Desmond Milligan

A new report found hundreds of reported cases of human rights abuses in US immigration detention centers. The alleged abuses uncovered include deaths in custody, physical and sexual abuse of detainees, mistreatment of pregnant women and children, inadequate medical care, overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions, inadequate food and water, exposure to extreme temperatures, denial of access to attorneys, and child separation. The report, compiled by the office of US senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat representing Georgia, noted it found 510 credible reports of human rights abuses since 20 January 2025. Related: Immigration agents told a teenage US citizen: ‘You’ve got no rights.’ He secretly recorded his brutal arrest His office team’s investigation is active and ongoing, the office said, and has accused the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing congressional oversight of the federal agency, which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice). Ossoff said the government is limiting his team’s access to visit more detention sites and interview detainees. Under the second Trump administration, a Guardian analysis found average daily immigration arrests in June 2025 were up 268% compared to June 2024, with the majority of people arrested having no criminal convictions. And US immigration detention facilities are estimated to be over capacity by more than 13,500 people. The problem is not new, as prior to Trump taking office again, US immigration detention centers faced allegations of inhumane conditions. But controversy has ramped up amid the current administration’s widespread crackdown on immigration into and undocumented communities within the US, including people who have lived and worked in the US for years or came in more recently under various legal programs that Trump has moved to shut down. Among the reports cited in the new file from Ossoff’s office, there are allegations of huge human rights abuses include 41 cases of physical and/or sexual abuse of detainees while in the custody of DHS, including reports of detainees facing retaliation for reporting abuses. Examples include at least four 911 emergency calls referencing sexual abuse at the South Texas Ice processing center since January. The report also cites 14 credible reports of pregnant women being mistreated in DHS custody, including a case of a pregnant woman being told to drink water in response to a request for medical attention, and another case where a partner of a woman in DHS custody reported the woman was pregnant and bled for days before DHS staff took her to a hospital, where she was left in a room alone to miscarry without water or medical assistance. The report cites 18 cases of children as young as two years old, including US citizens, facing mistreatment in DHS custody, including denying a 10-year-old US citizen recovering from brain surgery any follow-up medical attention and the detainment of a four-year-old who was receiving treatment for metastatic cancer and was reportedly deported without the ability to consult a doctor. The report from Ossoff’s office was first reported by NBC News. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in an email to NBC News in response to the report: “any claim that there are subprime conditions at Ice detention centers are false.” She claimed all detainees in Ice custody receive “proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members”. Meredyth Yoon, an immigration attorney and litigation director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, told NBC News she met with the woman who miscarried, a 23-year-old Mexican national. “The detainee who miscarried described to Yoon witnessing and experiencing ‘horrific’ and ‘terrible conditions’, the attorney said, including allegations of overcrowding, people forced to sleep on the floor, inadequate access to nutrition and medical care, as well as abusive treatment by the guards, lack of information about their case and limited ability to contact their loved ones and legal support,” NBC News reported. DHS denied the allegations. “Regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners … it’s more important than ever to shine a light on what’s happening behind bars and barbed wire, especially and most shockingly to children,” Ossoff said in a statement his office issued about the investigation. View the full article

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to expand hiring after a massive infusion of cash from Congress. The department said in a news release that it would waive age limits for new applicants so “even more patriots will qualify to join ICE," the agency responsible for finding, arresting, detaining and removing people who are in the U.S. illegally. The agency is at the center of the Trump administration's efforts to carry out President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. Earlier this summer Congress passed a spending bill that gives ICE money to hire 10,000 more staff. Currently, ICE applicants must be 21 years old and no older than 37 or 40, depending on what position they are applying for. In an interview with Fox & Friends, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said applicants could be as young as 18. “We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We'll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families," Noem said. The department said all recruits would have to go through medical and drug screening and complete a physical fitness test. ICE earlier announced a recruiting campaign aimed at finding and hiring the deportation officers, investigators and lawyers it will need to meet its hiring goals. As part of that campaign the agency is offering an eye-catching bonus of up to $50,000 for new recruits as well as other benefits like student loan forgiveness and abundant overtime for deportation officers. View the full article

Snow Manの佐久間大介さんは8月5日、自身のX（旧Twitter）を更新。めいっ子を抱っこする姿を公開しました。 ■「めいっ子になりたい」 佐久間さんは、「仕事早く終わったからめいっ子に会いに行ってきた」とつづり、2枚の写真を投稿。めいっ子を抱っこする姿を公開しました。2枚目では、佐久間さんがめいっ子を抱っこしながら見つめており、その優しい表情に思わずほっこり。仕事終わりに癒しの家族時間を過ごした様子が伝わってきます。 この投稿にファンからは、「さっくんは、私が『推しには早く結婚して子どもを持ってほしい』と初めて思ったアイドルかもしれない」「メロ過ぎる〜！」「めいっ子ちゃん大きくなってる」「めいっ子になりたい」「幸せな時間だね」「わ、かわいい」「後ろ姿だけで美人ちゃんって分かる」「ドキッとしたのは私だけじゃないはず」「さっくんの表情がパパみたい」「尊過ぎる」との声が寄せられました。 ■「抱っこしてる姿パパ過ぎてキュン」 佐久間さんは2月24日の投稿でも「今日は家族と過ごしてた！恐竜とかいろんな魚とか見れて楽しかった！」と、めいっ子を抱っこする姿を公開。コメントでは、「抱っこしてる姿パパ過ぎてキュン」「さっくんめいっこちゃんかわいい」「めちゃめちゃ癒されました」との声が寄せられています。気になる人はぜひチェックしてみてくださいね！ View the full article

歌手氷川きよし（47）が6日までにインスタグラムを更新。水着姿を公開した。 氷川は「日焼け止め　たっぷり塗ってプールにドヴォーン」と青いハートの絵文字を多数添えてつづった。そして上半身にも生地がある形状の黒い水着姿で、サンバイザーをかぶり、デコルテ部分や胸上部、肩などの美しい生肌や抜群のボディーラインを披露した。　氷川は先月末、インスタグラムのストーリーズで、3カ月で10キロの減量に成功したことを報告したばかり。 View the full article

