Desmond Milligan

Hunting plays an important role in maintaining healthy populations of wildlife. Though I am not a hunter, I understand the value hunters bring to conservation and that most hunters are among the best conservationists I know. Were it not for hunters and the economic engine they provide through licenses, duck stamps and the outdoor industry, we would not have many of the beautiful natural areas in our country today. Earlier this month, for the first time since 2015, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to approve rules to allow a black bear hunt in December in four zones in the state. FWC will issue 178 permits. Permits will be distributed through a random drawing. I have no issue with an ethical hunter who stocks a freezer with meat for consumption. Sadly, humans have eliminated many of the natural predators that historically roamed the nation. From mountain lions to wolves, these predators kept prey populations such as deer and wild hogs in healthy balance. Without that balance, some populations have exploded, causing habitat degradation through overgrazing and rooting, and in some cases, spreading disease and starvation. With that said, I strongly disagree with the approval of a black bear hunt in Florida. I have seen no data indicating there are more bears than the environment can support or that they pose a significant threat to humans. Yes, the population has increased since the bears were listed as threatened in the 1970s. That is not a mandate to begin killing them. In fact, bears need connectivity between isolated populations to ensure genetic diversity and avoid setbacks of inbreeding. A hunt will likely harm their ability to establish that connectivity. Since the FWC’s approval, the Central Florida-based conservation group Bear Warriors United has filed a lawsuit trying to stop the planned black bear hunt. Florida black bears are among the least aggressive bears and pose little threat to humans when left alone. To avoid encounters, we need to learn to live with bears by securing garbage and not leaving pet food unattended. As development continues, there will be more encounters with bears wandering into areas that have displaced their natural habitat. Unlike deer, hogs, ducks and turkeys and bears are generally not eaten. Exceptions exist for Indigenous cultures where bear meat is part of tradition. However, more often than not, killing a bear is not for food but as a trophy hunt. I cannot support killing any animal simply to collect a trophy that feeds nothing but ego. Ron Magill isZooMiami’s communications director and a well-known animal welfare activist. View the full article

Glenn Maleyko, superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools, one of the three finalists selected by the Michigan State Board of Education to be the next state superintendent. Aug. 19, 2025 | Screenshot This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy. Michigan’s State Board of Education is closer to filling the top education post after choosing Lisa Coons, Glenn Maleyko, and Judy Walton as finalists to be the next state superintendent. Over two days, the board interviewed seven candidates to find the best applicant to succeed State Superintendent Michael Rice, who announced in April that he is retiring effective Oct. 3. Rice has been in the role since 2019. The board interviewed four candidates on Monday but ended up selecting as finalists all three of the applicants who interviewed on Tuesday. They are: Lisa Coons, former state superintendent in Virginia and former chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education. Glenn Maleyko, superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools Judy Walton, superintendent and curriculum director for Harrison Community Schools The three finalists will come back next week for a final interview with the board. The four semifinalists that didn’t make it to the next round were Paul Salah, superintendent for Huron Valley Schools; John Severson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators; Thomas Ahart, an education consultant and former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools; and Christopher Timmis, superintendent for Dexter Public Schools. Some of the board members noted that they had a strong field of semifinalists. “We’ve heard from an incredible group of educators who are doing amazing work across the state and beyond,” board president Pam Pugh said. Board member Tom McMillin, a Republican from Oakland Township, advocated for Timmis and was disappointed he wasn’t a finalist. “He’s a change agent,” McMillin said, citing what Timmis said about moving away from what he described as a system that rewards seat time toward one that rewards student engagement and attainment of knowledge and skills. “If we don’t get him, someone else will,” McMillin said. He voted no on the finalists and fellow Republican Nikki Snyder, who is from Goodrich, initially passed on voting but then said, “You’re welcome to put it as a no.” Snyder and McMillin had advocated for including Timmis as a fourth finalist, but the consensus was to go with three candidates. The six Democrats on the board voted in favor of the finalists. Here’s what they heard from the candidates, as well as their application materials: Maleyko: Working together will make it happenMaleyko, the Dearborn superintendent, said his vision for public education in Michigan is aligned with what the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education, or MDE, have already established as goals toward improving education. Among those eight goals are expanding early childhood education, improving early literacy achievement, increasing graduation rates, increasing the number of certified teachers in areas where there are shortages, and providing adequate and equitable school funding. “These are all things that we know other states have been successful … at implementing,” Maleyko said. But academic performance has struggled in Michigan, and other states are showing more improvement on a rigorous national exam. Maleyko said Michigan needs stronger collaboration between the state and local districts, the business community, students, and other stakeholders to move the state forward. “We know there’s strengths in Michigan, but there’s also areas where we can improve, and I think together, we can do that, and I’m steadfast in my belief that working together will make that happen,” he said. Candidates were asked about how their experiences as educators shaped their approach to leadership. Maleyko, in his response, talked about when he was a first-year third-grade teacher at Salina Elementary School in the Dearborn district. A young boy had drawn a picture in his journal of someone being shot. Maleyko, concerned, consulted his principal and the school social worker. The parents, who spoke little English, came in. Through translation, the meaning behind the drawing became clear. “It turned out that that student saw his uncle get shot … in Iraq after the first Gulf War in the 90s,” Maleyko said. “It was eye-opening, because here’s the thing, I grew up middle class. I didn’t have to deal with what that student had to deal with. “But the one thing as an educator is that I could work my hardest to make sure that that student will receive the highest possible, best education they could, so that they would be successful in society. That has stood with me throughout my career.” That student’s story has stuck with him for years, and it helps him remember that many other students are dealing with challenges. Walton: We must grow the ‘future stories’ of studentsThe school year that began this week in Harrison Community Schools is the fourth one that has had a “future stories” theme. Superintendent Judy Walton said her vision for public education is to expand that theme across the state. “We want to grow their future stories,” Walton said. “That has to be our vision, and we can’t do anything along the way that takes options off the table for them. It’s their job to write that story, and it’s also our job to sometimes help them see that future, even when they can’t because of things that are impacting them.” In order to invest in those future stories, she said, Michigan will need to ensure there is “sustainable, equitable funding that recognizes the uniqueness of districts.” Each district has its own challenges and opportunities, and they vary in size and location, she said. In a small rural district like hers, she said, there is less red tape, but there are also fewer opportunities for competitive grants because of their size. “Overall, it still matters the ZIP code of a child as to what kind of education you get, and that’s still not okay.” Walton said there needs to be more of a connection between the MDE and districts, teachers, and students. The state education department, she said, must be the leader in making those connections happen and to build on “the great work that’s been happening.” “We need to be out in front, making those connections, helping districts network with each other, because great ideas are everywhere in the state. But if we can’t connect people to them, they sit in silos, and a silo will be the death of great education across the state.” When it comes to students, Walton said the Michigan Merit Curriculum, which outlines what classes students need to take for high school graduation, affected how many opportunities students had in school. “It really impacted elective choices and things like [career and technical education] and things like work-based learning. … I think it also really dampens some of the creativity and love of learning that our kids have. And so I think we have to provide more choices for them, not let go of rigor, not saying we don’t want you to be able to compete. We’ve got to figure out more ways to help have more of their own voice heard in their path to a diploma.” Coons: Improving early literacy is a key priorityCoons spoke extensively about her experiences in Tennessee and Virginia and described herself as passionate about literacy. When she became executive officer of priority schools in Nashville, at a time when a growing number of struggling schools were at risk of a state takeover, it became imperative to “walk through every single classroom to see what was happening.” As they walked through second grade classrooms, one troubling theme emerged. “No one was teaching reading. In every single second grade classroom I walked through, they were coloring. Not only were these students having a lot of challenges outside of the classroom, they weren’t having the opportunity to learn to read inside the classroom.” When she sat down with the principal and second grade teaching team, she asked why they weren’t teaching reading. “And they said, ‘Our children can’t sit still. We are not able to teach.” Thus began an intensive approach to turn around that school. “We started with teacher training, instructional materials, partnered with a nonprofit to give deep, deep coaching for our teachers on classroom management and how to implement strategies, but also to our school leaders so they could track the data and understand data,” Coons said. She told the board that the goal to improve early literacy must be the biggest priority and that Michigan needs to ensure that school districts across the state receive the resources and support they need. She said that how MDE partners with districts will be different in different parts of the state. “It’s an incredibly important space for us to be over the next five years, to make sure that, first and foremost, our students have the opportunity at the end of third grade [to learn to read], because we know that opens doors for their futures.” Coons said the MDE goal to increase the percentage of students who graduate from high school is also an important part of the state’s vision for improving education. “As a student walks the stage, if they’re only ending with graduation, we haven’t served their next step. It’s incredibly important for us to think about what are those post-secondary opportunities that they’re having in high school that help them solidify their steps after they graduate?” Michigan, she said, has a lot of different opportunities for high school students, such as early college programs and workplace readiness programs. The goal should be that as students graduate, they’re not asking ‘What’s next?’ but are instead thinking, ‘This is where I’m headed.’ Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at [email protected]. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. View the full article

RICHMOND — The General Assembly allocated $87.5 million in the current budget for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, a financial resource that helps preserve and develop affordable housing units. That’s the largest investment from the state in the fund’s history. More funding has equaled more affordable housing — in fiscal 2024, $60 million went toward the creation or preservation of more than 3,000 affordable units, compared to $5.4 million generating about 300 units in fiscal 2014. But in 2021, the last time a comprehensive statewide housing needs assessment was conducted, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found the state would need to allocate closer to $1.6 billion annually to develop 20,000 units per year to meet the state’s need for affordable housing in 10 years. “We still have a long way to go,” said Isabel McLain, director of policy and advocacy at the Virginia Housing Alliance, during a presentation to a Virginia Housing Commission workgroup at the General Assembly Building Tuesday. The VHTF helps get existing projects with other funding sources over the finish line. The bulk — 80% — of the funds are administered to the Affordable and Special Needs Housing loan pool. Those loans then go to projects with units affordable to people earning 80% or less than the area median income. Affordable is defined as costing no more than 30% of one’s income. The other 20% of the VHTF funds go toward homeless reduction grants, which can pay for projects like a new shelter or rental assistance. State Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Smithfield, proposed a bill this past session that would change that formula to a 65-35 split. That bill died in committee. At Tuesday’s meeting, she made the case it should be reintroduced. “In Hampton Roads, we know that we have an affordable housing issue,” she said. “What this bill sought to do is provide some flexibility in that ratio so we could try to, in the immediate forefront, find some additional funding to address our targeted homelessness population as we work towards addressing the affordable housing crisis we have in Hampton Roads.” Members of the workgroup did not have additional comments or questions for Jordan, but chair Del. Briana Sewell, D-Woodbridge, said the group looked forward to working with Jordan on the issue in the future. Three senators, five delegates and three governor appointees sit on the Housing Commission. There are two workgroups within the Commission: the one that met Tuesday studies affordable housing solutions, and the other studies local land use and and community living. The workgroups, which include stakeholders from different housing sectors, provide recommendations on proposed legislation to the full commission, which in turn makes legislative recommendations to the legislature. The workgroup also heard from Del. Bonita Anthony, D-Norfolk, on her bill to require a geographic equity impact assessment on new affordable housing units. That bill passed the House, but was referred back to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, where it was passed by. The goal, Anthony said, is to correct history of high concentrations of poverty and allow families who qualify for affordable housing more choice on where to live. She cited areas of Norfolk including the Park Place neighborhood and Young Terrace and Calvert Square, two public housing complexes in the process of being redeveloped. “We wanted to correct decades of precedence where affordable housing has been disproportionately clustered in certain neighborhoods,” she said. “We wanted to unpack some of those structural patterns, we wanted to disrupt some of those cycles of concentrated poverty and oversaturation.” But Anthony acknowledged the language of the bill could have had unintended consequences, like introducing caps on how many affordable housing units could be in specific neighborhoods. “I absolutely understand the intent of this bill,” said workgroup member Erin Kormann, legislative counsel with the Virginia Association of Realtors. “I would encourage you to work, and I’m sure you already have, with the affordable housing people and how to tweak that language so that it can’t be used to keep this kind of housing out of certain areas.” Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Midlothian, presented his bill to limit how many single family houses private equity firms and hedge funds can buy. That bill was incorporated with legislation proposed by Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Richmond, before it died in committee. Sturtevant said he planned to reintroduce the bill this coming session with added provisions, recommended by the Virginia Poverty Law Center to include limits on how those firms can buy mobile home parks. “This is only going after the biggest of the big entities, the Wall Street hedge funds and private equity groups,” Sturtevant said. “The threshold that we have come up with is those institutional investors that have $50 million or more in assets.” Under the guidance proposed by Sturtevant, entities would also only be prohibited from purchasing single family homes if they already had 50 or more properties. Sturtevant acknowledged that only own a small portion of homes — about 6.3% in Richmond, he said — were sold to institutional investors. But he said it matters for first time homebuyers. “When you have a skewing of market forces by an entity that has a ton of money and the ability to pay cash to be able to come into a housing market, that is going to have in the aggregate effects throughout the rest of the market,” he said. “Homes are for people and are supposed to be owned by people, not as part of some stock portfolio investment strategy.” The VPLC said that there are also maintenance concerns when often out-of-state private equity firms own mobile home parks. “What we have seen, especially down in Southwest Virginia, is that they do not put people on staff on site,” said workgroup member Daniel Rezai, a housing attorney with the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Trying to get someone on the phone to come and take care of a major maintenance issue is almost impossible.” But some members of the commission appeared skeptical of a ban on mega investors. “My concern is where a lot of this conversation pops up around the country, it’s motivated by a fear of rental properties in traditionally single-family home ownership communities,” said workgroup member Andrew Clark, vice president of government affairs at the Home Builders Association of Virginia. “But if the focus is truly to make sure that we’re having housing stock and increasing supply and not having these mega investors come in… I don’t think we’d necessarily be moving the needle at all by prohibiting these folks from purchasing these properties when we should be looking at zoning, financing opportunities, all those things that are constraining supply.” Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, [email protected] View the full article

