams do against each other over time. Games are often tactical, and results can be close or sometimes surprising, because some teams don’t always have steady budgets or strong players. Watching trends and team form closely can help find good bets. Latvian Virsliga Latvia’s top league is often overlooked but has some neat betting opportunities. The league sees a lot of yellow and red cards, so betting on cards can be a smart move. Favorites don’t always dominate, so upsets happen and betting on underdogs can pay off. It’s also common for matches to end with no goals from both sides, so “BTTS – no” bets (both teams to score – no) work well here. There’s a big difference between the best and worst teams, making some games unpredictable. Home advantage usually matters a lot. Tipster’s Corner When it comes to betting on Baltic football leagues, it’s important to know where the best opportunities lie. These leagues have their own specific traits and characteristics that can give an edge to bettors who pay attention to the details. Below are some of the most valuable betting markets worth following. Total goals (under 2.5) In the Baltic leagues, games are often played defensively, and matches usually have few goals. Especially during the colder months, betting on under 2.5 goals is often a safe option. Correct score 0:0 or 1:0 Many matches, especially between weaker teams, end with these low scores. The odds are often good, and the chances of success are higher than most people think. Number of cards and corners These markets are not the main focus of most bookmakers, so there can be value here. The Latvian league tends to have a lot of cards, while the number of corners can indicate the tempo of the game. Draw no bet on the home team Home teams in the Baltic leagues often have a big advantage, mainly due to the pitch and weather conditions. “Draw no bet” reduces risk but still keeps the chance for a win. Tools and Sites to Follow These Leagues If you’re into jalgpalli panustamine (football betting), especially in the Baltics, it really helps to know where to find solid info. There are some great websites that track these leagues and offer odds, stats, and sometimes even live streams. Check out local versions of popular apps like SofaScore and Transfermarkt made specifically for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They usually have way more detailed info for those leagues — stuff you won’t get on the global versions. Also, keep an eye on the official football federation websites for each country. They’re great for up-to-date schedules, results, and other useful details. Putting all these sources together gives you a clearer picture and helps you make smarter bets. Why Baltic Football Is a Hidden Gem for Bettors Baltic football might not be in the spotlight, but that’s what makes it so interesting for those who like to dig deeper. The games are tight, low-scoring, and the home advantage really counts, which opens up some neat betting chances that often fly under the radar. If you follow the right info and watch the teams carefully, you’ll spot value that many miss. Plus, seeing how these teams do in UEFA matches adds another layer to understanding their real strength and potential. So, if you enjoy jalgpalli panustamine and want to stay ahead of the game, Baltic leagues are definitely worth your time. With a little patience and a good eye for detail, these leagues can turn into a great source of steady wins—and a lot of fun along the way.;0
"EU countries call for ""new ways"" to handle irregular migrantsFifteen EU states are calling for ""new ways"" to handle irregular migrants, including sending some to third countries, in a demand made as the bloc plots out how to implement a recently adopted overhaul of its asylum rules. Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania signed the letter, which was made public on Thursday. It was sent to the European Commission less than a month before European Parliament elections across the 27-nation European Union, in which far-right anti-immigration parties are forecast to make gains. In the letter, the member states ask the European Union's executive arm to ""propose new ways and solutions to prevent irregular migration to Europe"". They want the EU to toughen its asylum and migration pact, which introduces tighter border controls and seeks to expedite the deportation of rejected asylum-seekers. The pact, to be operational from 2026, will speed up the vetting of people arriving without documents and establish new border detention centers. The 15 countries also want to see mechanisms to detect and intercept migrant boats and take them ""to a predetermined place of safety in a partner country outside the EU, where durable solutions for those migrants could be found"". They said it should be easier to send asylum seekers to third countries while their requests for protection are assessed. They cited as a model a controversial deal Italy has struck with Albania, under which thousands of asylum-seekers picked up at sea can be taken to holding camps in the non-EU Balkan country as their cases are processed.";-0,275
Calls for Cambodia to hold firm to ICJ stance, as June 14 JBC talks loomAhead of Saturday’s June 14 Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, Cambodia has firmly stated its intention to bring disputes over four border areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague, while Thailand insists on resolving the matter through existing bilateral negotiations. Cambodia’s position was clearly signalled through the establishment of a committee tasked with preparing a complaint to the ICJ regarding the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krabei temples, as well as the Mum Bei area. This stance was also conveyed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, as he discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron on June 10, during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. Tan Jean-François, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister for foreign affairs, shared that Manet informed Macron that Cambodia remains committed to peaceful cooperation with Thailand but is resolute in bringing the four points to the ICJ. “Cambodia is absolutely clear about taking the issues of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krabei temples, as well as the Mum Bei area, to the ICJ. This is an undeniable fact, already decided and currently in progress. The goal is to find a peaceful, swift and permanent resolution to the border disputes in these areas,” he said, today, June 12. Tan explained that Cambodia does not want these lingering issues to persist, as they could lead to renewed armed conflicts. He clarified that, outside of these areas, Cambodia will continue to cooperate bilaterally with Thailand to survey and demarcate the border. He noted that Macron had listened to Manet’s remarks and suggested that France could assist with the mediation process, such as by providing maps for both countries, if needed. For the June 14 negotiations, the Thai team will reportedly be led by Prasas Prasavinitchai, former ambassador to Cambodia, while the Cambodia side will be led by Lam Chea, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs. In a June 11 press conference, Thai foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa outlined three points Thailand intended to raise during the discussions. They included de-escalating military confrontations along the border, ensuring clearer negotiations and asserting that Thailand does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction. What stance should Cambodia Adopt? Ou Chanrath, founder of the Cambodia Reform Party, believed that Cambodia’s move to bring the border disputes to the ICJ has put Thailand at a disadvantage, which is why the Thais are insisting on bilateral talks. “This territory belongs to Cambodia, and Thailand has encroached upon it. Legally, Thailand is already at a disadvantage. If Cambodia files a case with the ICJ, whether Thailand agrees or not is their matter. If they participate and lose to Cambodia, they will be humiliated, so their refusal is a face-saving strategy,” he said. He argued that bilateral negotiations could allow Thailand to employ certain tactics to gain an advantage. If no resolution is reached, he warned, there could be heightened risks of armed confrontations. “Cambodia must strengthen its resolve and not waver, whether legally or otherwise. I don’t support war, but if it’s unavoidable, force must be used because it concerns national integrity,” Chanrath added. He noted that taking the case to the ICJ reinforces Cambodia’s ownership of the disputed areas, and a victory would grant Cambodia the legal right to use force to protect its territory and assets as a sovereign nation. Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, explained that the ICJ operates under the UN Charter, which both Thailand and Cambodia, as UN members, are obliged to respect. Rejecting the ICJ’s jurisdiction equates to disregarding UN laws. He noted that despite Thailand’s past refusal to accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction in the PreahVihear Temple case, Thai leaders actually acknowledged the court’s ruling in 1962, which caused Thailand embarrassment. Thailand faced further humiliation in 2013 when the ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s victory in the Preah Vihear case. “We will see tensions escalate if the June 14 meeting fails to meet Thailand’s expectations. Thailand may heighten border tensions or other issues,” he said. According to Peou, following an ICJ ruling, Thailand would face moral pressure under international law, diplomatic reputational damage, and pressure from the UN Security Council, which compels member states to respect UN decisions and laws to maintain global order and stability.;-0,05