視聴者から「見た目も演技もすてき」と称賛される俳優たちが、この夏ドラマに集結しています。イケメンだと感じる男性俳優は誰ですか？ All About ニュース編集部は7月22日、全国10〜60代の男女250人を対象に「夏ドラマ出演俳優」に関するアンケート調査を実施しました。今回はその中から「2025年夏ドラマのイケメンだと思う男性俳優」ランキングを紹介します！ ■2位：ラウール『愛の、がっこう。』／24票 2位にランクインしたのは、ラウールさんです。Snow Manのメンバーで、『愛の、がっこう。』（フジテレビ系）で初のホスト役に挑戦しています。 抜群のスタイルを生かし、ド派手な赤のスーツを着こなす姿がSNSで話題に。端正なビジュアルがホスト役にぴったりで、ハマり役と称されています。 回答者からは「ホスト役がピッタリです」（50代女性／石川県）、「高身長でモデルで頭が良くて、非の打ち所がありません」（60代女性／滋賀県）、「背が高く顔立ちが綺麗だから」（30代女性／島根県）といったコメントが寄せられています。 ■1位：斎藤工『誘拐の日』／26票 1位にランクインしたのは、斎藤工さんです。火曜ドラマ『誘拐の日』（テレビ朝日系）で主演を務めています。 本作は、2023年に韓国で放送された同名ドラマのリメイク作品。斎藤さんは娘の手術費用のために天才少女をさらう、どこか憎めない誘拐犯役を巧みに演じています。 回答コメントでは「渋みも出て男前だからです」（40代女性／埼玉県）、「声と容姿がイケメン」（40代男性／青森県）、「色気とワイルドさの両方を思っていると思う」（40代女性／神奈川県）などの声が集まりました。 ※回答コメントは原文ママです この記事の筆者：くま なかこ プロフィール 編集プロダクション出身のフリーランスエディター。編集・執筆・校閲・SNS運用担当として月間120本以上のコンテンツ制作に携わっています。得意なジャンルはライフスタイル・金融・育児・エンタメ関連。 View the full article

　橋下徹氏が６日、カンテレ「旬感ＬＩＶＥ　とれたてっ！」に出演。番組では自民党の参院選敗北と、続投姿勢を崩さない石破茂首相の進退問題などを取り上げた。 　橋下氏は、週末に東京で取材した結果として、石破首相が続投した場合は国会運営が不安定となる見通しだが、現在の永田町情勢を「野党から、この人（自民新総裁）とだったら連立組めますよという発信があったら、自民党は一気に流れます。安定政権になるから」と語った。 　「（自民側は）当然、そのリーダーを立てる。永田町だから（事前に）水面下でいろいろな話あると思いますよ」とした。 　一方で「自民党の誰とは言えませんが、総裁候補者として名前が挙がってきてる人の何人かは、玉木（雄一郎）さんに全部やらしてみたらいいじゃないかと。全権委任、財務省の関係のこと」と述べ、司会の青木源太アナウンサーが「えっ…」と反応した。 　橋下氏は「予算の組み方とか、玉木さんの言ってる１７８万とかも、やれるんだったらやってよと。いままでの政治は連立組む時には政策協議がどうのこうのとあるんですけど、１回玉木さんやってみてよと、自民党サイドの総裁候補と言われてる人たちから、そういう発信が出てくるかもわかりません」と語った。 　橋下氏は、財源を含めて年収の壁の「１７８万円引き上げ」実現を訴える玉木氏が、「あれだけ言ってたのに、これでやらないと言ったら、腰砕けになるじゃないですか。どうするか！？っていうところなんです」と指摘した。 View the full article

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is fast. We know this. With 1,250 horsepower from its twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and front-axle electric motor, it can clear the quarter-mile in under nine seconds and the 60 mph dash in less than two. It’s also nearly three seconds quicker around the Nürburgring Nordschleife than the 815-hp Ford Mustang GTD, the $327,690 pony car built by the same Multimatic firm that preps the Blue Oval’s GT race cars. We figured the ZR1X would still cost less, and today we also know that it does: the ultimate Corvette starts at $207,395, including a destination charge of $1,995. The ZR1X comes as both a coupe and convertible. That base MSRP is for the hardtop; the convertible adds another $10,000. There’s also an optional 3LZ interior package that upgrades the Bose audio system, seats, steering wheel, and some trim, while also throwing in a forward-facing camera and second wireless phone charger. The 3LZ starts at $218,395 for the coupe, and $228,395 sans roof. But wait, there’s more! To have the fastest ZR1X, you also need to tick the box for the optional $10,495 ZTK Performance Package, which brings “modified chassis controls calibrations,” higher spring rates for the suspension, extra carbon fiber aero, and—most importantly for any wannabe Nürburgring hot-lappers—Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires. Roll it all together, and that’s how a $207,000 hypercar very quickly becomes a $240,000 hypercar. On one hand, I want to knock Chevy for giving the ZR1X trim codes like an Equinox, and also making niceties like extra speakers and heated/ventilated seats optional extras on a $200K machine. That said, even fully kitted, the ZR1X is a high-performance bargain—there’s just no two ways about it. GM will use this, rightly, as bragging rights against its crosstown rival, but the ZR1X invites comparisons to cars priced 10 or 20 times higher from across the pond with similar metrics. At the same time, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS starts at around $50K more than the ZR1X with less than half the Vette’s total horsepower, and still lapped the Green Hell within a tenth of the bowtie’s monster. So, power isn’t everything. The most exclusive ZR1X at launch will be the Quail Silver Limited Edition, priced at $241,395. That’s the one you see in these pictures, clad in Blade Silver Matte, a color that harkens to the Inca Silver paint on the first-generation Corvette. The Quail ZR1X will make its first public showing at the Monterey Car Week venue of the same name on August 15, alongside “the debut of GM Design’s inspiration for the future of Corvette,” per Chevy’s press release. Personally, I’ve always been a yellow Corvette guy—especially on the Z06 and ZR1—but that muted silver really pairs nicely with the orange calipers. Got a tip? Send it our way at [email protected] View the full article