When the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s urban search and rescue team resigned after the deadly July 4 Texas floods, he told colleagues he was frustrated with bureaucratic hurdles that had delayed the team’s response to the disaster, according to media reports. The move highlighted an ongoing challenge at FEMA. Ever since the agency lost its independent status and became part of the Department of Homeland Security in the early 2000s, it has faced complaints about delays caused by layers of bureaucracy and red tape, leaders at the top with little experience in emergency response, and whiplash policy changes. Now, the Trump administration is cutting jobs at FEMA and talking about dismantling the agency, which would push more responsibility for disaster response to the states. Yet, federal emergency management is crucial in America. I run the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina and for years have worked with states and communities facing hazards and disasters. To better understand FEMA’s value, let’s take a look back at how the nation responded to disasters before the agency existed, and what history reveals about when FEMA was most effective. Early disaster responseBefore 1950, disaster relief and response were not considered a federal responsibility. When a hurricane, flood or tornado hit, community members and humanitarian groups, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, brought in food, shelter and medical aid and solicited charitable donations to help people rebuild. State and local governments had primary responsibility for disaster response. But mostly people relied on family, neighbors and charity. Federal aid was approved on a case-by-case basis. War Department guidelines in 1917 stated that aid would be allowed only if a senior military officer certified that responding to the disaster would exceed local and state resources. Then the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the 1930s Dust Bowl gave new meaning to the concept of disaster in America. In 1927, the Mississippi River broke through its levees, submerging more than 1 million acres of land across seven states. An estimated 700,000 people were displaced from their homes and workplaces. Herbert Hoover, then U.S. commerce secretary, was given full authority to create, coordinate and carry out the federal relief effort. The Red Cross set up camps using tents provided by the War Department. Coast Guard and Navy boats rescued people stranded by flooding. But the response drew criticism for the lack of direct federal money to help flood survivors and the treatment of Black sharecroppers and laborers. A few years later, the droughts of the Dust Bowl era began destroying crops in the Great Plains, causing widespread damage. New eraAfter the flood, the federal government began to formalize its role in disaster management. Flood control projects became a federal responsibility with the passage of the Flood Control Act of 1928. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal provided emergency relief to farmers in the Great Plains and set up the Soil Conservation Service to help them reduce the effects of future droughts. These were among the first disaster mitigation policies at the federal level. There was little coordination among agencies, however. Various aspects of disaster relief and recovery were handled by the departments of Defense, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development and the Small Business Administration. Each had its own rules and requirements. In 1950, Congress passed the Federal Disaster Relief Act, establishing the first permanent authority for federal disaster relief. The act gave the president the responsibility to determine how aid would be distributed and which agencies would be involved. The legislation also broadened the federal mission to include disaster preparedness and mitigation and formalized the process for issuing presidential disaster declarations. Creation of FEMABy the 1970s, large-scale disasters such as hurricanes Betsy (1965) and Camille (1969), and the fragmented disaster response, led the National Governors Association to call for a single comprehensive emergency management agency. Its report provided the blueprint for President Jimmy Carter’s 1979 executive order that established the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. The new agency became the home for emergency management within the executive branch. It was intentionally designed as an independent federal administrative agency that could work across federal agencies to support state and local governments in times of crisis. FEMA wasn’t created to lead the disaster response. Instead it helps state and local officials by mobilizing federal resources, such as search and rescue, debris removal and funding when a disaster overwhelms the state’s capacity. FEMA could do this quickly because of established federal contracts and its ability to move equipment and responders into the region before a disaster hits. Falling apartHowever, FEMA’s ability to act fast changed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The agency was restructured as a unit in the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. But the Department of Homeland Security’s focus was on terrorism and law enforcement, not natural disasters. The loss of autonomy and direct reporting to Congress, unfunded mandates outside the scope of the 1988 Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and major increases in the number of large and complex disasters stretched FEMA’s capabilities. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, FEMA’s response drew widespread criticism. It was slow to deploy people and supplies and lacked enough experienced responders who knew what to do. Decision-makers were not familiar with new national response plans. Further breakdowns in communications and a lack of coordination among agencies led Congress to declare the Hurricane Katrina response a failure of initiative and agility. FEMA’s reputation improved after the government brought in more experienced leadership and committed to preparedness planning and better response capabilities. However, the first Trump administration, from 2017 to 2021, reversed those gains. Three different heads of FEMA in four years led to understaffing and conflicting directions. As Trump took office for the second time in 2025, he and his administration talked about dismantling FEMA and pushing more disaster management to states. Job cuts and resignations at FEMA reduced the number of employees with training and experience vital in disasters. Political appointees to senior roles in the agency and in the Department of Homeland Security lacked emergency management training and experience. A new policy that all purchases over $100,000 be personally approved by Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem led to more resignations. For disaster response, a delay in waiting for a signature to work its way up the chain can cost lives. What now?Dismantling FEMA and leaving little or no federal coordination of disaster response puts states in a difficult position. States must balance their budgets every year, and increasingly “rainy day” funds are insufficient to cover unexpected large disasters. As the federal government shifts other financial responsibilities to states, funds will diminish further. A single disaster can cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and require widespread disaster response and then relief efforts. Since 1980, the cumulative cost of weather-related disasters has exceeded $2.9 trillion. With a warming atmosphere producing more intense storms, increasing human and economic harm are likely. Members of Congress have proposed making FEMA an independent, Cabinet-level agency again. I see some distinct advantages in doing so: Fewer management layers would enable faster deployment of federal supplies and personnel to assist disaster response. A streamlined, more nimble agency could cut red tape for disaster survivors needing assistance, meaning delivering relief funding faster and more equitably. If an independent FEMA had responsibility for recovery beyond its current 180-day reimbursement limits, that could improve long-term recovery efforts, especially if Congress provided permanent funding streams and consistent rules and regulations. The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle FEMA are shortsighted in my view. Instead, I believe the best move is to restore FEMA as an independent executive agency as it was originally envisioned. Susan L. Cutter is a distinguished professor of geography and director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina. This article is republished from the online news site The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. View the full article

By Ahmed Kingimi MAIDUGURI (Reuters) -The death toll from an attack by gunmen on a mosque and nearby homes in Nigeria's northwest Katsina state has risen to at least 50, with around 60 others abducted, local officials and residents said on Wednesday. The attack occurred early on Tuesday in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau, in Malumfashi district, as Muslim worshippers gathered for Fajr, the dawn prayer. Witnesses reported that armed assailants arrived on motorcycles, opening fire inside the mosque before moving through the village. Aminu Ibrahim, a lawmaker representing Malumfashi, said at least 30 people were killed and 20 others burned alive in what he described as a series of brutal attacks on the community. Katsina police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said officers intercepted the attackers and successfully prevented a planned assault on two villages. But while fleeing through Mantau, the attackers opened fire on residents. Several homes were also set ablaze before security forces arrived at the scene, he said. Survivors recounted harrowing scenes of women and girls being dragged away by the assailants. "They started shooting inside the mosque while people were praying," said Muhammad Abdullahi, a resident. "My neighbour was killed. I was lucky I didn't come out early." On Tuesday, Fatima Abakar, an official at the local general hospital, told Reuters that 27 bodies were registered at the morgue, though many victims were taken by relatives for Islamic burial rites. Northwest Nigeria has seen a surge in attacks by gangs, known locally as bandits, in recent years targeting villages and highways, abducting residents for ransom, and extorting farming communities. (Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri; writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Alex Richardson) View the full article

鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司早前獲政府5,294萬元合約，涉嫌未經內地製造商授權投標並疑提供冒牌水，警方列為詐騙案，昨日拘捕鑫鼎鑫商貿61歲男董事及57歲女股東，追查發現飲用水產自東莞樟木頭的觀音山礦泉水廠，並且派員到當地調查。警方今晚（20日）公布調查進展，《香港01》現場直播。 01觀點：物流署買冒牌水｜信用破產，一定要炒！ 《香港01》記者周二（19日）到東莞觀音山礦泉水廠追訪事件。（《香港01》記者攝）《香港01》記者周二（19日）到東莞觀音山礦泉水廠追訪事件。（林遠航攝）《香港01》記者周二（19日）到東莞觀音山礦泉水廠追訪事件，水廠外停泊了「東莞執法」的車輛。（林遠航攝）+9鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司的61歲董事兼股東呂子聰日前被控一項欺詐罪，昨在東區裁判法院提堂，申請保釋被拒，案件押後至11月11日審訊，而其妻、鑫鼎鑫股東陳碧琳獲准保釋候查，9月中向警方報到。 鑫鼎鑫董事呂子聰8月19日由警方押送到法庭。（資料圖片／廖雁雄攝）鑫鼎鑫商貿有限公司早前獲政府5,294萬元合約，但涉嫌未經內地製造商授權投標並提供冒牌水，警方追查發現飲用水產自東莞樟木頭的觀音山礦泉水廠。（資料圖片／廖雁雄攝）海關商品說明調查科首席貿易管制主任郭家駒今日（20日）表示，海關昨日（19日）及今日以違反《商品說明條例》拘捕涉事供應商的61歲男董事及一名57歲女股東，當中男董事目前因另被控欺詐罪還柙當中，而女股東已獲准保釋。海關指，不排除會有進一步行動，亦不排除會再有人被捕。 郭家駒表示，就有本地供應商涉嫌向政府物流服務署供應違反《商品說明條例》飲用水案件，海關高度重視案件，已積極向物流署及政府相關部門跟進。經調查發現，涉案供應商向政府物流服務署供應的飲用水，附有虛假的製造商資料，因此涉嫌違反《商品說明條例》。 郭家駒又指，在昨日、今日拘捕該供應商的61歲男董事及一名57歲女股東，目前男董事因被控欺詐罪，還柙當中，而女股東目前已獲准保釋候查。案件仍正調查當中，不排除會有進一步行動，亦不排除會再有人被捕。 郭家駒透露，警方已到東莞的涉事水廠調查。就負責運送案中飲用水的物流公司曾到東莞觀音山水廠取水，被問到虛假陳述是指哪一間製造商，郭家駒指，案件正在調查當中，不方便透露。 飲用水｜直擊東莞樟木頭「觀音山」售人民幣¥7　港府買32元連運費政府飲用水｜提貨單曝光　揭鑫鼎鑫代表同為觀音山羊台山銷售人員政府飲用水｜運水公司：曾去觀音山取水　憂無法收回70萬送貨費政府飲用水｜單價曝光「鑫鼎鑫」全港最貴　物流署指同組最低政府飲用水｜逾5000萬找數未？許正宇：錢或其他善後物流署跟進緊飲用水把關失效須否問責？許正宇沒答　稱已「主動出擊」找不足飲用水風波・有片｜物流署長陳嘉信失了蹤？副署長後門上班沒回應政府飲用水｜商人涉提供冒牌水被控欺詐罪　還押至11.11再提訊 View the full article