"Government announce financial support from imprisoned mothers, pregnant womenThe government has announced a new policy which will see financial support provided to incarcerated women who are pregnant or have children under two living with them in prison. The support includes payments at the prenatal, childbirth and postnatal stages. A June 6 sub-decree – made public on June 12 – outlined details of the payments. Phase 1 will provide payments of 80,000 riel ($20) for each of up to four pre, or antenatal checkups. Phase 2 will provide a one-time payment at birth. The payment will be 400,000 riel ($100). In the case of multiple births, an additional 200,000 riel ($50) per child will be paid. Phase 3 will provide payments of 80,000 riel ($20) for each of up to ten medical expenses; three postnatal checkups and seven vaccination appointments, until a child reaches two years of age. Financial support will also be offered in the case of miscarriage or still birth, but not abortion. In the case of maternal death, payment will be made to the primary caregiver. According to Kheang Sonadin, spokesperson for the General Department of Prisons (GDP), there are currently 57,000 inmates nationwide, including 3,500 women. Of them, 53 are currently pregnant, while 94 are caring for children under two years of age. “The 53 women became pregnant before incarceration. The number fluctuates, depending on changes in the prison population,” he explained. He added that current laws allow mothers to raise their children inside prison until they turn three. Currently, 112 children under the age of three are living with their mothers in prison. To be eligible for financial support, pregnant inmates must have either a provisional or final court order for their detention, and must have received at least one prenatal checkup at a public health facility. They must also present a maternal health book issued by the public health service. If a mother is enrolled in the programme, her child is automatically enrolled as well and must have a child health card. If the mother was not previously enrolled, the child can still be enrolled if they have a health card, the mother's court order, and a document confirming they are residing with the mother. The sub-decree confirmed the new programme is funded by the National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF). The Ministry of Interior, through the GDP, is cooperating with the relevant government institutions to implement the new programme.";0,325
World Bank shrinks Cambodia’s economic growth forecast to 4.0%, urges diversificationGlobal and domestic challenges, shifting trade policies, a prolonged downturn in the real estate sector and tightening credit cycles have presented significant obstacles for Cambodia’s economy. As a result, the World Bank has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast for Cambodia down to 4.0%. In April, the World Bank projected that Cambodia’s economy would grow by 5.5% in 2025. In a June 11 press release, it noted that Cambodia's economy has shown resilience, largely thanks to strong exports and a partial revival in private consumption, despite heightened global uncertainty. It warned that to maintain growth amid uncertainty, the Kingdom will need to focus on diversifying its economy and creating an enabling environment for private sector investment and job creation. According to the World Bank’s Cambodia Country Economic Update: Navigating Uncertainty with a special focus section entitled “Strengthening Revenues for Cambodia’s Future”, released today, Cambodia’s economic growth is projected to slow to 4.0% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026. “Economic diversification is critical for Cambodia to sustain growth and job creation amid uncertainty, especially by moving beyond its reliance on construction and garment exports and promoting higher value-added manufacturing and services,” noted Tania Meyer, World Bank country manager for Cambodia. “Revenue reforms can support a better business environment, while generating fiscal space for critical investments in human capital and infrastructure,” she added. According to the World bank, in Q1 of this year, Cambodia's exports, especially garments, travel goods, footwear and bicycles grew by 11.6% year-on-year. Tourism services saw an increase of 16.1% in international arrivals, albeit remaining below 2019 levels. Meanwhile private consumption recovered, as evidenced by increased imports of consumption goods, including foodstuffs, garments, cars and motorcycles. Externally, rising remittances and tourism revenues offset a widening trade deficit, with reserves reaching $24.7 billion. Broad money growth hit 19.0% year-on-year, driven by favourable monetary conditions. Inflation picked up slightly to 3.7%, mainly due to food prices, while financial sector asset quality deteriorated, with higher nonperforming loan ratios, it added. The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that during the first five months of 2025, total international trade amounted to $25.29 billion, an 18.5% increase over the same period in 2024. Of that, exports reached $11.8 billion, up 17.2%, while imports rose to $13.49 billion, a 19.7% increase. Beyond international trade, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), which oversees investment for the government, approved 290 investment projects in the first five months of 2025 — up by 137 projects or roughly 90% compared to the same period in 2024. Total expected investment capital reached $4.2 billion, a $1.4 billion or 52% increase year-on-year.;0
Phnom Penh Crown seeking new stars – but not former playersPhnom Penh Crown head coach Oleg Starynskyi has confirmed that he and the club's management are actively searching for high-calibre foreign players from top leagues to strengthen the team for the 2025/2026 season. However, he emphasised that they will not be players who previously played for the club. He revealed that former standout striker Shintaro Shimizu of Japan, along with several other foreign players who previously played for Phnom Penh Crown — including Japanese-Cambodian players Takaki Ose and Yudai Ogawa, Colombian-Cambodian attacking midfielder Nieto Rondon, and forwards Jelle Goselink, Ibeh Ofufu and Javier Gayoso — will not be returning. “I’ve already said four or five times in press conferences that Shintaro will not return. The same goes for the other former players. We are bringing in new players from strong leagues, with strong abilities who will help the team grow and share their knowledge with Cambodian players,” said the Ukrainian coach. Starynskyi, who led Crown to two Cambodian Premier League (CPL) titles (in 2021 and 2022) and recently won the 2025 Hun Sen Cup, suggested that it’s time for positive changes within the club. “We need new energy, fresh blood in the team so that we can push for more trophies. These changes are part of our vision to add even more quality,” he said. “Right now, we are selecting players based on our philosophy and the quality standard of the team. Our goal is to win more trophies and achieve greater success on the international stage. The team is working on this, so fans don’t need to worry about the changes,” he added. So far, the club has ended contracts with six foreign players, retaining only South Korean defender Yi Young Park, who has signed a one-year contract extension. The club must recruit more foreign players to prepare for the upcoming season — particularly for the 2025/2026 AFC Challenge League, in which Phnom Penh Crown will face Brunei champions Kasuka FC in the qualifiers on August 12. Although Crown only secured a spot in the qualifiers for the AFC league (unlike CPL champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, who automatically advance to the group stage), Starynskyi described the opportunity as a positive development for both the club and Cambodia, since Phnom Penh Crown will once again represent the nation internationally. “Honestly, at first we didn’t expect to get this spot. But at the end of the season, we received this news due to adjustments — and it’s really great. Everyone is excited and looking forward to this tournament,” he said. “We’re very happy, and we’re going to prepare the team for the qualifiers. Our goal is to reach the group stage — so it will be a strong competition. We’ll prepare the squad, the players, the tactics, and everything needed to get a good result,” he added.;0
Air India plane to London with over 240 passengers onboard crashes in AhmedabadAn Air India plane en route to London with more than 240 passengers onboard crashed in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on Thursday, the State Police Control Room said. The aircraft crashed near Forensic Cross Road in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene at IGB Ground. Emergency services are at the site. More details awaited.;0