I enjoyed the 2025 BMW X5 40i Silver Anniversary Edition more than I expected to. It comes off as an odd concoction on paper, but in person, it looks great and rides nicely. It’s the perfect example of how much you can change the look and attitude of a vehicle by just changing its tires. The X5 and its once-and-future rivals, the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz ML (now designated GLE), were unsettlingly iconoclastic when they came out around Y2K. So it’s a little ironic that 25 years later, today’s X5 is arguably one of the most conservatively styled and traditional-looking BMWs. While other models have gone for caricature grilles and exaggerated attributes, the X5 is still looking clean and classy. BMW X5 center console.BMW X5 gauge cluster.BMW X5 side view.The Silver Anniversary Edition spec invokes more ruggedness than other present-day X5s to make us remember the original as a sort of adventure rig—though it really wasn’t. A few select accessories lend it some visual distinctiveness, but most of the items in the $10,000 “Off-road Package” (as this limited-edition model is designated on the price sheet) are more about style than material performance enhancements. Still, it’s got power and traction, and those two stats will get you pretty far from pavement. Overall, it’s a perfectly fine luxury car—or Sport Activity Vehicle, as BMW calls its crossovers. The BasicsThere are five variants of the 2025 (and 2026) BMW X5. The 40i in all-wheel drive (xDrive) or rear-wheel drive (sDrive), the more-powerful 50e hybrid, mighty M60i twin-turbo V8, and M Competition with a raucous 617 horsepower. The 40i xDrive is definitely the one to get—the 3.0 turbo inline six can return a respectable 27 mpg and still do 0 to 60 in just over five seconds. The AWD 40i lists for about $70,000; my test car was optioned up to just over $80,000. Andrew P. CollinsThe full Silver Anniversary equipment list includes the M Sport differential (effectively an automatic rear locker), two-axle air suspension that allows the car to drive at multiple ground-clearance heights, and 20-inch M Star-Spoke Bicolor 740M wheels, which, believe it or not, actually allow for a lot of sidewall. This bundle also includes Live Cockpit Pro (a very info-dense gauge cluster), a heads-up display, and a pretty long list of other luxury features. For the sake of clarity, here’s the list: Carbon Fiber trim Extended Shadowline Trim Harman Kardon surround sound system Heated Front Seats, Armrests & Illuminated Kidney Grille Live Cockpit Pro (Incl. HUD) M Shadowline Lights M Sport Differential Remote Engine Start Roof rails in High-gloss Shado Shadowline exterior trim Trailer Hitch 2-axle air suspension 20″ M Star-Spoke Bicolor 740M The xOffroad Package includes more functional features like some underbody protection, off-road drive modes, and xOffroad camera that basically just lets you use the 360-degree parking camera at speeds up to 22 mph to watch out for obstacles. But the feature with the most impact on this vehicle’s off-piste performance is not in either of those bundles, it’s a Silver Edition option of General Grabber all-terrain tires. These have deep grooves and big tread blocks, giving them a lot of loose-surface grabbing power and a dramatic look. They’re 275/45R20, measuring about 29.7 inches in diameter. In Lime Rock Grey paint with all the black trim, and these black claws on its wheels, the Silver Anni X5 really does look kind of badass. I find the illuminated grille a little corny, but the rest of the accents and lighting elements are crisp and fierce. BMW X5 from the front three-quarterBMW X5 illuminated grille.BMW X5 headlight.BMW X5 interior.BMW X5 all-terrain tires.The interior is cavernous, even for four adults plus a big haul of cargo. You and your spouse could tackle another couple of flea markets in this bad boy and fit some vintage furniture or art in the back. If it didn’t fit in the cargo hold, it might fit on the roof, as you can spec BMW OE roof racks for this model. I loved the comfortortable seats, they have a real yacht-bridge heft to them. My wife and I did six hours across New England, and I didn’t mind at all. An active but not towering driving posture and visibility from behind the wheel are great, too. Interior materials quality is mostly good; big, swooping armrests on the door are elegant and substantial. But then in some spots, it kind of looks like designers ran out of time or interest and stopped designing. The headlight button is just a blob floating in this void of plastic, it’s bizarre. And the center console has a big expanse of carbon fiber that looks, well, it’s nice, but also somehow oddly undecorated besides the big “Silver Anniversary Edition” emblem. I can’t decide if that’s tacky, which is probably not a good sign. The illuminated, semi-opaque “X5” text on the passenger’s side of the dash is, uh, not my style, but it works with the dark leather and carbon. Swipe here for a gallery: The center console’s pretty cool. Some care was clearly taken to add artfulness to the switches, and the shifter provides some decisive satisfaction despite being an electric toggle rather than an old-fashioned lever. And finally, there’s the display screen. That gigantic, cinemascope command center viewer stretched from the left of the steering wheel into the passenger’s side. BMW clearly spent a lot of energy making its digital interface visually unique and complex, too. There are all kinds of lines intersecting each other, colors, gradients, even familiar gauges have unexpected executions (the tach can be configured to look like a “>” symbol, for example). I respect the designer’s effort, but I could not hate it more. It’s an overload of abstract nonsense that I find ugly and distracting. Which is too bad, because the X5 driving experience, even with the most modest engine option, is quite nice. Driving the BMW X5 40i xDriveIn a straight line, coming on or off the power, the X5 is very smooth. It’s not slow, but the vehicle’s vibe does not organically encourage sporty driving. I just wanted to roll the windows down and trot around in this thing. In cornering, the steering is not bad, but not exactly engaging. The softness of the tires paired with the X5’s inherently somewhat stiff suspension and chassis takes a little getting used to—it does sink to the outside of a turn a lot more than you’d expect a BMW to. BMW X5 exterior detail.BMW X5 exterior detail.BMW X5 exterior detail.BMW X5 from the back.BMW X5 front.The controls are generally pretty user-friendly. There’s not much to do besides put it in gear and change the ride height, or simply toggle a drive mode to suit your situation and let the car manage the suspension. I went blasting down some gravel road and the X5 tracked perfectly—not a hint of slip on damp rocks at a decent clip. Sorry to say I couldn’t find a venue to rock-crawl, but I suspect ground clearance and approach angle would be the most limiting factors on very technical terrain. The vehicle is large but not huge, and the heavy armament of cameras and parking sensors would supplement your visibility quite well on a tight trail. Even with the suspension raised, the X5 has only about nine inches of ground clearance, about the same as a Subaru Outback. This X5 felt just a little too wallowy for me to want to try tearing up back roads in, but at socially acceptable speeds it rode like a dream. And on the highway, it was supremely comfortable galloping for hours on end. VerdictThis is a solid high-tier adventure rig. It’s plenty posh for the price point, and looks great. With careful driving, you could get through a lot of interesting trails around America in one of these. Stuff like the Mojave Road, Smarts Canyon, and plenty of not-steep-but-gnarly stuff all over the Southwest would be doable in this, thanks largely to the tires, traction control system, and camera views. The Rubicon, Moab, or anywhere that requires a lot of steep steps would be too rough on the X5, off-road package or not. But you could really explore a lot with this, on-highway or off. BMW X5 with dog passenger.BMW X5 front.BMW X5 lurkingIt’d be a lovely daily driver, too. And it’s not even terrible on gas for its size. It’s a little cumbersome and should be given some respect, especially when driving in tight areas or neighborhoods, but it strikes a good balance between interior sprawl space and a manageable footprint. I enjoyed driving it—it made me feel fancy and kind of fun. However, while it feels a little nuts making a design feature a dealbreaker, but I’m not sure if I could live with BMW’s modern gauges and infotainment experience. It’s a little exhausting to look at and use. And aesthetically, I find it off-putting. If you’re looking at Range Rover Sports, high-end Jeep Grand Cherokees, or maybe even a lower-end Porsche Cayenne, this slightly off-roadified Silver Anniversary X5 could be an interesting alternative. 2025 BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Specs Quick TakeNice-driving SUV with the slightest flair for the dramatic. View the full article

More from Robb Report Azimut's New 98-Foot Yacht Has an Infinity Pool Perched on the Upper Deck 'Emily in Paris' Star Lily Collins Just Sold Her Pasadena Case Study House for $6 Million Motorola and Swarovski Teamed Up for a Crystal-Encrusted Razr Phone 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. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO’s steering wheel and gear shifter. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO stretching out its legs. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO from the side with number 10 affixed. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO in the countryside. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO from above. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO from the rear. View the full article

read the full story In 1975, Jack May and Rick Cline drove this Ferrari from New York to Los Angeles in 35 hours and 53 minutes, winning that year's Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. Fifty years ago, this Dino made a record-setting run. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Owner Jack May and co-driver Rick Cline averaged 83 mph driving from New York to Los Angeles. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.This plaque commemorates their achievement. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.After 50 years, Jack May is only now selling his car. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.The Dino is in unrestored condition. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Because they'd be driving flat-out, May and Cline turned the tachometer to put the redline in a more visible position. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.In Wichita, Kansas, the team had to perform some emergency repairs. The parts receipt is still affixed to the car. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, IncPhotos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, IncKeep scrolling to see more pictures of this historic Dino. Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.You Might Also Like Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang! View the full article

