Desmond Milligan

In today's newsletter: Ukraine's Zelenskyy will meet with Trump in Washington flanked by European leaders. Police search for multiple gunmen in a Brooklyn nightclub shooting. And Terence Stamp dies at age 87. Here's what to know today. Zelenskyy travels to D.C. to meet with TrumpUkraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Donald Trump today at the White House, just days after Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin left their Alaska summit without a ceasefire deal. Trump has ramped up efforts to end the war in Ukraine in recent weeks, but reversed course on his aim for a ceasefire deal following his meeting with Putin. Instead, he is pursuing a permanent “peace agreement,” shifting closer to the Kremlin’s position. The change alarmed Ukraine and European leaders, several of whom will be joining Zelenskyy in Washington, including the heads of the European Commission and NATO. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will also attend. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Today’s meeting is an important opportunity for the leaders to discuss two major sticking points: security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future invasions and the status of Ukrainian land desired by Putin. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has floated that security guarantees could potentially resemble NATO’s Article 5, which triggers a response by the entire coalition if one member is attacked. Ukraine is hoping to secure the idea and also convince Trump that a temporary ceasefire is necessary to begin real peace talks, a source familiar with the goals said. Zelenskyy will also be able to address Trump’s comments on the future of Ukrainian land partially occupied by Russia. Ahead of the Alaska summit, Trump said that an end to the war would include “some swapping of territories,” which the Ukrainian president promptly shot down. In a post to Truth Social Sunday night, Trump appeared to place the onus of ending the war on Zelenskyy, while emphasizing that Ukraine must give up Russian-annexed Crimea and its hopes of joining NATO — a key demand from Putin. “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump said. In another post, Trump said that if talks with the Ukrainian president are successful, he will facilitate further discussions with Putin. Today is also Zelenskyy’s first trip to the White House since his February meeting, which devolved into a heated argument when Trump and Vance publicly berated the Ukrainian president. In stark contrast, Putin received a warm welcome during the summit. The autocrat’s red carpet rollout and private ride in “The Beast” was met with heated criticism. Read the full story here. Follow our liveblog for updates. More on the war in Ukraine:Despite Trump’s new goal of a peace agreement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that a ceasefire was “not off the table,” though Russia has not agreed to stop fighting. He also said there “have to be some security guarantees for Ukraine.” Police search for multiple gunmen after 3 people killed in shooting at Brooklyn clubA view of the crime scene where three people were killed and eight other people are injured in a mass shooting inside of Taste of the City Bar and Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, on Aug. 17, 2025. (Kyle Mazza / Anadolu via Getty Images)Three people were killed and another ten were injured in an overnight shooting involving multiple gunmen at a Brooklyn nightclub, police said. The shooting took place at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. The victims were three men ages 19, 27 and 35. “What we know preliminarily is that there was a dispute inside the crowded club that led to the shooting,” Tisch told reporters. “We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident.” Police said they recovered 42 shell casings from the scene, from 9 mm and .45-caliber guns, according to the commissioner. A firearm was recovered in the vicinity, but it is unclear if it was used in the incident. No suspects are in custody, and city officials urged the public to come forward with any information related to the shooting. Here’s what else we know. Terence Stamp, known for playing Zod in ‘Superman,’ diesTerence Stamp in Toronto, Canada, on Sept. 15, 2012. (Sonia Recchia / Getty Images file)Terence Stamp, the English actor best known for playing a Kryptonian supervillain in “Superman” and “Superman II,” has died at age 87, according to his family. Stamp played opposite Christopher Reeve in the two films, taking on the iconic character of General Zod. The role came more than a decade after Stamp was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in the film “Billy Budd.” Though it won him no awards, the “Superman” franchise was a defining mark in Stamp’s acting career. Read All About ItAir Canada reversed a plan to resume limited flights after the union representing striking flight attendants told members to defy a federal order to return to work. Thousands are without power in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Erin batters the Caribbean with heavy rainfall and gusty winds. For years, Republican lawyer Mike Davis has called for federal criminal investigations of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. New probes approved by Attorney General Pam Bondi have raised his hopes. Sin city’s latest excess? Mosquitoes. The biting machines have exploded in number throughout the Las Vegas Valley thanks to a mix of urban development, climate change, insecticide resistance and genetic adaptations. Staff Pick: Even at 1%, new tax will burden African immigrants who send money back homeJustine Goode / NBC News; Getty ImagesEdidiong Chrys, a second-generation Nigerian American, regularly sends money back home. The funds help ease the cost of food for newborns in the family and a live-in nurse for her 80-year old grandmother. But a new remittance tax passed as part of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” will directly affect the financial lifeline she sends overseas. The tax adds a financial burden to some people already struggling to make ends meet in the U.S. while sending money to support loved ones. Through the eyes of Chrys and aid experts, our story provides a great look into the communities — whether here or abroad — affected by new policies. – Kayla Hayempour, associate platforms editor NBC Select: Online Shopping, SimplifiedTo students who want to stretch their shopping budget: Here’s a list of over 50 student discounts to help you save money this school year. Plus, the NBC Select team found a wide range of point and shoot cameras to try from brands like Fujifilm, Ricoh, Sony and more. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown. Today’s newsletter was curated for you by Kayla Hayempour. If you’re a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com View the full article

Dubai police said on Monday they caught three thieves just hours after they stole a precious pink diamond worth $25 million. "The Dubai Police General Command has foiled the theft of a very rare pink diamond, valued at $25 million," the police said in a statement shared by the United Arab Emirates' official news agency WAM. A diamond trader who had brought the jewel from Europe was lured to a villa by a crime gang under the pretense of a viewing by a potential wealthy client, police said. But the gem was stolen when the diamond dealer arrived for the bogus inspection, the statement added. "I just had a problem," a man can be heard saying on an emergency call released by the Dubai Media Office. "I came to meet a client to sell a diamond to them. They looked at the stone and now ... it's stolen." Dubai police said on Monday they caught three thieves just hours after they stole a precious pink diamond worth $25 million. / Credit: Dubai Media OfficeWithin eight hours three people from an unspecified Asian country were arrested "thanks to the efforts of specialized and field teams, and by using the latest artificial intelligence technologies," police said. Video footage shared by the Dubai Media Office showed the three men with their faces blurred after their arrest as well as CCTV footage of the gang. Dubai is an important hub for diamond trading. Tightly controlled and policed, the UAE prides itself on its security and stability. The heist came just days after police said a group of thieves stole $2 million of merchandise from a family-owned jewelry store in Seattle in a daylight robbery that took only 90 seconds. Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more Laufey on creating her own sound A robotics activist's remarkable crusade View the full article

18日、北京市内にあるスウォッチの店舗（ロイター＝共同） 　スイスの時計大手スウォッチ・グループは18日までに、アジア系の男性モデルが手で目尻を引き上げ「つり目」のようなポーズをした画像を使った広告を取り下げ、謝罪した。中国の交流サイト（SNS）上では「アジア人の目をやゆしている」と非難の声が上がっていた。 　スウォッチは16日、中国の短文投稿サイト「微博（ウェイボ）」に「苦痛や誤解を与えたことを心から謝罪する」との文章を投稿、関連資料を全て削除したと述べた。 Advertisement 　ロイター通信によると、スウォッチは、昨年の売り上げの27％を中国、香港、マカオが占めており、中国への依存度が高い。（共同） View the full article

The Cleveland Browns reportedly signed receiver Isaiah Bond to a three-year, $3 million deal Monday after he was not charged as part of a sexual-assault investigation. Bond, 21, was expected to be a mid-round pick in 2025 NFL Draft, but went undrafted after being arrested on a sexual-assault charge just two weeks before the draft. Details regarding Bond's arrest were scarce, and Bond claimed the accusations against him were untrue. Bond turned himself in and was able to post $25,000 bail following the arrest. With his legal situation unresolved, Bond went undrafted and failed to catch on with a team as training camps opened. But his situation changed Thursday. Bond was "no-billed" by a grand jury in Texas, meaning there was not enough evidence to charge Bond. Shortly after he was no-billed, Bond announced he was signing with the Browns. The team responded to that statement saying they were "doing their diligence" and that a deal would not be signed Thursday. Bond flashed big-play potential in two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Texas ahead of the 2024 season. Bond didn't rack up elite reception numbers, snagging just 34 balls during his junior season. But he gained 540 yards and scored 5 touchdowns with those catches. Bond talked up his elite speed ahead of the 2025 NFL Combine, and while he didn't break the 40-yard dash record, he turned in a solid 4.39-second performance. That likely would have been enough to get him drafted in the middle of the draft if not for his arrest. Now that he's reportedly under contract, Bond will need to get caught up with the Browns after missing a large chunk of training camp. He's unlikely to make an impact early in the season due to his late start, but will look to work his way up a shaky Browns depth chart once he's fully integrated into the team's system. View the full article