Sokha: Stricter speed limit enforcement ‘antidote’ to road tollAccording to a senior official, excessive speed remains the leading cause of traffic accidents in Cambodia. Although the road toll has declined, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has described stricter enforcement of speed limits as the “antidote” to the issue of speeding drivers. In the first quarter of 2025, the authorities recorded 543 traffic accidents, a decrease of 238 cases or 30% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 781 cases. The number of deaths fell to 348 deaths, a decrease of 39 people or 10%. The number of injuries also dropped by 367 people, or 34%, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Excessive speed was determined as the major factor in 51% of the accidents, followed by a failure to give way at 21% andfailing to keep right at 10%. Dangerous overtaking caused just 10% of crashes, while the official statistics claimed that just 5% of the incidents were caused by driving under the influence. Speaking at the 16th annual National Road Safety Week held this week in Prey Veng province, Sokha, who also chairs the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC), explained that he believed that stricter enforcement of speed limits is key to reducing accident statistics. “If we work together to reduce the illness we suffer from the most – which is speeding, at 51% – I believe we can bring the number under 1,000 [deaths per year] within the next two to three years. Is that still a lot? Yes. But we have no other choice. As we continue to develop, we must also understand the importance enforcing the law,” he said. In 2024, at least 1,509 people died from traffic accidents, down 81, or 5% compared to 2023. Sokha also addressed public criticism of traffic police officers issuing fines for speeding violations. “If you don’t speed, no one will fine you. The fines are not based on visual estimates – they are verified by radar. So rather than blaming traffic officers or law enforcement, who are seen as some kind of virus, people should realise they are the ones healing the ‘illness’ of speeding,” he said. He urged the public to reconsider complaining about receiving tickets, particularly regarding speeding, explaining that police are not motivated by revenue, but by the need to protect the safety of road users. If drivers do not break the speed limit, there would be no reason for enforcement – and they would remain safe. The 16th National Road Safety Week aims to raise public awareness of the risks associated with road accidents and to encourage caution. It serves as a message to all road users to remember that Cambodia can reduce the road toll – but only if everyone does their part to obey traffic laws, drive responsibly, show respect and understanding, and value both their own lives and the lives of others.;0,05
Cambodia’s international trade up 20%, surpasses $25 billionThe total value of Cambodia’s imports and exports rose by nearly 20%, pushing international trade volume in the first five months of 2025 to over $25 billion. China accounted for nearly one-third of the total. A June 10 report by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) showed that from January to May 2025, total trade reached $25.29 billion, an 18.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of the figure, exports reached $11.8 billion, up 17.2%, and imports hit $13.49 billion, up 19.7%. This means the Kingdom recorded a trade deficit of about $1.68 billion during the first five months of 2025, compared to $1.19 billion during the same period last year. China remained Cambodia’s largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to $7.64 billion, an increase of 27.5%. Cambodia exported $634.02 million worth of goods to China, a decrease of 3.6%, while imports rose by 31.4% to $7 billion. Other major trading partners included the US, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, Germany, Malaysia and Spain. Economist Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia told The Post on June 10 that favourable domestic factors and increasing foreign orders had led to a rise in the number of factories and enterprises operating in Cambodia. “When there are more orders from abroad, it helps create more job opportunities, household income and tax revenue for the government,” he noted. “Although Cambodia is currently negotiating with the US government on Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” issues, I believe international trade will continue to improve in 2025 as the country’s production capacity and the diversity of its export products continue to grow,” he added. Regarding bilateral trade with China, he noted that Cambodia’s rising imports were due to the importation of raw materials used for processing and re-export to other countries. Nonetheless, Vanak urged Cambodia to find ways to reduce the trade imbalance by producing goods which are in high demand in China. In 2024, Cambodia’s total trade with all partners reached $54.74 billion, a 16.9% increase over 2023. Exports were valued at $26.2 billion, up 15.7%, and imports reached $28.54 billion, up 18%. Cambodia’s major exports included garments, footwear, travel bags, machinery, electrical equipment, leather materials, animal hair-based products, grains, rubber, rubber products and furniture, according to the GDCE.;0
Former Deputy Labour Minister faces bribery charges in labour probe Vietnamese authorities have initiated a criminal investigation against Nguy?n Bá Hoan, former Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, along with three other officials, over allegations of bribery. Preliminary findings suggest that Hoan allegedly directed the Department of Overseas Labour Management to impose licensing requirements that were not legally mandated for companies involved in labour export contracts. These additional conditions reportedly created obstacles for businesses, effectively compelling them to offer bribes to ministry and department officials to secure approval for their operations. Investigators revealed that companies concealed these illicit payments by inflating service fees charged to workers, often exceeding legal limits, thereby misappropriating funds from them. On June 3 and June 10, authorities issued supplementary decisions to prosecute the case, along with arrest warrants, search orders, and preventive measures. The three other officials from the Department of Overseas Labour Management now facing prosecution are Director T?ng H?i Nam, former Deputy Director Nguy?n Gia Liêm, and Deputy Director Ph?m Vi?t H??ng. The authorities have called on businesses and individuals involved to come forward to be considered for leniency under the law. — VNS;0
Metfone and education ministry renew partnership to advance digital education On Thursday, June 12, Metfone and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport celebrated the renewal of their partnership with a formal ceremony marking the handover of the School Information System (SIS) and the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extension (2025–2030). This marks the beginning of a new phase in Cambodia’s digital education transformation, with a focus on modernising education and improving access to advanced technology. The event, held at the Institute of Technology Cambodia (ITC), was presided over by H.E. Om Romny, Secretary of State at the education minisitry and H.E. Sok Puthyvuth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, along with other high-ranking officials from the education minisitry. Metfone’s School Information System (SIS) has become an indispensable tool in the management of schools across Cambodia. Since its launch, the SIS has connected 393 schools nationwide, benefiting over 351,000 students, 17,500 teachers and nearly 250,000 parents. The system has significantly improved school administration efficiency, enhanced transparency and strengthened communication between teachers, parents and schools. After five years of successful implementation, Metfone is committed to further developing and upgrading the SIS with an estimated investment of $2.5 million. This investment will include the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced management tools and content management to enhance the system’s functionality and provide more opportunities for educators and students. Metfone has also been at the forefront of teacher and administrator support, conducting more than 120 training sessions across 22 provinces to ensure the full potential of the SIS is realized. H.E. Romny expressed his appreciation for Metfone’s ongoing support, noting, “Metfone has long supported the education and technology sectors by providing internet connectivity, enabling teachers and schools to access a wide range of lesson materials and research resources across the country.” As part of the renewed commitment, Metfone plans to extend connectivity to at least 500 schools nationwide, further expanding digital education access for students and teachers. In addition to the SIS platform, Metfone’s partnership with the education ministry includes other technological advancements such as the University Information System at the Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture, smart classroom models at Hun Sen Serey Pheap High School, nearly 1,000 internet connections, 26 video conferencing facilities, and remote learning support laboratories. Mr. Doan Chinh, Vice General Director of Metfone, highlighted the company’s dedication to advancing education, stating, “We are proud to accompany the ministry in the journey of modernising education, not only by providing modern management tools but also by contributing to the enhancement of digital education quality in Cambodia.” “Metfone will continue to invest heavily and is committed to sharing advanced experience and technology to develop a young workforce for the country,” he added. H.E.Puthyvuth emphasised the importance of technology in bridging educational gaps in Cambodia. “Through this system, teachers can monitor students' learning progress daily, reducing non-learning time by nearly 30 to 40 per cent and enabling them to focus more on supporting students,” said Puthyvuth. The renewed MoU, which extends through 2030, will focus on three key areas: Providing internet connectivity and telecommunication infrastructure for the education ministry, provincial departments, public schools and higher education institutions. Supporting digital government and digital transformation efforts, including expanding SIS to an additional 500 schools. Enhancing the capacity of educational staff through various training programmes to ensure quality human resource development. Metfone remains steadfast in its mission to continue investing in digital education initiatives, making technology more accessible to students, teachers and parents. With this partnership, the company reaffirms its commitment to helping Cambodia’s education sector thrive in the digital age. For more information on the partnership and its ongoing efforts to modernise Cambodia’s education system, visit Metfone’s official website or contact the company directly.;0,275