美國總統特朗普（Donald Trump，又譯川普）8月6日簽署行政命令，對來自印度的商品額外加徵25%關稅，以回應印度繼續購買俄羅斯石油。對此，印度同日迅速回應指，美國加徵額外關稅是不公平、不正當且不合理的行為，印方將採取一切必要行動保護國家利益。 路透社報道，印度外交部同日發表上述回應，指美國的加關稅的決定「極其不幸」，並強調印方已就進口俄羅斯石油的問題多次表明立場。 2025年2月13日，美國華盛頓白宮，總統特朗普（Donald Trump，又譯川普）和印度總理莫迪（Narendra Modi）舉行聯合新聞發布會。（Reuters）美媒CNBC稱，由於印度本來已經面臨美國25%的關稅，如今再加徵25%下，意味美國對印度商品的關稅將增至50%。 最新的行政命令內容指，發現印度政府目前正在直接或間接進口俄羅斯石油，因此根據適用法律，進口到美國關稅區的印度商品應額外徵收25%稅率，稅率適用於在命令發布日起21天後美東夏令時間凌晨0時01分或之後入境消費或從倉庫提取消費的貨物。 這張拍攝於2025年7月23日的插圖中可以看到美國總統特朗普、印度國旗和「關稅」字樣的3D打印微縮模型。（Reuters）特朗普近來多次向印度發警告，談到印度繼續買俄石油的問題；印度外交部8月4日發表聲明抗議，稱儘管俄烏戰爭持續，莫斯科與美國、歐盟之間的貿易仍在繼續。 特朗普簽行政命令　對印度商品額外徵25%關稅　不滿印續買俄石油美印裂痕擴大之際　傳莫迪8月底赴華出席上合峰會　逾7年來再訪華美媒：蘋果承諾對美國再投資7800億　特朗普與庫克將一同公布積架CEO請辭　特朗普狠批其廣告「Woke」30秒影片見唔到車｜有片 View the full article

成立於1975年的警察談判組（PNC），今年迎來50周年金禧誌慶。首批前線成員之一、現任警察學院教官的嚴明，見證了談判組近四分一世紀的發展。他憶述，早年談判組成員須由警署警長或以上職級擔任，至2001年才首次向警員及警長敞開大門。嚴明把握此契機，與另外5名同事從眾多申請者中脫穎而出。他表示，「警員日常調解糾紛的經驗，與談判核心相通，再經嚴格訓練，同樣能勝任這份使命。」 嚴明曾到中國刑事警察學院分享談判技巧。（《警聲》圖片）稱職談判員平均需5年實戰　談判專家「十年磨一劍」新一期《警聲》指出，談判組招募競爭激烈，遴選過程以嚴謹著稱，包括即席演說考驗急智、模擬情景測試臨場反應、面試深挖特質，往往逾百名申請者中，僅10餘人能獲錄取以挑選出頭腦極度冷靜、具備深度同理心的精英。 過關斬將後，新隊員會展開為期半年的實習期，由資深成員擔任「師傅」，在實戰演練中傳授精髓。嚴明直言：「要成為一名獲認可的稱職談判員，平均需5年實戰積累；而能獨當一面的『談判專家』，更是『十年磨一劍』。」 逾9成案件涉企圖自殺　其餘包括挾持事件等警隊對談判專家要求極高，他們肩負雙重使命：以聆聽化解干戈，用言語挽救生命。經手的案件逾9成涉及企圖自殺，其餘則為糾紛引發的挾持事件等。 嚴明最難忘的任務之一，是處理一名因情傷而持11寸長廚刀自殘的男子，「當時我恰巧在附近，立即趕赴現場，只見事主手掌血流如注，刀刃更直指要害。由於拍檔未到，我先啟動談判第一步—『積極聆聽』（Active Listening）。慶幸事主願意傾訴，大大推進了談判進程。結果用了約20分鐘，成功說服他放下利刃，送院治理。」 現任警察學院教官的嚴明自2001年加入談判組，見證了談判組近四分一世紀的發展。（《警聲》圖片）「尊重與同理心是打開心門的萬能匙」事件中，有衝鋒隊警員使用隨身攝錄機近距離紀錄，相關片段成為談判組重要的內部訓練教材。此役亦讓嚴明深刻體悟：「只要掌握積極聆聽，每名前線人員都能成為談判員。『人同此心，心同此理』，尊重與同理心，正是打開心門的萬能鑰匙。」 談判專家須敞開心扉，以真誠換取信任，引導事主走向生路。然而，並非每次行動都能如願。嚴明坦言，面對未如理想的結果，是每位談判員必經的歷練。團隊與警察心理服務課會提供全面支援。談判組的座右銘「仁者不憂」，正是砥礪隊員：只要傾盡全力，便無愧於心。 成功率逾97%居全球前列　關鍵在團隊協作香港警隊談判組行動成功率逾97%，位居全球前列。嚴明揭示成功關鍵在於近乎無縫的團隊協作，「每次行動，主管運籌帷幄制定策略；主談專家專注與事主溝通；拍檔則負責全方位支援與聯絡。一旦察覺談判員身陷險境或情緒波動，隊友會立刻介入提醒，將團隊精神發揮至最佳效果。」 半個世紀以來，談判組在生死邊緣力挽狂瀾。嚴明期盼更多同仁加入，傳承這份以仁心為本、守護生命的使命。他寄語新人：「我們的工作，是為絕望者點亮一盞燈，給予一個選擇，種下一份希望。唯有懷抱謙卑，堅守專業，我們守護生命的路，才能走得更長、更遠。」 新界北防罪辦與談判組舉辦工作坊　加強預防學童自殺危機意識警察談判組辦分享會　推指引助校方處理學童自殺危機︰一單都嫌多警港島總區辦校園危機處理工作坊　設模擬演習展示談判技巧化解警談判組訓練模擬有人企跳　「鬼門關」前搶人　學用溝通技巧救人警察談判組主管退休　難忘與韓農談判　說服失敗少女眼前墮樓 View the full article

