Desmond Milligan

「M-1グランプリ2024」で準優勝して大ブレイクを果たしたお笑いコンビ・バッテリィズのエース（30）が8月19日、今年の「M-1」に「ほぼ出ない」と明かし、話題を呼んでいる。 東京・水道橋のIMM THEATERで行われた『東京グランド花月』の初日公演後に取材に応じたバッテリィズ。今年のエントリー締め切り31日が目前に迫る中、今年も同大会に出場するか聞かれたエースは「ほぼ出ないです。可能性的には」と発言。寺家（35）も「一応（まだ）10日あるので、”ほぼ”ということで」と同意した。 ’18年から毎年「M-1」に挑戦してきたバッテリィズは、’22年と’23年に準々決勝進出。昨年ついに決勝に進出し、2連覇した令和ロマンに敗れたものの初決勝ながら準優勝という快挙を果たした。エースの真っ直ぐでピュアなキャラクターが人気を呼び、バラエティ番組に引っ張りだことなり、7本のCMに出演するなど、勢いはとどまるところを知らない。 今年の「M-1」出場を期待していたファンも多かっただけに、”ほぼ不出場”表明に残念がる声も多かった。バッテリィズ同様に最近は、’22年に準優勝、’23年に3位となったさや香が’24年の「M-1」出場を見送り、現時点で今年もエントリーが確認されておらず、’19年と’20年に決勝進出しブレイクを果たしたニューヨークも’22年からは出場していない。 かつては’01年から出場し続け、10回目の挑戦となった’10年に優勝を果たした笑い飯のように、“M-1優勝”を至上命題に掲げる芸人は少なくなかったが、前述のように近年は出場資格をクリアし、優勝が期待されながらも「M-1」に出場しない芸人も増えている印象だ。 お笑い評論家のラリー遠田氏は「『M-1』優勝を目指さない芸人が増えているわけではない」と指摘した上で、その背景についてこう解説する。 「すでに十分な知名度があって仕事もあるので優勝を目指す必要がないというのがニューヨークとバッテリィズで、さや香もそれに近いと思います。さや香の場合は、準優勝までしているので、多分もうやれるところまでやって満足したという感じではないでしょうか。 見る側としては、せっかくなら毎年出て優勝を目指せばいいと気楽に考えるかもしれませんが、出る側としては1年に1度のオリンピックに出るくらい負担が大きいです。そこに向けて逆算して専用のネタを作って磨く。それを普段の劇場やテレビの仕事の合間にやるので、メディア出演の多い人が片手間でやれるようなことではないというのもあると思います」 そもそも、注目度の高い「M-1」は、まだ世に知られていない芸人にとってはこの上ないチャンスの舞台だ。 「何のために出るかというと、みんな優勝はしたいでしょうが、それだけではなく、決勝に残って活躍して知名度が上がり仕事が増えれば目的の一つは達成したと考える人もいます。そういう人であれば翌年は出ないという選択肢も出てくるということでしょう。 だから、逆にほとんどの人には関係ないことなんです。1万組エントリーして決勝進出はたった10組です。しかも、その全員が活躍できるわけではなく、決勝をきっかけに”売れた”と言えるのは毎年2、3組です。だから、その人たちは翌年”出ない”という選択肢も許されますが、そうじゃない人にとっては別に何も変わらないということです」 また、いい結果を残して”売れた”芸人にとって、翌年の挑戦は「リスクになる可能性もある」ようだ。 「さや香の新山さんも言っていますが、彼らは準優勝したので、次に『M-1』に出るとしたら、優勝を目指す以外にないんですよ。銀メダルは獲ったから、次の目標は金メダル以外ないので、優勝を目指すんじゃなければ出る意味がないんです。決勝ではなく優勝を目指すことはものすごく厳しく、他の活動を全て犠牲にしてやる意味があるのかと考えるのは自然なことです。 なので、出場しない選択は近年に限ったことではなく、歴代の人も同じです。’08年にはオードリーが準優勝して有名になり翌年以降は出場していません。逆に、南海キャンディーズは’04年に準優勝してすごく有名になって1年間忙しかったのですが、翌’05年にも出場して、なんとか決勝には残れたけどうまくいかなかった。多忙で満足のいくネタができない可能性もあるので、出たことによって損する場合もあります」 さらに、知名度を得ている芸人が出場しないことには、後進に席を譲る意味もあるという。 「レギュラー番組も増えて順調にいっている芸人が『M-1』に出ると、やっぱり周りの芸人からもよく思われないみたいですね。十分有名なのにチャンスを奪ってしまうことにもなりかねないわけですからね。ほとんどの芸人は知名度0の状態からなんとかして勝ち上がって売れっ子になりたいのに、すでに売れてるニューヨークとかバッテリィズとかさや香とかが出てきたら、それによってファイナリストの枠が1つなくなるっていうふうにも思われるじゃないですか。 実際は勝負の世界だから、人気のある芸人が必ずしも決勝に行けるわけではないし、出る・出ないは個々人の自由なんですが、やっぱり芸人の間では多かれ少なかれそういう意識はありますよね。やはり売れてない人が売れるためのチャンスの場ですから、”売れっ子が出てくんなよ”みたいに白い目で見られやすいというのはあるでしょう。それを超越して戦略的に2連覇した令和ロマンはまた特別なんですが、結局『M-1』は小さな番組に100回出るよりも、芸人にとって大きなチャンスの舞台なんです」 昨年はバッテリィズが掴んだ“チャンス”今年掴むのは――。 View the full article