PM Oli calls for significant changes for skills based education Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need of bringing a significant change in our education system so as to make it innovative, technology-friendly, life useful and a source of self-employment. During his address to the 99th Senate of the Kathmandu University held in the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar, the Prime Minister, who also serves as the University Chancellor, called for exploring jobs and self-employment within the education system. He also applauded the University's efforts towards that end. Underlining the need of increasing students' access to medical education and other streams as well, he urged the University to reconsider for proportional distribution of scholarship facilities. Minister for Education, Science and Technology and University Pro-Chancellor Raghuji Panta urged the University to address the Prime Minister's concern for educational reforms and transformation. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Achyut Prasad Wagle said the University has pursued a policy of implementing the research-based education system and is doing accordingly. The Senate has endorsed the graduation grace list for 1,129 students across various levels under the second phase of the 30th Convocation, scheduled to take place in Dhulikhel on June 13. The grace list includes 118 foreign students. Additionally, the Senate approved the University's budget of 4.38 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget was presented by Registrar Prof Dr Rajib Shrestha. According to the Senate's decisions, Ratna Koirala, TU former dean Prof Dr Dibya Singh, public health expert Dr Rita Thapa, Mid-West University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Dhruba Kumar Gautam, psychologist Anant Prasad Adhikari, and Dr Bikash Adhikari have been appointed as Senate members. They represent diverse fields. The Senate also approved a report, along with a draft agreement, regarding future cooperation between the University and Dhulikhel Hospital. Following the Senate session, Prime Minister Oli launched the first and second editions of the book titled 'Kathmandu University: First 25 Years' authored by the University's founding registrar, Dr Sitaram Adhikari. #Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli;0,125
Illegal currency worth Rs 34.6 million seized in ButwalKATHMANDU, JUNE 12 The Revenue Investigation Office, Butwal, has seized illegal currency worth Rs 34.655 million so far in the current fiscal year. The confiscated amount includes various foreign currencies, including Nepalese rupees. According to office, Rs 19.1 million was in Nepali currency and Rs 15.5 million in Indian currency. The rest included US dollars and UAE dirhams. Most of the illegal cash was recovered from areas near the Nepal-India border, with Indian nationals often found carrying such undeclared money. The seizures were made through joint operations by the Revenue Investigation Team and Nepal Police, following intensified monitoring of suspicious activities along border areas. #Illegal currency #Butwal;0
"UN refugee agency says more than 122 million people forcibly displaced worldwide UNHCR GENEVA, JUNE 12 The UN refugee agency says the number of people forcible displaced by violence and persecution around the world has risen to more than 122 million, up by about 2 million from last year and a near-doubling over the last decade. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi nonetheless pointed to some ""rays of hope"" over the last six months, including the return home of nearly 2 million Syrians as their country tries to recover from more than a decade of civil war. The findings come as the refugee agency released its Global Trends Report on Thursday, which said the number of people driven abroad or displaced in their home countries by war, violence and persecution as of April rose to 122.1 million, up from 120 million a year earlier. Among those, the numbers of internally displaced people jumped by more than 9% to 73.5 million at the end of last year. The numbers represent cumulative figures from years of conflict, violence and persecution, and some displaced people returned home last year even as others fled. The report comes at a time when humanitarian groups are facing budget cuts from the United States and other traditional Western donors. UNHCR said nearly two-thirds of people who crossed national borders to flee remained in neighboring countries, countering the ""widespread perception in wealthier regions"" that a majority of people were fleeing in a bid to reach places like Europe or the United States. The agency said Sudan, which has been riven by civil war, has become home to the world's largest displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people displaced by the conflict - surpassing Syria, at 13.5 million. More than 10 million in Afghanistan have been forcibly displaced, and some 8.8 million within or from Ukraine, UNHCR said. #UN Refugees #UNHCR";0,15
Gold price jumps by Rs 1,300 per tola on WednesdayKATHMANDU, JUNE 11 The price of gold surged by Rs 1,300 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday, following a decline of Rs 600 on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the price of fine gold now stands at Rs 191,300 per tola, up from Rs 190,000 the previous day. Meanwhile, the price of silver remained unchanged at Rs 2,165 per tola.;0
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"Chitwan heatwave: Locals struggle to cope as temperatures soar Chandra Kumari Punmagar, 55, from Chaubiskothi in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10, ekes out a living by selling roasted maize. But in recent days, she has been facing increasingly harsh conditions. ""I feel like I'm being boiled as temperatures continue to rise. Roasting maize cobs in this sweltering heat all day is pure exhaustion,"" she shared, describing her daily struggle. Roasting cobs over firewood under the scorching sun has not only drained her physically but also affected her business-fewer customers are venturing out to buy the popular street snack, which she sells for Rs 50 per piece. Kal Bahadur Magar, an auto-rickshaw driver from the same locality, echoed similar concerns. ""These days, I don't enjoy working at all because of the unbearable heat. But I have no choice-it's the only way to support my family,"" he said. He noted a significant drop in customers during the daytime. The temperature in Chitwan soared to 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, severely impacting daily life. Roads remained largely deserted during the day, and several schools were temporarily closed to protect students from the extreme heat. Those most affected are senior citizens, children, and individuals working outdoors, particularly laborers exposed to direct sunlight. Physician Dr. Govinda Kandel from Bharatpur Hospital reported a rise in the number of patients with heat-related illnesses. According to Chitwan Medical College, two people were diagnosed with heat stroke; one of them required ventilator support but was discharged following treatment. Dr. Kandel advised the public to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, seek shade, and stay hydrated to minimize the risk of heat-related health issues. #Heat stroke cases #Chitwan district #Chitwan heatwave";0,025
"Partnership, connectivity key to shared prosperity between Nepal, India: Foreign Minister Dr Rana Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has expressed her hope that joint partnership and connectivity in various sectors between Nepal and India lay the foundation for shared prosperity between the two nations. Inaugurating the Nepal-India Strategic Dialogue in Kathmandu today, she underscored the need to speed up cooperation in trade, transit and investment between the two countries and advance economic partnership through connectivity. ""I look forward to a future where ginger from Nepali farmers reaches the Mumbai market within 24 hours and an Indian tourist reaches Pokhara on an evening flight after finishing a morning meeting in Delhi. This kind of proximity should be the basis for economic prosperity for the citizens of the two countries."" Citing the ago-old Nepal-India relations, built on shared values, culture and emotions and people-to-people contacts, she said enhancing cooperation and connectivity would help shape a prosperous future for both countries. She stressed the need for investing in roads, railways, waterways, air routes, and digital infrastructure to increase mutual connectivity. ""A seamless connectivity between the two countries will not only support regional and global supply chains, but also enhance transit trade and border economies. This will benefit the citizens of both countries."" Stating that the current global economic scenario is shifting towards a knowledge-based economy, services and digital platforms, Dr Rana stressed the need for both countries to jointly focus their efforts on digital economy, technology and innovation, modern education system, skill development and creative economy. Highlighting the energy sector as a notable example of cooperation between the