Trust me—there’s an involved science behind why car interiors can provoke different feelings when you’re behind the wheel. In our younger years our parents taught us, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts”, right? They may have meant for us to look past our differences with other kids, but the same can go for a car’s design. It’s natural that the first thing we notice about a car is the exterior. Maybe it’s the color, the shape, the curves (or lack thereof), or the shape of the headlights. We rarely hear, “Have you seen the interior of that new Lexus?” The conversation usually starts with the exterior, but once we slip into the driver’s seat, we are either disappointed, thrilled, or indifferent. Exterior design is nice, but let’s be honest—we spend a majority of our time behind the wheel, passively absorbing the colors, materials, and interior design. Why not prioritize our driving experience the same way we do when designing our homes? Whether it’s fashion or healthcare, certain colors are known to evoke certain emotions. Red is emergent, often seen on fire trucks, ambulances or high-energy night clubs. Blue evokes serenity, peace, and calm like a body of water, while bright colors like yellow are eye-catching, often requiring you to take immediate action, like the yellow traffic light or caution tape. How this science is applied to a car’s interior is no different. 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. Genesis Designers are Geniuses When it Comes to Car InteriorsCompared to other cars in its class, it’s hard to beat – Credit: Kristen BrownIn fashion, we often choose between style and comfort. You’re either wearing these flats or going all out with the stilettos. It’s a dream when the two can co-exist. With a careful blend of textures, colors, and materials, the Genesis GV80 interior provokes feelings of comfort and luxury. The quilted Nappa leather, which is known to make cars feel upscale as well as feel great, the seating immediately reminds me of a quilted handbag, which takes time, effort, and precision (and usually sells at a premium price). Then Genesis doubled down on the comfort by offering a brown and camel two-tone color scheme, colors known to promote a feeling of warmth and coziness. The GV80 also offers a white and navy blue interior, which represents purity and cleanliness paired with wisdom or profound insight. Subtle ambient lighting, known for enhancing the driving dynamic and setting moods, lines the bottom of the dash, while two vibrant and responsive screens span from the driver’s side to the passenger side. The screens aren’t just functional, but also help improve the overall look. On Project Runway, the show co-host Tim Gunn regularly reviewed the contestants’ designs while they were mid-production; for those who struggled somewhat with the design challenge, he simply advised them to “make it work”, meaning “figure it out.” It feels like Genesis was given a design challenge to combine comfort and style, and they made it work. READ MORE: 10 Things My Family Adored about the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige The Porsche Cayenne is Clinical, But in a Good WayIt’s not ostentatious. It’s just enough to shake up the norm. – Credit: PorscheHave you ever made assumptions about a car based on its exterior, but when you got a closer look, you were pleasantly surprised? This is how I felt when I learned that Porsche offers a purple interior. I felt the exterior of the Cayenne was a bit muted compared to the rest of Porsche’s lineup, but that all changed when I learned the sporty SUV had such sublime options. It’s not a Barney the Dinosaur purple, but a deep purple they refer to as “Blackberry.” It’s an unexpected car interior color to most, but the “Blackberry” hue complements all exterior paint options well. Purple is associated with royalty, wealth, and prosperity. Paired with an image as robust as the engine under the hood, the interior of this car is powerful. So, if you want a regal ride into the office (and a break from tan, white, brown, or black), purple is a great way to add a splash of personality to your commute. A deep purple in the home setting seems elegant, regal, and moody. For 2025, the Cayenne E-Hybrid includes multiple features that were optional in 2024 as standard, including Ambient lighting, improved air quality, and soft-close doors, creating a peaceful cabin experience. READ MORE: Porsche Cayenne versus Macan: Performance SUVs That Handle like a Sports Car Volvo Makes Brown Car Interiors Look Sooooo GoodBrown is hard to get right, but designers at Volvo nailed it – Credit: VolvoBrown is a great choice for a home interior to create an earthy, cozy aesthetic. Volvo’s optional Maroon Brown leather is a rich and smooth brown, reminiscent of a decadent chocolate instead of… other brown things. The brown leather in the V90 Cross Country wagon is a warm and welcoming hue. It’s not too bright, but not too muted, either. To complement the espresso brown, the car features contrasting charcoal accents instead of pure black throughout the cabin, including the hand-stitched steering wheel. Professional home interior designers consider the brown and grey color combination the ultimate combo for sophistication. Brown provokes feelings of stability, reliability, and approachability, which are all qualities the Volvo encompasses. The V90’s interior to home design makes me think of “Industrial Loft.” The brown leather represents the exposed brick, wood flooring, distressed wood beams, and cabinetry. The contrasting silver accents personify the classic exposed steel piping and ductwork woven throughout the home. The matte oak located just above the glove box elevates the loft aesthetic by adding a smooth organic texture. It’s a look that works perfectly for one of the nation’s remaining wagons. It made me sad to learn it was being discontinued after this year. READ MORE: 7 Things That Make the 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 Ultra PHEV One of the Best Family SUVs Cadillac’s White and Beige Represents Both Classic and Modern LuxuryBeige can be brilliant when used correctly, and boy did Cadillac nail it – Credit: CadillacIn interior home design, an advantage of white or beige walls is the freedom to alternate throw pillows, rugs, artwork, linens, and not worry if it will clash with your painted walls or wallpaper. The Cadillac CT5 offers a similar option with ambient light (126 color options) rather than throw pillows. The Sahara Beige will complement any of them, and unlike throw pillows, you can change up the look every day. The bright beige also brings an open, secure, and free feeling, helping center you on your drive to work. I learned how to drive in my grandparents’ Cadillac DeVille when I was about 15. I vividly remember the leather scent and the light interior, closely resembling the CT5’s Sahara Beige. My grandfather’s Caddie was huge, but the beige interior made it feel larger than life, especially to a 15-year-old. In homes, white or beige interiors make the space feel clean and spacious. Using beige in a sporty sedan like the CT5 helps reinforce that something quick can also feel open and airy. READ MORE: A New Look, More Tech in the 2025 Cadillac CT5 Luxury Sport Sedan Black is Back, And Better in the 2026 Lexus ESThe interior is black-dominant, but nicely broken up with tan – Credit: Lexus NewsroomLexus has done a complete overhaul of its ES model for 2026, and with the release of the all-new ES comes the debut of their new design concept “Clean Tech x Elegance.” This design concept is centered around the sedan’s proportions and creates what Lexus calls a “simple and clean design aesthetic.” Black, aside from mourning, is associated with authority, power, and sophistication, while tan helps balance it out with friendliness. It reminds me of open concept homes, which typically feature fewer walls and more open connections between spaces so that the home feels airy and less compartmentalized, allowing natural light to permeate throughout the space. Leaning into the open concept style, Lexus intentionally lowered their window frames for even more glass space, creating a more expansive look, especially with the mostly black interior and tasteful tan accenting. In a way, they’ve created a sensory experience by coating the door interiors in a Bamboo-like material (made from a 3D printer), bringing a tactile experience, all a part of the new design concept. READ MORE: 6 Things That Make the 2026 Lexus ES Worth Waiting For Range Rover Uses Navy Blue and White CreativelyNavy blue and off-white is common, but truly unique in the Range RoverI recently attended an interior design conference session led by Tarkett, where the speaker discussed the impact color has on mood, especially for the aging population. Interior designers with a knack for designing healthcare facilities carefully consider the colors and textures throughout healthcare facilities. Blue is a favorite for its calming effect; it’s known to promote feelings of serenity and peace. According to HGTV, looking at the color blue causes your body to produce chemicals that calm you down. The 2025 Range Rover SV Serenity with Liberty Blue interior and Perlino is the epitome of Nautical Design style, offering a bit of coastal escape in the middle of rush hour. Navy blue and cream are your anchor, while the (optional) wooden trim represents the driftwood. No matter where you’re going, you’ll feel like you’re smoothly sailing on calm waters. Could a blue interior calm a rowdy crew of kids on the way to extracurricular activities or calm your nerves before a big meeting? According to research, it just might. The Range Rover SV Serenity trim (yes, the folks at Range Rover knew what they were doing with this name), the Liberty Blue, and the Perlino rear seats and gloss white ceramic controls create a contrast that carries the Nautical feel throughout the cabin. READ MORE: We Explored Portugal, and the Christian Louboutin Hotel, in the Ultimate Range Rover Sport SV BMW’s Navy and Coffee Interior is Funky but FreshIt’s appealing to both older and younger populations – Credit: BMW USAA jaw-dropping interior with navy blue (or Deep Lagoon in BMW’s terms) and brown (Vintage Coffee) mentally sends me to a posh, rustic-yet-modern wilderness lodge. The silver accessories and AC vents resemble the stone boulders that would line the cabin’s exterior. The deep shade of green makes me think of surrounding pine trees, and the brown suede-like fabric mimics the natural log walls, fur throws, and maybe even the taxidermy. The color contrast is noticeable down to the steering wheel stitching. A nearly 15-inch curved infotainment screen is angled towards the driver for a driver-centric experience. All passengers can enjoy heated seats, while the driver and front seats come equipped with massaging seats. The car comes furnished with heated or cooling cup holders to keep your morning coffee (hot or iced) at the right temperature. The XM does not completely abandon tactile functionality, allowing you to control some features with both the touch screen and with a knob. A cabin-like interior is an experience most can relate to and feel comfortable in, regardless of age. The brown is loud, but not overwhelming, and is very complementary to the deep blue. BMW “made it work” by simultaneously crafting an interior that’s futuristic, rustic, and peaceful. Brown is known to make people feel approachable and stable, while navy provides an air of mystery, wisdom, and deep personal thought. These colors are an excellent interior for deep discussions and big decisions. Knowing how car interiors can shape your experience adds a new layer to car shopping—but a good one. Finding the right car interior to set the mood for your day, and your commute, can be a true game changer. READ MORE: We Took the 2025 BMW M5 For a Spin. Here’s What You Need to Know Before Plunking Down $141K View the full article

On average, electric vehicles (EVs) typically cost less to maintain than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. And in many cases, Tesla EVs are some of the most affordable cars to run. A study of America’s bestselling vehicles by Self Financial found that three of the four car models with the lowest annual maintenance expenses were Teslas (Model 3, Model Y and Model S), with average annual maintenance of $1,297 across these three models. Read Next: How Much Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla? Check Out: 10 Used Cars That Will Last Longer Than the Average New Vehicle However, even though Teslas tend to have affordable maintenance overall, there are plenty of cases where owners face costly repairs. So if you’re considering buying a Tesla, it’s important to understand what issues you might face. TiresTesla owners commonly cite that tires may need to be replaced more often or at least need to be maintained more diligently. “There’s a flaw on the older Model X that makes it impossible for tires to wear evenly. I haven’t been able to keep a set of tires for even two years,” said Calvin Osili, relationship coach at PowerfuLove. For other types of Teslas, tires can also wear faster. Arsen Misakyan, CEO and founder of LAXcar, owns a Model Y, and his company operates a few Model 3s and Ys for airport transfers. While he said his overall Tesla maintenance costs have been low, “tires are where one will keep an eye on for budgets, particularly with heavier loads and LA freeways,” he explained. “EVs are heavier and have instant torque, so if you treat them like a gas crossover, you’ll burn through rubber faster.” Be Aware: I’m a Mechanic: 5 Used Cars I Would Never Buy and Why They Aren’t Worth It Higher-Priced Core ComponentsAn issue with high-tech cars like Teslas is that when something does go wrong, it can be expensive to fix. The maintenance issues might be random and not necessarily Tesla-specific, but they can still be difficult to manage. “The worst one was my windshield was about $1,300 because of all the cameras and sensors built into it. A huge rock smacked into it on the highway, and there was no option to patch it,” said Nicki Baber, a content creator. “It took two weeks for anywhere nearby to even get the windshield, and I ended up driving an hour away just to get it replaced. With a regular car, that probably would’ve been $200-$500 and done in an afternoon.” Even something routine like replacing air filters can be pricey, depending on the situation. “It was alarming because I used to have a Mazda CX-5 and paid $50 for parts and labor to have the filter replaced. It ranges between $150-$250 for Tesla’s parts and labor fee,” said Kera Felton, account manager at SourceCode Communications. Tesla-Specific Service ProcessesTesla’s specialized vehicles can lead to frustrating and sometimes more expensive service processes. There are some independent shops that service Teslas, and Tesla does approve certain body shops, but those can be limited. Instead, many owners go to Tesla’s own service centers or use Tesla’s mobile service, where a tech comes to them. “I blew a tire on the highway in the middle of nowhere. The only shop nearby had to send someone hours away to find the right tire because Tesla tires aren’t the same as standard ones. Tesla’s built-in roadside assistance told me it’d be an hour and 40 minutes just to get to me to get me off the shoulder. The whole debacle ended up taking the entire day,” Baber said. Rita Stadler, omni customer marketing specialist at EarthKind, has also dealt with service frustrations, with Tesla service centers far from her house. “That is inconvenient at best and makes it impossible to ensure that I’m enjoying competitive pricing or the best value,” she said. Submitting service requests through Tesla’s app has also been a nuisance for her. “I noticed a strange sound when I was driving,” Stadler said. “Unlike previous vehicles I’ve owned, where I would call a shop to schedule an appointment or get an estimate, I used the Tesla app to submit a service request. Trying to explain a strange sound through a series of drop-down menus is frustrating to say the least.” Likewise, Felton has also encountered service issues, with service appointments sometimes requiring weeks or months of waiting, “so you almost have to anticipate problems before they happen,” she said. “Diagnostics can be another sore spot; they’ll charge a service fee just to figure out what’s wrong, and that fee doesn’t necessarily go toward fixing the issue,” she added. “As a single woman, I’m not willing to take chances with non-certified repairs, which limits my options and can make even simple fixes more expensive.” Granted, not everyone has these types of issues. For some, Tesla’s service options end up being more convenient. For example, Jen Street, founder and creative director at Forged Flare and owner of two Teslas, likes the convenience of being able to get repairs done in her driveway via a mobile tech. In her experience, the service has been very efficient. Overall, Tesla owners often have a lot of positive experiences driving and maintaining their vehicles, but there are some quirks to be mindful of. You might end up spending less than you would maintaining an ICE vehicle, but still be prepared for some of these potential annoyances. More From GOBankingRates New Law Could Make Electricity Bills Skyrocket in These 4 States I'm a Self-Made Millionaire: 6 Ways I Use ChatGPT To Make a Lot of Money 5 Strategies High-Net-Worth Families Use To Build Generational Wealth 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Tesla Owners Share Their 3 Most Annoying Car Maintenance Expenses View the full article