政府港島及部份離島辦公室轉用內地飲用水品牌「鑫樂觀音山」，供應商「鑫鼎鑫」兩名股東夫婦呂子聰及陳碧琳周日（17日）被捕。 呂子聰、陳碧琳及其相關公司「國洋企業」等人，被日本公司指控涉使用虛假文件購買和銷售「哥士的」，入稟索償1.15億港元。「國洋企業」在2023年成功中標，向康文署供應次氯酸納溶液兩年，總值約353萬元。 政府飲用水｜被捕鑫鼎鑫董事股東兩夫婦　據悉2023年涉詐騙案被捕為港島和部分離島的政府辦公室供應「鑫樂觀音山」飲用水的鑫鼎鑫，被政府政府叫停合約。圖中地點為香港壁球中心。（廖雁雄攝）政府轉用內地品牌桶裝水「鑫樂觀音山」及「Happy喜士」引起熱議，物流署周六（16日）發新聞稿稱，稱未能信納「鑫樂觀音山」供應商能繼續履行合約，決定暫停供應商「鑫鼎鑫」合約。 「鑫鼎鑫」董事兼股東為呂子聰，另一名股東為陳碧琳，兩人為夫妻關係，周日（17日）涉欺詐罪被捕。呂子聰為七間公司董事，有三間以「國洋企業」命名，其中一間「國洋企業有限公司」，在2015年9月被強制清盤。但是在2016年5月，同名的「國洋企業有限公司」再次成立，與「國洋企業（香港）有限公司」同樣涉及2024年的一億元民事索償案件。 翻查資料，「國洋企業」曾在2023年成功中標，向康文署供應次氯酸納溶液兩年，總值約353萬元，由2023年7月15日至2025年7月14日。 「國洋企業」曾在2023年成功中標，向康文署供應次氯酸納溶液兩年，總值約353萬元，合約現時已完結。（政府憲報）《集誌社》報道，呂子聰、陳碧琳及旗下公司亦被指以虛假文件訛客戶，於2024年被民事索償，追討超過一億元。案件的原告是日本公司「雙日株式會社」（雙日），被告分別為呂子聰、陳碧琳、呂子聰的親屬呂美珊、「國洋企業有限公司」（國洋企業）、「國洋企業（香港）有限公司」（國洋香港），及泰國化學品公司「Witcorp Products Limited」。 入稟狀指出，被告涉使用虛假或偽造的文件、虛假陳述，令原告「雙日」於2022年至2023年，與被告國洋企業簽訂10份合約購買化學品氫氧化鈉（俗稱哥士的），及與另一被告泰國公司「Witcorp Products Limited」簽訂10份銷售哥士的合約。 入稟狀指，呂子聰及陳碧琳持有的國洋香港涉使用虛假的提貨單、哥士的產地證書等，令「雙日」錯誤相信合約真實，將會從被告泰國公司收到貨款。 「雙日」於2022年至2023年間，向「國洋企業（香港）」的三間銀行戶口匯款，合共21.5億日元（約1.15億港元）。「雙日」入稟向被告追討涉案的1.15億元，及其他損失。 警方聯同海關今日（18日）表示，拘捕鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司兩夫婦，分別為董事及股東，同時正追緝一內地男子。(王海圖攝)呂子聰及陳碧琳亦於2017年起，在內地持有「廈門鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司」公司，稱從事批發業務，公司資本達500萬美元，並透過該公司持有一家「廈門華閩酒店有限公司」。呂子聰在內地亦出任「中科聞達（東莞）科技有限公司」的法人代表，該公司曾涉三宗勞務爭議，共涉款人民幣24.2萬元（約26.3萬港元），呂子聰及公司財訴後無執行法庭命令，曾被限制消費。 警方今日（18日）聯同海關公布拘捕鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司董事呂子聰及股東陳碧琳，涉嫌在標書訛稱飲用水由內地某品牌供應商提供。據了解，兩夫婦於2023年曾經涉及詐騙案被捕，涉嫌用虛假文件獲取貿易貸款。 政府飲用水｜被捕鑫鼎鑫董事股東兩夫婦　據悉2023年涉詐騙案被捕政府飲用水｜值5294萬合約有30日「找數期」　警方稱政府應未付款政府飲用水｜鑫鼎鑫曾向樂百氏索報告　據悉標書驗菌要求極為基本政府飲用水｜警拘鑫鼎鑫董事及股東通緝內地男　水來自東莞樟木頭 View the full article

According to the seller, today's Nice Price or No Dice Corvette has a rebuilt engine and a new clutch ahead of its six-speed gearbox. That's a good thing considering the car overall has 185K on the clock. Let's decide if the price is as high as the miles, demanding it too requires a refresh. On June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation funding the construction of the U.S. Interstate Highway System. Just thirty years later, more than 45,000 miles of interstate highway had been built, connecting cities and counties across the nation. We can then extrapolate that Eisenhower is to blame for last Friday's 2003 BMW 540i M Sport having almost 200K under its belt. Dang it, Ike! While it had been carefully cared for and had a number of bits and bobs replaced over time, the mileage hung over the Bimmer like a black cloud. As a result, so too did the car's not insubstantial $21,999 price. That combo conspired to give the sporting saloon a solid 80% No Dice loss to close out the week. Read more: These Are Your Favorite Factory Exhaust Designs C Notes2005 Chevrolet Corvette driver's side image - Facebook MarketplaceHere we are now with a new week and a slightly newer 2005 Chevy Corvette coupe that has (checks notes) 185,000 miles on it. Dang it! Before discounting this Vette entirely due to the substantial odometer count, similar to Friday's E39, it's worth noting that the seller assures us this C6 has a rebuilt engine, new ancillaries, and a fresh clutch ahead of its desirable Tremec T56 six-speed gearbox. It's also claimed to have "new wheels," with just 2,000 miles under them. The Atlas Force UHP meats wrapping those wheels have 37/22 date codes, so those at least are at the halfway point in their tour of duty. Oddly, the mechanical work is claimed to have been done around the same time as the tires' birthday, but there's 10K on that work. In the here and now, though, the car is claimed to have "zero problems" and to run and drive "perfect." The Earl Of Gray2005 Chevrolet Corvette interior image - Facebook MarketplaceFrom the pictures, the car looks to be in good shape for its age and the miles. According to the seller, it's been garage-kept and is in "excellent" condition. There is the issue of its paint color, though. It appears to be a single-stage color rather than metallic, and is a sickly gray hue more appropriate for something Hannibal Lecter might eat with some fava beans and a nice Chianti than a sports car. A quick perusal of the Corvsport page for 2005 Corvettes indicates that this is unlikely to be a factory color. Maybe it's a trick of the light in the pictures in the ad, and the color is really Arctic White. That color was available with the Cobalt Red interior, as this car comes. That red leather interior appears to be holding up well and has the later additions of a double-DIN touch screen stereo and an elbow pad on the driver's door. It otherwise appears stock. Elbow Grease2005 Chevrolet Corvette instrument cluster image - Facebook MarketplaceAs noted, the engine received a refresh 10,000 miles ago. That mill is the LS2 V8, introduced in the Corvette this model year. From the factory, the pushrod engine made 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque out of its 6.0 liters of displacement. Per the seller, this one has been imbued with a cold air intake, headers, and an aftermarket exhaust, so its dyno dynamics may prove to be outside of those factory specs. About that aftermarket exhaust. While it does sound pretty sweet in the short video in the ad, it is sitting kind of cattywampus with the right-side twin exits protruding farther aft than the left. As long as it works, that shouldn't be a deal killer. Everything else on the car is said to work. The A/C is cold, the heat hot, etc. Having put the ad up on Facebook Marketplace, which doesn't mandate such details the way Craigslist tends to do, we don't know the title status, so that's one red flag. The other is that exhaust and the fact that there are no pictures in the ad of the car's engine. Has it been de-catted? That's a possibility considering that the seller says the factory exhaust has been replaced with headers. There's no CEL indicated on the dash when the car is running, so perhaps that's something a prospective buyer needn't worry about. No Trades!2005 Chevrolet Corvette rear end image - Facebook MarketplaceThose prospective buyers will have their hands full checking out this Corvette, since we do have questions regarding who did the engine work, and whether there are receipts for that work and the parts. Plus, what is going on with that paint? Fortunately, the seller has set $15,000 for the Corvette's asking price, and is NOT interested in any trades. That's not as wild a pitch as the $32K Miata we saw a couple of weeks back. Is it low enough to engender some interest? This is, after all, a pretty solidly spec'd Vette, despite the questions. What do you think? Is $15,000 a fair price for this Chevy sports car, considering the extensive mechanical work balancing the high mileage? Or is all that a gray area? You decide! Nice Price or No Dice: Facebook Marketplace out of Macclenny, Florida, or go here if the ad disappears. H/T Eric Weigand for the hookup! Help me out with NPOND. Contact me at [email protected] and send a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your commenter handle. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik. View the full article