two neighbours, she said that Nepal's vast hydropower potential will provide a clean, renewable energy source, which she said will be useful for the future generations. She added India's commitments to importing 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the coming decade reflects Nepal-India cooperation in energy sector. ""The two countries have further strengthened cooperation in the power sector, including developing transmission interconnections, grid connectivity and power exchange, and cross-border power trade."" Dr Rana proposed collaboration between India's expertise in digital innovation and Nepal's young and tech-savvy population. ""We should promote tech hubs, start-ups and digital innovation platforms in mutual cooperation and let our youth work together, use technology and move forward on the path of prosperity."" Calling for joint efforts to tackle shared challenges posed by climate change especially amid rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical dynamics, she expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its cooperation and support for successfully organising the ""Sagarmatha Sambaad"" recently in Nepal. Reiterating Nepal's commitment to a future of peace, stability and prosperity through partnerships with its neighbours and international friends, Dr Rana underscored that such dialogues are vital for deepening Nepal-India relations, promoting the exchange of ideas, and strengthening the people-to-people relations.";0,275
Bandipur Hospital sees surge in diarrhea and fever cases Bandipur Hospital in Tanahun is experiencing a significant increase in seasonal illnesses, including diarrhea, fever, typhoid, dengue, and the common cold. The 15-bed hospital has been running at full capacity for several days, treating over 100 patients daily - up from the usual 35–40. In response, the hospital has extended OPD hours from 7 AM to 8 PM and begun testing water sources for coliform bacteria. Patients are arriving not only from Bandipur Rural Municipality but also from neighboring local levels and districts. A collaborative initiative with Bandipur Cable Car has further increased patient numbers in the hospital as the cable car offers a discounted round-trip fare of Rs. 200 on the cable car for the patients presenting a health insurance card and a hospital ticket card. #Bandipur Hospital;0
South Korea's former President Moon indicted for alleged bribery South Korean prosecutors indicted former liberal President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges Thursday, saying that a budget airline gave his son-in-law a lucrative no-show job during Moon's term in office.Moon's indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office. Prosecutors allege that Moon, who served as president from 2017-2022, received bribes totaling 217 million won ($151,705) from Lee Sang-jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Moon's then-son-in-law from 2018-2020. South Korean media reported that Moon's daughter and her husband were divorced in 2021. The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said in a statement that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Moon and committing breaches of trust. The prosecutors' office said Moon's former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lee's company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry. The office said he spent only brief periods at the company's office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea. The prosecutors' office said it had not found evidence that Moon performed political favors for Lee, who worked on Moon's campaign, but that Lee likely expected his assistance to be repaid. Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea SME and Startups Agency and was nominated by Moon's party to run for parliament while Moon was in office, but the the prosecutors' office said that it hasn't found any evidence that Moon helped Lee win those positions. There was no immediate response from Moon. Moon's indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on June 3 to succeed conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over an ill-fated imposition of martial law. It's unclear if Moon's indictment will influence prospects for liberals to win back the presidency. Observers say liberal presidential aspirant Lee Jae-myung is heavily favored to win the vote as conservatives remain in disarray over Yoon's ouster, although Lee also faces criminal trials on allegations of corruption and other charges. Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office. In 2017, Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal. Park's conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was also arrested on a range of crimes, years after leaving office. Moon's friend and former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun jumped to his death in 2009 amid corruption investigations into his family. Moon is best known for his push to reconcile with rival North Korea as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times and facilitated the start of the high-stakes nuclear diplomacy between Kim and President Donald Trump. Moons' supporters credit him with achieving now-stalled cooperation with North Korea and avoiding major armed clashes, but opponents say he was a naive North Korea sympathizer who ended up helping the North buy time to advance its nuclear program in the face of international sanctions and pressure.;0,275
"Auckland-based Samoan student makes Microsoft historyA Samoan student based in Auckland has made history becoming the first Samoan and New Zealander to place first in a category at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship. Radio 531 PI reports that Tristan Mona, 16, from Avondale College has returned home after winning first place in the final round of the championship's PowerPoint category in Orlando, Florida last week. The station continues that Mr. Mona was among students from around the world who entered the competition to prove their superior skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. In its 17th year, the competition attracted one million entries and held regional competitions before 152 finalists were sent to the United States for the last showdown. Mona says they were tasked to recreate a PowerPoint based on information and criteria that was provided. The new world champion won a $7000 cash prize. He gives credit to Avondale College's Innovation Programme, that's given students like himself the opportunity to gain industry-certified qualifications in IT. Mona says he's proud of his achievement, proving Pacific people can excel in the IT world. ""I was very proud to learn that I was one of the first Polynesian students to be on this trip. That gave me a lot of pride,"" he says. ""We should definitely get out there and take control of the opportunities, we shouldn't see it as we have to be a certain demographic to be involved."" Mona hopes to compete again next year and aspires to study overseas and become a technology entrepreneur.";0,175
"Trump, Kim shake hands to open momentous summitPresident Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un kicked off a momentous summit Tuesday that could determine historic peace or raise the specter of a growing nuclear threat, with Trump declaring they would have a ""great discussion"" and Kim saying they had overcome obstacles to get to this point. Standing on a red carpet in front of a row of alternating U.S. and North Korean flags, the leaders shook hands warmly at a Singapore island resort, creating an indelible image of the two unorthodox leaders. They then moved into a one-on-one meeting, joined only by their interpreters. ""We are going to have a great discussion and I think tremendous success. We will be tremendously successful,"" Trump said. Speaking through an interpreter, Kim said: ""It wasn't easy for us to come here. There was a past that grabbed our ankles and wrong prejudices and practices that at times covered our eyes and ears. We overcame all that and we are here now."" Trump and Kim planned to meet with their interpreters for most of an hour before aides join the discussion and talks continue over a working lunch. But even before they met, Trump announced plans to leave Singapore early, raising questions about whether his aspirations for an ambitious outcome had been scaled back. The first meeting of a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader was the product of dizzying weeks of negotiations over logistics and policy. Up early in Singapore, Trump tweeted with cautious optimism: ""Meetings between staffs and representatives are going well and quickly ... but in the end, that doesn't matter. We will all know soon whether or not a real deal, unlike those of the past, can happen!"" In the run-up to the talks, Trump had hopefully predicted the two men might strike a nuclear deal or forge a formal end to the Korean War in the course of a single meeting or over several days. But on the eve of the summit, the White House unexpectedly announced Trump would depart Singapore by Tuesday evening, meaning his time with Kim would be fairly brief. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to keep expectations for the summit in check. ""We are hopeful this summit will have set the conditions for future successful talks,"" Pompeo said, describing a far more modest goal than Trump had outlined days earlier. The sudden change in schedule added to a dizzying few days of foreign policy activity for Trump, who shocked U.S. allies over the weekend when he used a meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized economies in Canada to alienate America's closest friends in the West. Lashing out over trade practices, Trump lobbed insults at his G-7 host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump left the summit early, and as he flew to Singapore, he tweeted that he was yanking the U.S. out of the group's traditional closing statement. As for Singapore, the White House said Trump was leaving early because negotiations had moved ""more quickly than expected,"" but gave no details about any possible progress in preliminary talks. On the day before the meeting, weeks of preparation appeared to pick up in pace, with U.S. and North Korean officials meeting throughout Monday at a Singapore hotel. The president planned to stop in Guam and Hawaii on the way back to Washington. Trump spoke only briefly in public on Monday, forecasting a ""nice"" outcome. Kim spent the day mostly out of view — until he left his hotel for a late-night tour of Singapore sights, including the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, billed as the world's biggest glass greenhouse. As Trump and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sat down for a working lunch at the Istana house, the president sounded optimistic, telling Lee, ""We've got a very interesting meeting in particular tomorrow, and I think things can work out very nicely."" Trump had earlier tweeted about ""excitement in the air!"" It was a striking about-face from less than a year ago, when Trump was threatening ""fire and fury"" against Kim, who in turn scorned the American president as a ""mentally deranged U.S. dotard."" As it happens, the North Korean and the American share a tendency to act unpredictably on the world stage. Beyond the impact on both leaders' political fortunes, the summit could shape the fate of countless people — the citizens of impoverished North Korea, the tens of millions living in the shadow of the North's nuclear threat, and millions more worldwide. Or, it could amount to little more than a much-photographed handshake. Still, the sense of anticipation was great in Singapore, with people lining spotless streets holding cellphones high as Trump headed to meet Lee. U.S. and North Korean officials huddled throughout Monday at the Ritz-Carlton hotel ahead of the sit-down aimed at resolving a standoff over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal. Delegates were outlining specific goals for what the leaders should try to accomplish and multiple scenarios for resolving key issues, a senior U.S official said, adding that the meetings were also an ice breaker of sorts, allowing the teams to get better acquainted after decades of minimal contact between their nations. Trump's early exit will be his second from a summit in just a few days. As he was trying to build a bridge with Kim, he was smashing longtime alliances with Western allies with his abrasive performance at the G-7. After his premature departure from Quebec, he continued to tweet angrily at Trudeau from Singapore, saying Monday, ""Fair Trade is now to be called Fool Trade if it is not Reciprocal."" Trump advisers cast his actions as a show of strength before the Kim meeting. Alluding to the North's concerns that giving up its nuclear weapons could surrender its primary deterrent to forced regime change, Pompeo told reporters that the U.S. was prepared to take action to provide North Korea with ""sufficient certainty"" that denuclearization ""is not something that ends badly for them."" He would not say whether that included the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula, but said the context of the discussions was ""radically different than ever before."" ""I can only say this,"" Pompeo said. ""We are prepared to take what will be security assurances that are different, unique, than America's been willing to provide previously."" The North has faced crippling diplomatic and economic sanctions as it has advanced development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Pompeo held firm to Trump's position that sanctions will remain in place until North Korea denuclearizes — and said they would even increase if diplomatic discussions did not progress positively. Experts believe the North is close to being able to target the entire U.S. mainland with its nuclear-armed missiles, and while there's deep skepticism that Kim will quickly give up those hard-won nukes, there's also some hope that diplomacy can replace the animosity between the U.S. and the North. While advisers say Trump has been reviewing briefing materials, the president insists his gut instincts will matter most when he gets in the room with Kim. He told reporters he thinks he will know almost immediately whether a deal can be made, saying: ""I will know, just my touch, my feel. That's what I do."" By Associated Press • 12 June 2018, 12:00AM";-0,025
"Oldest known tools made from whale bones dated to 20,000 years agoHumans and whales have clearly been encountering one another for a long time,"" said Vicki Szabo with Scientists have pinpointed the oldest known evidence of humans making tools from whale bone. The bones, fashioned into narrow projectiles for hunting, had been uncovered in excavations dating back over a century in the Bay of Biscay near Spain and France. Scientists figured the tools were quite ancient, but many were small fragments so it was hard to determine their age. Technological advancements in the past decade have now made it possible to date the oldest of the tools to about 20,000 years ago. Scientists found that the bones came from blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales and other species. “Humans and whales have clearly been encountering one another for a long time,” said Vicki Szabo with Western Carolina University, who studies the history of whaling and was not involved with the latest research. Scientists think that ancient humans were crafting whale bone instruments in places including the Arctic and South Pacific. There’s been solid evidence of whale bone tools dating back to about 5000 years ago, but the new research published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications pushes the timeline back. Ancient humans weren’t necessarily hunting whales, said study author Jean-Marc Petillon with the French National Centre for Scientific Research. More likely, they were scavenging the bodies of beached whales and fashioning their dense, heavy bones into tools to hunt reindeer or bison. – AP";0
Solomon Islands PM Manele stands ground amid defections Solomon Islands is likely to get a new government next month, when besieged Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will face a no-confidence vote into his leadership. Mr Manele has pledged not to stand down ahead of the May 6 vote, despite the defection of 10 government MPs including former ally Manasseh Sogavare. The first-year prime minister lost his majority in parliament this week after the mass walkout, reportedly led by Mr Sogavare, the three-time former prime minister and Mr Manele’s finance minister. Former prime minister Manasseh Sogavare resigned from the Solomon Islands government. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS) The grouping has not given reasons for the move, though local outlet In-depth Solomons has linked it to internal dissatisfaction with deputy prime minister Bradley Tovosia’s conduct. Mr Tovosia also resigned on Monday, a move seen as an attempt to calm waters and restore support for Mr Manele’s three-party coalition. It appears not to have worked. On Tuesday, the rebel government MPs aligned with Opposition Leader Matthew Wale for a photo together before a sitting of parliament, showing their new grouping and their strength in numbers: 25 of the 50-seat parliament. Claiming the support of an absent 26th MP, the group would boast a majority and could pass next week’s no-confidence motion, moved by Honiara-based MP Gordon Darcy Lilo. Mr Manele successfully moved to adjourn parliament until next Tuesday, though not before Mr Wale invited him to fall on his sword. “It will be also expedient if the prime minister could consider stepping down immediately and not allowing us to go through the uncertainty to Tuesday the sixth,” he said. “That’s a matter for him to prayerfully consider.” Mr Manele declined the invitation. “I will not step down before that date. I will allow that motion to be moved on the sixth of May and then debate it and we’ll see how it goes,” he said. Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Matthew Wale calls for the prime minister to resign in parliament. Both men called for calm in the community, and shared a handshake at the end of proceedings. “I urge the people of the Solomon Islands to remain calm and respect the democratic process,” Mr Manele said. The dramatic ructions show a split in the coalition and its parties, particularly the OUR Party, which counted both Mr Sogavare and Mr Manele as members. Mr Manele was foreign minister in Mr Sogavare’s last government, and emerged as a compromise candidate for prime minister in government formation talks last May. After losing six members of cabinet on Monday, Mr Manele looked a forlorn figure in parliament on Tuesday, though the unpredictability of Solomon Islands politics means it is impossible to count him out. It is also unclear who might take the prime ministership in a secret ballot which would be held in the aftermath of a successful no-confidence motion. Mr Manele won the May 2024 vote by 31 votes to 18 over Mr Wale. Political instability is nothing new in Solomon Islands: there have been 11 changes of prime minister this century. The Melanesian nation of 750,000 people also faces enormous challenges, not least economically: it is the poorest nation in the Pacific per capita. Mr Lilo’s motion is his second attempt to topple the government six months. Last December, he tabled a similar motion – citing concerns with cost of living pressures and government corruption – only to withdraw the motion before it went to a vote. “The situation that we are in right now, I think it requires good encouragement,” he said in parliament. “Stick together. Be strong. Run a country in a responsible way … (don’t) derail confidence in running the government of our country.” Source: AAP Newsroom;0