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韓國總統室周四（21日）公布總統李在明接受日媒專訪的內容摘要，當中談及朝鮮半島無核化問題，這是李在明首次提出「無核化三階段方案」。李在明周六起將訪問日本，並與日本首相石破茂舉行會談。 李在明周二接受《讀賣新聞》採訪時的內容周四被韓國總統室公開。根據摘要，李在明就朝鮮核問題稱：「第一階段是凍結核武器和導彈，第二階段是縮小，第三階段是無核化。」 他表示，韓國政府的政策方向是朝鮮半島無核化，「韓國政府將在與美國保持緊密合作的情況下，通過積極的韓朝對話，創造凍結、縮小、廢棄核武器的條件」。 李在明稱：「與其採取對決的政策，不如尋找和平共存、承認、尊重的共同繁榮之路，我們需要先打開大門，尋找為對話而努力、合作的道路，緩和敵對感」。 2025年7月3日，韓國首爾，韓國總統李在明在青瓦台迎賓館舉行上任30日記者會。（Reuters）李在明說道，朝鮮半島的和平與穩定對韓國來說固然重要，但是對於包括日本、中國、俄羅斯在內的東北亞的和平與穩定來說也非常重要，以開拓北極航線這一新項目為中心，美國、俄羅斯、朝鮮、韓國、日本也可以建立合作之路。 當被問及「過去中國在薩德部署問題上對韓國持強硬立場，今後將如何推進對華關係」，李在明回答：「中國在地理和經濟上有着密不可分的親密存在，韓中關係同時存在競爭、合作、對決、對立的一面。應該綜合考慮各方面因素進行管理。」 朝鮮勞動黨中央委員會副部長金與正周二嚴厲批評韓國政府欺騙性「柔和攻勢」的本質及其雙重性質，並強調韓國不可能成為朝鮮的外交對象。她表示，無論是打着「保守政府」的旗號，還是戴着「民主政府」的帽子，韓國歷屆政府對朝鮮的對抗野心一脈相承，李在明並不是能夠改變這一歷史潮流的偉人。 金與正：韓國並非外交對象　稱李在明不是「能改變歷史的偉人」李在明再向朝鮮伸橄欖枝　下令韓國準備分階段履行對朝協議韓媒：總統李在明特使團或於8月25日前後訪華韓國總統李在明：尊重朝鮮現行體制　不尋求以任何形式吸納統一 View the full article

After Donald Trump on Tuesday lashed out at the Smithsonian Institution – a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture – over what he called an excessive focus on “how bad Slavery was”, the Guardian has revealed the shape his administration’s targeting of seven flagship museums will take. Trump suggested he would pressure the institution to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding. The White House said last week it would lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading “anti-American ideology”. Here is the key Trump administration news of the day: Exclusive: Trump to review Smithsonian museums to ‘get Woke out’Amid the Trump administration’s heavy-handed review of Smithsonian museums, the Guardian has seen a document compiled by the White House that argues the widely visited cultural institutions have overly negative portrayals of US history, from a Benjamin Franklin exhibit that links his scientific achievements to his ownership of enslaved people to a film about George Floyd’s murder that it says mischaracterizes the police. Read the full story President calls on Federal Reserve governor to resignDonald Trump called on a Federal Reserve governor to immediately resign, renewing his extraordinary attack on the central bank’s independence as officials mull next steps on interest rates. The president has repeatedly broken with precedent in recent months to demand the Fed cut rates and urged its chair, Jerome Powell, to quit after disregarding such calls. Read the full story Texas Republicans pass gerrymandered congressional map requested by TrumpThe Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives has approved a redrawn congressional map requested by Donald Trump and fiercely opposed by Democrats, who led a weeks-long protest to stall the effort that kicked off a redistricting arms race between red and blue states. With the House’s approval, the measure next goes to the state Senate, where it is expected to pass, possibly as soon as Thursday. Read the full story Judge rejects Trump’s request to unseal Epstein transcriptsA federal judge in New York who presided over the sex-trafficking case against the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has rejected the government’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts. Judge Richard Berman’s ruling in Manhattan on Wednesday came after the judge presiding over the case against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell also turned down the government’s request. Read the full story US health agency workers accuse RFK Jr of fuelling violenceMore than 750 current and former federal health employees on Wednesday accused the health and human services (HHS) secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, of fuelling harassment and violence directed at government healthcare staff. Read the full story Military vehicle crashes in DC as red states send more troopsA military vehicle crashed into a car in Washington DC on Wednesday morning, an incident that comes as more than six Republican-led states have all pledged to send more national guard troops to the capital. Read the full story What else happened today:JD Vance was booed and heckled with chants of “Free DC!” during a photo op with national guard troops at Union Station in Washington on Wednesday afternoon. A Yosemite national park ranger was fired after hanging a pride flag from El Capitan, while some park visitors could face prosecution under protest restrictions that have been tightened under Donald Trump. Texas cannot require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, a judge said in a temporary ruling against the state’s new requirement. Catching up? Here’s what happened on 19 August 2025. View the full article

The Brief A Pennsylvania man is accused of tracking a 14-year-old Florida girl through her social media posts and traveling to the Sunshine State to pursue her. According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Jarred Easter, 29, spent three months sending disturbing emails, nude photographs, and obsessive messages to the email account connected to the victim’s social media page. Easter was arrested after he traveled to the teen’s home and confronted her father. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. - A Pennsylvania man is accused of tracking a 14-year-old Florida girl through her social media posts and traveling to the Sunshine State to pursue her. The backstory According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Jarred Easter, 29, spent three months sending disturbing emails, nude photographs, and obsessive messages to the email account connected to the victim’s social media page. Investigators say the conversations were entirely one-sided, revolving around photos the child had publicly posted. Easter, according to WCSO, tracked the teen’s location through her online presence and ultimately showed up at her home in Walton County, where he confronted the child’s father in the driveway, asking to speak with her. Video: Drone carrying drugs crashes into Lutz home, suspect arrested after knocking on door After demanding Easter leave, the father called the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. On Monday, investigators tracked Easter to a hotel in Crestview and Okaloosa County deputies arrested him. Courtesy: Walton County Sheriff's OfficeHe was extradited back to Walton County on Tuesday. What they're saying "This was a sick-minded individual who convinced himself he had a relationship with a child," said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. "We are grateful the victim wasn't harmed, and we are working tirelessly to ensure there are no other victims connected to this predator. Perverts who cross state lines to target children will find themselves in handcuffs." What's next Easter was charged with numerous counts of sending harmful material to a minor, traveling to meet a minor for sex, and using a computer to solicit a child. He was court-ordered to wear a GPS monitor, to have no contact with minors, have no access to the internet, and was issued a $250,000 bond. READ:Former Florida deputy who skipped DUI manslaughter trial caught in Colombia: TPD What you can do The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents, especially those whose children have large social media followings, to be proactive in protecting their online safety. Authorities warn a digital footprint can unintentionally provide clues to a child’s location or habits and recommend that parents: Regularly monitor your child’s online accounts and direct messages. Encourage children NOT to share identifiable details such as school names, neighborhoods, sibling names, or frequent hangout spots. Use privacy settings to LIMIT who can see or comment on your child’s posts. Remind teens that followers are NOT friends—treat every interaction with caution. Report any suspicious contact immediately to law enforcement. The Source This story was written with information posted by the Walton County Sheriff's Office. View the full article