Far-right activist Laura Loomer is flexing her influence with the White House as she racks up policy and personnel wins from the outside. The State Department’s decision to halt the issuance of visitor visas to people from Gaza marked the latest instance of Loomer seeing results for a cause she has championed using her large social media following and connections with the administration. Loomer is an outspoken and controversial supporter of President Trump. And while she has no official role with the government, she has gained an audience with both Trump and Vice President Vance in recent months and has used her megaphone to influence key decisions. White House spokespeople have said Loomer is not advising the administration, even informally. Trump has said he “sometimes” listens to Loomer’s recommendations. “Laura Loomer is a great patriot. She’s a very strong person,” Trump told reporters of Loomer in April after meeting with her at the White House. Sources close to the White House told The Hill that some aides have pushed back on Loomer’s presence in Trump’s orbit, dating back to the 2024 campaign, when the president wanted to offer her a job. Top Trump allies on Capitol Hill such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have expressed their displeasure with Loomer. Loomer has repeatedly expressed frustration that the White House has not invited her to sit in the “new media” seat in the briefing room, a spot given to other right-wing influencers in recent months. “I was supposed to work for Trump, but we all know that’s not happening despite his orders to staff to onboard me 4 times,” Loomer posted on the social platform X on Tuesday, responding to a story in The Free Press that said some White House officials were suspicious of her motives. “Despite the fact that I break more stories than any joker in the ‘New Media’ seat, I can’t hear back from anyone inside the White House about my God damn press pass unless they text me with fake pleasantries asking me to delete a tweet about their friends who they so desperately want me to believe are ‘good people,’” she added. Despite some roadblocks thrown up by Trump allies, a slew of episodes during the second Trump administration have proven the extent of Loomer’s influence The State Department said Saturday it was pausing visitor visas for those coming from Gaza, which has been devastated by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Outside groups have declared a humanitarian crisis, and tens of thousands have been killed in the fighting, including many women and children. The announcement followed lobbying from Loomer, who specifically targeted the nonprofit group HEAL Palestine, which assists with evacuating injured children from Gaza to the United States for care. Loomer decried the flights as a “national security threat” and went on to call for the Trump administration to add Gaza to its travel ban and deport those from the enclave who entered the country in recent years. The New York Times reported that Loomer spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone to raise concerns about the issue, a conversation that preceded a State Department announcement halting the visas. Asked about what role Loomer played in the decision, the State Department referred The Hill to Rubio’s comments to “Face The Nation” in which he broadly defended the move. “There is evidence that’s been presented to us by numerous congressional offices that some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas, and so we are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas,” Rubio said. Loomer has a long history of anti-Muslim activism and has previously declared herself a “proud” Islamophobe. She has previously described Islam as a “cancer” and was banned from X, known as Twitter at the time, after a series of anti-Muslim posts. She was reinstated when Elon Musk bought the platform. While some White House officials and Trump allies view Loomer as a toxic presence, the visa issue is far from the first time she has proven her sway within the president’s circle. Loomer has devoted significant time and energy in recent months to identifying Trump administration officials she deems insufficiently loyal to the president and his agenda. The president met with Loomer in the Oval Office in April, where she raised concerns about the vetting of certain staff on the National Security Council. Following that meeting, three senior officials and two lower-level staffers on the council were pushed out. Much of her focus has been on the Health and Human Services Department. She targeted Trump’s original pick for surgeon general, as well as his replacement choice after withdrawing his first nominee. Loomer pressed for the firing of Vinay Prasad as the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine regulator, a push that was initially successful before White House officials and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intervened to get Prasad’s job back. Kennedy has also been a target of Loomer’s in recent days. Loomer had gone after Stefanie Spear, a top aide to Kennedy, accusing her of laying the groundwork for Kennedy to run for president in 2028. Loomer’s attacks were potent enough that Kennedy felt the need to respond on X last week, accusing the “swamp” of “pushing the flat-out lie that I’m running for president in 2028.” “Let me be clear: I am not running for president in 2028,” Kennedy wrote. “My loyalty is to President Trump and the mission we’ve started,” Kennedy added. “Their attacks on my staff, especially Stefanie Spear — a fierce, loyal warrior for MAHA who proudly serves in the Trump Administration and works every day to advance President Trump’s vision for a healthier, stronger America — are proof we’re over the target.” Loomer has indicated she has no plans to back off her attacks on those she deems insufficiently loyal to Trump and his agenda. “I’m not stopping,” Loomer posted on X on Sunday. “I’m only going to intensify.” 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

Below Deck's Fraser Olender just offered new insight into the tipping process on the show — and revealed the amount that is expected from each guest. "There is a fee — a heavily discounted fee — to charter the Below Deck vessel," Fraser explained on the Tuesday, August 19, episode of "The Viall Files" podcast. "For obvious reasons. Who wants to go on a vacation where there are mics the entire time? They don't have full freedom and don't have the liberties of living how you would on an actual yacht." The "pretty restricted experience" allows for more wiggle room with payment. "You still get to do what you've asked to do. You still get the experience. You're just limited a bit," Fraser noted. "So there is a heavily discounted cost for the amount of time. The amount of time can be five days, it can be three or it can be two." Everything the ‘Below Deck’ Franchise Cast Has Said About Their Salaries Through the Years Regardless of how long guests stay on the boat, the cost "is always going to be the same," with Fraser adding, "That's just luck of the draw. There is a minimum tip you have to pay on top of said charter fee for this show." Fraser was then asked if the minimum was 20 percent of the cost of the charter, which he denied. Fred Jagueneau/Bravo"In real life, yes. On normal boats, it is 20 percent. But with this specific charter fee for the Below Deck vessel, there is a minimum tip attached, which is the same. Both the fee and the minimum tip," he explained. "You know this. Everyone knows this who comes on to the boat because that's what it costs to be there. I also know this. So whatever they add to the minimum is what they're really actually putting toward [the tip]." The chief steward specifically referenced the tip that was received from this season's pornstar guests. "There was a minimum spent and it was covered by their company. Then we saw actually how much they put together themselves," Fraser added. "And it was pathetic.” Bravo viewers were equally as surprised by the stingy tip as the crew was. Captain Kerry Titheradge revealed during a June episode that the final tip they received was only $19,990. "That is $1,500 each, but for a five-day charter, I would expect a lot more," Kerry said before deckhands Damo Yorg and Kyle Stillie joked that they "got shafted," adding, "They gave us the whisky d*** equivalent of a tip." Earlier that month, Fraser weighed in on what amount he typically expects from charter guests. "I can tell you for a tip on our charter season, the minimum I would expect [where] you won't see me crack a smile," Fraser shared on an episode of SiriusXM’s Reality Checked With Dorinda Medley and Kiki Monique. "If we are not getting between $20,000 — I'll scrap that. $25,000 to $30,000 for the time we've done." Former ‘Below Deck’ Stars: Where Are They Now? Fraser noted he wouldn't budge on that number, adding, "I don't care if that's one day or three days or five. I'm waiting for that amount of cash, and if you can't or if you're not coming with that to be expected, just don't bother. Maybe just go on a cruise." Other Below Deck cast members have acknowledged that the crew has seen an uptick in tips since the show debuted. "I’m not sure exactly what the catalyst is, I just hope it doesn’t quit," Captain Lee Rosbach told Bravo Insider in 2021, referring to some "good ones" that were featured in season 8. "And I'm very grateful for it." Kate Chastain, meanwhile, offered some insight about how tips factor into a successful paycheck for the crew. “On a yacht of that size, [a good tip] would be $5,000 a person, for seven days of work,” she explained in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2019. “Five grand [per] crew member, usually. Our charters are a little bit shorter, just so we can make the show, [but] everything else is exactly the same. So, it’s prorated. We usually get around $2,000 to $2,500. Anything less than $1,000 would be depressing, which sounds crazy, doesn’t it?” Below Deck airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock. View the full article

勢いよく炎と黒煙を上げて燃える雑居ビル。火が看板に燃え移っている＝大阪市中央区で2025年8月18日午前9時50分ごろ（提供動画から） 　大阪・ミナミで起きた雑居ビル火災は、炎と黒煙が瞬く間に現場の建物を覆い、活動中の消防隊員2人が犠牲となった。なぜここまで被害が拡大したのか。専門家は「繁華街特有の建物の特徴が火の回りを早めた可能性がある」と指摘する。 　低層階から勢いよく噴き出す炎。火は建物の外壁を伝うように燃え広がっていく――。交流サイト（SNS）上には、現場のビルが延焼していく様子を捉えた動画や写真が、いくつも投稿されている。 Advertisement 　火災は18日午前10時前に起き、隣り合った7階建てと6階建てのビル2棟が計約100平方メートル焼損した。二つのビルは一部が連絡通路でつながっている構造だった。 　大阪府警と大阪市消防局は、西側に位置する6階建てビルの低層部が火元だった可能性があるとみて、出火場所の特定を進めている。 　複数の目撃者によると、付近では午前9時40分ごろから「ボンッ」という破裂音が断続的に聞こえ、約10分後にはすでに、建物が炎と黒煙に包まれていたという。近くの店舗にいて火災に気づいた男性は「あっという間だった」と振り返った。 元東京消防庁麻布消防署長の坂口隆夫・市民防災研究所理事＝本人提供 　今回の火災について、元東京消防庁麻布消防署長の坂口隆夫・市民防災研究所理事は「ビルの壁面に設置されていた広告物が、火の回りを早くした可能性がある」と語る。 　現場の二つの雑居ビルは、大阪有数の観光地として有名な道頓堀川沿いにある。人目に付きやすいよう巨大な看板を屋外に掲げている建物が多く、火災があった雑居ビルも入居店舗を知らせるものなど、大小さまざまな看板や広告が設置されていた。 　坂口さんは、出火から時間がたたないうちに建物全体に燃え広がった点について言及。鉄筋コンクリート部分が見えるほど外壁が激しく燃えているとして、「広告物に火がつけば、ビニール樹脂系統など素材が燃えやすいものだと一気に火の手が広がってしまう。事例は多くないものの、繁華街ビル火災の特徴といえる」と話す。 　コンクリート製の建物は耐火性に優れていることから、通常なら火災が起きても隣の建物に燃え移ることはないという。その上で「今回は6階建てビルの低層部から出火した後、看板広告に延焼したり、連絡通路から屋内に火が入ったりして、7階建てビルが燃えた可能性がある」との見方を示した。 　死亡した2人の消防隊員は、火元とみられるビルとは別の7階建てビルの5階で活動中だった。ここで天井の崩落が起き、取り残されたとされる。 火災があった6階建て（中央左）と7階建て（同右）の2棟のビル。壁面が大きく焼け焦げている＝大阪市中央区で2025年8月18日午後4時44分、川地隆史撮影 　坂口さんは崩落について、「火災で建物が熱せられ、天井のもろい部分がはがれ落ちたのではないか」と推測。崩落を予想するのは難しいが、「隊員たちがなぜ出火元の隣のビルの5階まで進入せざるを得なかったのか、疑問が残る」と話した。 　死亡事故を受けて、市消防局は21日に事故調査委員会の初会合を開く。 　坂口さんは「消防隊員は危険な場所に入らないことが基本だ」とし、隊員らが5階に進入した目的や、どこまで現場の安全管理ができていたかが調査のポイントになると指摘する。 　「延焼の危険をどれくらい認識していたのか。連絡通路の存在など、建物の構造の把握はできていたのか。命綱や投光器といった隊員の装備も含めて、徹底した検証が必要だ」と訴える。【大坪菜々美、根本佳奈】 View the full article

ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey supports efforts to establish a permanent peace in Ukraine with the participation of all parties, President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Wednesday, the Turkish presidency said. Erdogan also told Putin he was closely following developments related to the process, and that Turkey had strived for a just peace since the beginning of the war, it said. (Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Jonathan Spicer) View the full article

(Reuters) -A tropical wave southwest of the Cape Verde Islands has a 40% likelihood of evolving into a cyclone within the next 48 hours, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Wednesday. "Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development over the next day or so while the system moves westward at around 15 mph and a short-lived tropical depression could form," the NHC said in its latest advisory. (Reporting by Sarah Qureshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens) View the full article