Puffin Numbers Reach New High on Skomer Island43,626 puffins were counted on Skomer Island this year. by bbc 29 May 2025 16:12A record number of puffins have been recorded on a small island off the Pembrokeshire coast, despite global populations declining rapidly. According to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales {WTSWW), 43,626 puffins were counted on Skomer Island this year – a record high. The WTSWW said the increased number of puffins on the nature reserve was a “conservation success story”, but warned that the birds were still a species under threat which should continue to be protected. Source: BBC;0,175
South Korea President Removed From OfficeSouth Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. Photo: AP More on WORLD Oldest known tools made from whale bones dated to 20,000 years ago 2025-05-29 Puffin Numbers Reach New High on Skomer Island 2025-05-29 Solomon Islands PM Manele stands ground amid defections 2025-04-29 Pope Francis Dies at 88 2025-04-21 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted by the Constitutional Court on Friday, which upheld parliament’s impeachment motion over his imposition of martial law last year that sparked the country’s worst political crisis in decades. The ruling caps months of political turmoil that have overshadowed efforts to deal with the new administration of United States (U.S) President Donald Trump at a time of slowing growth in Asia’s fourth-largest economy. With Yoon’s ouster, a presidential election is required to take place within 60 days, according to the country’s constitution. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president until the new president is inaugurated. “The Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling has removed a major source of uncertainty,” said Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha University in Seoul. “And not a moment too soon, given how the next administration in Seoul must navigate North Korea’s military threats, China’s diplomatic pressure, and Trump’s trade tariffs.” Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said Mr Yoon violated his duty as president with his December 3 martial law declaration, acting beyond the powers given to him under the constitution and describing his actions as “a serious challenge to democracy”. “Mr Yoon committed a grave betrayal of the people’s trust who are the sovereign members of the democratic republic,” Mr Moon said, adding that Mr Yoon’s declaration of martial law created chaos in all areas of society, the economy, foreign policy. Thousands of people at a rally calling for Mr Yoon’s ouster, including hundreds who had camped out overnight, erupted into wild cheers on hearing the ruling, chanting “We won!” Supporters of Mr Yoon who were gathered near his official residence reacted in anger. One protester was arrested for smashing a police bus window, the Yonhap news agency reported. – Reuters;0,075
"Chart of the Day: Chinese emergency relief supplies reach Vanuatu ""We deeply understand the significant damage caused by the recent earthquake,"" said Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang during the handover ceremony. He emphasized that China stands in solidarity with Vanuatu and is committed to supporting its early recovery efforts. A shipment of emergency relief supplies from the Chinese government arrived in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Thursday. The 35-tonne aid package includes tents, folding beds, solar lights, food, water purification equipment and medical supplies. The assistance comes in response to a devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17, leaving at least 14 people dead, over 200 injured, and causing extensive damage to the city’s infrastructure. “We deeply understand the significant damage caused by the recent earthquake,” said Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang during the handover ceremony. He emphasized that China stands in solidarity with Vanuatu and is committed to supporting its early recovery efforts. Vanuatu’s caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, also present at the event, expressed gratitude for China’s timely assistance and affirmed the importance of international support in aiding Vanuatu’s recovery process.";0,2
China Sends Emergency Aid to Vanuatu Following Devastating Earthquake Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang personally visited the families of Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the disaster, extending condolences and assurances of continued support during this challenging period. by china global television network 03 Jan 2025 12:52 Emergency relief supplies with “China Aid” marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, January 1, 2025. /Xinhua In response to the recent 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila, Vanuatu on December 17, causing significant casualties and damage, China has stepped in with urgent humanitarian assistance to support recovery and relief efforts in the Pacific island nation. On Wednesday evening, a shipment of emergency relief supplies departed from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in southern China. The cargo included tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lamps, emergency food, and medical materials. The flight is expected to arrive in Port Vila at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, according to civil aviation authorities. Emergency relief supplies with “China Aid” marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, January 1, 2025. /Xinhua Additionally, the Chinese government pledged $1 million (USD) in emergency assistance to bolster Vanuatu’s disaster response and reconstruction efforts, as announced by Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency. Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang personally visited the families of Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the disaster, extending condolences and assurances of continued support during this challenging period. At the request of the Vanuatu government, China has also deployed four engineering experts to aid in post-earthquake response efforts. This marks the first time China has sent an emergency post-disaster assessment team to a Pacific island country, underscoring its commitment to regional partnerships and humanitarian aid. Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China’s swift response reflects its dedication to helping Vanuatu recover and rebuild. As relief efforts continue, both nations remain united in addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of this devastating natural disaster. CGTN;0,2
China-Peru Friendship: Setting Sail Toward an Even Brighter FutureChinese President Xi Jinping’s article, “China-Peru Friendship: Setting Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future,” highlights the strong ties between the two nations, both culturally and economically. Xi describes Peru as a “neighbor across the Pacific” and celebrates the mutual respect rooted in shared ancient values. Discussing economic collaboration, Xi emphasizes the significance of the Chancay Port, a flagship Belt and Road project, which will cut shipping times and costs while generating jobs and revenue for Peru. He calls it a “new gateway” connecting Latin America and Asia, noting its potential to “boost the overall development and integration of the region.” On cultural ties, Xi points out shared values between ancient Chinese and Inca civilizations, saying, “Our minds find common ground and our hearts resonate.” He highlights initiatives like exhibitions and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding. Looking ahead, Xi envisions greater cooperation, stating, “China is ready to work hand in hand with our Peruvian friends… to steer the ship of our friendship toward an even brighter future.” He reaffirms China’s support for Peru’s leadership at APEC, pledging to promote an inclusive and open Asia-Pacific economy.;0,525
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden Meet to Strengthen China-U.S. RelationsChinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Lima, Peru, during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The leaders discussed ways to stabilize their relationship and manage global challenges collaboratively. Both acknowledged progress in key areas such as climate change, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, while agreeing to uphold open communication channels. President Xi highlighted the stability in bilateral relations over the past four years despite challenges. He reiterated China’s core principles, including respect for sovereignty and opposing “Taiwan independence.” He emphasized that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation are essential for long-term partnership. Xi outlined seven key principles for China-U.S. relations, stressing the importance of strategic perception, credibility, equality, respecting red lines, and expanded cooperation. He added that both nations must avoid conflict and act responsibly to meet global expectations. President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to the one-China policy and its opposition to “Taiwan independence.” He emphasized that competition should not escalate into conflict and that cooperation in areas like AI and counternarcotics is critical. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of international stability and pledged to manage differences constructively. The meeting also touched on shared concerns, including cybersecurity, the South China Sea, and global conflicts like the Ukraine crisis. Xi and Biden discussed strategies for promoting peace and avoiding decoupling in supply chains. Both leaders agreed on maintaining human control over the use of nuclear weapons and advancing international cooperation on AI. They emphasized that major-country competition should not define global relations, calling for unity and mutual benefit instead. The discussions signaled a mutual desire to continue improving relations. Xi concluded by reaffirming China’s commitment to fostering a stable and healthy partnership with the U.S., emphasizing dialogue and cooperation as the way forward.;0