TVB節目《東張西望》日前一集講到騙徒手法愈來愈猖狂，苦主的媽媽被騙徒登門「收錢」，並且大模廝樣坐下數完錢才走。今日（6日）一集繼續有講到猖狂的騙徒又出現，苦主楊小姐「報東張」表示媽媽亦遇到同樣情況，同樣被騙徒登門騙錢。 騙徒的手法愈來愈猖狂。(節目截圖)苦主楊小姐「報東張」表示媽媽亦遇到同樣情況，同樣被騙徒登門騙錢。(節目截圖)半個月前，楊小姐89歲的媽媽獨自在家中時接到騙徒電話，騙徒訛稱其兒子與人打架，要求提供30萬元救急。雖然楊小姐在家中已經安裝了閉路電視，但未能避免這次的悲劇。楊小姐透過閉路電視見到一名男子進入了屋內，嚇了一跳，於是立即致電媽媽：「我媽響咗好耐先聽，跟住我哥出咗事，我話出咗咩事啊，佢話佢同人哋打交，依家畀人捉住咗。我啱啱畀咗錢人救佢啊，我話點會咁㗎，我話啊媽點解你唔打畀我啊，佢話冇諗到咁多嘢。」她馬上掛掉電話叫哥哥致電媽媽報平安。 楊小姐89歲的媽媽獨自在家中時接到騙徒電話，騙徒訛稱其兒子與人打架，要求提供30萬元救急。(節目截圖)楊小姐透過閉路電視見到一名男子進入了屋內，嚇了一跳，於是立即致電媽媽。(節目截圖)楊小姐從閉路電視中見到該名男子入屋後，媽媽把30萬交到他手上，之後他不慌不忙地數錢，點齊30萬後，他把錢放在背包後便離開。 楊小姐從閉路電視中見到該名男子入屋後，媽媽把30萬交到他手上。(節目截圖)該名男子不慌不忙地數錢，點齊30萬後，他把錢放在背包後便離開。(節目截圖) View the full article

The future of American politics might be decided by whether young voters get most of their news through TikTok. I don’t mean to single out the Chinese-owned vertical video app here. TikTok is a stand-in for a bigger phenomenon in modern American society: passive news consumption and incidental exposure, or the sense that news and information find their way to people. As opposed to active news consumers — who are seeking out information, want to keep up with current events, and are more engaged with politics — passive news consumers encounter things in passing while scanning headlines on social media apps and video feeds or see and hear current events discussed by influencers on TikTok or their weekly podcasts. Politics might not be central to their lives. They might not be frequent voters. And so, they don’t go out of their way to keep up with the latest developments. I’ve been thinking about this active versus passive distinction a lot recently, because I think it describes a lot of what is happening with Gen Z. This cohort of voters has been particularly confounding as of late. They are a lot more Republican than young voters of the past generation, even though plenty of evidence suggested they’d be the most progressive generation yet. Gen Z turned out in high numbers last year and shifted hard toward the GOP (though a slight majority did still support Democrats). Although there are signs this turn is slowing down, it doesn’t seem to be benefiting Democrats just yet. Of course, no group of voters is monolithic, and no single reason can explain this evolution among voters ages 18 to 29. But I think there’s an overlooked, under-the-radar divide that could add some nuance to our understanding of Gen Z, why they are giving Democrats more trouble, and why they might continue to surprise both political parties. After tuning into focus groups of young Americans conducted by the Democratic research project Navigator and taking a look at accompanying survey data by the Democratic polling firm Global Strategy Group over the last six months, it is clear that the active versus passive information divide is becoming a big split among the youngest cohort of Americans. This divide might explain why Democrats misjudged their level of support among young voters and why Republicans will face trouble with them in coming cycles. Young Americans are disproportionately passive news consumersEven as alternative media consumption grows, algorithmically powered feeds take root, and the primacy of mainstream media continues to decline, Americans generally tend to belong more to the “active” news consumption category than the “passive” one. According to Navigator’s research, some six in 10 eligible voters fall into the active category, while four in 10 belong to the passive one. Those trends hold for all age cohorts except for one: voters under 30. Some 58 percent of young voters say “news comes to me.” It’s an anomaly. Majorities of other generations, including millennials and Gen X, say that they “seek out news,” while younger voters are more likely to consider themselves passive consumers of information. View Link There are other curious cross sections in this polling. Younger, passive news consumers tend to rely on social media websites — like Facebook, X, and YouTube — much more than broadcast television for their knowledge and awareness of politics when compared to young active consumers. The young passive group tends to prefer TikTok and Snapchat, while the active group prefers X. And more generally for passive news consumers, they tend to be non-voters or presidential-election-only voters for whom politics is really not important to their identities. Only about one in three would say politics is central to their lives. Put all these trends together, and you start to see a picture of a young voter cohort dramatically divided by how informed and engaged in politics they are. There are those who care deeply about politics, have strong ties to either the Democrats or the GOP, tend to vote in most elections, and actively seek out news and information. They happen to be a minority in Gen Z. And then, you have those who don’t care for politics, call themselves political independents and moderates, tend not to vote, and get informed passively. They are the emerging silent majority. Ask them, and both might say they are “well-informed.” As the Navigator researchers put it in their recent report, “no one is ‘low information’” anymore; they exist in radically different environments and are hearing very different versions of reality. Passive news consumers helped Donald Trump and Republicans last year; Kamala Harris and Democrats had an edge with young, engaged, and active news consumers — but they weren’t enough to outweigh the effect of passive, less engaged youth. This is a familiar problem for Democrats. In midterm, off-year, and special elections, Democrats tend to be helped by having an electorate more populated with frequent and better-educated voters than in presidential cycles. You can now add a new dimension to this phenomenon: their form of news consumption. This emerging divide is just starting to be seenThe information gap isn’t going away. Gen Z and millennials will be the largest eligible voting age groups of the electorate in the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. The Gen Z focus groups, with both college and non-college educated young men and women, show this divide in sharp focus. The college-educated group skewed Democratic, many of its participants tended to talk about politics as being more central to their lives, and they referred to themselves as cautious but active news consumers. Many referred to mainstream and legacy news sources to fact-check claims they hear and as primary sources of news they can trust. The other groups of non-college educated young men and women were made up disproportionately of passive news consumers. They reported much weaker ties to parties or ideologies, and very few mentioned that politics were a central part of their lives. They still felt well-informed on current events, and none cited traditional or mainstream news sources as the way they keep up with politics. Instead, what stood out to me was the varied kinds of tools they counted as sources of information: streamers, newsletters, Reddit, comments sections on short and longer-form YouTube videos, and AI-powered news summaries. View Link Overall, not a lot of news seems to be breaking through and sticking with the passive Gen Z participants, aside from generally negative views on the economy (and, at the time, the drama following the Epstein Files). They are upset with the state of the country under Trump, but they aren’t turning to or really hearing from Democrats in response. These seem to be the kinds of voters that could play a decisive role in future elections. They are a majority of Gen Z, so will become a bigger part of the eligible voting pool. It’s not at all a given if they will vote, but if 2024 showed anything, it was that these Gen Zers can be persuaded and activated in numbers large enough to impact elections — something that should be concerning for both political parties and their future candidates. If Navigator’s own efforts are any indication, at least some Democrats are trying to make the rest of their party aware that they have a big problem with passive Gen Z consumers. Navigator, for example, is encouraging Democrats to center a more progressive and populist message on economics, affordability, and wealth inequality as a way to break through to these kinds of voters. Republicans, meanwhile, seem to be leaning into culture war messaging still through social media messaging, programs led by groups like Turning Point USA and the Young Republicans National Federation, and right-wing podcasters and influencers. It’s too early to tell which will be more successful, but the wager for passive young news consumers may end up turning out big electoral rewards. View the full article