BEIRUT (AP) — A U.S.-led coalition captured a senior member of the Islamic State group in northwest Syria on Wednesday, state media and a war monitor reported. It was not immediately clear if the man is the IS supreme leader. The U.S. military did not respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press. The operation that included landing troops from helicopters occurred before dawn in Atmeh town near the Turkish border, and an IS commander known as Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, an Iraqi citizen, was taken away while another Iraqi citizen was killed, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the man captured had a French-speaking woman with him, and it was not immediately clear if she was taken by the U.S. force or by Syrian security forces who later cordoned the area. Two years ago, IS announced that a man called Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi was named as its new leader after Turkish authorities killed his predecessor. Syrian state TV on Wednesday quoted an unnamed security official as saying the Iraqi man targeted in the operation is known as Ali, adding that his real name is Salah Noman. It said Noman was living in an apartment with his wife, son and mother. It said he was killed in the raid. There was no immediate clarification for the difference in names reported by state media and the war monitor. IS broke away from al-Qaida more than a decade ago and attracted supporters from around the world after it declared a so-called caliphate in 2014 in large parts of Syria and Iraq. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, IS militants still carry out deadly attacks in both countries and elsewhere. Al-Qurayshi is not the real name of IS leaders but comes from Quraish, the name of the tribe to which Islam’s Prophet Muhammad belonged. IS claims its leaders hail from the tribe, and “al-Qurayshi” is part of their nom de guerre. View the full article

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Rwanda-backed rebels killed at least 140 people in farming communities in eastern Congo in July, a human rights group said in a report Wednesday, describing the killings as “summary executions.” Human Rights Watch said 141 people, predominantly Hutus, were feared dead or missing after the attacks near Virunga National Park in North Kivu province, citing local experts and witness accounts. It said the killings appeared to be part of a military campaign by the M23 group, the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in eastern Congo, against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a mostly Hutu armed group. Nearly 2 million Hutus from Rwanda fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed 800,000 Tutsi, moderate Hutus and others. Rwandan authorities accused the Hutus who fled of participating in the genocide, alleging that the Congolese army protected them. “The M23 armed group, which has Rwandan government backing, attacked over a dozen villages and farming areas in July and committed dozens of summary executions of primarily Hutu civilians,” said Clementine de Montjoye, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. Witnesses said M23 soldiers, accompanied by Rwandan soldiers who were identified by their accents, told them to “immediately bury the bodies in the fields or leave them unburied, preventing families from organizing funerals,” the report said. One woman described being marched in a group to a riverbank near the town of Kafuru. The group of around 70 people was lined up before the soldiers began shooting at them. 47 people, including children, who were killed were identified, the report added. Willy Ngoma, military spokesperson for M23, called the report “military propaganda.” The report said the Rwandan military and the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) were involved in the M23 operations, citing U.N. and military sources and witness accounts. There was no immediate comment from the Rwandan government. The reported killings could escalate tensions in Congo's mineral-rich east where different partners have been racing to achieve a permanent ceasefire since fighting between the M23 and Congolese forces escalated in January. The U.N. has called the conflict “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.” M23 was previously accused of extrajudicial killings during their seizure of major cities in the eastern part of the country in May. View the full article

Modern Car Collector readers are getting extra chances to win a 2019 Shelby Mustang GT350R with only 28 miles on the odometer, plus $20,000 cash, in a charity sweepstakes that closes Aug. 24. The car, chassis KR124, is finished in Shadow Black with over-the-top white stripes and remains in as-delivered condition, organizers say, retaining its original window sticker and supplemental literature. The prize package also includes a model of the car’s flat-plane crankshaft and the factory chassis badge. WIN HERE. GT350R is powered by Ford’s 5.2-liter “Voodoo” V-8 rated at 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual and a 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential. Additional factory coolers for the engine, transmission and differential are standard on the R. The Chevrolet-rivaling Shelby deletes the rear seat and adds track-focused hardware, including MagneRide dampers, two-piece rotors with Brembo calipers, and 19-inch carbon-fiber seven-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (305/30 front, 315/30 rear). A paint-protection film covers the exterior. Equipment highlights include the Electronics Package with voice-activated navigation and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind-spot monitoring, HID projector headlights, LED tail lamps with sequential turn signals, a carbon-composite grille, functional hood and fender vents, a front splitter with Shelby script, and a carbon-fiber rear wing. Inside, Recaro front buckets are trimmed in Ebony cloth and Miko suede with red accents, complemented by carbon-fiber interior trim, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel fronts a 200-mph speedometer and 8,250-rpm redline tachometer; auxiliary oil pressure and temperature gauges sit in the center stack. The digital odometer reads 28 miles. According to the organizers, the GT350R remains exceptionally close to delivery condition, supported by documentation and the inclusion of manufacturer literature. The car’s specification mirrors the R’s club-sport mission while retaining everyday tech conveniences. Proceeds support charitable causes; full rules, eligibility and entry methods are provided by the sweepstakes operator. Entries are open now, with the drawing scheduled after the Aug. 24 deadline. Modern Car Collector readers are being offered bonus entry opportunities, according to the promotion. WIN HERE. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter View the full article

Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Amazon's Car Wheel Cleaning Kit Is Now Only $12, and It's 'Perfect for Car Detailing' originally appeared on Autoblog. Are you someone who takes pride in a shiny and dirt-free car exterior? If so, we've found the perfect cleaning set for you at Amazon. Right now, the YeewayVeh Car Wheel Cleaning Kit is on sale for a whopping 50% off. Shoppers can pay just $12 for this set that includes four pieces of vital tools to keep your tires squeaky clean. YeewayVeh Car Wheel Cleaning Kit, $12 (was $25) at AmazonGet it!The 4-piece cleaning kit includes two soft and bendable wheel cleaning brushes, one double-ended car detailing brush, and one tire scrub brush. All of these tools will help you efficiently clean everything from rims and spokes to lug nuts and other crevices on your tires. The two wheel cleaning brushes use an ultra-soft microfiber material for scratch-free cleaning that can be used on alloy or chrome wheels. Their 360-degree flexible design can bend to reach into tight spaces to give your tires a truly deep clean. One reviewer wrote, "This wheel cleaning kit is a game changer. The brushes are tough enough to get the grime off, but they don't scratch. Having a variety of brush sizes is super helpful for getting into all the nooks and crannies. My wheels look brand new. Definitely worth the money." Related: Walmart Has an 'Efficient and Practical' Foldable Hand Truck on Sale for Just $78 A second shopper said, "The best detail wheel cleaning set I've ever owned. Each tool is made with precision quality and feels amazing when using. All tools are made for the best results when cleaning, so are completely safe for all types of rims." The durable tire scrub brush uses strong bristles to clean tough grime without leaving any scratches or marks behind. It has a hangable design, so you can keep it in your garage or the back of your trunk for easy access. The double-ended detailing brush has ultra soft PP bristles that can also be used on your car's interior. Each brush features a non-slip foam handle for a comfortable grip while scrubbing and polishing. "Perfect for car detailing," wrote another customer. "If you are a DIY and like to wash and detail your car at home, you will like this set as it has four different styles of brushes to help you to clean wheel rims and tires." Over 400 shoppers have brought this $12 car wheel cleaning kit in the past month. So, be sure to add one to your cart today to cash in on the 50% discount. Amazon's Car Wheel Cleaning Kit Is Now Only $12, and It's 'Perfect for Car Detailing' first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

Students in an Indiana school district stayed home after thieves stole cats off about two dozen school buses. We’re not talking about feline theft, of course, but instead we’re referring to catalytic converter theft, an enterprise that’s made millionaires out of crime bosses. Woman laughs in mugshot after vandalizing her ex’s car. Some capitalizing thieves decided to hit the buses garage for Michigan City, Indiana on the night of August 18. As a result, administrators had to cancel classes on August 19, with older students doing school via the internet. The theft happened just a week into the new school year, so it’s a great way to kick everything off. A report from WNDU indicates police are investigating the catalytic converter heist. They’re asking the public for any information they might have. Stealing catalytic converters is an easy job, especially on vehicles with high ground clearance, like school buses. The thief only needs a Sawzall to just cut the cat out of the exhaust system, often costing far more damage than if they were to unbolt the catalytic converter. But cutting it off means a theft time of just a few minutes. In other words, the person or people who hit the school district’s bus fleet might have been in and out in under an hour, maybe under twenty minutes, depending on how many guys they had hacking off cats. It’s a quick and easy crime, like taking the wheels off a car. But catalytic converters are easier to transport. Unfortunately, some metal recycling centers will take them without asking questions, allowing thieves to get some good money for little effort. There are catalytic converter theft rings, some of them spreading across multiple states and netting millions a year in revenue. Sadly, that’s in part why the problem is so pervasive. While you can install locks and other devices to make your cat not as easy to steal, most people don’t take those kinds of preventions. Image via Michigan City Area Schools/Facebook Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. View the full article

WASHINGTON.- El frenesí diplomático de estas últimas dos semanas tenía el objetivo de poner fin a la guerra de Ucrania: el 6 de agosto, el enviado especial de Estados Unidos, Steve Witkoff, fue a Moscú a reunirse con Putin; el viernes pasado, Putin fue a Alaska para reunirse con Trump; y ayer lunes el presidente ucraniano, Volodimir Zelensky, y varios mandatarios europeos fueron a la Casa Blanca a reunirse con Trump. Frente a semejante cantidad de encuentros, y con una cobertura mediática incansable que hasta puso el foco en cuestiones periféricas —las alfombras rojas, los trajes negros—, cualquiera habría imaginado que la paz estaba al alcance de la mano. Y Trump ciertamente parece pensar eso, al menos por lo que les dijo a los europeos, incluidos los líderes de Gran Bretaña, Francia y Alemania: “Creo que al final de este camino nos espera un acuerdo de paz muy alcanzable, y en un futuro cercano… Pienso que hoy mismo vamos a llegar a una solución en casi todos los temas”. Permítanme desconfiar. Lo que veo es mucho movimiento y poco avance concreto. Lo que veo es una pulseada entre Putin tratando de convencer a Trump de que Zelensky es responsable del probable fracaso de las negociaciones, mientras que Zelensky y los europeos tratan de convencer a Trump de que el verdadero culpable es Putin (y lo es). Toda esta dinámica empezó confusamente y sigue sumida en la confusión. Al salir de su reunión del 6 de agosto en el Kremlin, Witkoff sugirió que Putin estaba dispuesto a hacer concesiones importantes, lo que a su vez llevó a Trump a postear “¡Se lograron grandes avances!” en su red social, Truth Social. A continuación, Trump pospuso las sanciones que amenazaba con imponerle a Rusia —pero a la India se los mantuvo— y armó una cumbre a las apuradas con Putin. Sin embargo, tras un análisis más detallado, quedó claro que las concesiones que Putin estaba dispuesto a hacer eran ínfimas. Donald Trump se jactó en Truth Social sobre el gran avance de el enviado especial Steve WitkoffCuando los representantes rusos y ucranianos se reunieron en Estambul el 2 de junio, los rusos presentaron una larga lista de demandas que, de ser aceptadas, convertirían prácticamente a Ucrania en una colonia de Rusia. Los rusos ofrecían un alto el fuego solo tras una completa retirada del ejército ucraniano de cuatro provincias parcialmente ocupadas: Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson y Zaporiyia. Los rusos también exigían el cese de todo suministro de armas occidentales a Ucrania y poner límite al tamaño de las fuerzas armadas de ese país. En conclusión, las mismas demandas de máxima que Putin viene planteando desde el inicio del conflicto. PUBLICIDAD¿Cuál fue entonces esa gran concesión que desencadenó la última oleada de conversaciones? Al parecer, Putin le dijo a Witkoff que los ucranianos no tenían que retirarse de Kherson y Zaporiyia, pero que sí debían entregar la totalidad de Donetsk y Luhansk (es decir, toda la región del Donbass). En Donetsk los ucranianos han construido un sólido sistema de fortificaciones que ha logrado frenar los ataques rusos durante los últimos 11 años. Tras fracasar en su intento de tomar Donetsk en el campo de batalla, ahora Putin exigía que Ucrania se la entregara en la mesa de negociaciones. ¡Linda concesión! Cabe destacar, además, que no hay indicios de que Putin haya renunciado a sus otras demandas, todas pensadas para imposibilitar la defensa de Ucrania. Y en Alaska, sin embargo, Trump se puso del lado de Putin: el norteamericano renunció a su exigencia de un alto el fuego inmediato —que Zelensky había aceptado y Putin no—, y apoyó la idea de que Ucrania cediera la totalidad de Donetsk para comprar la paz. A cambio, Putin ofreció garantías por escrito de que no volvería a invadir Ucrania, como si los ucranianos pudieran confiar en las promesas de un dictador belicista que ha violado repetidamente sus numerosos compromisos de un alto el fuego. Los líderes europeos viajaron a Washington con el objetivo de respaldar a Volodimir Zelensky en su bilateral con Donald Trump - Créditos: @ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDSEl lunes, los líderes europeos llegaron corriendo a la Casa Blanca para intentar convencer a Trump de no caer en las cínicas artimañas de Putin. También le insistieron para que se mantuviera firme en su demanda original de un alto el fuego y repitieron que cualquier acuerdo de paz debía incluir garantías de seguridad para Ucrania de parte de Estados Unidos. Trump ahora parece dispuesto a ofrecerle a Ucrania algún tipo de garantía de seguridad, lo que representa un cierto avance, pero la vaguedad de sus palabras es tal que rozan el sinsentido. Tras reunirse con los europeos, Trump posteó: “Discutimos garantías de seguridad para Ucrania, garantías que serían brindadas por los distintos países europeos, en coordinación con Estados Unidos”. PUBLICIDADLa “coordinación” de Estados Unidos no va a disuadir a los rusos de un futuro ataque. Eso solo se lograría con una garantía de seguridad escrita de Estados Unidos a Ucrania, ratificada por el Congreso norteamericano y aplicada por tropas norteamericanas sobre el terreno. Como alternativa, Estados Unidos podría prometer ayudar a las fuerzas de paz europeas estacionadas en Ucrania en caso de que sean atacadas por Rusia. Pero no hay indicios de que Trump esté dispuesto a llegar tan lejos, como tampoco hay indicios de que Putin esté dispuesto a permitir verdaderas garantías de seguridad para Ucrania. El lunes, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores ruso emitió un comunicado rechazando la presencia de tropas de la OTAN en suelo ucraniano. Por lo tanto, ¿se logró realmente algo después de todas estas reuniones de las últimas dos semanas? No mucho. En su publicación en Truth Social, Trump escribió: “Al concluir las reuniones, llamé al presidente Putin y puse en marcha los preparativos para una reunión entre el presidente Putin y el presidente Zelensky en un lugar todavía a confirmar”. Pero atención a lo que Trump no dijo: Tampoco hay indicios de que Putin haya accedido a reunirse con Zelensky, a quien no ve desde 2019 por considerarlo el líder ilegítimo de una provincia díscola de Rusia. Y por más que Zelensky y Putin se reúnan, tampoco hay motivos para esperar un avance. Después de todo, este año los negociadores rusos y ucranianos ya se reunieron dos veces, la segunda el 2 de junio, que duró apenas una hora y solo logró otro intercambio de prisioneros. Para juzgar bien las intenciones de Putin hay que ignorar su discurso hipócrita y observar la brutalidad de sus acciones. Pocas horas antes de la llegada de Zelensky a la Casa Blanca, los ataques rusos contra Ucrania terminaron con la vida de 14 personas, incluidos dos niños de Kharkov. Y pocas horas después de que Zelensky abandonara la Casa Blanca, los rusos lanzaron el mayor ataque con misiles y drones en lo que va del mes. PUBLICIDADAl haber neutralizado, al menos por ahora, la amenaza de mayores sanciones de parte de Estados Unidos, lo único que está haciendo Putin con su ofensiva diplomática es ganar tiempo y darles respiro a sus tropas para continuar con su ofensiva bélica. Así que las últimas conversaciones de paz, lejos de terminar con la matanza, la están perpetuando. Traducción de Jaime Arrambide Síguenos en WhatsAppTAMBIÉN TE PUEDE INTERESAR | EN VIDEO Putin enfría la esperanza de una paz duradera en Ucrania View the full article