The Brief Illinois outlawed conversion therapy for minors in 2015, treating false promises of a "cure" as consumer fraud and allowing survivors to sue providers. Jody, who was forced into conversion therapy as a teen in Kentucky, described lasting trauma, including nightmares, fear of touch and struggles with trust. While 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico restrict the practice, rollbacks in states like Kentucky and a pending Supreme Court challenge threaten existing protections. ILLINOIS - Hundreds of thousands of children across the country have been told to change who they are, often through conversion therapy. Illinois banned the practice for minors a decade ago, but decisions in other states have raised fears for those still haunted by their experiences. What we know As a teenager in the South, Jody’s family forced them into conversion therapy. "There was no conversation. I remember I got in a black van," Jody said. "They placed a potato sack over your head and you didn't know where you were going and it was the longest hour and 45-minute drive of my entire life." Conversion therapy is a practice some still claim can change sexual orientation or gender identity. "No matter how many times you screamed, you had no voice. You were nothing to them," Jody said. That was in Kentucky when Jody was 16. Now, at 29, Jody lives in Illinois, a state that says what happened to them won’t be allowed here. Illinois banned conversion therapy in 2015, and the law took effect the following year. It treats promises of "a cure" as consumer fraud. "We have tools here to get recourse for you if you need it," said State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. "You're not alone and you never will be here." In Springfield, Cassidy led the push. The law gives survivors the power to take providers to court, but Dr. Braden Berkey said the experience still holds deep power over survivors. "Often depressed, suicidal, substance-using, they would have problems forming relationships and maintaining relationships," Berkey said. Those struggles with trust take Jody back to 2012, when they said they were shocked with electric currents, scalded with hot water, shamed and silenced. "I still have nightmares to this day of being sexually assaulted, of being beaten with my partner til this day there's like certain things. Like, like certain touches, whether it's like holding my hand or just brushing up against me, that he cannot do because just the fear of well, it could happen all over again," Jody said. Scott Bertani with the National Coalition of LGBTQ Health said 23 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, restrict conversion therapy for minors. But Jody’s home state of Kentucky rolled back protections — part of a broader shift that could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court. "Folks were like, I don't really see the need. I think we've moved on from that or I don't think that's ever going to be a problem again, right? And here we are back at it's a problem again," said Cassidy. "No matter how many times you pray, no matter how many times you cry out and stuff, you're not going to be healed fully enough. Like, you just have to move on in life, know that it wasn't your fault," Jody said. Owning that truth, Jody said, turned survival into purpose — advice they now share with others. "Don't change who you are and if I could go back and look at myself in the mirror, I would have came out sooner and I would have been more louder and more prouder," Jody said. What's next Illinois was the first state to enact such a ban, but advocacy groups like the Trevor Project say enforcement has fallen short. Legal analysts warn a Supreme Court challenge to Colorado’s ban could threaten protections in other states. Mental health experts say the case is yet another reminder to survivors that their trauma is not fully behind them. View the full article

FIRST ON FOX: The national Tea Party's "Only Citizens Vote" tour bus had its tires slashed last night during a stop in Phoenix as the group has been traveling across the country to support the SAVE Act. Pictures provided to Fox News Digital show the vandalism that took place Tuesday night ahead of the tour bus' planned stops in Tuscon and Scottsdale. The bus is wrapped in decals promoting the Tea Party and election integrity. "ONLY CITIZENS VOTE" the bus reads in big bold letters. Hostility Against Churches A ‘Growing Trend,’ As Study Finds Hundreds Of Attacks On U.s. Churches In 2024 "This cowardly act is not just an attack on a vehicle, it’s an attack on the millions of Americans who believe in free speech, civic engagement, and secure elections," Tea Party Patriots Action honorary chairperson, Jenny Beth Martin, told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Tea Party Patriots Action will not be intimidated," she continued. "Our tour continues as planned, and we will keep rallying Americans to support this necessary legislation." Read On The Fox News App The tour, which had its first stop in Garden Grove, California, in mid-August, shows stops in 16 states. The tour's finale will then be held in the nation's capital, during which the group will deliver petition signatures to members of Congress in an effort to rally support for the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act aims to mandate that potential voters provide proof-of-citizenship documents when registering to vote. The bill would prohibit states from processing national voter registration forms without certain proof-of-citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, government-issued driver's licenses, or military identification card. Albuquerque Gop Headquarters Targeted In Alleged Arson: ‘Direct Assault On Our Values’ The vandalism of the National Tea Party bus comes after a spate of other vandalism attempts targeting Republican entities and figures. Within the last month, the district office of Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Penn., was vandalized with red spray paint that scribbled messages, like "Mental illness is not a crime," and "GOP = racism, rape, child rape, cover up," according to images shared by CBS News. Meanwhile, earlier this year, several GOP headquarters across the country in multiple states, such as New York, Virginia and New Mexico, were reportedly hit as well. Image shows New Mexico Republican Party headquarters in Albuquerque, which was targeted in an alleged arson in March.Fearing a potential increase in violence following President Donald Trump's move back into the White House this year, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., told fellow Republican colleagues back in March to stop holding in-person town halls. Tuesday's vandalism also follows incidents of property damage and assault against federal buildings and immigration officials in Los Angeles amid the Trump administration's deportation crackdown there in June. Earlier this year, there was also a spate of violence against Tesla dealerships and Tesla cars during Elon Musk's tenure working as a "special government employee" for Trump. Original article source: Tea Party bus vandalized in Phoenix during nationwide tour, group says they 'will not be intimidated' View the full article

RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN) — Deputies recovered methamphetamine while investigating a suspicious house fire over the weekend. According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, a house fire was reported on Sycamore Lane on Saturday morning. Police say everyone was able to get out safely, thanks to family members reaching a man trapped inside. Two arrested after Champaign Co. Drug Bust Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, and arrested a Richmond woman on felony arson charges. While investigating the arson, police found 51 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and two firearms. More charges could potentially be filed as a result. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. View the full article

毎日新聞のニュースサイトに掲載の記事・写真・図表など無断転載を禁止します。著作権は毎日新聞社またはその情報提供者に属します。 画像データは（株）フォーカスシステムズの電子透かし「acuagraphy」により著作権情報を確認できるようになっています。 View the full article