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), who has vowed to protect Texas Democrats who fled to his state over GOP redistricting efforts, accused President Trump of trying to “steal” congressional seats from the people. “Donald Trump is trying to steal five seats from the people — frankly, of the country, not just the people of Texas — and disenfranchise people,” Pritzker told CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” when asked to describe what led the Democrats to leave the Lone Star State. “We’re talking about violating the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution.” “So, the great heroes of the Texas House Democratic Caucus decided the only thing they could do in order to stop it was, leave Texas,” he continued. “And where did they decide to come to? The safe haven of the state of Illinois, where we are going to protect them and take care of them.” The governor added, “I’m very proud of them.” More than 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers have scattered to several blue states in an effort to block their Republican colleagues from passing what they see as a heavily gerrymandered congressional map during a special legislative session. The map is designed to give Republicans five more pickup opportunities in the state, something Trump has pushed for as the GOP braces for a potentially challenging midterm election next year. Trump told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday that Republicans are “entitled” to the five seats. “We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas,” the president said. “I got the highest vote in the history of Texas.” The sentiment was echoed by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R). Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) earlier this week ordered the Democrats’ arrests after the state House was unable to conduct business due to their absence, arguing they violated their oath of office. On Tuesday, he also sued to remove Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from his seat amid the redistricting showdown. Trump and Republicans in the state have also pressed the FBI to intervene and force the lawmakers, who have vowed to continue fighting, to return to the state to finish voting. 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

Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri reached a partial settlement with the Trump administration so he can return to his job while the federal government seeks his deportation. Suri was arrested outside of his apartment in March as the Trump administration targeted pro-Palestinian foreign students and faculty, alleging he had ties to Hamas. Suri’s legal status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a reporting system that gives information about international students and faculty to the Department of Homeland Security, was taken away. The agreement restores his status retroactively to when it was revoked, including for his children, and allows Suri to return to work. The Trump administration agreed not to terminate the status again unless “a newly discovered, independent legal ground” is found for revocation, in which case the federal government will give Suri a 21-day notification. The deal, however, does not end deportation proceedings against Suri or settle the question of whether the government violated his rights. The Trump administration can seek to continue the case to kick Suri out of the country. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said on the social platform X at the time of Suri’s arrest that he was “actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.” “Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15, 2025 that Suri’s activities and presence in the United States rendered him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i),” she said. A spokesperson for Georgetown said the institution was “not aware” of any criminal activity from Suri. “We support our community members’ rights to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate, even if the underlying ideas may be difficult, controversial or objectionable. We expect the legal system to adjudicate this case fairly,” the school 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

As Texas Republicans move forward with a radical redistricting scheme, opening a new chapter in “unconstrained partisan warfare,” it’s worth remembering that the partisan gambit wasn’t their idea. Rather, it was Donald Trump and his White House team that directed GOP officials in the Lone Star State to rig — or more to the point, rig even more — their district lines. The president elaborated on his vision during his latest appearance on CNBC. Appearing via phone, the Republican told viewers: We have a really good governor [Republican Greg Abbott], and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats. When host Joe Kernan hedged on whether Trump actually broke the record for the best electoral performance in Texas’ 180-year history, the president was insistent. “Check it. Check it,” the president said, adding, “I’d like you to. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas. Okay? By a lot.” We’re obviously well past the point where factual details matter to the White House, but since Trump invited the scrutiny, it’s worth noting that his 2024 performance in Texas was quite underwhelming. Yes, he easily carried the state with 56% of the vote, and yes, it’d be foolish to downplay a 14-point margin of victory, but in terms of political history, 56% is hardly record-breaking. Mitt Romney did better in Texas in 2012. George W. Bush did better in his adopted home state in 2004 and 2000. Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and Harry Truman also all topped 56% in the Lone Star State. I suppose it’s possible that Trump was referring to his raw popular vote totals, but that’s a rather silly metric given population growth. It’d be like saying Michael Dukakis was a more impressive candidate than FDR because Dukakis received 41 million votes, while Roosevelt only received 27 million votes. Those tallies are technically accurate, but given that the nation was much smaller in the 1930s than in the 1980s, the figures are also irrelevant. In other words, Trump said he’d put up the best performance in Texas of any presidential candidate in 180 years, and he was off by 168 years. But just as importantly (if not more so) was the Republican’s other claim. “[W]e are entitled to five more seats,” the president said, as a result of the electoral triumph that happened only in his imagination. As the Texas scheme unfolds, GOP partisans aren’t running around explicitly saying, “We’re indifferent to democracy, so we’re trying to rig elections so that voters’ choices are largely irrelevant,” because that would be impolitic. Instead, they tend to peddle insincere talking points about the value of “competitive” races. Trump didn’t bother with the pretense. On the contrary, he again said the quiet part loud: He feels “entitled” to a partisan reward, and he expects Texas Republicans to give it to him. This isn’t how the political system is supposed to work in the U.S., but our incumbent president clearly doesn’t care. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com View the full article

The White House is placing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, bringing total tariffs up to 50%, in retaliation over the country’s purchase of Russia oil, according to an executive order signed Wednesday morning. India has 21 days to respond to the potential tariffs before they go into effect. The tariffs will be tacked onto a 25% tariff on India Donald Trump set last week as a “penalty” for the country’s trading relationship with Russia. Last week, the president wrote on social media that India has “always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy”. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” he wrote. Trump had signaled on Tuesday that he would imminently announce new tariffs, telling CNBC that the country is “fueling the war machine” against Ukraine. In statements, India’s foreign ministry said that “it is unjustified to single out” the country. “It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia,” the ministry said in a statement. Trump has also been critical of India’s role in the Brics trading bloc formed among some of the US’s trading partners and competitors, including Brazil, Russia, China and India. Trump has called the group “anti the United States”. In 2024, Indian imports into the US were estimated to be worth $129bn (£97bn). India now faces the highest tariff rate along with Brazil, which also has 50% tariffs in response to the country’s arrest of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. A slate of Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs are set to go into effect this Friday, including the 50% tariff on Brazil, a 35% tariff on Canada and a 25% tariff on Mexico. In recent weeks, Trump has set his sights on ending Russia’s war on Ukraine, which he had said he would end in his first 24 hours in office, through US intervention. Trump set a 10-day deadline for this Friday for Russia to make a peace deal with Ukraine. US special envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow on Wednesday to hold talks with the Kremlin, though neither side had put out statements about how the three-hour visit went. When Trump was asked on Sunday what would happen if Russia doesn’t end the war by his Friday deadline, Trump said: “Well, there will be sanctions, but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions.” View the full article