From August 13 through 17, Northern California’s Monterey Peninsula once again became the annual bellwether for the collector-car market, as the world’s leading auction houses presented masterworks through the automotive ages. The annual sales events also shine the light on emerging trends while reflecting any economic vagaries. “On the whole, Monterey saw $432.8 million in total sales, good for the second highest Car Week result of all time,” says Brian Rabold, vice president of Vehicle Intelligence at Hagerty, the classic-car insurer and motoring-lifestyle consortium. “While the top 10 cars sold in Monterey have gotten younger, Ferrari remains on top. The marque continues to be the gold standard for collectors, with eight of the top 10 cars sold coming from Maranello.” More from Robb Report 'It Needs Cinematic Drama': Lamborghini's Design Director on the 1,065 HP Fenomeno The Last Ferrari Daytona SP3 Just Sold for $26 Million The Lucid Gravity X Reimagines the Electric SUV as an All-Terrain Beast As for the auction houses, RM Sotheby’s represented all but four of the cars on this list, with three being offered through Gooding Christie’s and one from Bonhams. Interestingly, Hagerty reports that the 10 costliest cars spanned the largest swath of time ever represented for that pinnacle group at the Monterey Auctions. “The overall results and the evolving eras of buyer focus show a healthy, though changing market,” says Rabold. Here are the apex automobiles and how they made out. Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World’s Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. 10: 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari—$5.23 Million (RM Sotheby’s)10: 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari—$5.23 Million (RM Sotheby’s)At the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, Ferrari threw down the gauntlet when it came to exclusivity in output, performance, and price with a model so definitive that it was made the marque’s namesake—the Ferrari LaFerrari. The hypercar boasts 949 hp and 663 ft lbs of torque from the innovative combination of a 6.3-liter V-12 and an electric motor based on the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from Formula 1. The hybrid power train makes possible a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds and a top speed of more than 217 mph. Only a claimed 499 examples, each starting at $1.3 million, were made and allocated on an invitation-only basis to the automaker’s most important customers. RM Sotheby’s reported in its lot description that the car auctioned in Monterey “was delivered new to the Ming Collection in July 2015,” noting that it “remains in ‘time-capsule’ condition.” And it’s no wonder, as only 54 miles had been put on it. 9: 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster—$5.34 Million (RM Sotheby’s)9: 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster—$5.34 Million (RM Sotheby’s)One of only two cars on this list to not wear the badge of the Prancing Horse, this prewar machine defines fluidity of form and grace in motion. A blue-chip collectible, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K model line is exemplified by the Special Roadster, bodied by the marque’s own artisans in Sindelfingen and presenting what the auction house mentions is often referred to as that period’s “short-tail, low-door” configuration. It’s propelled by a supercharged 180 hp eight-cylinder engine. Chassis No. 123702 originally belonged to Arthur Gore, the Viscount of Sudley, and was soon in South Africa. It would eventually find its home in the U.S., where it had a succession of stewards and a place in notable collections. During that time, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1965, again in 1982, when it won the top honor at the world’s most prestigious concours, and another turn at Pebble in 2000 for an exhibition reuniting past Best of Show recipients. Often trumping beauty, rarity is arguably the true calling card of a collectible automobile, and this is among the seven examples of this specifically bodied 500 K Special Roadster to still exist. 8: 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta—$6.715 Million (RM Sotheby’s)8: 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta—$6.715 Million (RM Sotheby’s)Anniversaries are indeed cause for celebration, and Ferrari went all out to commemorate its 70th year as an automaker when it took the wrapping off its LaFerrari Aperta of 2017, the convertible version of its LaFerrari coupe debuted in 2013. As with its sibling, the 963 hp Aperta—fit with a 6.3-liter V-12 and KERS-based hybridization—was built on a monocoque chassis and, according to Ferrari’s own website, impressively offered “the same drag coefficient, torsional rigidity, and beam stiffness figures” as its fixed-roof counterpart. And if eyebrows raised at the fact that only 499 LaFerarri examples were being made for the marque’s most valued clients, imagine how jaws dropped when that number was reduced to 210 for the Aperta. In the lot description from RM Sotheby’s, it points out that the car offered in Monterey, chassis No. 232856, “is believed to be one of the final examples constructed,” and, with $113,000 in options, it cost close to $2.3 million when new. After this week’s result, it certainly has yielded a tidy return on that initial investment. 7: 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototipo—$7.265 Million (Gooding Christie’s)7: 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototipo—$7.265 Million (Gooding Christie’s)Gooding Christie’s presented the opportunity to acquire the genesis of greatness when this car from 1957 came up for auction, as it was the initial prototype for the automotive manifestation of la dolce vita—the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider. The model was the collective brainchild of stateside Ferrari importers Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann, who both new a refined droptop grand tourer would seduce the Golden State’s glitterati. Chassis No. 0769 GT was given a 2,953 cc tipo 128C V-12, making about 217 hp, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox—all covered in coachwork by Scaglietti. Per the research done by the auction house and included in its lot description, the car was “completed on December 16, 1957, six months before the first production California Spiders.” It ended up being used as the poster-car of sorts, featuring prominently in Ferrari’s marketing materials. Gooding Christie’s cites eight owners in its history, two race wins (the Puerto Rico Festival Race and Antilles de Diego Trophy, both in 1961), and numerous concours accolades. The latter include a class win at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, an honorable mention at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and class win at the Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concours that same year. It ended up selling for $235,000 below its low-end estimate. 6: 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione—$8.145 Million (Gooding Christie’s)6: 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione—$8.145 Million (Gooding Christie’s)Given its nickname in honor of Ferrari’s podium sweep at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, payback for the marque’s crushing defeat in the same fashion by Ford at Le Mans earlier that year, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona was a motorsport tour de force in its heyday. “It won the Tour de France outright in 1972, took first in class at Le Mans from 1972 to 1974—with top-10 finishes overall—and was successfully campaigned at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring through the late 1970s,” David Brynan, senior specialist at Gooding Christie’s, stated to Robb Report for our preview coverage of the car last month. One of only 15 produced by Ferrari, and among the five examples of the Series III, chassis No. 16407 was entered by Ferrari’s North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) in the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, but was forced to retire from the race. It did however, go on to compete in three other editions of Le Mans, and three different outings at the 24 Hours of Daytona. It was at the latter that it took second place overall in 1979. 5: 2020 Bugatti Divo—$8,557,500 (Bonhams)5: 2020 Bugatti Divo—$8,557,500 (Bonhams)When the Bugatti Divo debuted in at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in 2018, it was presented as the more agile sibling to the Chiron. Fittingly, it was also the more elusive, as only 40 examples were made. Although its emphasis is more on lateral dynamics than straight-line bravado, the 1,500 hp Divo—with its 8.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 engine delivering 1,118 ft lbs of torque—can still dart to 236 mph. Yet it also has 1,005 pounds of downforce and lateral acceleration producing 1.6 g. Such fine-tuning helped the Divo dominate the Chiron by eight seconds at the Nardò circuit in Italy. This example had previously been showcased in the “Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme” exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum from December of 2021 until May of 2023. When it appeared at auction on August 15, it was the only time the model had been offered publicly to date. And despite having a high-end estimate of $9 million, it surprisingly had no reserve. 4: 1995 Ferrari F50—$9.245 Million (RM Sotheby’s)4: 1995 Ferrari F50—$9.245 Million (RM Sotheby’s)Robb Report was privileged to help break the news that this special machine would be offered though RM Sotheby’s during this year’s Monterey Car Week. And what a lot it was; a 1995 Ferrari F50 originally purchased by fashion-house titan Ralph Lauren, one of the 349 production examples made. As we mentioned previously, “The removable-hardtop convertible took more than inspiration from Scuderia Ferrari’s winning legacy in motorsport, it integrated tech from those same race cars of the period.” Under Pininfarina’s composite body is a monocoque chassis and a 520 hp, naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-12 mated to a six-speed synchromesh gearbox. With that setup, the 2,711-pound (dry weight) F50 fires from zero to 62 mph in 3.87 seconds on its way to a top speed of 202 mph. In the eight years that Lauren owned this vehicle, which is one of only two stateside specifications appearing in Giallo Modena, a total of 3,300 miles were put on it. It had been with the consigning couple since 2003, and reported to have last been seen publicly in 2009. With 5,400 miles on the odometer at the time of sale, this already exclusive F50 has provenance to match, as evidenced by the fact that it fetched $1.745 million over its high-end estimate. 3: 1993 Ferrari F40 LM GTC—$11.005 Million (RM Sotheby’s)3: 1993 Ferrari F40 LM GTC—$11.005 Million (RM Sotheby’s)What began as an homage to Ferrari’s four-decades of existence as a marque, the F40 supercar has gone on to become one of the most coveted models from not just Maranello but any manufacturer, ever. Initially produced with a 478 hp, twin-turbo V-8, a competition version was created by Giuliano Michelotto and his independent team of race-focused experts. Michelotto had entry in Le Mans as the goal (hence the “LM” moniker) and, at first, boosted the engine to 720 hp. This was accompanied by modifications that included a reduced ride height, larger disc brakes, an adjustable rear wing, and enhancements for improved cooling. Among the 19 LM examples made, the “GTC” variant upped the ante with a 760 hp mill, which brings us to the car sold through RM Sotheby’s. The 14th F40 LM made, it first was sold to collector Walter Hagmann in Switzerland, and has subsequently changed hands numerous times. This year, the current consignor entered the Ferrari Classiche–certified F40 LM at ModaMiami, where it took top honors in its class. 2: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Competizione Alloy Spider—$25.305 Million (Gooding Christie’s)2: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Competizione Alloy Spider—$25.305 Million (Gooding Christie’s)Proving to be benchmarks in both motorsport and recreational touring during the middle of last century, Maranello’s 250 model line comprises among the most coveted cars on the planet to this day. Introduced at the 1959 Paris Salon de l’Automobile, the short-wheelbase (SWB) version of the 250 GT also debuted the model’s use of disc brakes and tubular shocks, among other refinements. In 1961, Ferrari built 56 examples of what has become, for many, the definitive convertible—the 250 GT California Spider. Of those, three were dressed in aluminum, two of which left the factory in race-spec, including chassis No. 2383 GT. It’s hard to take your eyes off this roadster—with a removable hardtop roof—bodied by Carrozzeria Scaglietti and featuring an exterior painted Grigio Argento complemented by blue leather inside. With its muscle coming from a 280 hp, 2,953 cc tipo 168 V-12 engine, the car was initially owned and raced by businessman Ernst Lautenschlager, who competed with it throughout Germany. According to the Gooding Christie’s lot description, it has been “in three major Ferrari collections since1968.” Boasting the same chassis, engine, body, and gearbox it had when built, it’s character and condition are reflected in the $23.305 million it garnered through Gooding Christie’s. 1: 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’—$26 Million (RM Sotheby’s)1: 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’—$26 Million (RM Sotheby’s)A visceral time machine back to “the golden age of Maranello” was how we felt about the Ferrari Daytona SP3 when Robb Report was invited to drive it through Belgium in 2022. The third model release in the marque’s extremely limited-edition Icona series, the Daytona SP3 pays tribute to Ferrari’s 1960s-era motorsport prototypes, especially the 330 P3/P4, the Can-Am, and 512 S. The model is fit with a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 delivering 828 hp and 514 ft lbs of torque. With that output managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car covers zero to 62 mph in 2.85 seconds and tops out at 211 mph. The example that crossed the auction block through RM Sotheby’s was not part of the original 599 produced and spoken for, each starting at $2.2 million. This one showcases the artistry of Ferrari’s Tailor Made customization division, and presents a split personality in its color scheme—one side of the car in Giallo Modena and the other dressed in exposed carbon fiber. Total proceeds of the sale have been earmarked for the Ferrari Foundation, which is devoted to “educational initiatives,” according to the auction house. Regarding Ferrari’s charity, RM Sotheby’s mentioned: “Their most recent project has been a collaboration with Save the Children, whereby Ferrari made a significant contribution to help rebuild the Aveson Charter School in Altadena, California, whose campus was tragically destroyed by the Eaton Wildfire earlier this year.” The philanthropic component helped drive bidding to the $26 million mark, the most any car was hammered for this year in Monterey. View the full article