原爆の図を前にして「丸木夫妻の思いを未来に向けて受け継ぐ新しい感覚のアーティストを支援したい」と語る岡村幸宣さん＝埼玉県東松山市の原爆の図丸木美術館で2025年8月8日午後0時18分、仲村隆撮影 社会問題に直球で挑む芸術家を後押し 　画家の丸木位里（いり）（1901～95年）、俊（とし）（12～2000年）夫妻が原爆投下後の凄惨（せいさん）な姿を描いた「原爆の図」を展示する「原爆の図丸木美術館」（東松山市）。学芸員の岡村幸宣さん（51）は、夫妻の歩みと社会と芸術表現の関わりを研究しながら美術館の企画運営を担当してきた。岡村さんは戦後80年の今、「丸木夫妻の仕事を受け継ぎ新しい表現に挑む芸術家の後押しに力を入れたい」と話している。【仲村隆】 　大学生だった96年、学芸員の資格のための実習先に選んだのが丸木美術館だった。バブル期の名残で各地に美術館が建てられた中、「授業で取り上げない原爆の図に関心があり、訪ねてみたかった」。01年から学芸員として働き始め、残されていた資料、新聞雑誌などから、既に他界していた丸木夫妻の足取りをたどった。 Advertisement 　丸木夫妻は45年8月6日の原爆投下後、位里さんの実家があった広島に入り、一面焼け野原になった惨状を目にする。この時の体験を基に描き始めたのが原爆の図だ。全15部から成っており、50年に最初の「幽霊」を発表してから、32年間かけて15部「ながさき」まで描き続けられた。 若い世代を中心に多くの来場者が訪れたチンポムの企画展（原爆の図丸木美術館提供） 　表現の対象も広島・長崎の被爆被害に限らず、ビキニ環礁の水爆実験で被爆した「第五福竜丸」、米国人捕虜への虐殺といった幅広い視点を取り上げた。アウシュビッツ、南京虐殺、公害といった戦争や社会問題にも直球で切り込んで表現した。岡村さんは「夫妻の亡き時代の問題を考えるのは、現代に生きている私たちの世代の役割だと思う」と語る。 　11年3月11日の東日本大震災と東京電力福島第1原発の事故で丸木美術館は転機を迎えた。その一つが同年12月、芸術集団「Chim←Pom（現Chim←Pom　from　Smappa！Group、以下チンポム）」の個展。破壊された原子炉建屋の前で作業員が赤い札を掲げている「Red　Card（レッドカード）」など原発事故を巡る一連の核問題をテーマにした表現が話題を呼び、多くの若者たちが来場した。 　チンポムは08年、広島市の原爆ドーム上空に飛行機雲で「ピカッ」の文字を描き、被爆者の非難を受けた。さらに11年には東京・渋谷駅構内に飾られている芸術家の故岡本太郎さんの巨大壁画「明日の神話」に福島第1原発事故を模した絵を付けた行為が警察の捜査を受けるなど過激な行動が物議を醸した。一方、既成の価値観にとらわれない活動が注目を集めた。 　岡村さんは、かつては原爆の図も過激で社会を騒がせたと考えている。 　大手新聞社が占領軍によって原爆被害の報道を禁止された占領下の48年、丸木夫妻は原爆の図の制作を決意し、3部作を完成させた。さらに、50年から巡回展を開き全国を回った。53年までの4年間で約170カ所で170万人が原爆の図を見て、さらには海外でも展示するきっかけに。岡村さんは「原爆を自由に報道できなかった時代。連合国軍総司令部（GHQ）は反戦運動も抑圧していたので、危険はあった」と当時の状況を説明する。 　11年以降、同美術館では若い芸術家の企画展に力を入れ、これまでに100人以上に発表の場に提供している。「丸木夫妻は常に目の前の問題に取り組んだ。今日の社会に向き合う表現を後押ししたい。丸木夫妻の残したものを継承することにつながる」と岡村さんは語る。 View the full article

Three United States warships ordered to deploy off the coast of Venezuela by US President Donald Trump could arrive by the weekend, according to reports, as Washington sends its military to curb drug trafficking by Latin American crime cartels. The reported deployment of the warships comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after recently doubling a reward for his arrest to $50m on what the US claims are drug offences linked to cocaine trafficking. Sources told the Reuters and AFP news agencies on Wednesday that an amphibious squadron consisting of three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyers is heading to the waters off Venezuela and could arrive as early as Sunday. Two sources briefed on the deployment, and speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale are moving towards the Venezuelan coast and are carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines. The sources declined to detail the specific mission of the squadron. But they have said that recent deployments are aimed at addressing threats to US national security from specially designated “narco-terrorist” organisations in the region. Maduro said on Monday that he would be deploying millions of militia members across Venezuela in response to US “threats”, which included the reward for his arrest and the launch of a new anti-drug operation in the Caribbean. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro waves outside a polling station after voting in Venezuela’s mayoral and council elections, in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 27, 2025 [Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters]“This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory – militias that are prepared, activated and armed,” Maduro said in a televised address. Washington has accused Maduro of leading the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) cocaine trafficking gang. The US Department of the Treasury designated the cartel as a global terrorist organisation last month, accusing it of supporting the Venezuelan crime group Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartels, which were also designated foreign terrorist organisations earlier this year. “President Trump has been very clear and consistent, he’s prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday. “Maduro, it is the view of this administration, is not a legitimate president; he is a fugitive head of this cartel who has been indicted in the United States for trafficking drugs into this country,” Leavitt said. Al Jazeera’s Latin America editor, Lucia Newman, reports that Maduro has ordered the grounding of all aerial drones for the next 30 days, “an indication that he might be expecting an attack from the air rather than sea”. “President Trump’s vow to send warships to the Caribbean and elsewhere in Latin America to stop the flow of drugs to the United States is being seen as more than just a threat to Venezuela. It could apply to many, many countries in this region,” Newman said. “They say today it may be Venezuela, tomorrow it could be any one of them,” Newman said. Many in the region are also wondering why Trump has chosen to implement “such an aggressive move in the United States’ backyard while he portrays himself as a global peacemaker”. View the full article