Chủ tịch Quốc hội Trần Thanh Mẫn vừa ký ban hành Nghị quyết số 92 điều chỉnh chương trình lập pháp năm 2025. Cụ thể, Ủy ban Thường vụ Quốc hội quyết nghị bổ sung vào chương trình lập pháp năm 2025, trình Quốc hội cho ý kiến và thông qua tại kỳ họp thứ 10 (tháng 10) đối với các dự án: Luật Quản lý thuế (sửa đổi); Luật Thuế thu nhập cá nhân (sửa đổi); Luật Bảo vệ bí mật nhà nước (sửa đổi), thực hiện theo trình tự, thủ tục rút gọn; Luật Viên chức (sửa đổi), thực hiện theo trình tự, thủ tục rút gọn. Nghị quyết cũng phân công rõ cơ quan trình, chủ trì thẩm tra, tham gia thẩm tra và tiến độ trình Ủy ban Thường vụ Quốc hội cho ý kiến đối với các dự án luật được bổ sung. Theo đó, Ủy ban Kinh tế và Tài chính của Quốc hội sẽ chủ trì thẩm tra dự án Luật Quản lý thuế (sửa đổi) và Luật Thuế thu nhập cá nhân (sửa đổi). Luật Bảo vệ bí mật nhà nước (sửa đổi) sẽ do Ủy ban Quốc phòng, An ninh và Đối ngoại của Quốc hội chủ trì thẩm tra. Trong khi đó, Luật Viên chức (sửa đổi) sẽ do Ủy ban Pháp luật và Tư pháp chủ trì thẩm tra. Các dự án luật trên đều do Chính phủ trình Ủy ban Thường vụ Quốc hội tại phiên họp tháng 9. Trước đó, Phó Thủ tướng Hồ Đức Phớc đã họp với các bộ, ngành, hiệp hội, doanh nghiệp chứng khoán, bất động sản về dự án Luật Thuế thu nhập cá nhân (sửa đổi). Theo Phó Thủ tướng, vấn đề này rất được quan tâm, liên quan đến rất nhiều người, có tác động sâu rộng tới đời sống dân sinh và hoạt động sản xuất, kinh doanh của doanh nghiệp. Do vậy, vấn đề này cần phải được nghiên cứu, đánh giá tác động thật kỹ lưỡng khi thiết kế, đề xuất các quy định, chính sách mới. Bộ Tài chính được giao nghiên cứu, tiếp thu các nội dung liên quan tính thuế chuyển nhượng bất động sản; cổ phiếu, cổ tức, cổ phiếu thưởng; mức giảm trừ gia cảnh… để thiết kế các quy định cho thực sự phù hợp. Đề xuất cán bộ được tuyển làm Tổng công trình sư hưởng lương như Bộ trưởng Bộ Nội vụ vừa có tờ trình gửi Bộ Tư pháp thẩm định về dự thảo Nghị định quy định việc tuyển chọn, sử dụng Tổng công trình sư, Kiến trúc sư trưởng về khoa học, công nghệ, đổi mới sáng tạo và chuyển đổi số quốc gia. Thủ tướng: Luật Thuế thu nhập cá nhân phải thuận lợi cho đóng và hoàn thuế Thủ tướng Phạm Minh Chính sáng nay chủ trì phiên họp Chính phủ chuyên đề pháp luật tháng 6, cho ý kiến về 8 nội dung quan trọng. Giải quyết dứt điểm chế độ theo nghị định 178 cho cán bộ nghỉ trước 31/8 Để có cơ sở giải quyết chính sách, chế độ theo Nghị định số 178 và Nghị định số 67 với công chức, viên chức đảm bảo đúng quy định và kịp thời, Bộ Tài chính đề nghị Bộ Nội vụ sớm có hướng dẫn. View the full article

The hypercar-crushing hybrid Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X reaches 60 miles per hour in under two seconds, completes a quarter-mile in under nine, and was recently crowned as the fastest American car to ever lap the Nürburgring. Those feats make the 1250-hp C8 the ultimate Corvette (at least, so far) —so it's no surprise to hear that it's also the most expensive Corvette ever built, too. What might be surprising, though, is that all of that car can still be had for under $210,000. Chevrolet says that the most affordable trim level of the ZR1X (the 1LZ coupe) starts at just $207,395 after a $1995 destination fee. The 1LZ convertible starts at $217,395, and prices jump to $218,395 and $228,395 respectively for the higher-spec 3LZ coupe and convertible variants. ChevroletWhile $200,000 is a lot of money for the vast majority of us, it is an absolute bargain for the level of performance that the Corvette ZR1X delivers. A chart shared by the brand notes that the car meets or beats many of the performance benchmarks set by the flagship Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1 hypercars, all while undercutting both on price by millions of dollars. Those comparisons to highly collectible, limited-run models from Europe are somewhat optimistic on Chevrolet's part, but the ZR1X also comfortably undercuts less powerful, less exclusive models like the Ferrari 296 GTB / GTS and the McLaren 750S that are likely to be cross-shopped with the ultimate Corvette. The ZR1X also starts well below the $250,000 MSRP for the current Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a car it also narrowly beat out on the 'Ring leaderboard. (And good lucking finding a GT3 RS at that price.) ChevroletIf the "basic" ZR1X is not enticing enough for you, GM is also offering an exclusive Quail Silver limited edition of the 3LZ convertible. This variant, which is tied to the annual Monterey Car Week event known as The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, wears an exclusive color called Blade Silver Matte. GM says the color is inspired by the Inca Silver first seen on the C1 Corvette. The special edition comes in at $241,395 before delivery. The ZR1X will be available starting at the end of this year as production ramps up at the Corvette's Bowling Green, Kentucky plant. Buyers opting for the Quail Silver variant will have to wait until production on that variant starts next year. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car View the full article

Switzerland's president met with her country's business representatives Wednesday in Washington -- ahead of scheduled talks with the US secretary of state -- in a last-minute visit as she scrambles to avoid a surprise tariff hike. The Alpine country faces a 39-percent duty on many of its exports to the United States come Thursday, one of the highest levels among dozens of economies due to be hit by President Donald Trump's upcoming tranche of tariffs. President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin hurried to Washington "to facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation," the Swiss government said in a statement. On Wednesday morning, Keller-Sutter and Parmelin arrived at the State Department in Washington for their scheduled talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The White House previously told AFP that there was, for now, no meeting planned with Trump -- who threatened in April to slap a 31-percent tariff on Swiss goods. It remains unclear if the Swiss delegation will meet with top US economic officials during their trip. Trump surprised the country last week when Washington released an updated list of tariff levels for dozens of US trading partners, due to take effect Thursday, showing the Swiss duty would be raised to 39 percent. This is significantly higher than the 15-percent level faced by economies like the European Union, Japan and South Korea. On Tuesday, Trump told CNBC in an interview that he "did something with Switzerland the other day" and spoke to Keller-Sutter. "The woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen," he added. The wave of US tariffs taking effect Thursday do not cover sectors that are being separately targeted by US investigations such as pharmaceuticals, a key sector for Switzerland. But Trump signaled that fresh duties on pharmaceutical imports could be announced within the week, starting at a low level before potentially surging as high as 250 percent. bys/bgs View the full article