What It IsHearst OwnedSince its debut in 1967, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been the head honcho of the Mustang lineup. After being discontinued in 2022, the high-performance model is set to make a return for the 2026 model year. The GT500 could, however, wear a new name, with rumors that Ford has not renewed its license to use the Shelby name on its products. The company also filed a trademark this year for "Dark Horse Boss" in Europe and for "Boss" in the United States, although these badges could be applied to another model entirely. The upcoming GT500 will be built on the latest S650 Mustang platform, likely featuring a supercharged V-8, a host of track-focused upgrades, and a pair of signature racing stripes. Why It MattersThe Shelby GT500 will bridge the performance gap between the Mustang Dark Horse and the GT3-inspired Mustang GTD, providing a track-focused experience at a more accessible price point. The GTD is currently the only option for buyers looking to step up from the 500-hp Dark Horse, but its $300,000-plus price tag and limited availability make it borderline unobtainable. We think the new Shelby GT500 will be significantly more powerful than the Dark Horse but cost much less than the GTD by forgoing many of that model's race-inspired components. PlatformThe newest S650 Mustang platform debuted in 2024, building on the underpinnings of the previous S550 Mustang with a stiffer chassis, retuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio, and all-new styling. Like the previous model, the newest GT500 will also likely feature beefier brakes, upgraded suspension, and other chassis upgrades to keep its prodigious power in check. KGP Photography - Car and DriverPowertrainWe don’t know what powertrain will appear under the Shelby GT500's vented hood, but rumors that originated from leaked documents earlier in the year suggest that it will feature a new engine, code-named "Legend." The last GT500 featured a less potent version of the supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V-8 that currently churns out 815 horsepower in the Mustang GTD, and a version of the Predator is also found in the F-150 Raptor R. A retuned version of that engine is a likely but predictable option. The GT500 could also swap out the 10-speed automatic from the Dark Horse for a dual-clutch transmission, just like the previous model. A less realistic but far more exciting pick would be a modified version of Ford's supercharged 7.3-liter Megazilla V-8 truck engine. Ford says that the new Megazilla 2.0 crate engine can produce over 1,000 horsepower, blowing the previous GT500's 760-horsepower figure out of the water. All of this is purely speculation, but a return to the GT500's big-block roots would certainly be legendary. CompetitionJust a few years ago, the last Shelby GT500 faced stiff competition from the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye. With those models now out of the picture, the new GT500's natural rivals are a bit less obvious. The Corvette Z06 will likely be its fiercest domestic competitor, although we expect the GT500 to be far more powerful. Other potential rivals include the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, BMW M4 CS, and Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. KGP Photography - Car and DriverWhat Might Go WrongAs a result of the GTD stealing the top-dog position in the Mustang lineup, Ford has the unenviable task of making the GT500 special enough to merit the name without overshadowing its new ultra-expensive halo model. If Ford gets overly concerned with preserving the GTD's value, the GT500 could end up falling short of expectations. And if Ford does divert from the Shelby name, it will have to find a new moniker that will be accepted by the Mustang faithful. Estimated Arrival and PriceWith test mules currently cruising the streets around Dearborn, Michigan, the new Shelby GT500 is likely right around the corner. We expect it to arrive for the 2026 model year at a price of more than $100,000. See all of the cars worth waiting for You Might Also Like Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang! View the full article

At what was billed as an “historic” presidential summit, hastily put together in Alaska on Friday afternoon, the optics were as clear and overshadowing as the vast Chugach mountains glistening over Anchorage in the summer sun. US President Donald Trump literally applauded Vladimir Putin as he walked along a red carpet laid out in his honor by genuflecting US troops. After warmly greeting the Russian president, whose full-scale invasion of Ukraine has so far left more than a million people dead and injured, a US B-2 stealth bomber, flanked by fighter jets, roared overhead. But Putin seemed unintimidated by the spectacle. This was, after all, his long-awaited coming out of international isolation party; a political gift bestowed upon the Kremlin strongman, who is indicted for war crimes at the International Criminal Court, by a US president who called him his friend, “Vladimir.” Later, in the windowless press room on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, where the White House and Kremlin press pools had gathered wrongly expecting a joint news conference, we found ourselves positioned alongside an energetic, tight-suited reporter from one of the radically conservative news networks who seem to vie for Trump’s favor. “Trump is determined to exit Biden’s war,” the reporter confided to me between live shots, referring to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022 when Joe Biden was US president. “But the Ukrainians and the Europeans are in his way,” the reporter added, seemingly frustrated, as Trump, at the reluctance to accept any deal at any price. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday. - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesThe comment points to an even bigger, though less obvious, Putin victory than merely returning to the top table of international diplomacy: In pursuit of a quick peace deal in Ukraine, the US president appears to have taken Russia’s side on key issues in the conflict. A ceasefire, for example. Ukraine and its European supporters have long argued that halting the violence must be an essential first step in peace talks. Trump, who had earlier accepted that, has apparently changed his mind, posting on his Truth Social platform about going for a full peace deal instead, a long-standing preference of the Kremlin, which sees no benefit in halting offensive operations at a time when it believes Russian forces have the upper hand. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, flanked by European leaders, prepares for direct and urgent talks with Trump, this about-face by the White House will be at the forefront of concerns and negotiations – alongside demands by Putin, and perhaps Trump too, for Kyiv to withdrawal from swathes of strategic territory in the Donbas region of Ukraine that has been annexed by Russia but not yet conquered. That may ultimately be a red line neither Ukraine nor Europe is willing to cross. Signing up to such a deal, which would involve pulling out of the so-called fortress belt of heavily defended Ukrainian towns and cities that have prevented Russian forces from advancing even deeper into Ukraine, would be seen as a security disaster on the continent. Ukrainian and European leaders are likely to push back hard in Washington on these territorial demands, but in doing so risk casting themselves – in the eyes of the White House, at least – as the real obstacles to peace. And saying no to a quick deal that Trump supports, with thoughts of a Nobel Peace Prize within his grasp, could push the mercurial US president to lash out, perhaps cutting off crucial intelligence sharing again, or military aid. Meanwhile, as Putin’s forces relentlessly advance on the frontlines, he must be watching all this with some satisfaction. The fact a major territorial concession is being discussed at all is itself, from the Kremlin’s point of view, yet another important win. While Ukraine and its Western backers haggle over how much more of Donbas Kyiv should surrender, the land Russia has already captured by brute force is barely mentioned at all. But in the days and the weeks ahead, as the success or failure of peace talks inevitably dominate the news agenda, it’s worth acknowledging that it is Trump – not Putin – who is now driving this process forward and that the US President’s objectives are not necessarily the same as those of Europe or Ukraine. Ukrainian servicemen fire a multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Pokrovsk, in Ukraine's Donetsk region, on June 8. - Anatolii Stepanov/ReutersThat means there must also be concern about any promised US security guarantees – another key issue in peace negotiations, aimed at preventing the Kremlin from relaunching its war once the it has secured any peace deal advantage. A threat of US military action if, for instance, Russian violates a peace deal, must be credible if it is to be an effective deterrent. But with Trump pressuring for an end to the conflict and US involvement in it, the Kremlin may judge any US security guarantees as hollow in the current climate. Trump wants this war off his hands, a quick win. European security is not his paramount concern. Economic gain, and possible business deals with Russia, appear to be more of a priority, as it the idea of taking his place in a pantheon of leaders who bend the world to their will. Back at anticlimactic Alaskan summit, it was striking how deferential a usually domineering Trump appeared, even allowing Putin – a foreign guest on American soil – to speak first in the joint statements to the press. The US president stood listening quietly at his podium for several minutes as the Kremlin leader held forth on Alaska’s Russian and American history before delivering his own impressions of the day’s meetings. It was almost as if Putin, who confidently suggested Trump visit Moscow – in a rare English-language remark from the Russian president – was accepting Trump back into the fold, not the other way around; reintroducing him to the world from Alaska as a fellow strongman, with immense power, many thousands of miles away from the petty concerns of Ukraine and Europe. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com View the full article

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) -A court in Tanzania on Monday banned the live coverage of treason proceedings against the East African nation's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who criticised the decision. Principal Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga said the ban would help protect civilian prosecution witnesses, acceding to a request by the state prosecutor who said it was necessary to conceal their identities. "Live streaming, live broadcast, and any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public including on social media or video broadcast ... are hereby prohibited," Kiswaga ruled during preliminary proceedings on Monday at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam. Lissu had already opposed the request saying that such an order would allow the court to operate in "darkness" and prevent his supporters from following the case. Officials from his CHADEMA party also criticised the court's order. "Justice must be done and be seen to be done," Lissu, who is representing himself after dismissing his attorneys, said last week. Lissu is the leader of Tanzania's biggest opposition party and has been in detention since early April after he was charged with treason and publication of false information. He has rejected the charges. Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 assassination attempt, was runner-up in the 2020 presidential election but his party has been disqualified from participating in October's presidential and parliamentary votes. His detention and unexplained abductions of government critics in recent months have shone a spotlight on the human rights record of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who says her government is committed to respecting human rights. Hassan is running for the presidency for the first time after assuming office following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021. (Editing by Elias Biryabarema, Ammu Kannampilly and Alison Williams) View the full article