A survey of doctors released Wednesday showed how pervasive medical falsehoods have become — not only online, but also within the walls of medical exam rooms where doctors and patients talk. The survey from the Physicians Foundation, a nonprofit research group, found that 61% of doctors said they encountered patients influenced by misinformation or disinformation a moderate amount or a great deal of the time over the past year. An overwhelming majority of physicians, 86%, said the incidence of such falsehoods among patients had increased over the past five years, a period that includes most of the Covid pandemic, with 50% saying it had increased significantly. The survey is a rare look into how often doctors encounter pseudoscience in their everyday practice of medicine, and it indicates how their jobs are changing in response to a new information environment in which distorted health claims spread easily online and sometimes have the backing of government authorities. Dr. Gary Price, president of the Physicians Foundation, said the organization set out to conduct the survey because it knew doctors were frustrated by medical falsehoods and wanted to find out the extent of the problem. “It’s frustrating. It’s demoralizing,” he said in a phone interview. “It cuts to the core of what motivates most physicians, and that’s a desire to help people in the most fundamental of ways. And in a way, it’s a repudiation of all the different things that lead people to practice medicine.” A majority of doctors in the survey, 57%, said they believed misinformation and disinformation had at least a moderate impact on their ability to provide quality care to patients. Price, a plastic surgeon, said medical falsehoods are making physicians’ jobs harder or, in some cases, impossible. He said one of his patients decided to cancel an operation during the Covid pandemic because the patient refused to take a Covid test, not believing the virus was dangerous. “Even though you feel personally responsible for your patient’s health and, in many ways, the system holds you responsible for it, you no longer have any reasonable control over the outcome,” he said. For doctors, he added, “that’s a setup for burnout.” False health claims are widespread, especially on the internet, and they affect a wide array of subjects, from vaccines to dietary supplements. The survey did not ask about specific types of misinformation, but its respondents were a cross-section of the profession: primary care physicians and specialists, early-career doctors and more experienced ones, and doctors in urban, suburban and rural areas. The online survey of 1,002 physicians was conducted in May. The survey arrives when misinformation appears to be on the upswing, both online and in the federal government. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of making false or misleading claims about vaccines and other topics, has continued to attack medical research and worry infectious disease experts with his actions and rhetoric since he took office. Anti-vaccine myths surged on social media ahead of this month’s shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. The gunman blamed a Covid vaccine for his mental health issues, including depression, despite no clear evidence showing a link. Price said Kennedy and others in authority have a duty to be accurate. “Public health officials, elected or not, have a fundamental obligation to make sure that the public gets information that’s accurate and that can be trusted and ... to continue to ensure that the entire system can be trusted,” he said. A representative for Kennedy did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, ahead of the survey’s release. Dr. Seema Yasmin, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University who was not involved in the survey, said the results show the very difficult position that medical professionals are in. “It’s too much to expect a physician or nurse practitioner, for example, to address complex, deep-seated beliefs in an eight-to-twelve minute consult,” she said in an email. “Healthcare workers are on the frontlines, they are hearing pseudoscientific statements day in and day out, and it takes great effort to correct these and to provide accurate information to patients, while maintaining relationships in which patients can share things they’ve heard or that they believe,” she said. Yasmin, author of “What the Fact?,” a book about media literacy and conspiracy theories, said further research could look at how many physicians admit to having fallen for false information themselves. “Sadly, sometimes our colleagues fall for the falsehoods, too,” she said. “We need to be aware of our own vulnerabilities.” The Physicians Foundation was founded in 2003 with proceeds from a class action settlement, in which doctors sued health insurance companies over billing practices. It provides grants to universities, hospitals and other institutions for medical research and to address physician well-being. At least one other survey of physicians has shown similar results. In a 2023 survey by the de Beaumont Foundation, a public health organization, 72% of physicians said misinformation had made it harder to treat patients for Covid, and the same share said it had negatively affected outcomes. Other surveys have shown that misinformation spreads widely among the public. In an April poll, the nonprofit health policy foundation KFF found that 63% of U.S. adults had read about or heard about the false myth that the measles vaccine causes autism. Price said he would like to see more physicians turn to social media as part of their jobs to counter medical misinformation on the platforms where it often spreads. “The medical profession needs to get into that channel of communications, but not just by posting studies there,” he said. “We need to learn how to communicate better in that medium. We’re just way behind. And I think the way I think about it, we need to be just as rigorous about examining the best way to do that as we are at trying to figure out the best ways to do an operation or develop a new medication.” This article was originally published on NBCNews.com View the full article

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has figured out the best way to get under President Trump’s skin. Act like him. In an effort to egg Trump on — and rally his own troops in the Democratic Party — Newsom has taken a page from Trump’s playbook, mirroring everything from the president’s rants to his social media habits. In recent days, the California governor has touted his own “beautiful” midterm redistricting proposal and his “beautiful” rally to boot — needling Trump’s braggadocious ways. Newsom has started to write his social media posts in ALL CAPS, just like the president. And he’s come up with his own Trump-y nickname for the president: TACO, short for Trump Always Chickens Out, an acronym that originated on Wall Street in reaction to Trump’s moves on tariffs and is designed to annoy the White House. In the process, Newsom is garnering attention from all ends of the media, while emerging Democrats eager to see members of their party fight back at the president. The HuffPost on Tuesday led with the headline “He’s on a troll” with a photo of a smiling Newsom. Fox News during a segment on “The Five” commented on his efforts to copy Trump. “Democrats are over being the nice guy party,” said Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons, who served as Kamala Harris’s communications director in the vice president’s office. “Standing up for Dem values doesn’t mean you have to play by the old rules and Newsom in particular is showing he’ll go as low as he needs to to take on Trump.” Since losing the election in November, Democrats have been rudderless and for the most part, leaderless, desperately trying to find their way out of the wilderness. A Wall Street Journal poll out late last month showed Democrats’ popularity at the lowest point in three decades. The poll showed that 63 percent of voters have an unfavorable view of Democratic Party while 33 percent of voters have a favorable view. But Newsom’s recent strategy has given the party a shot in the arm, Simmons and other strategists have said. “Gavin Newsom is capturing the hearts and minds of Democrats,” Simmons said, adding that “people who don’t do politics for a living are asking about him and they really like him.” Anthony Coley, a Democratic strategist who served in the Biden administration, agreed, saying “watching him go toe-to-toe with Trump on social media — an arena Trump has dominated for a decade — is refreshing, energizing and even fun to watch for many Democrats.” A new survey out this week by Echelon Insights showed Newsom surging in a 2028 poll among likely candidates. The poll taken from August 14 to August 18 — a period when Newsom dominated headlines — shows the California governor in second place at 13 percent behind Harris who received 26 percent. In recent days, Newsom’s press office —clearly aware of the traction the governor has been getting with his new Trumpian tack— has continued to needle Trump by continuing to echo him. But the account isn’t just targeting Trump. It’s also going after Vice President JD Vance. On Monday the account edited a photo of the vice president onto the body of Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, who made headlines last year for a mediocre performance. The account also targeted other Republicans including Dana Perino, the former White House press secretary turned television host, after she slammed him for being unserious. “You have to stop it with the Twitter thing,” Perino said on Monday. “If I were his wife, I would say: You are making a fool of yourself, stop it…He’s got a big job as governor of California, but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious.” Support for Newsom’s social media efforts appeared to be growing. As of Tuesday afternoon, the X account Newsom’s press office had nearly 400,000 followers. But Kevin Madden, the longtime Republican strategist, said Democrats are making a mistake to focus on “communications tactics” when they should be focused on messaging. “Newsom’s strategy and approach has been reflective of that,” Madden said. “He’s got a new podcast and a more aggressive social media presence, but other than more clicks and downloads has that shifted the dynamics or public debate in his favor, or improved the national party brand? “So far, there is little evidence of that,” Madden added. “It has, though, positioned him at the top of the party’s internal process of sorting out the next generation of national candidates and leaders.” Democratic strategist Christy Setzer said Newsom’s “trolling” has two main audiences: “Democrats who want someone, anyone, to take on Trump in a real way and the media, who Democrats feel have normalized too much of Trump’s insanity.” “I’m surprised it’s taken Democrats this long to do it,” Setzer said, calling the strategy “pretty brilliant.” “He’s hoping to get under Trump’s skin, and may have drawn blood on that account [and] is it just me or did Trump stop using the all-caps in his unhinged posts after seeing Newsom’s?” she said. Setzer added that while “no one will be Trumpier than Trump” the strategy is working. “…As an attention grabbing tactic, he’s already succeeded,” she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeing his hand steadily strengthen in negotiations over a potential peace deal as President Trump seeks to plot out a path to end Russia’s war with Ukraine. The Kremlin has escaped the imminent threat of additional U.S. sanctions and convinced Trump to drop his demands for an immediate ceasefire, without making any major concessions beyond an openness to future talks. It’s not entirely clear that Putin wants a deal unless it is completely on the Kremlin’s terms, but just engaging with Trump has elevated the Russian leader at little cost. “I think that they found that getting engaged in this process can sort of scuttle those potential punishments, at least for the foreseeable future,” said Dmitry Gorenburg, senior research scientist in Russia studies at CNA, a national security research organization. “And in the meantime, they can continue to prosecute the war, which … they see as going relatively well for them right now.” Trump has maintained a drumbeat of optimism following his high-profile meeting with Putin in Alaska last week. After those talks, Trump acknowledged there was no ceasefire deal, but he said they’d made progress. Over the weekend, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the Trump-Putin meeting, said the sides were a long way away from a peace deal, but he also said they’d made enough progress to keep working. And Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the region, said Russia had agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine, though exactly what those might look like is unclear. That set the table for Monday’s meetings between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, who after visiting the White House said they were encouraged by Trump’s willingness to involve the U.S. in potential postwar security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump is now pushing Putin and Zelensky to sit down for direct talks for the first time since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, hoping they can start hashing out the details of a peace agreement. Gorenburg said he would be surprised if the meeting happens and is skeptical of the prospects for progress even if it does. He suggested Russia and Putin are happy to string things along. “I think that there will be various kinds of delays and roadblocks and so on that kind of continue down the road of doing just enough to keep the Trump administration … hoping that there’s some future deal, but without actually getting one accomplished,” he said. Trump said he raised the idea of direct negotiation with Putin during a phone call on Monday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov equivocated when asked about it on Tuesday, saying any such meeting would need to be prepared “step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages.” Ryhor Nizhnikau, a senior research fellow focused on Russia at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, was optimistic that a meeting would eventually take place, likely with Trump’s participation, as all three sides want to maintain the perception of moving toward peace. Zelensky fears losing U.S. support entirely, Putin wants to keep Trump in a neutral stance, and Trump either wants a peace deal or an opening to exit Ukraine with his reputation intact. However, Nizhnikau described the ongoing deliberations over security guarantees and territorial concessions as “empty talk,” given the current dynamics of the war and entrenched positions on both sides. Putin will not accept “NATO-like” protections for Ukraine, as Western officials have suggested, because that would entail allowing European boots on the ground; and Zelensky is not about to cede the eastern Donbas region, which would mark a “massive military defeat” and spur “huge political backlash in Ukraine.” According to Reuters, Putin wants all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the Donbas, including areas Russia does not currently occupy, and is willing to freeze the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — marking a slight climbdown from his demand for all four regions outright. Despite Trump’s claims of progress, Russia has not shifted its core demands for Ukraine’s complete political and military capitulation, as Putin reiterated in his public remarks in Alaska. “Probably, I would say they are even further from a peace deal than before Alaska,” Nizhnikau said, adding that Russia was “upping the game, in a sense, seeing that Trump shows a willingness to move or to shift towards their position.” Nizhnikau noted that the optics from Trump’s Monday meetings, in which European leaders took turns praising his leadership then gathered around the Resolute Desk, were already being used in Russian propaganda to underscore Europe’s perceived weakness. “The fact that Europeans are continuing their line of behavior toward Trump — which is trying to court him, trying to convince him through praises and not trying to irritate him at any cost, while Trump … reneges on his past promises — only encourages Moscow’s disregard and maybe even contempt of Europe,” he said. The Trump administration has touted at least one specific concession from Putin. Witkoff on Sunday said Russia had agreed to allow security guarantees for Ukraine similar to those outlined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which ensures collective defense in response to an attack on any member. Both France and England have suggested they would be willing to send troops into the country in such a scenario; Trump has ruled out U.S. boots on the ground but has floated U.S. air support for postwar Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said Moscow “categorically rejects any scenario that envisages the appearance in Ukraine of a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries.” Zelensky on Monday said the details of the security guarantees could be ironed out in the next 10 days, at which point he would be ready for bilateral talks with Putin to discuss other “complex, painful issues.” Trump called Hungarian President Viktor Orbán on Monday to ask why he was holding up Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, as part of the discussions about a security package for Kyiv, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Ora John Reuter, a political science professor at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, said an eventual peace deal seemed more likely today than two weeks ago, thanks largely to Trump’s willingness to engage with Putin and “countenance more concessions” to Russia. “But we’re very far from a deal,” he added. Reuter said Putin’s negotiating position depended, at least in part, on domestic pressure, as the war takes a toll on Russia’s economy and society writ large. “So you know, the less enthusiasm for the war there is in Russia, the harder it is to recruit troops, the harder it is to prosecute the war effort, and under that set of conditions, obviously, I think Putin would be more willing to end the war without more concessions,” he said. Reuter noted opinion polls show growing support in Russia for a negotiated end to the war, while some reports suggest the Kremlin is facing headwinds in military recruitment. “They can always force people to fight, but that’s costly. That’s socially costly, and it is unpopular,” he said. “So I think that the Russians realize they can’t maintain this level of war effort forever, and so I think they’re willing to see what they can get out of the West and Ukraine right now.” 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