Call for Raju to Resign as President Vice President Lawrence Kumar had confirmed that Mr Raju had called him up to withdraw his presidential nominee and was convinced to take up the vice president position. by waisea nasokia 11 Jun 2025 15:31 Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dr Ram Raju in his office. More on SUNBIZ Economy Set to Grow by 3.2% in 2025: RBF 2025-06-13 'Zero Tolerance for Worker Mistreatment' 2025-06-10 $750k Invested into Country Hotel 2025-06-06 Brent Hill Steps Down After 4 Years at Tourism Fiji 2025-06-03 Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) secretary Shalendra Prasad has moved a vote of no confidence against president Ram Raju to resign from the position he has held for the last 16 years. He also called upon the members who will be present at the special general meeting tomorrow to appoint an independent and impartial chairperson to lead the proceedings as per the agenda circulated. Mr Prasad, who had worked with Mr Raju, has claimed there are issues in the NCCI leadership, and that there continues to be conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement. “The way you have recruited all your Hash House Harriers’ cronies into the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Council (Board) is questionable and deemed as a great conflict of interest,” Mr Prasad said. He added that Mr Raju placed all his Hash House Harriers “cronies” onto the Council (Board), as there were no nominees on March 14, marking four years of holding no annual general meeting (AGM). He also alleged there had been a misuse of funds and abuse of o f fice from 2021 t o 2024. “I wish to seek legal advice on this matter and also challenge the legality of the AGM, which was carried out … as you used a nomination system to elect the NCCI Council (Board), but instead of opening the sealed nominations in front of all members during the AGM,” he said. Vice President Lawrence Kumar had confirmed that Mr Raju had called him up to withdraw his presidential nominee and was convinced to take up the vice president position. “You also failed to table an audited financial report in the AGM and failed to appoint an independent auditor as required under the NCCI constitution,” said Mr Prasad. “Sixteen years of dictatorship and mismanagement are enough, and now you should do the noble thing by resigning and making way for young blood and the new generation to take over the leadership.” Mr Raju, during the AGM, had revealed that he had already taken the full blame for all the financial mismanagement which happened therefore, 90 days were approved for a Special General Meeting (SGM) to announce the 2021-2021 financial reports. The special general meeting tomorrow will be held at 6pm at the Bluelight Village Hotel in Nadi. Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj;0,1
‘Zero Tolerance for Worker Mistreatment’We take all allegations seriously and investigate promptly. by jonathan bryce 10 Jun 2025 16:41The Australian Government has zero tolerance for worker mistreatment and exploitation. We take all allegations seriously and investigate promptly. This was the statement from the Australian High Commission in response to the allegations made in an article by Australia’s SBS News that Pacific workers were facing “appalling housing, fear deportation if they seek medical care”. The article claimed that an inquiry into modern slavery had been told that workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme were particularly vulnerable due to their strict visa conditions, which stopped them from changing employers. “The wellbeing of Pacific workers in Australia is of the highest priority to the Australian Government,” the statement from the Australian High Commission said. “We have worked to strengthen protections for workers under the scheme to ensure they are well treated. “The overwhelming majority of PALM scheme employers engage with the scheme responsibly: This is backed by an Australian National University /World Bank survey of more than 2000 Pacific workers, which found 92 per cent of workers wanted to engage in labour mobility again, while 98 per cent would recommend these opportunities to others.” The PALM scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire people from Pacific Island countries usually to work in agriculture and meat processing. In the SBS News article, Australia’s Immigration Advice and Rights Centre chief executive Joshua Strutt said, “PALM visa holders are one of the most exploited temporary visa holders in Australia.” The article claimed that migrant workers who had lost limbs or been blinded in Australian workplaces feared they would be deported if they sought medical treatment. Fiji’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations said in a statement it would investigate the issues raised in the article and respond accordingly: The ministry recently said the Coalition Government had been prioritising safeguards to the rights and welfare of Fijian workers engaged under the scheme. The Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, said the ministry had put various strategies in place following two ministerial visits since 2023, to ensure fair treatment and protection for Fijian workers under the PALM scheme. “Both governments are collaborating with trade union organisations, such as the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU), to address any issues related to the terms and conditions of Fijian PALM workers,” Mr Singh said. Feedback: jonathan.bryce@fijisun.com.fj;0,3
Editorial: PM Rabuka Under Siege The FICAC saga is like the SWAT Under-Siege action movie where terrorists tried to destroy the very institution they once served. by maikeli seru 03 Jun 2025 13:55 Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: Leon Lord The Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report over the appointment of lawyer Barbara Malimali as Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner has unleashed a continuing wave of controversy and uncertainty. It undermines Fiji’s stability and progress. It should stop. More debates over the COI Report, not only distracts leaders from national issues, it has also erodes public confidence in Government and institutions like FICAC. Leaders must shift from internal power struggle to improving the lives of Fijians. They are way too busy with internal leadership conflict while people grapple with bread and butter issues. Add to this rising violence, cybercrime, illicit drug influence, and social ills. These remain unaddressed. What’s happened to the campaign promises of reducing poverty, strengthening healthcare and education, upgrading public infrastructure, and maintaining law and order. All leaders must adhere strictly to the 2013 Fiji Constitution. It provides the legal framework for our governance. The President’s review and approval of the Prime Minister’s decisions regarding appointments—such as the removal of Malimali and Fotofili, must be respected and followed diligently. The Constitution mandates that the Prime Minister, as the head of Government, leads with integrity and in accordance with established legal procedures. Deviation from this undermines the rule of law and weakens our democratic foundations. The FICAC saga is like the SWAT Under-Siege action movie where terrorists tried to destroy the very institution they once served. Prime Minister Rabuka’s decision to act swiftly following the COI recommendation demonstrates leadership. However, leaders must now resist the temptation to engage in retaliatory or politically motivated actions. All parties must recognise that FICAC, established to combat corruption, must operate independently and free from political interference. Our legal and judicial systems are designed to uphold justice, not to serve as tools for political vendettas. The proverb “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers” applies in this situation. The marginalised, poor, vulnerable, our children, rural communities, and the disabled, are the ones who will suffer most from this internal saga. Leaders must set aside personal agendas and prioritise national stability and prosperity. The PM and Government officials should steer Fiji to a brighter future. They must follow the directives of the President, who is the constitutional guardian of Fiji’s unity and sovereignty. This includes respecting the constitutional processes for appointments and removals, maintaining transparency, and ensuring that actions taken are in the best interest of all Fijians. With the upcoming National Budget and General Election, now is the time to chart a new course. One based on stability, good governance, and inclusive development. Leaders should rebuild confidence among Fijians and attract foreign investment. This depends on our ability to work together, uphold the rule of law, and prioritise the welfare of our citizens. Fiji’s future depends on unity. Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj Barbara Malimali coi report commission Constitution corruption general election;0