(WHTM) – Pennsylvania voters will make their voices heard in 2026 for who they want to be the next Governor of Pennsylvania. Republican and Democratic Party candidates will be selected during the spring primary to run in the November general election. Here’s who is running for Governor of Pennsylvania. Republican PartyDeclared CandidatesStacy GarrityTwice-elected State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) announced August 18 that she is running for Governor. A native of Athens, Bradford County, Garrity served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Colonel and is the former Vice President of Global Tungsten and Powders Corp. in Bradford County. Garrity ran for Treasurer in 2020 and narrowly defeated incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella (D) by less than 1%. Her upset victory as a political newcomer came the same year Josh Shapiro (D) won the Attorney General’s race by more than four points. In her first term as Treasurer, Garrity prioritized the Treasury’s unclaimed property system, ensuring residents receive their money, military awards, or personal effects that reside in the state vault. She also supported the Money Match Program, which allowed the state’s unclaimed property system to automatically return unclaimed money, up to $500, to residents. The Treasury says millions of dollars have been returned to residents in the program’s first year. Garrity also banned TikTok on Treasury devices in 2022, saying, “TikTok presents a clear danger due to its collection of personal data and its close connection to the communist Chinese government.” Garrity has also said Pennsylvania should be a leader in energy production and has called for fiscal responsibility in state spending. Last November, Garrity broke Shapiro’s record for the most votes received by a state official in Pennsylvania in her re-election campaign. She called for unity in Harrisburg, saying after her swearing in, “We must put aside disagreements and find common ground.” Following her re-election, Garrity’s Treasury Department announced new investments in Israeli bonds. Garrity had previously moved to divest millions of dollars in Russian assets after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Garrity faced controversy after speaking at a January 5, 2021, rally in Harrisburg, telling the crowd to “question the integrity” of the presidential election. The day after, the U.S. Capitol was attacked by many who questioned the election results. Garrity later condemned the violence at the Capitol following the attack. Garrity’s fundraising team says she’s also supported the efforts of DOGE, saying in April with an email titled “We were doing Doge in PA before it was cool” and the line “Everyone’s talking about DOGE—but Stacy Garrity’s been on it from day one.” John VentreJohn Ventre is once again a declared candidate for governor in 2026. Ventre previously ran for governor in 2022, but did not receive enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Ventre has also run multiple times for Westmoreland County Commissioner, recently finishing third in the 2023 Republican primary and appearing as a write-in vote for seven positions. Potential CandidatesDoug MastrianoState Senator Doug Mastriano has publicly expressed that he is considering another run for Governor in 2026. Mastriano has served in the State Senate since 2019, representing Adams and Franklin counties. A retired Army colonel, Mastriano told abc27 in February that he believes he could win another primary after clinching the party’s gubernatorial nomination in 2022 with nearly 44% support in a nine person primary. He went on to lose the general election to Josh Shapiro by nearly 800,000 votes, with Shapiro receiving more than 56% of the vote. Mastriano drew criticism throughout his gubernatorial campaign for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his presence in Washington, D.C., on January 6, though Mastriano says he did not participate in the Capitol riot. Questions were also raised after a photo of Mastriano wearing a Confederate uniform in 2014 at an Army War College faculty event surfaced. The recipient of a Ph.D. in History and the author of multiple books, Mastriano also faced academic pushback on the legitimacy of his research. In the 2025 State Senate Session, Mastriano has introduced or co-sponsored legislation including the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” a vaccine exemption for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and the establishment of a “Green Alert System” to notify the public of a missing veteran. Democratic PartyJosh ShapiroPennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro will seek a second term in a race that will garner national attention. The first-term governor quickly rose through the ranks of Pennsylvania politics to become one of the faces of the Democratic Party. Over the past 20 years, Shapiro has served seven years in the State House of Representatives, five years as a Montgomery County Commissioner, six years as Attorney General, and is now in his first term as governor. As governor Shapiro has touted the passage of bipartisan legislation, including repealing Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban, expanding access to mammograms, universal free breakfast in schools, expanding ready-to-drink cocktail access, and reforming the state’s unclaimed property system. In 2024, Shapiro was a finalist to run as Kamala Harris’s vice presidential nominee after being a publicly ardent supporter of President Joe Biden prior to him dropping out of the race. Shapiro later acknowledged he expressed concern to Biden about his electability. In April 2025, Shapiro and his family were targeted in an arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg while they were sleeping. The attack came hours after the Shapiro family celebrated the first night of Passover. The suspected arsonist made references to Palestine amid Shapiro’s support for Israel and rejection of antisemitism. While the focus is on the 2026 gubernatorial race, Shapiro has been tapped by many as a potential candidate for president in 2028. A June 2025 Emerson College Polling survey found Shapiro to be one of the early leading candidates in the Democratic primary. Shapiro has pushed back on reports of his potential presidential ambitions, saying he is focused on being governor despite expanding his national presence. Declined to seek gubernatorial nominationDan Meuser (R)Congressman Dan Meuser announced in July 2025 that he would not run for governor despite earning an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Meuser, who represents Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, previously expressed interest “My focus needs to remain on doing my job, serving my constituents and executing the plans to strengthen our country,” Meuser said in a statement on July 8. “I am confident we will have an outstanding gubernatorial candidate,” Meuser added. “We will defeat Governor Shapiro, and make Pennsylvania a leader among states and the best place to live.” Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. View the full article

Rendering of February 13th Permanent Memorial on the campus of Michigan State University | MSU Board of Trustees In an unexpected “special” Zoom meeting on Friday, the MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a plan to build a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the shooting that gripped the MSU community on February 13, 2023, in which three students were killed and five others were injured by a gunman. “This memorial will honor those affected and will stand as a lasting tribute to the loss and resilience of the Spartan community,” the agenda materials said. Even as the university navigates financial “uncertainty” and a 9% budget reduction announced by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz in June of this year, plans for a memorial on campus have been under discussion since fall 2023, prompted by the Spartan community’s demand for a space to commemorate the tragedy. The total construction costs are estimated at $3.2 million with $300,000 provided by the Spartan Strong Fund and the remainder from capital reserves. Additionally, according to the agenda materials, the maintenance of the memorial will require an annual cost of $22,500 for the upkeep of the fountain and surrounding landscape, which is described as the “highest level of service.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The fountain in the Old Horticulture Gardens which will be replaced by the new memorial. August 17, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz VelizIn an email statement to the Advance, a MSU spokesperson, Mark Bullion, said “the memorial will be funded by $300,000 set aside from the Spartan Strong Fund, and the rest will come from the university’s capital reserves, not general fund dollars.” The memorial’s approval followed MSU’s decision earlier this month to pause its plan to lay off psychiatric providers and transition those services to MSU Health Care as part of previously announced university-wide budget reductions. Following the announcement of the proposed changes, an unsigned online petition circulated, calling for the reinstatement of Dr. Swapna Hingwe, the first woman of color to lead the university’s counseling and psychiatric services. While the petition, with approximately 1,500 signatures, applauded the decision to suspend the dismissal and other changes, it also expressed apprehension about future actions. “We remain concerned about the damage already done and the lack of transparency surrounding the future leadership and direction of Mental Health and Trauma Support Services,” the petition stated. Rendering of February 13th Permanent Memorial on the campus of Michigan State University | MSU Board of TrusteesSeeking to delve into healing and memory, the approved project, named the “Permanent February 13th Memorial,” as stated in the agenda documents, was designed by artists Carlos Portillo and Jessica Guinto, who described it months ago as a “communal space that fosters healing, honors, and respects the process of grieving and remembrance.” Bullion also highlighted the importance of the memorial for the MSU community in offering a place for reflection, healing and remembrance. “A space where our community can honor the lives lost and those who were injured and affected,” he said. The memorial will be located between the Student Services and Natural Sciences buildings on the east side of campus. It will replace an existing fountain in the former horticulture garden, and benches and seasonal plants will be added, as illustrated in the project models. About 5,000 people participated in the process to choose the design for the future memorial, highlighted MSU Vice Provost for University Arts and Collections, Judith Stoddart, who congratulated the community for their support and involvement. “From the earliest stages of this project, including input from those most directly impacted, through the final design selection, the MSU and surrounding communities played a vital role in shaping the memorial,” Stoddart said. Guskiewicz emphasized the impact on the Spartan community of the violence experienced on the cold night of the shooting. “This permanent memorial offers a place for reflection, healing, and remembrance, a space where our community can honor the lives lost and those who were injured and affected,” Guskiewicz said. View the full article

Erin became the Atlantic season's first hurricane as expected late Aug. 15, then exploded into a Category 5 storm Aug. 16. Monday morning, Aug. 18, it was a Category 4 storm after a short-lived dip to Category 3 status. It's expected to grow both larger and stronger, according to the National Hurricane Center. Maximum sustained winds are expected to hit 145 mph later today, up from 130 at 5 a.m. Erin remains a major hurricane. A major hurricane is one that's a Category 3 or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents to the Atlantic coast from Florida to Canada. Officials are encouraging residents to monitor the storm closely and to make sure they're prepared. ➤ Don't have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here's what you need Where is Hurricane Erin going?Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Hurricane Erin spaghetti modelsSpecial note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. ➤ Track Hurricane Erin ➤ How often has Florida been impacted, threatened by August hurricanes? We took a look back Hurricane Erin storm tracker, pathSatellite view of Hurricane ErinTrack all active Atlantic storms and disturbancesWhat should you do now to prepare for hurricane season?Be prepared before there's a storm coming.Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching while shelves are full stocked and you aren't battling crowds all rushing to the store at the same time. ➤ Don't have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here's what you need "It only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community," the National Hurricane Center Miami posted on X. "Hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint." On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators. ➤ See list of emergency supplies you can now buy tax free Florida weather radar for Aug. 18, 2025Weather watches and warnings issued in FloridaWhen is the Atlantic hurricane season?The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season?Hurricane season's ultimate peak is Sept. 10 but the season goes through Nov. 30. Credit: NOAAThe peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane names for 2025 seasonHere are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 20) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter (Aug. 3) Erin: AIR-rin (Tropical storm: Aug. 11; Hurricane: Aug. 15; Major hurricane Aug. 16) Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your cityStay informed. Get weather alerts via textWhat's next?We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Erin spaghetti models, tracker, path View the full article