Brazilian police called Wednesday for former president Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo to be charged with obstruction of justice for attempting to interfere with the ex-leader's trial over plotting an attempted coup. The police also revealed that Bolsonaro, who faces 40 years in prison if convicted of plotting in 2022 to overthrow his democratically elected successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, had plans to seek asylum in Argentina last year. Brazil's Supreme Court will begin deciding on September 2 on the coup attempt charges against Bolsonaro, who led Latin America's largest country from 2019 to 2022. In a report released Wednesday, the police said they found a 33-page draft asylum request on Bolsonaro's phone addressed to Argentina's right-wing President Javier Milei. In the document, which was dated a few days after police began investigating him in February 2024, Bolsonaro claimed he was the victim of "political persecution." The Supreme Court found the document demonstrated the accused is a "proven flight risk," according to a ruling signed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. Moraes also urged Bolsonaro's defense team to provide an explanation within 48 hours. In the report, the police also accused Bolsonaro and his US-based son Eduardo of engaging in "conduct intended to interfere with the criminal proceedings." The police recommended charging the pair with "coercion in the judicial process" and "abolition of the democratic law." The combined sentence for the two offenses could reach up to 12 years in prison. The prosecutor's office will decide whether to accept the police's recommendation. - White House lobbying - Bolsonaro -- who has been under house arrest since early August -- has maintained his innocence in the coup trial, which President Donald Trump, an ally, has called a "witch hunt." Eduardo Bolsonaro stepped down from his position as a Brazilian congressman in March and moved to the United States, where he is campaigning for the Trump administration to intercede on his father's behalf. He has successfully lobbied Trump to take punitive action against Brazil over the case. Trump has also imposed a massive 50 percent tariff on many Brazilian exports to the United States, citing the Bolsonaro trial. Eduardo Bolsonaro responded to the police report on Wednesday by saying that his actions in the US "were never intended to interfere with any ongoing proceedings in Brazil." "I have always made it clear that my goal is restoring individual freedoms in the country," he said on social media. The police also recommended the charges for two Bolsonaro allies, evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia and Paulo Figueiredo, the grandson of ex-president Joao Figueiredo. Malafaia allegedly helped Bolsonaro by "defining strategies of coercion and the dissemination of false narratives... which ultimately aim to coerce members of the judiciary," the report said. The Supreme Court ordered Malafaia's home be searched and banned him from leaving Brazil. The pastor was also told to "immediately" testify to the police. Figueiredo, who lives in the United States, allegedly advised Eduardo Bolsonaro on his lobbying of the White House, the police said. jss/nn/dl/jgc View the full article

紐卡素繼續成為今夏轉會市場焦點，皇牌前鋒伊沙克（Alexander Isak）的轉會鬧劇未有解決跡象，球會繼續嘗試簽入其他前鋒，惟最新加碼向賓福特再次求購尤尼韋沙（Yoane Wissa），卻再度被拒。 現年28歲的韋沙上季在英超大爆發，為賓福特攻入19球。消息指，他早已萌生去意，並將加盟紐卡素視為首選，更在7月提前離開球隊在葡萄牙的集訓營，向高層施壓，揚言若不放人便拒絕比賽或訓練。雖然其後態度稍有軟化，重返一隊參與操練，但立場依舊鮮明——只想轉投聖占士公園球場，他更曾與班主面談，強調渴望「北上」發展。 賓福特去季兩大前線核心有機會先後離隊。（資料圖片/Getty Images）韋沙原本以為，隨着賓福特完成收購般尼茅夫翼鋒丹高奧達拉（Dango Ouattara），代表可以放行。不過，賓福特今夏已失去轉投曼聯的另一進攻重心麥比奧莫（Bryan Mbeumo），管理層依然不願同時放走兩大主力。即使紐卡素急於為進攻線增加選擇，最重要的是雙方在轉會費上的分歧，令交易陷入僵局。紐卡素的第1次報價為3000萬鎊（約3.15億港元），如今提升至3500萬鎊及500萬鎊的附加條款，仍然被拒；賓福特方面則希望最少能獲得5000萬鎊（約5.25億港元）。 凱倫（左）屬意留在曼聯爭取上陣機會，但主帥阿莫林已做出決定。（資料圖片/Getty Images）另一方面，曼聯前鋒凱倫（Rasmus Højlund）原先預料會外借AC米蘭，但因交易不設買斷條款而未能成事。AC米蘭方面轉而鎖定利華古遜前鋒邦尼菲斯（Victor Boniface），以類似的租借加買斷選項形式簽入；另一意甲球會拿玻里亦有機會考慮凱倫，作為前鋒盧卡古受傷的替補人選。由於曼聯今夏斥資7370萬鎊（約7.74億港元）簽下錫斯高（Benjamin Sesko），主帥阿莫林已認定球隊在新球季不會再有凱倫的位置。 英超｜水晶宮皇牌情歸阿仙奴　形勢一夜間反轉　熱刺遭沉重打擊兩大傳奇舒利亞連尼加點評英超4個新9號　利物浦新兵獲一致讚賞英超︱列斯聯爭議12碼挫愛華頓　莫耶斯不忿：球證有很多差勁判決英超｜阿仙奴新中鋒約基利斯數據慘淡　網民：撥頭髮多過踢波英超｜曼聯遭角球戰術攻陷惹爭議　阿莫林：我們下次都要照做 View the full article

Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), a libertarian-minded Republican, criticized the Trump administration’s push to acquire a stake in U.S. chipmaker Intel, suggesting the move would be a “step toward socialism.” “If socialism is government owning the means of production, wouldn’t the government owning part of Intel be a step toward socialism?” Paul said on Wednesday in a post on the social platform X. “Terrible idea,” he added, linking to a news story about the latest effort. The Trump administration is in talks to secure a 10 percent stake in the company, which would make the U.S. government one of Intel’s largest shareholders. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Tuesday that the money for the stake would come from previously allocated Biden-era funding. Media reports have suggested that the stake would be in exchange for converting grants pledged to Intel under the CHIPS and Science Act. “The president figures out that we should get, America should get the benefit of the bargain,” Lutnick told CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “I mean, that is exactly Donald Trump’s perspective, which is, why are we giving a company worth $100 billion this kind of money?” he continued. “What is in it for the American taxpayer? And the answer Donald Trump has is we should get an equity stake for our money.” Paul has long pushed for the federal government to play a smaller role in the daily lives of Americans and the U.S. economy. He voted against President Trump’s legacy-defining policy bill, citing concerns about increased spending and the national debt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

現年44歲的前TVB藝人金剛（原名李信樵）2009年來港發展，先後獲得樂易玲及曾志偉賞識，金剛憑獨特的口音而成為《超級無敵獎門人》「獎老」之一。2017年金剛返回台灣發展，而近年他則轉到內地繼續工作，但昨日（20日）他在社交平台發文，疑坐飛機時遇到有人想摸他？ 金剛在台灣出道多年，即使後來往香港發展，但他跟不少圈中人仍非常友好，如汪建民。（[email protected]）金剛發文疑似不滿無辜被搜身，更「寸爆」機場的安檢小姐姐。金剛分享了在機上座位的照片，但就帶點生氣表示：「請問一下，我不太懂的是，都過了安檢，然後整個人都過了X光機（你手還要舉高高的那種新款的機器），鞋子也要我脫，最後還要搜身？？是因為甚麼？？」金剛表示於登機前，已按照規矩接受了安檢，除下鞋子及舉過雙手接受新型X光機偵查。 金剛發文疑似不滿無辜被搜身，更「寸爆」機場的安檢小姐姐。(ig@aloha6969)金剛分享了在機上座位的照片，但就帶點生氣。(ig@aloha6969)金剛表示沒有戴上違法物件，正常情況下可以輕鬆上機，但竟然被要求再次搜身。金剛更生氣的表示：「機器不夠力？還是安檢的小姐姐想摸我？」可以見到他心情並不愉快。 金剛表示沒有戴上違法物件，正常情況下可以輕鬆上機，但竟然被要求再次搜身。(ig@aloha6969) View the full article