The student experience is changing at universities after multiple diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, offices and centers have been shut down. Schools such as the University of Michigan have shuttered their diversity centers after the Trump administration began targeting institutions and pulling funding, while other universities in places such as Texas, Florida and Kansas had to close programs due to state law. The shift is creating a new environment this academic year even as experts say antisemitism and racism are among top concerns for students. Campus Reform’s anti-DEI tracker found that as of April, 20 states have passed legislation that bans various diversity initiatives on campuses, ranging from dedicated centers to trainings. Most of the states have been Republican strongholds, but other schools including Michigan and Columbia University shuttered some DEI initiatives due to pressure and an executive order from President Trump early in his administration targeting diversity efforts both on and off campuses. “The students who make America’s colleges and universities diverse will be returning to the same conditions but a different reality,” said Shaun Harper, a professor of education, business, and public policy at the University of Southern California, adding, “they will return to campus climates that are still racist, homophobic, transphobic, sexist, ableist and otherwise discriminatory.” “But they’re going to be returning to places that no longer have the infrastructure to address those challenges. So, the challenges remain, but there will be fewer resources, fewer policies and fewer people to protect students from those realities,” he added. The Trump administration is seeking to ban DEI nationally, but has faced legal setbacks. Earlier this year, the Education Department sent out a “Dear Colleague” letter threatening to pull funding to schools with what it called “illegal” DEI. It also sent out a letter to K-12 districts demanding they certify there were no DEI programs in classrooms. A judge recently ruled against both of those memos, concluding they violated proper administrative procedures for issuing new guidance to schools. “While the Department is disappointed in the judge’s ruling, judicial action enjoining or setting aside this guidance has not stopped our ability to enforce Title VI protections for students at an unprecedented level. The Department remains committed to its responsibility to uphold students’ anti-discrimination protections under the law,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said. But as the administration loses in court and many small schools do not have big diversity programs, some students might see little change. Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, said that between the administration’s court losses and the lack of diversity programs at many schools to begin with, “in many ways students will find that little has changed.” “Smaller campuses tend not to have specific centers or institutes, they tend to be more likely to have individuals that are there helping each student succeed. So in some cases, I think we don’t want to overestimate how much has actually changed. Many campuses are continuing to stay the course,” Hass said. But in some big universities with substantial programs, changes will be hard not to notice. Advocates say these initiatives were meant to help students who deal with discrimination on campus or help individuals feel included and welcomed, emphasizing these initiatives were never strictly limited to any one group of people. While some multicultural events or centers have designated names such as the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina, their defenders argue they were never made to exclude others. These centers and programs provided “welcoming environments for students based on backgrounds identity, while also being open and accessible to other students, creating a sense of belonging for students from underrepresented communities or marginalized communities,” said Paulette Granberry Russell, president and CEO of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. “A lot of those centers have been either eliminated or determined as spaces that were open to others, but with a clearly stated expectation that those centers had to be open and welcoming for all,” she added. For students who used these resources, options will be limited going forward. Some universities may have revamped their programs or names to continue providing at least some of the services they offered before, a tactic the Trump administration has decried and is hoping to root out. Students in schools where these programs have been completely eliminated could protest, although stricter protest rules have been put in place on many campuses this year. “We also know that students have a long tradition to draw on a protest. I don’t know that we have seen campus protests around these issues yet, but I think it will, certainly will bear watching,” said Hass. But advocates say it shouldn’t be up to students or faculty, calling on university leadership to take charge. “I don’t think it should be students stepping up in this moment. I think it should be our campus leaders and administrators who are stepping up in this moment,” said Kaleb Briscoe, an associate professor of adult and higher education at the University of Oklahoma. “It should not be students, it should not be faculty, it should be leaders,” Briscoe said, adding “students will just fall in the cracks of these gaps.” Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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The “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement could be on a collision course with its Republican allies over pesticides and toxic chemicals. MAHA is strongly aligned with the Trump administration, having cheered its anti-vaccine actions and food safety reforms. In general, the movement has been deeply skeptical of Big Pharma, Big Agriculture and Big Chemical. And cracks are beginning to form. MAHA-aligned groups and influencers are particularly raising alarms about provisions in a House appropriations bill that they say will shield pesticide and chemical manufacturers from accountability — and ultimately make Americans less healthy. Meanwhile, a draft of the administration’s “MAHA report” reportedly omits any calls to prevent pesticide exposure, also disappointing advocates. “It’s obvious that there are tensions within this newfound coalition between MAHA and MAGA, and there are some big issues there,” said Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense, a group that was founded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., considered the MAHA flagbearer. Conservatives have traditionally sided with big business, supporting fewer regulations on potentially toxic substances. Kennedy and his disciples, meanwhile, espouse stricter environmental protections, while also bucking mainstream science on vaccine safety. The disparities on chemicals and pesticides within their coalition put Republicans in the middle: Do they side with big business or health concerns? On many issues, business interests appear to be winning. The New York Times reported last week, based on a draft that it obtained, that a forthcoming iteration of the Trump administration’s MAHA positions does not call for new restrictions on pesticides and describes existing procedures as “robust.” MAHA-aligned activists recoiled. “The MAHA draft report stating that the EPA’s [Environmental Protection Agency] pesticide review process is ‘robust’ is the biggest joke in American history. And it’s not funny. It’s deadly,” wrote Zen Honeycutt, founder of the activist group Moms Across America, in a post on X. Meanwhile, a Republican-authored House Appropriations bill seeks to block pesticide labels that go beyond what the EPA uses based on its current human health risk assessment. During a markup last month, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the Interior-Environment Appropriations subcommittee, said that the measure says that “states cannot require a pesticide label that is different from the EPA label.” “The language ensures that we do not have a patchwork of state labeling requirements. It ensures that one state is not establishing the label for the rest of the states,” Simpson said, adding that his comments were meant to be clarifying for all the “MAHA moms that are out there that are concerned about this that have been calling.” But critics say such a move could prevent the use of updated science on pesticide labels. “This section, section 453, would basically handcuff EPA, companies and states as well as advocates to … research that could be outdated by over 15 years,” said Geoff Horsfield, policy director at the Environmental Working Group. “The language in here … says that EPA should only update labels according to the human health risk assessment. EPA, by law, is required to do those human health risk assessments every 15 years, but they often don’t complete those in time,” Horsfield said. “The way the law works currently is states have the power to do additional addendums, and that’s where you see, say, a state requires an additional setback so that you can’t spray within 250 feet of a school, or you’re required to wear additional types of [personal protective equipment],” he continued. “Those types of restrictions are usually included in a label addendum, and those types of changes and those types of tweaks would be essentially prohibited by this language.” MAHA opponents have particularly expressed concerns over the implications that barring such labeling could have on the ability to sue pesticide companies over inadequate labels. “Having no access to courts is absolutely devastating and, in my view, unconstitutional,” said Holland, with Children’s Health Defense. “I’m very distressed by this idea that this administration might, for 2026, establish liability protection.” Democrats likewise pushed back on the provision. “This rider would effectively gag our public health agencies, preventing them from updating labels or rules to reflect new evidence of cancer risks from pesticides,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said during the markup. “This bill is a big middle finger to cancer patients.” Also causing controversy is another provision related to “forever chemicals,” toxic substances that have been linked to illnesses including cancer and have become widespread in the environment. The measure seeks to bar the EPA from enforcing a draft report that found that food from farms contaminated with these chemicals may pose cancer risks. Lexi Hamel, a spokesperson for Simpson, said in an email that the bill “prohibits funding from implementing, administering, or enforcing the current draft risk assessment due to the major technical flaws in the assessment.” But she said it does not block the EPA from “continuing to work on identifying ways to clean up PFAS and keep communities safe” and that an amendment changed the bill so that it no longer blocks the agency from finalizing its findings. In a follow-up statement shared through a spokesperson, Horsfield said the provision is still a problem. “The risk assessment will still have to be implemented and enforced,” he said. “The draft risk assessment will need teeth … Allowing EPA to finalize the draft risk assessment, but preventing them from implementing it is an exercise in futility.” MAHA activists have slammed both provisions, saying in a letter to President Trump that GOP support for the measures is “unconscionable.” However, Tony Lyons, president of the MAHA Action PAC, said he does not blame Republicans for pesticides in the environment. “I don’t think that this is something that comes from the GOP side. I think that this is a case of the Democratic Party looking to blame Republicans for it,” Lyons said. While the pesticide issues have generated some sparks between MAHA and MAGA, the administration has taken a number of other actions to also reduce restrictions on the chemical industry more broadly. Trump himself exempted from environmental standards more than 100 polluters, including chemical manufacturers, oil refineries, coal plants and medical device sterilizers. The EPA, meanwhile, has put chemical industry alumni in leading roles and has said it wants to loosen restrictions on emissions of various cancer-linked chemicals. Asked about Trump’s move to exempt polluters from Clean Air Act rules, Holland said “there’s clearly tensions” within the GOP coalition. “Those factions, if you will, more protective of corporate and more challenging to corporate, are both striving to get the president’s ear, and I don’t think they’ve come to a complete, sort of settlement agreement,” she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article