VIRGINIA BEACH — The City Council last week granted pay increases for five top city employees whom they appointed. The city manager, attorney, clerk, real estate assessor and auditor were granted 3% raises. Virginia Beach’s budget for this fiscal year includes a 3% general pay increase for all other full-time city employees except sworn public safety officers. They are receiving a market salary adjustment. Neighboring Chesapeake also recently provided pay increases to its five City Council-appointed employees, with some seeing a 10% increase in their annual salary. Virginia Beach is the commonwealth’s most populated city. Here’s a breakdown of the bumps in pay for its handful of appointees: City Manager Patrick DuhaneyAmong his duties, Duhaney hires department heads, implements policy, develops the city’s annual budget, and adheres to council’s directives. He was hired in 2020. Duhaney’s annual salary of $313,962 increased to $323,380, and his car allowance remains at $9,000 annually. The city’s contribution to his deferred compensation account will equal 6% of his new salary. Who makes the most in Hampton Roads? Breaking down salaries for 22,000 city employees City Attorney Mark StilesStiles represents the city in legal proceedings and drafts ordinances and contracts. He was appointed in 2009. His annual salary of $272,418 increased to $280,590, and his car allowance remains at $10,000 annually. The city’s contribution to his deferred compensation plan remains at $10,000 annually. City Clerk Amanda BarnesBarnes handles administrative needs for the council by recording and preserving its official actions and related records. She became city clerk in 2018. Her annual salary $134,185 increased to $138,210, and the city’s contribution to her deferred compensation account remains at $6,000 annually. City Real Estate Assessor Sue CunninghamCunningham appraises real estate property across the city for annual reassessments. Those assessments are then used to determine the annual tax rate. She was appointed in 2022. Her annual salary of $157,145 increased to $161,859. Her car allowance remains at $6,000 annually. City Auditor Lyndon RemiasRemias ensures tax dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively. He was appointed in 2008. His annual salary of $163,083 increased to $167,975. His car allowance remains at $6,000 annually. Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, [email protected] View the full article

TREMONTON, Utah — Two police officers were shot and killed, and a deputy and K-9 were injured while responding to a domestic disturbance in Tremonton late Sunday. An officer from Tremonton Garland Police responded to several hang-up calls from a residence near 700 North and 200 East about 9 p.m., according to a news release from Brigham City Police. The officer spoke to a resident about an apparent domestic dispute when a man with a gun emerged from the home and fatally shot the officer. A second officer who arrived to assist was also fatally shot. A deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office also responded. The suspect fired several shots into the deputy’s vehicle, hitting the deputy and a K-9. The deputy was taken to a hospital where they are in fair condition. The K-9 is also recovering. Additional officers arrested the suspected shooter and booked him into the Box Elder County Jail for investigation of aggravated murder. The names of the deceased officers have not yet been released. This story will be updated. View the full article

港府今日（18日）公布，「長者醫療券大灣區試點計劃」本月內將擴展至江門市、惠州市及肇慶市3個城市，覆蓋大灣區全部9個內地城市。計及另外兩個新增的深圳服務點，大灣區內地城市服務點增至21個，超過178萬名合資格的香港長者受惠。 「長者醫療券大灣區試點計劃」下周四起將擴展至江門市、惠州市及肇慶市。（資料圖片 / 盧翊銘攝）江門市中心醫院及惠州市中心人民醫院將於本周四（21日）納入「長者醫療券大灣區試點計劃」，肇慶市第一人民醫院、位於深圳市的北大深圳醫院及南方醫科大學深圳醫院則將於下周四（28日）納入計劃，讓合資格者使用長者醫療券，支付指定科室的門診醫療護理服務費。 江門市中心醫院。（網站圖片）在江門醫院，醫療券將適用於其16個指定科室的門診醫療護理服務，包括内科、外科、婦科、骨科、眼科、耳鼻咽喉科、口腔科、急診科、感染科、皮膚科、精神心理科、中醫科、康復醫學科、營養科、健康管理及護理專科。 在惠州中心醫院，醫療券將會適用於其10個指定科室的門診醫療護理服務，包括內科、外科、婦科、骨科、眼科、口腔科、急診醫學科、中醫科、體檢中心及營養科。 肇慶市第一人民醫院。（網站圖片）在肇慶市一醫院，醫療券將會適用於其14個指定科室的門診醫療護理服務，包括内科、外科、婦科、骨科、眼科、耳鼻喉科、口腔科、急診科、皮膚科、中醫科、創面修復中心、康復科、體重管理中心及體檢中心。 至於北大深圳醫院，醫療券則會適用於內科、外科、婦科、骨科、眼科、耳鼻喉科、口腔科、皮膚科、全科醫學科、中醫科、康復科、營養科、體檢科及專科護理中心共14個指定科室的門診醫療護理服務。 在南醫大深圳醫院，醫療券將會適用於其12個指定科室的門診醫療護理服務，包括内科、外科、婦科、骨科、眼科、耳鼻喉科、口腔科、急診科、全科、中醫科、康復醫學科及健康管理中心。 收費均以人民幣結算　收費處標示每月指明換算率試點醫療機構的醫療服務收費均以人民幣結算。醫療機構會為長者申報使用醫療券，並按醫療券計劃下每月更新的換算率計算需扣除的港元醫療券金額。醫療機構會於收費處標示計劃下每月的指明換算率，供長者參考。 政府發言人提醒，長者不可同時使用醫療券和國家醫療保險支付同一次醫療服務的費用。在內地使用醫療券的適用範圍跟在香港一樣，不包括住院服務、須預先繳費的醫療服務及日間手術程序。醫療券亦不可用於單純購買物品、藥物、醫療儀器和用品，更不可兌換現金。 長者醫療券｜廣東省中醫院7.31起納入計劃　廣州市服務點增至4個長者醫療券｜大灣區試點增4服務點　擴至佛山及首增中醫院長者醫療券大灣區增兩珠海試點　周四起擴展至珠海醫院、中山五院長者醫療券大灣區計劃｜增12醫療機構可用　大灣區內地9市全覆蓋 View the full article

有片｜屯公疑現非法賽車　左穿右插入路肩　網民：睇你幾時瀨一鑊屯門公路懷疑出現非法賽車。網上流傳一段約兩分鐘的片段，顯示藍色本田Accord房車沿屯門公路往屯門方向飛馳，而緊隨其後拍攝該片段的車輛亦緊貼本田行駛，兩車涉嫌多次胡亂轉線及駛入路肩，並先後越過貨車、巴士等。片段的另一角度顯示，先後有3車飛馳而過。至片段後半部份，3車包括拍攝片段的車輛、白色福士GOLF GTI及本田緊貼行駛，背景更伴隨一陣笑聲，未幾福士及本田踩油門加速行駛，兩車如連體嬰般飛速行駛。片段至此結束。 有片｜屯公疑現非法賽車　左穿右插入路肩　網民：睇你幾時瀨一鑊政府飲用水｜財庫局3招補鑊　邀審計署查招標疏漏　審視採購機制財經事務及庫務局局長許正宇今日（17日）召開緊急會議，與相關人員討論近日有關政府採購樽裝飲用水的事件，並在會上決定採取三重行動，主動邀請審計署就今次採購樽裝飲用水的招標過程進行審查，成立一個跨部門專責小組審視現有政府採購機制，責成物流署持續密切監察樽裝飲用水供應商履行合約的情況。他表示，物流署已通知各政策局及部門收起相關樽裝飲用水和作出相應安排。 政府飲用水｜財庫局3招補鑊　邀審計署查招標疏漏　審視採購機制政府飲用水｜值5294萬合約有30日「找數期」　警方稱政府應未付款鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司獲批5,294萬元合約，為港島和部份離島的政府辦公室供應「鑫樂觀音山」桶裝飲用水，被政府指未能信納可繼續履行合約，即時停用並報警。 警方昨日拘捕涉案公司董事及股東，同時正追緝一內地男子，指公司涉嫌在標書訛稱飲用水由內地某品牌供應商提供。追查發現該公司實際提供的飲用水來自東莞樟木頭一間廠房，有3萬桶已送到各區，政府化驗證實可安全飲用。 至於合約的5,294萬元費用，據警方初步了解，物流署「找數期」為供應服務後30日，相信尚未向涉案公司支付任何款項。警方又指，正調查有關飲用水有無流出市面。 政府飲用水｜值5294萬合約有30日「找數期」　警方稱政府應未付款影片直擊｜深水埗按摩婦被質疑偷銀包　遭六旬客當街箍頸散髮呼叫網上瘋傳一段男女拉扯的影片，可見深水埗基隆街264號對開街頭，有一名恤衫翁與一名紅衫婦糾纏推撞。雙方爭執期間，男方一度從後箍頸及捉手，阻止女方離開；紅衫婦披頭散髮、重複操普通話痛苦呼救叫：「他是個神經病啦！哎哟，這個世界神經病啦我的媽啊！」其後她一度掙脫，反向恤衫翁叉頸扯衫還擊，引來大批途人圍觀了解因由，有人曾呼喝：「冷靜啲啦妳偷嘢就！」未幾，警員趕抵將雙方隔開調查。 警方表示，上周六（16日）早上約9時38分，警方接獲女途人報案，指懷疑一名男子被一名女子盜去銀包。人員趕抵尋獲一名姓陳（67歲）男子及一名姓熊（47歲）女子，據悉熊婦為上址附近一間樓上足部按摩店的職員，陳男光顧後發現遺失銀包，懷疑有人暗中盜去，雙方由店舖爭執至街上，最終警員在店舖一張凳底下尋獲陳男的銀包，最後雙方和解，案件改列「糾紛」處理。 影片直擊｜深水埗按摩婦被質疑偷銀包　遭六旬客當街箍頸散髮呼叫入境處拘6菲傭其中兩人涉網上自學　假日秘撈無牌牙醫收費$150起香港入境處拘捕6名菲律賓籍外傭，懷疑在深水埗一個唐樓單位提供無牌牙科服務，涉嫌違反逗留條件及未經註冊從事執業牙醫。經調查，該6名外傭每逢假日會利用該單位為同鄉提供洗牙、箍牙及假牙製作等服務，每次收費約150至500港元。該批外傭均未受過正規牙科訓練，其中兩人網上自學擔任「無牌牙醫」，其餘4人為助手。拘捕行動當日另有13名菲律賓籍人士相信是顧客。入境處強調，無牌牙醫服務存在極大衛生及感染風險，提醒僱主及外傭切勿以身試法。 入境處拘6菲傭其中兩人涉網上自學　假日秘撈無牌牙醫收費$150起特朗普稱烏克蘭不可加入北約　指俄烏戰爭爆發源於奧巴馬美國總統特朗普（Donald Trump，又譯川普）與烏克蘭總統澤連斯基（Volodymyr Zelensky）會面在即，前者在社交平台發文，稱澤連斯基幾乎可以即時結束俄烏戰爭，但表明基輔方面不可加入北約（NATO）。 特朗普稱烏克蘭不可加入北約　指俄烏戰爭爆發源於奧巴馬大阪道頓堀Donki旁建築物發生火警　2消防員殉職　多人送院｜有片日本大阪市著名遊客區道頓堀8月18日早上發生火警，網上流傳的片段顯示，現場冒出大量濃煙，當局證實2名消防員被困火場身亡、6人送院。 大阪道頓堀Donki旁建築物發生火警　2消防員殉職　多人送院｜有片 View the full article