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is pleased to announce a major legal victory as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Judge Gleason’s ruling in the Kuskokwim case, affirming that the Katie John decisions remain binding precedent. The court’s opinion, released this morning, confirms that when Congress enacted Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), it intended to create a rural subsistence fishing priority in navigable waters on federal lands—a principle established decades ago in the Katie John cases. The State of Alaska had argued that the subsistence priority should only apply to non-navigable waters, which would have significantly weakened protections for rural subsistence fishing, particularly for salmon. Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. In its ruling, the court found that the definition of “public lands” under Title I and Title VIII of ANILCA can differ, and that Congress had ratified the broader interpretation that includes navigable waters historically used for salmon fishing—waters that are essential for the subsistence practices of Alaska Native communities. “This victory preserving the rural subsistence priority is a testament to our collective resilience and determination to protect our rights and culture for future generations,” said Ana Hoffman, AFN Co-Chair. The opinion strongly reinforces the central role of salmon in subsistence life and affirms legal access to traditional fishing grounds. “I want to thank AFN’s leaders and members for intervening in this case,” added Joe Nelson, AFN Co-Chair. “This ‘win’ is one of many more to come as we continue the endless work of protecting our way of life. The dual management compromise will continue testing us – until we fix it.” AFN applauds the thorough work of the court and legal teams and emphasizes that this ruling is a critical step in safeguarding Alaska Natives’ access to essential subsistence resources. While the State of Alaska may still seek a rehearing or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, AFN remains confident that the decision clearly supports Native rights and the preservation of cultural traditions. “This ruling reaffirms the rural subsistence priority for fishing, as Congress intended, and underscores the importance of salmon to our culture and sustenance,” said Ben Mallott, AFN President. “We will continue to advocate for policies that protect our way of life and uphold our legal rights.” AFN also extends its gratitude to the Kuskokwim River Intertribal Fish Commission, Association of Village Council Presidents, and Ahtna, Inc. for their steadfast commitment and collaboration in defending these vital rights. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected]. " Contact: [email protected] View the full article

Federal Reserve board of governors member Lisa Cook has said she will not step down despite President Trump calling for her to do so. Cook said she had “learned from the media that [Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)] Director William Pulte posted on social media that he was making a criminal referral based on a mortgage application from four years ago, before I joined the Federal Reserve,” according to a statement obtained by The Hill’s sister network NewsNation “I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet,” she added. “I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.” On Wednesday, Trump called for the resignation of Cook in the wake of allegations by FHFA’s chief that she committed mortgage fraud. FHFA Director William Pulte said early Wednesday on the social platform X that Cook had designated two of her houses as her primary residence. “Lisa D. Cook, committed mortgage fraud by designating her out-of-state condo as her primary residence, just two weeks after taking a loan on her Michigan home where she also declared it as her primary residence,” he said. Trump pushed for Cook to step down shortly after Pulte’s post. “Cook must resign, now!!!” the president said on his own Truth Social platform. Pulte also said his agency made a criminal referral to the Justice Department on the allegations against Cook. In recent months, Trump has also directed his ire toward Fed Chair Jerome Powell and pushed for his exit as well. The Hill has reached out to the White House and FHFA for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

In August 2025, highly-circulated videos claimed dozens of children went missing in Virginia in a "mass abduction." Several popular posts called on authorities to issue Amber Alerts. Others claimed ice cream trucks with lights and music driving around at night were related to the alleged kidnappings. Virginia State Police explicitly stated there was no evidence of a "mass abduction" in the state. Rather, the number of missing child reports (88 total) from Aug. 3 to 9, 2025, was lower than the state's weekly 2025 average of 98. As of this writing (Aug. 20), eight children from that time span remain missing. The number of missing children in Virginia is typically higher than in other U.S. states because the state reports all missing-child cases — including those who run away from home voluntarily — to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This makes it the outlier among states. Additionally, authorities don't issue Amber Alerts unless they meet strict criteria, including sufficient evidence that a child was taken unwillingly. Virginia State Police said in an email they have no evidence of ice cream trucks' involvement in any of the missing children cases, and Snopes found that some of the videos implying such evidence exists were blatantly misleading. In mid-August 2025, dozens of posts spread across multiple platforms claiming claimed a "mass abduction" of children occurred in Virginia. The claims varied in detail — some said 50 children had gone missing in a span of 10 days, others said 80 children went missing within 12 days (archived) — but the overarching claim remained consistent: An unusually high number of children were missing, suggesting a mass kidnapping. Many posts claimed that no Amber Alert went off (archived) for these dozens of missing children, and others claimed (archived, archived) that ice cream trucks with lights and music on driving around at night had something to do with it. (TikTok user @tkay7411) Based on statements from the Virginia State Police and data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, these fears surrounding an alleged "mass abduction" were out of proportion with reality and largely conspiratorial. As the state police confirmed in a news release, 88 cases of missing children were recorded Aug. 3-9, 2025 — which stood below the current 2025 weekly average of 98 missing children cases in Virginia. Even then, data shows that most children reported missing are found to have voluntarily run away from home and either voluntarily return or are found by authorities, according to police. Below, we explain the data, what we know based on official police statements and why Amber Alerts were not issued for the dozens of missing children. We also look more closely at the claims that ice cream trucks were somehow involved. Data shows no evidence of 'mass abductions' in VirginiaIn a public statement (archived) published Aug. 13, state police explicitly confirmed there was no evidence of "mass abductions" occurring in Virginia. In fact, within the approximate time range cited for many of the cases, Aug. 3 to 9, there were 88 missing children reported compared with the 2025 weekly average of 98. Therefore, while these videos gained traction and caused online panic, the claims of mass abduction were false and the data indicated a lower-than-average number of children went missing during that time span. One portion of the statement read: ANECDOTALLY, MOST OF THE CHILDREN REPORTED MISSING ARE RUNAWAYS, AND MOST RETURN SHORTLY AFTER BEING REPORTED MISSING. Here is the data: Last week, Aug. 3-9, 2025, 88 children were reported missing to the MCC [Virginia Missing Children Clearinghouse]. The 2025 weekly average of missing children in Virginia is 98. Since January 2025 to current, a total of 3,274 children have been reported missing to the MCC. Of these, 141 (as of 10:30 am Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025) are still missing or approximately 4%. Virginia State Police has issued a total of 25 CODI Alerts in 2025 to date. All were found. This includes a CODI Alert Monday morning, August 11, 2025, that was issued from Manassas Park, which was also cancelled Monday morning after the subject was found safe. Virginia State Police issued a total of two Amber Alerts in 2025 to date. All found. In an email to Snopes, Robin Lawson, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, clarified that this data does not automatically mean 88 children were missing, because "a child can be entered more than once if they leave home more than once." She also confirmed that of the 88 reports of missing children, nine children remained missing as of Aug. 18. As of this writing, eight children remain missing. This data matches the results of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that maintains a national database for tracking missing children. As of this writing, eight children listed as missing from Aug. 3 to 9 are still missing, meaning authorities only recorded one child found since Lawson's statement. (missingkids.org) Why Virginia reports more missing kids than other statesThe Virginia police statement claimed the state had reported more missing children to the NCMEC than other states due to its policy of forwarding every missing-child case to the group, including cases in which children ran away from home voluntarily. It read: Virginia has reported more missing children than other states on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Kids (NCMEC) website. This is because Virginia State Police forwards EVERY missing child case to NCMEC. According to NCMEC, Virginia is the most pro-active in sending cases to their website. Virginia does this to centralize missing children's cases so they can all be reviewed in one location. Many other clearinghouses post their cases to their own website. In Virginia, the MCC uses NCMEC as the clearinghouse site. Patti Davis, a spokesperson for the NCMEC, confirmed Virginia is the most proactive state in terms of sending cases to the NCMEC, and she also noted that "there is no national requirement to report missing children to us — just those missing from state care. Many runaways are not reported to us." What about Amber or Codi alerts?Many social media users pointed out that the state did not issue an Amber Alert or Codi Alert (a Virginia missing-child alert system that launched in 2024). Missing children cases are required to meet strict criteria for Amber Alert or Codi Alert issuance. These criteria are, according to the police statement: Criteria for the Activation of the CODI AlertAny person 17 years of age or younger or is currently enrolled in a secondary school in the Commonwealth. The child's whereabouts are unknown. The child's disappearance is under suspicious circumstances or poses a credible threat as determined by law enforcement to the safety and health of the child. Based on any other circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Virginia State Police. Criteria for the Activation of the AMBER Alert PlanThe abducted child must be 17 years of age or younger or currently enrolled in a secondary school in the Commonwealth, regardless of age, and the reporting law enforcement agency believes the child has been abducted (unwillingly taken from their environment without permission from the child's parent or legal guardian). The law enforcement agency believes the missing child is in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. A law enforcement investigation has taken place that verified the abduction or eliminated alternative explanations. Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the child, suspect, and/or the suspect's vehicle. The child must be entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing person files as soon as practical. As stated above, Virginia police had issued 25 Codi Alerts and two Amber Alerts in 2025 as of Aug. 13, and police reported the children as "found" in all 27 cases. Except for one Virginia Amber Alert from Aug. 11 in which authorities found the child the same morning they issued the alert, the other cases in the specified time frame did not meet the criteria. Are ice cream trucks involved?Dozens of videos, particularly on TikTok, spread the claim that people were using ice cream trucks to lure children in. The videos showed ice cream trucks driving through neighborhoods at night with lights and music playing as alleged proof. These videos received millions of views, and users in the comment sections appeared to believe that the videos were proof of ice cream trucks' involvement in a "mass abduction" of children. As shown above, there is no evidence of any "mass abduction" of children in Virginia — the claim is false. Furthermore, Lawson — the Virginia State Police spokesperson — said in an email that police did not have any evidence of ice cream trucks' involvement in cases of missing children. "I can confirm that we are NOT investigating any ice cream trucks at this time, nor do we have any evidence to support the rumored speculation of the involvement of an ice cream truck in relation to any missing children," she said. Some of the videos were blatantly misleading. For example, one video with more than 5.7 million views, as of this writing, began with footage apparently showing someone in a large pickup truck attempting to pull a drive-thru worker through the service window, not an ice cream truck driver abducting a child. (TikTok user @maqbobbe9yj) While there is no formal investigation as of this writing into the alleged involvement of ice cream trucks in the missing child cases, there is also no evidence of such involvement in any of the resolved cases from early August 2025, nor in the remaining eight unsolved cases of children who went missing from Aug. 3 to 9 in Virginia. What can we learn from these findings?Snopes is not new to cases of widespread panics surrounding false, unfounded or exaggerated claims. We've fact-checked claims regarding marijuana edibles in Halloween candy, Venezuelan gang members taking over a Colorado apartment, mystery drones flying over New Jersey and more. Misinformation can cause undue panic that distracts from real problems at hand. In its Aug. 13 statement, the Virginia State Police offered the following tips to parents or guardians to help keep children safe: Have your child practice making 9-1-1 calls from both a cell phone and a landline (unplugged or with batteries removed). Make sure your child knows not to accept rides from strangers and not to trust a stranger who suggests they go off alone together for any reason, for example, to find a lost puppy, etc. Tell your child to let you know immediately if another adult suggests keeping secrets from you. Never leave your child alone in the car, even for a minute. As collective residents of the internet, we each have a role in catching misinformation rather than playing a role in spreading it. For tips on how to spot misinformation, click here. Sources:'About Us'. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, http://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/footer/about.html. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. Fact Check: There Was NOT An Unusual Spike In Missing Children In Virginia In Early August 2025 -- Post Misstates The Data | Lead Stories. 15 Aug. 2025, https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/08/fact-check-post-does-not-prove-unusual-spike-in-missing-children-in-virginia-in-early-august-2025.html. 'Missing Posters Search Results'. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, http://www.missingkids.org/content/ncmec/en/gethelpnow/search/poster-search-results.html. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. Virginia State Police Address Viral Social Media Videos Regarding Missing Children in the Commonwealth. 13 Aug. 2025, https://vsp.virginia.gov/virginia-state-police-address-viral-social-media-videos-regarding-missing-children-in-the-commonwealth/. View the full article