Standing in Gasoline Alley surrounded by century-old race cars, I had an unexpected realization: my 2024 Acura MDX Advance has more in common with these legendary machines than I thought. As someone who typically focuses on practical car shopping advice—cargo space, safety ratings, fuel economy—I wasn’t expecting my visit to the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to be a revelation about what’s in my driveway. Walking through the $89 million facility that reopened in April 2025, I found myself connecting dots between the historic race cars on display and the technology I use every day in my 2024 Acura MDX. The museum’s Gasoline Alley recreation immediately transported me back in time, while the interactive “Drivers Start Your Engines” simulator reminded me that racing has always been about pushing boundaries. From the 1914 Duesenberg to the 2022 Chip Ganassi Honda, each car I photographed told a story of innovation that eventually made its way into consumer cars. Here’s what I discovered about the racing technology that’s probably sitting in your garage right now, and why understanding this connection makes you a smarter car shopper. This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Power Evolution: From the 1948 Novi to My Acura MDX’s V6The 1948 Novi Grooved Piston Special. Those grooved pistons improved engine efficiency and power delivery—concepts that directly translate to modern car engines like the one in my Acura MDX – Credit: Kim SmithStanding before the 1948 Novi Grooved Piston Special that dominated Indy in its era, I was struck by how innovative thinking in racing often starts with the smallest details. Those grooved pistons weren’t just about going faster; they were about improving engine efficiency and power delivery, concepts that sound familiar to anyone who’s read modern car specs. The grooved piston design allowed for better oil control and reduced friction, which translates directly to what we see in today’s family SUVs and sedans. When I think about my MDX’s 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft of torque, it’s actually generating more power than those legendary race cars that made history at Indy. That’s not just about bigger engines, it’s about smarter engineering that traces back to innovations like those grooved pistons. READ MORE: Art and Diffused Fragrance Tell the Story of Lincoln’s Automotive Evolution Supercharging Heritage: From Miller to ModernThe 1928 Miller Special garage setup—showcasing early supercharging technology that proved forced induction could deliver reliable power, paving the way for today’s turbocharged family cars – Credit: Kim SmithThe 1928 Miller Special caught my eye not just for its elegant lines, but for what it represented in automotive evolution. This car showcased early supercharging technology, proving that forced induction could deliver reliable, consistent power—a concept that seemed almost magical at the time. Since 2022, the Acura MDX features a turbocharged engine that shares over 400 components with the engine that powered Acura’s championship-winning ARX-05 racecar. This is racing technology proven at the highest level, making its way into family cars. The beauty of this evolution is that turbo technology that started on tracks now helps family cars achieve better fuel economy without sacrificing power. Racing taught engineers that you could have your cake and eat it, too. Something every mom trying to balance performance with practicality can appreciate. READ MORE: 2025 Acura MDX First Drive: A Glow-Up Makes This Sporty SUV Even More Fun and Beautiful Walking Through Gasoline Alley’s Time MachineThe iconic Gasoline Alley—my favorite part of the museum, where walking through garage recreations from 1911 to today felt like experiencing the evolution of automotive innovation firsthand – Credit: Kim SmithThe Gasoline Alley recreation was hands-down my favorite part of the museum. Seeing the evolution of garages from 1911 to today felt like walking through a time tunnel of automotive innovation. Each era’s cars reflected different approaches to cutting through the air, and you could literally see the moment when engineers realized that shape matters as much as power. The 1964 Lotus Powered by Ford was a turning point; this was where true aerodynamic thinking began. Looking at its low, sleek profile, I could see the DNA of modern car design starting to emerge. It’s the difference between just making a car go fast and making a car that works with physics instead of fighting against it. READ MORE: We Drove [Almost] Every Maserati on a Track and This is Why We’re Excited for the MCPura Seeing How Airflow Raceway Tech Helped Translate Modern Highway EfficiencyInside the Penske Gallery with some of Team Penske’s legendary race cars—where I could see the visible evolution of safety technology across decades of racing that directly influenced the protection systems in today’s cars – Credit: Kim SmithHere’s something that hit me while looking at these streamlined race cars: the aerodynamic lessons learned at 200+ mph directly improve everyday fuel economy. My MDX’s sleek profile isn’t just about looking good (though it does); those carefully sculpted lines and underbody panels trace back to racing innovation. The front fascia of my MDX has been sculpted to highlight the wide grille, with fog light housings integrated under the side vents that emphasize the wider track. This design was actually inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car. What started as a way to help race cars cut through the air more smoothly and stick to the track better at racing speeds now helps my family SUV move more efficiently during school pickup runs. The connection is simple: racing’s need for speed and consumers’ need for efficiency both benefit from the same aerodynamic principles. Less air resistance means better fuel economy, whether you’re racing at Indy or driving your kids to school. READ MORE: The Richard Petty Driving Experience: Fast Times At Disney’s Speedway I Got to Witness the Evolution of the Design Language of Race CarsSeeing how much styling and technology changed as the years went by was incredibly cool – Credit: Kim SmithSeeing the 2018 Discount Tire Ford Fusion brought back memories. We owned a 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium, and seeing this racecar reminded me of our time in that sedan. But it also highlighted something important: crash data recorders (event data recorders), which became standard in racing around this era, are now in virtually every new car. These “black boxes” in our family cars trace directly back to racing’s approach to learning from every incident. Racing taught cars to monitor themselves constantly, collecting data that helps improve safety for everyone. The predictive maintenance systems in my MDX, which alert me to potential issues before they become problems, use the same data-driven approach that racing teams pioneered. READ MORE: Nissan Z + Circuit of the Americas = All Day Thrills The Penske Gallery’s Safety Legacy Was a Sight to BeholdThe dramatic entrance into the Penske Gallery – Credit: Kim SmithWalking through the Penske Gallery was like taking a masterclass in automotive safety evolution. The gallery showcases the history and incredible success of Team Penske at the Indianapolis 500, featuring iconic race cars, trophies, and artifacts that tell the story of 20 Indy 500 wins. The display features four of Team Penske’s Indianapolis 500-winning cars, along with Lee Wallard’s 1951 race winner from Roger Penske’s first visit to the facility. The centerpiece is all 20 “Baby Borg” Warner trophies presented to Roger Penske for each Indy 500 victory. The gallery includes eight race-winning engines, highlighted by the innovative and powerful Illmor Mercedes-Benz pushrod engine known simply as “The Beast” that propelled Al Unser Jr. to Team Penske’s 10th Indy 500 win in 1994. What really caught my attention were the safety innovations visible across the decades. Racing’s life-or-death need for safety drove innovation faster than any government regulation could. When failure isn’t an option, engineers get creative quickly. The 2011 William Rast car showcased modern safety cell design, a complete departure from earlier race cars, where the driver was essentially sitting in a metal cage. This evolution directly influenced the safety structure that now protects families in everyday cars. READ MORE: Watching Your First IndyCar Race? A Newbie Fan And An Expert Tell You Six Things You Need To Know NASCAR to Main Street: Safety Technology TransferSeeing this NASCAR reminded me of our 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium—and how stock car safety innovations like crash data recorders moved from the track to our family sedans – Credit: Kim SmithThe 2003 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo represented another important piece of the safety puzzle. NASCAR’s safety innovations—like the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device, SAFER barriers, and advanced fire suppression systems—moved from stock car racing directly into consumer cars. Understanding this heritage makes me appreciate modern safety features more. Every time my collision mitigation system prevents an accident or my lane-keeping assist helps me stay centered, I’m benefiting from technology that was literally tested under life-or-death conditions. Understanding the racing heritage behind modern car features now changes how I evaluate cars. When I see technology that’s been tested at places like Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I know it’s been proven under the most demanding conditions possible. This knowledge becomes practical when comparing car brands and technologies. Manufacturers with active racing programs aren’t just showing off; they’re continuously testing and improving the technology that eventually makes it into consumer cars. READ MORE: Toyota Dazzles on the NASCAR Track in Texas The Acura MDX Connection: Racing Tech in My DrivewayThe 2024 Acura MDX Advance looks good on me – Credit: Kim SmithMy 2024 Acura MDX Advance is packed with racing-derived technology, though I never really thought about it until this museum visit: Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD): This is an advanced system that dynamically distributes power not just between front and rear wheels, but also side-to-side between the rear wheels. This technology is exclusive to the MDX’s competitive class and comes directly from Acura’s racing experience. Sport-tuned Chassis and Suspension: My MDX features a double-wishbone front suspension, a design choice that reflects a commitment to performance derived from racing applications. It allows my MDX to handle corners while maintaining control and comfort under all driving conditions. Integrated Dynamics System (IDS): This system lets me customize the car’s driving dynamics through various modes, including Sport mode. It’s essentially a racing-style car setup, adjustments made accessible to everyday drivers like me. The racing connection goes even deeper. Acura’s “Precision Crafted Performance” philosophy has been tested and proven through motorsports since the brand’s launch in 1986. The knowledge and expertise gained from racing programs contribute to the overall engineering excellence I experience every day. The rear-biased SH-AWD system, combined with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, demonstrates this racing influence perfectly. It puts me, the driver, in command in a way that traces directly back to racecar philosophy. READ MORE: The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S May Have Convinced My In-Laws to Consider an EV How This Should Change Your Car Shopping ExperienceStanding at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where over a century of racing innovations first proved the technology that now makes my daily drives safer and more efficient – Credit: Kim SmithUnderstanding this heritage adds genuine value to my ownership experience. If you know me, you know how much I love my Acura MDX! I’m not just driving a well-engineered SUV; I’m benefiting from decades of racing knowledge that went into every system, from the powertrain to the suspension tuning. My visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum started as a fun networking outing and ended as an education in automotive DNA. Every time I start my Acura MDX, adjust my mirrors, or rely on my collision mitigation system, I’m benefiting from innovations that were first proven at 200+ mph on this very track. The next time you’re car shopping, understand this connection between racing and reliability. When you see features that trace back to racing development, you’re looking at technology that’s been tested under the most demanding conditions possible. When you’re comparing safety ratings, fuel efficiency, or performance features, remember: the best innovations often start at the track before they protect and serve families on the highway. Racing doesn’t just make cars faster; it makes them better for all of us. View the full article

⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A U.S. police officer transforms a Chevy Camaro into an upside-down racer, competing in the humorous 24 Hours of LeMons event.A U.S. police officer has taken car modification to new heights—or perhaps depths—by building a racing car unlike any other: an upside-down Camaro designed specifically for the irreverent "24 Hours of LeMons" race. Dubbed a Frankenstein creation by automotive enthusiasts, the unconventional vehicle merges two very different cars: a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro body and a humble 1990 Ford Festiva chassis. However, what makes it truly unusual is the Camaro body has been inverted, making the vehicle appear to defy gravity as it hurtles around the track. In this extraordinary creation, the Camaro's roof has become the car’s base, while the Festiva’s original chassis has become the cockpit—turning automotive design quite literally on its head. From a distance, the vehicle looks like a genuine Camaro flipped upside-down, creating a surreal illusion that has captured attention from race fans and casual onlookers alike. The officer behind the project is no stranger to crafting outlandish vehicles for the 24 Hours of LeMons—a comedic twist on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where creativity often overshadows performance. Previous builds by the policeman-turned-creator include a road-worthy car constructed from a discarded 1956 Cessna airplane. This upside-down Camaro racer has already proven itself more than a novelty. It successfully completed its test runs and showed impressive stability despite its visually disorienting design. Building the car was no simple task; with a $1,775 entry fee for each team, plus vehicle expenses, the project required significant dedication and resources. Though unlikely to challenge the status quo of professional motorsports anytime soon, the upside-down Camaro highlights the playful ingenuity and engineering humor embraced by the LeMons racing community. As this officer continues pushing automotive boundaries, fans eagerly await his next gravity-defying creation. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. View the full article

You shouldn't be reading about the Lotus Evija right now. Lotus first introduced the world to its electric hypercar back in 2019. But, as these things go, there were some internal and external snags. Internally, development issues pushed back Lotus's target date. Externally, there was a pandemic that slowed, well, everything. Car and Driver had access to a detuned prototype in 2021, when the car's on-sale date was predicted for 2022. Now, a mere four years later, it's finally time for us to slide behind the wheel of the finished product. The Evija is already a visual spectacle, though that's enhanced by this car's color, called Violaceous, which flips from bluish purple to rust orange with an iridescent effect. Before we hit the track, our co-pilot, Gavan Kershaw, director of attributes and product integrity, gives us a briefing that is as straightforward as it is simple. He asks only that we follow his instructions regarding the braking points, so that we don't dive into a corner too fast. A fair point, considering the potential to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in less than two seconds and on to 186 mph in around nine seconds. Top speed is limited to 217 mph. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverWe then slip into the minimalist bucket seat, which is surprisingly comfortable. The dashboard is only a structural carbon-fiber crossbeam, and light shines into the footwell from behind it, creating a spacious feeling. Three screens connected to small external cameras serve as the mirrors, and the steering wheel looks like it was plucked from an IMSA racing prototype. The screen-based instruments excel in clarity, as do the controls on the slim center console. The doors whir closed by means of switches in the roof console, and after pressing the red start button in the center tunnel and then the D above it, we have 2012 horsepower under our right foot. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverThe 2.2-mile Hethel test track is sacred ground to Lotus fans because Formula 1 world champions Jim Clark, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Ayrton Senna drove here. We start at a reasonable pace, but in the sweeping right-hander leading to the main straight, the right pedal goes to the floor, and we're teleported to the other end of the straight with the speedometer rattling toward 185 mph. The push in our back is relentless and feels completely linear, no matter how long you hold down the accelerator. Under power, the computers take on the torque-vectoring roles of the differentials in a conventional all-wheel-drive setup, regulating the Evija's four electric motors that deliver a maximum of 503 horsepower to each wheel. The thrust is mind-bending, and even at 155 mph, the software still battles wheelspin. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverWhen Kershaw gestures to start braking, we stomp hard on the left pedal. The huge carbon-ceramic discs make deceleration intense, but the feeling in the pedal is surprisingly old-fashioned. It's not the synthetically hard feel that many high-performance EVs have, but a pressure you can precisely modulate to gauge if the wheels are on the verge of locking up. This is the result of Lotus prioritizing purity over range and thus choosing hydraulic brake assist over electric regen. The power steering is also hydraulic (necessitating an electric-driven pump), offering a detailed feel that tops any electric car in existence and even that of many modern internal-combustion models. Lotus claims these characteristics are part of its DNA and give the Evija a light-footed and nimble demeanor. After a few corners at high speed, we notice not only the delightful sharpness of the steering but also the way the car rotates around its center axis, like a conventional mid-engine sports car. Lotus has achieved this in part by placing the battery pack behind the seats, where a combustion engine and a fuel tank would normally reside, instead of using a skateboard-style chassis with a singular focus on a low center of gravity. Rolling stock consists of magnesium wheels (20-inchers in front, 21s in back), wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R Elect summer tires, which are managed by Multimatic's impressive spool-valve dampers. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverThe 800-volt, 87-kWh lithium-ion battery is said to be good for 195 miles in Europe's WLTP combined cycle (166 miles in EPA terms), and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 18 minutes on a 350-kW hookup. It also likely weighs close to that of a first-generation Elise. Nevertheless, Lotus claims to have kept the Evija's mass to a svelte (for a quad-motor EV) 4200 or so pounds. Thanks to that weight and its distribution, the Evija offers exceptional handling characteristics for an EV. Also helping is a carbon-fiber monocoque tub that weighs just 284 pounds. A major relief is the fact that the Evija does not generate artificial sounds to create the illusion of engine noise. There is only the whining of the four motors amplified by the carbon structure, which is admittedly no internal-combustion symphony, but is exciting in its own way and contributes to the overall sensation of speed. To be able to deploy the Evija's prodigious performance under all conditions, its driver can choose from five modes via a rotary switch on the steering wheel: Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track. Each step offers more power and torque and less interference from the electronics, but even in Track, the stability control does not turn off completely. Range and City make the Evija docile, with the power noticeably toned down for the sake of range and drivability. Even in Tour, you can exit corners safely at full throttle because the software curbs the power, but it does not feel like the car is pulling on a leash. In Track, however, everything is geared toward maximum performance, and the internal computers provide maximum acceleration, balancing on the edge of wheelspin. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverAfter our session, Kershaw takes the wheel and demonstrates the capabilities in the Track setting, and the Evija claws down the straights with intimidating violence. With Kershaw's experience and knowledge of this track, we reach 200 mph on the straight. "With all the Formula 1 cars we drove here over the years, we never reached that speed, so it shows you how fast the Evija is," Kershaw says. However, it's not the acceleration—which becomes uncomfortable after a while—or the seemingly endless grip and braking forces that impress us most, but the usability and thus the underlying software managing the action. We all know now that electric cars are extremely fast, but even at the incredible levels of the Evija, you eventually get used to it. It is the way in which this car can adapt itself to any situation that makes it truly impressive. The name Evija is derived from variations of the name Eve and means "the first that exists" or "the living one," but internally, the Evija is known by its project code Type 130. This corresponds to a production run of no more than 130 units. We wondered whether the Evija would be even more impressive at half the weight and with half the power, possibly generated by a high-revving V-8 or V-12. Probably, but with many politicians ruthlessly pushing electrification, Lotus managed to build the purest, most dynamic, and fastest EV, at least at this moment. There is a price to pay, though, because at more than $2 million before taxes, it is also the most expensive Lotus ever. A pied-à-terre in Europe is not included in the price, but will be necessary if you want to experience the Evija on the road, because the car is not homologated for U.S. streets. At a minimum, U.S. buyers would want to budget for a private racetrack membership, because Lotus's electric hypercar deserves more than mere show and display. Ingmar Timmer Photography - Car and DriverYou Might Also Like Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang! View the full article