Former President Barack Obama is backing California’s plan to counter mid-decade redistricting efforts by Republicans in Texas. At a fundraising event Tuesday night for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Obama said the Democratic Party needs to "respond effectively" to Republican attempts to gerrymander. “I’ve had to wrestle with my preference, which would be that we don’t have political gerrymandering, but what I also know is that if we don’t respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy,” Obama said at the event, which included former Attorney General Eric Holder and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker. Republicans in the Texas House passed a bill Wednesday to redraw congressional lines that would add five more GOP seats in Congress after next year's midterm elections. California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week called on state lawmakers to pass a ballot measure to redraw congressional lines in response to new redistricting plans in Republican-led states like Texas. After Wednesday night's vote in Austin, Newsom said on X: "It’s on, Texas." While it is not prohibited, it is uncommon for states to put forward maps between decennial census counts. Obama cited Newsom's plan Tuesday, saying he has "tremendous respect" for the proposal, which would allow redistricting that favors Democrats. “Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House that is effectively saying: Gerrymander for partisan purposes so we can maintain the House despite our unpopular policies,” Obama said. “So I believe that Gov. Newsom’s approach is a responsible approach. He said this is going to be responsible. We’re not going to try to completely maximize it. We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers,” he said. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee echoed Obama's support on social media Wednesday night, calling Newsom's plan "a fair and responsible response to Trump’s unprecedented power grab." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com View the full article

Washington — The California Supreme Court will not prevent Democrats from moving forward Thursday with a plan to redraw congressional districts. Republicans in the Golden State had asked the state's high court to step in and temporarily block the redistricting efforts, arguing that Democrats — who are racing to put the plan on the ballot later this year — had skirted a rule requiring state lawmakers to wait at least 30 days before passing newly introduced legislation. But in a ruling late Wednesday, the court declined to act, writing that the Republican state lawmakers who filed the suit had "failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time." The California legislature is set to vote on the redistricting plan on Thursday, which would send the bill to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for approval. Democratic state lawmakers in California introduced a set of bills to create new district boundaries in a way they hope would flip five congressional seats, a move made in response to President Trump and Texas Republicans' push to reshape five congressional districts in Texas to favor the GOP. Democratic state lawmakers in California, who have a supermajority in the legislature, want to pass the bills immediately so they can place the proposal in front of voters in a Nov. 4 special election Democrats' proposal in California would try to flip five of the state's nine districts currently held by Republicans and make them more friendly for Democrats. California has 52 congressional districts. The changes may require an amendment to California's state Constitution to override the independent commission that's currently responsible for the state's redistricting process. The battle over district lines may influence the midterm elections next year. Republicans hold only a slim majority in the House of Representatives, and they want to hold onto it, while Democrats are aiming to take back the House. Newsom, a potential 2028 contender, has been leading the charge. "Look, what we're doing neuters, neutralizes what's happening in Texas," Newsom told reporters Wednesday. "People have this chance with this ballot — Nov. 4 — is stand up to the rule of law, stand up for coequal branches of government, stand up to, yes, Donald Trump, but also stand up in the spirit that defines this moment to people being bullied and people being intimidated." In a statement to CBS News, the GOP state lawmakers who sued over the redistricting plan said the Supreme Court's ruling is "not the end of this fight." "We will continue to challenge this unconstitutional power grab in the courts and at the ballot box. Californians deserve fair, transparent elections, not secret backroom deals to protect politicians," the statement read. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine The most widespread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines this year Court blocks Texas law requiring public classrooms to display Ten Commandments View the full article

Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge in Rhode Island who found online fame as a caring jurist and host of ” Caught in Providence,” has died. He was 88. His official social media accounts said Wednesday he “passed away peacefully” after “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.” Caprio billed his courtroom as a place “where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion.” He was known for dismissing tickets or showing kindness even when he handed out justice. Last week, Caprio posted a short video on Facebook about how he had “a setback,” was back in the hospital and was asking that people “remember me in your prayers.” Caprio’s show was filmed in his courtroom and featured his folksy humor and compassion. Clips from the show have had more than 1 billion views on social media. During his time on the bench, Caprio developed a persona at odds with many TV judges — more sympathetic and less confrontational and judgmental. In his bite-sized segments on YouTube, Caprio is often seen empathizing with those in his courtroom. Many of the infractions are also relatively minor, from failing to use a turn signal to a citation for a loud party. Caprio also used his fame to address issues like unequal access to the judicial system. “The phrase, ‘With liberty and justice for all’ represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However it is not,” Caprio said in one video. “Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone.” Caprio’s upbeat take on the job of a judge drew him millions of views. His most popular videos have been those where he calls children to the bench to help pass judgment on their parents. One shows him listening sympathetically to a woman whose son was killed and then dismissing her tickets and fines of $400. In another clip, after dismissing a red-light violation for a bartender who was making $3.84 per hour, Caprio urged those watching the video not to duck out on their bills. “If anyone’s watching I want them to know you better not eat and run because you’re going to get caught and the poor people who are working hard all day for three bucks an hour are going to have to pay your bill,” he said. On social media, his family described Caprio “as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.” “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the family wrote. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.” State and local politicians mourned his passing and celebrated his life. “Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “He was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.” Robert Leonard, who co-owned a restaurant with Caprio, said he was “going to be sorely missed” and was “all around wonderful.” “There is nothing he wouldn’t do for you if he could do it,” Leonard said. Caprio retired from Providence Municipal Court in 2023 after nearly four decades on the bench. According to his biography, Caprio came from humble beginnings, the second of three boys growing up in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. “I hope that people will take away that the institutions of government can function very well by exercising kindness, fairness, and compassion in their deliberations. We live in a very contentious society,” he said in 2017. “I would hope that people will see that we can dispense justice without being oppressive.” For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com View the full article

三重県庁＝津市で、鮫島弘樹撮影 　任期満了に伴う三重県知事選が21日、告示され、再選を目指す現職の一見勝之氏（62）＝自民、立憲民主、国民民主、公明推薦＝と、いずれも無所属の新人で元同県四日市市議の伊藤昌志氏（55）、建設会社社長の石川剛氏（51）の3人が立候補を届け出た。9月7日に投開票される。 　一見氏は前職の衆院選出馬に伴う2021年知事選で初当選。1期目の実績を強調し、防災対策や子育て支援の拡充を掲げる。 Advertisement 　伊藤氏は24年の衆院選で三重3区から日本維新の会公認で出馬し落選。経済活性化に向けた県民税や自動車税の減税を主張する。 　石川氏は前回選に続く出馬。巨大地震に備えた耐震補強工事の促進や、知事給料の減給などを掲げる。共産党県委員会が支持する。【渋谷雅也】 立候補者（届け出順） 一見（いちみ）　勝之（かつゆき）62［元］国交省局長 ①無現［自］［立］［国］［公］ 伊藤（いとう）　昌志（まさし）55［元］四日市市議 無新 石川（いしかわ）　　剛（つよし）51建設会社社長 無新 View the full article