現年29歲的無綫小花廖慧儀於2020年參選香港小姐，雖大熱倒灶未能奪冠，但仍獲無綫睇中簽約旗下，惟其星途起步不久即遇挫折，因捲入前男友Sam墮樓風波，令她形象插水，遭無綫即時雪藏。廖慧儀近年重新獲無綫重用，除了拍攝綜藝節目，早前廖慧儀在《黑色月光》仲飾演視后楊茜堯年輕版，演技令人驚喜。 廖慧儀曾因捲入前男友Sam墮樓風波，令她形象插水，遭無綫即時雪藏。（IG圖片）廖慧儀近年重新獲無綫重用。（IG圖片）廖慧儀經常在IG分享性感照。（IG圖片）廖慧儀日前在IG分享了多張性感照，並留言表示：「願做一個健康、充滿熱誠以及自信的女生。」相中她穿上白色網球服，大曬小蠻腰及長腿，並躺在球場地下擺出不同的誘人甫士。其中一張照片她無懼走光，對住鏡頭戙高一隻腳，性感度爆燈。有大批網民看到到照片後，都忍不住留言大讚：「Jessica 好靚」、「你越來越靚女，笑容相當甜美，身材同埋皮膚管理得非常好」、「好身材美女❤️」、「sexy」。 熱愛運動。（IG圖片）當然不忘曬性感。（IG圖片）當然不忘曬性感。（IG圖片） View the full article

62歲「功夫皇帝」李連杰日前在抖音親自證實住院消息，披露一張病床憔悴照，形容自己「又經歷了一次無常的試煉」。他未透露具體病因，但非重病，只是短期治療。不過今日他很快再更新自己的動向，原來已經出院，更在社交平台向大家報平安，他說：「再次感謝大家的掛念與祝福，讓大家擔心了。我出廠咯，吃點好吃的，還是刀削麵香啊～～～中午了，大家要好好吃飯哦！願大家健康平安快樂」。 手術前。（片段截圖）手術前。（片段截圖）手術前。（片段截圖）做完手術好精神。（片段截圖）做完手術好精神。（片段截圖）做完手術好精神。（片段截圖）立即打坐。（片段截圖）出院了。（片段截圖）近年李連杰影壇，現正拍攝新片《鏢人：風起大漠》，並積極活躍於社交平台，粉絲突破300萬。身為武打巨星，他更在佛法與公益中尋得心靈平靜，展現成熟一面，儘管健康有起伏，仍堅持以平和態度面對人生。 李連杰在微博報平安。（微博截圖） View the full article

US special envoy Tom Barrack has asked Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese territory after Beirut approved a plan to disarm the Hezbollah group by the end of the year, in exchange for an end to Israeli military attacks on its territory. “There’s always a step-by-step approach, but I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply with that equal handshake,” Barrack told reporters on Monday, in Lebanon’s capital of Beirut, after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The US-backed plan sets out a four-phase roadmap for the Hezbollah group to hand in their arsenal as Israel’s military halts ground, air and sea operations and withdraws troops from Lebanon’s south. Lebanon’s cabinet approved the plan on August 7 despite Hezbollah’s outright refusal to disarm, raising fears that Israel could intensify attacks on Lebanon, even while it carries out near-daily violations of the November truce it signed with Hezbollah to end its war. Israel has continued these attacks against Lebanon even in the weeks since the cabinet approved the plan. Barrack described the cabinet’s decision as a “Lebanese decision that requires Israel’s cooperation” and said the US was “in the process of now discussing with Israel what their position is” but provided no further details. Asked by reporters about whether he expected to see Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, the US envoy said “that’s exactly the next step” needed. “There is cooperation from all sides. We are not here to intimidate anyone. The positive outcomes will benefit Hezbollah, Lebanon, and Israel alike,” he said. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack listens to a question during a joint news conference following his meeting with Lebanon’s president at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on August 18, 2025 [AFP]‘An economic proposal’The US envoy also said Washington would seek an economic proposal for post-war reconstruction in the country, after months of shuttle diplomacy between the US and Lebanon. Barrack voiced optimism after Monday’s meeting, stating: “A return to prosperity and peace is within reach. I believe we will witness progress in several areas in the coming weeks.” “This is the first visit of the American envoy to Lebanon after the Lebanese cabinet mandated the Lebanese army to assess how to disarm Hezbollah,” said Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, reporting from Beirut. “However, there are a lot of concerns with respect to how this process is going to happen, given the fact that Hezbollah refused.” On Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem raised the spectre of civil war, warning there would be “no life” in Lebanon should the state attempt to confront or eliminate the group. In a written statement after his meeting with Barrack, Aoun said “other parties” now needed to commit to the roadmap’s contents. Barrack is also set to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington. A ‘return to prosperity and peace’?Under phase one of the US-backed plan, the Lebanese government is to issue a decision committing to Hezbollah’s full disarmament by the end of the year – which it now has – and Israel will cease military operations in Lebanese territory. In phase two, Lebanon would begin implementing the disarmament plan within 60 days, and the government would approve troop deployments to the south. Then, Israel would begin withdrawing from the south and releasing Lebanese prisoners. In phase three, which should happen within 90 days of that, Israel is to withdraw from the last two of the five disputed border positions, and money would be secured for Lebanon’s reconstruction. In phase four, Hezbollah’s remaining heavy weapons are to be dismantled, and Lebanon’s allies will organise a conference to support the country’s economic recovery. Hezbollah emerged badly weakened from last year’s 14-month war with Israel, during which longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated in a huge Israeli strike on Beirut. Before the war, Hezbollah was believed to be better armed than the Lebanese military. The group has long maintained it needs to keep its arsenal to defend Lebanon from attacks, but critics accused it of using its weapons for political leverage. Hezbollah has said it refuses to discuss its arsenal until Israel ends its attacks and withdraws troops from southern Lebanon. Aoun and Salam both want to disarm Hezbollah and have also demanded Israel halt its attacks and withdraw from the country. Just on Monday, Israeli attacks blew up a house in the town of Meiss el-Jabal, a sound bomb went off in the border town of Dahra, and drones could be overheard in the towns of Wadi Zefta, al-Numairiyeh and Wadi Kafra, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported. Aoun said he wants to increase funding for Lebanon’s military and raise money from international donors for post-war reconstruction. The World Bank estimates that the war caused $11bn in damage and economic losses. The country has also faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019. View the full article

CAIRO (AP) — Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza war. View the full article

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced Monday she is challenging Gov. Josh Shapiro, giving establishment Republicans in the state a recruiting win. The two-term incumbent, 61, slammed Shapiro in her campaign kickoff video as vying for the White House while overlooking Pennsylvania’s woes. “While Josh Shapiro has been spending his time running for president and fundraising in California and other liberal states, raising money from far-left mega donors like Bloomberg and Soros, critical problems in Pennsylvania have been ignored,” said a narrator in the spot. Garrity attacked Shapiro’s handling of high prices, schools and infrastructure. Garrity also zeroed in on one of the biggest controversies in the Shapiro administration, in which one of his former longtime top aides resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. Shapiro has largely demurred when asked directly about the controversy, emphasizing his history of fighting sexual harassment and abuse and maintaining that his office has strong procedures for handling harassment claims. “I will never embarrass Pennsylvania with scandals, unconscionable behavior, deleted emails and cover-ups and a total lack of transparency like Shapiro has,” Garrity said in the video. In a preview of future attacks, Democrats have criticized Garrity over her support of President Donald Trump’s megabill, her celebration of the fall of Roe v. Wade and her speech at a Jan. 5, 2021, rally in Harrisburg where she told the crowd to “question the integrity” of the election. Garrity’s team has said she was referring to a state Senate race, not the presidential election. GOP leaders in the state are expected to throw their support behind Garrity. Many of them are concerned about the prospect of far-right state Sen. Doug Mastriano mounting a comeback bid against Shapiro after losing to him by 15 percentage points in 2022 — and dragging down the rest of the ticket, including incumbents in must-win House races. Mastriano has been teasing a run on social media and has said he would not be deterred by GOP efforts to clear the field. With an eye toward the endorsement that matters the most in the GOP primary, Garrity touts in her video that she is “a strong ally of Trump.” It is unclear whether Trump will endorse in the gubernatorial primary, though his advisers are worried about a potential Mastriano bid and its impact on House races. While Garrity is widely seen as a more formidable challenger than Mastriano, even many Republicans privately acknowledge that any campaign against Shapiro will be an uphill battle. A recent Morning Consult poll showed Shapiro with a 61 percent approval rating, and he had more than $11 million in the bank at the end of 2024. Shapiro is considered a potential presidential candidate in 2028 but has not said that he is interested in running for the White House. Asked for comment, a Shapiro spokesperson pointed to the governor’s recent remarks on Garrity. “The Republicans are going to deal with their intramural fight. I'm not going to get into their parlor games,” Shapiro told reporters at an event Friday. “You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to keep creating jobs here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I'm going to fund our kids' schools. I'm going to make sure that we have more cops on the beat.” View the full article

衞生署衞生防護中心今晚（18日）公布，一名患有自身疾病的約兩個月大女嬰，她於上周五（13日）出現發燒及昏睡，同日被帶往瑪麗醫院急症室求醫，留院治療後，昨日（17日）已康復出院。病人的腦脊液樣本經化驗後，證實對腸病毒呈陽性反應，臨床診斷為腦膜炎。 衞生防護中心初步調查顯示，病人在一間特殊幼兒中心居住，於潛伏期內沒有外遊記錄。涉事的特殊幼兒中心近日曾出現兩宗手足口病個案，涉及一名兩個月及一名六個月大的女童。她們自8月15日起出現口腔潰瘍、手腳出現皮疹及發燒。她們就醫後被診斷感染手足口病，須留院治療，現時情況穩定，沒有出現併發症。 View the full article