The NFL's decision to ban the use of smelling salts and ammonia packets hit George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers hard. The tight end broke the news on NFL Network on Tuesday saying that he was "distraught" he would be no longer allowed to use them on "every drive" during the season. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Why the league is banning smelling salts comes down to player safety, as the NFL says the products are not safe and are used to mask concussions. What are smelling salts and what are they used for?Smelling salts can come in the form of bottled powders or packets that feature ammonia and other chemicals. It is a very strong smell and they are mostly used to treat fainting victims. But athletes have used them for years as a way to become more alert before or during a game in order to boost performance. Once the ammonia fumes are breathed in, it triggers a reaction that sends a jolt of adrenaline throughout the body, while also clearing out nasal passages. “Ammonia is an irritant,” family medicine physician Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD, told the Cleveland Clinic website. “It irritates your airways and your lungs. When you breathe it in, you reflexively take a really big breath. It doesn’t cause a ‘high’ per se, but the rush of oxygen triggers your sympathetic nervous system to take over and can make you feel amped up in a way.” Why is the NFL banning smelling salts?NFL Network's Mike Garafolo shared the memo that got Kittle so worked up. Citing a 2024 memo from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the NFL explained its reasoning for banning ammonia inhalants (AIs), an umbrella term that includes smelling salts. “In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy. "The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.” The memo clarified that the AI category encompasses “any form of ‘smelling salts’” and prohibits any member of a team from administering or providing AIs to players at any point during a game. The FDA memo referenced by the NFL detailed reported adverse effects of using unapproved AIs that include "shortness of breath, seizures, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting from consumers after using these types of products, possibly purchased through various websites." Are they used in other sports?Yes, many athletes across the sports world use them before and during games. Sometimes coaches get involved, too. Have any other sports organizations banned smelling salts?Yes. Hockey Quebec, a branch of Hockey Canada that oversees amateur hockey in the province, banned smelling salts in February, citing concern about their use by youth players. View the full article

Every fantasy football season during your draft, the main objective is to find value, players who can outperform their average draft position. With a bigger emphasis on points-per-reception scoring and the NFL being more pass-heavy, wide receivers have arguably become the most important position in fantasy. It's easy to identify and nail your top WR in the first few rounds. What may be difficult is identifying a value pick in the middle rounds who can outperform his ADP and vault into the top-10 among the position. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] In this exercise, we asked a handful of Yahoo Fantasy analysts which receiver they believe has the best chance to jump into that top-10 group when it's all said and done in 2025. Here are their picks for most likely WR to go from being ranked in the 20s and finish in the top 10. Which WR ranked in the 20s could crack the top 10?Courtland SuttonIt's not a stretch to imagine Sutton as a top-10 receiver. He performed at that level over the final two-thirds of 2024, after the Broncos took the training wheels off rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton just received a juicy extension from Denver, and he's the unquestioned target when this team throws in the red area. I love that Sutton can regress from last year's production and still offer an ADP profit. But don't overlook his upside, either. — Scott Pianowski DK MetcalfMetcalf showed us his fantasy ceiling when he tied for the eighth-most fantasy points among receivers during his 83-catch, 1,303-yard, 10-touchdown campaign back in 2020. Since then, he’s shared the field with some talented wideouts. Fortunately in Pittsburgh, target competition won’t be a problem. What could be an issue is the mixing of strong personalities with Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. If they can coexist, even a declining version of Rodgers — who turns 42 in December — might still be an upgrade on the Steelers’ quarterback play over the last few seasons. Rodgers also seems more than willing to lock onto his No. 1 receiver. Last season with the Jets, Davante Adams averaged the fourth most targets in the league (10.4) after he reunited with Rodgers over the final 11 games and was the WR9 in fppg during that span. Metcalf isn’t at Adams’ level, but he has posted double-digit touchdowns twice in his career and could certainly hit that mark again. When you factor in Metcalf having the eighth easiest fantasy strength of schedule, you start to see a fantasy WR who might have a special season in him. — Justin Boone George PickensPickens took a big step forward last year as an individual player with a career-best 72.8% success rate vs. man coverage and 77.6% success rate vs. press (83rd percentile) in Reception Perception. He wasn’t consistently locked in throughout the full season but there’s every reason to think that will change in Dallas in the most healthy offensive environment he’s played in as a pro and as he fights for a new contract. There’s yet another level for him to reach as a player and he already ranks 17th among wide receivers in yards per route run over the last two years combined. Now, he should see both his routes, targets and catchable looks increase playing with Dak Prescott in a pass-happy offense. As long as Pickens is locked in, he could have a 2024 Tee Higgins-like season; one of the most productive No. 2 receivers in the league across from a versatile alpha wideout. That’s the sort of touchdown ceiling that can launch a guy into the top 10 at the position even if he doesn’t become a target hog. — Matt Harmon Jaylen WaddleThere's no way to spin Waddle's 2024 campaign positively. The fifth-year WR hit career lows in every metric from yards to yards per route run. And he can't hide behind Tua Tagovailoa's absence. When both were healthy (Weeks 8-14), Tyreek Hill was the only pass-catcher who could boast a +20.0% target share. Jonnu Smith saw more looks than Waddle. De'Von Achane generated more TDs. But there were aspects of the offense working in Waddle's favor. The "Skylar Thompson experience" wasn't just an anchor to the team's efficiency, but their passing volume, too. Miami went from 33.0 dropbacks per game to 39.6 with their QB1 back under center. In other words, the passing pie got larger. The Dolphins traded Smith so he could reunite with his former OC/HC. Said another way, the passing pie has fewer mouths to feed. Waddle was still second in air yards last year, indicating he's still a critical part of the aerial attack. And we're not too far removed from his WR8 finish in 2022. If both he and Tagovailoa can stay healthy, we know a top-10 outcome is in the cards for Waddle. — Chris Allen View the full article

MakerVille大地震出現高層變動，電訊盈科媒體集團董事總經理Janice Lee向員工發出內部信件，稱身為MakerVille行政總裁的魯庭暉即日離任，由金廣誠接任其職位。 MakerVille行政總裁的魯庭暉即日離任。（李孫彤攝）魯庭暉成功捧紅男團MIRROR。（資料圖片）MakerVille行政總裁由金廣誠接任。（陳志嵐攝）講起金廣誠，37年前一場意令震驚香港人。1988年，金廣誠為《歡樂今宵》遠赴澳洲拍攝外景，同行還有賈思樂、麥景婷、余綺霞、程思駿、何麗全與一位攝影師，不幸的事情發生了，遇上了嚴重車禍。 賈思樂曾接受《香港01》訪問時，回憶當時的情況。（資料圖片）賈思樂曾接受《香港01》訪問時，回憶當時的情況：「原來人的生命是那麼脆弱，昨晚我們一群私下在玩，跟霞女（余綺霞）還在猜枚，今天看到她躺在床上，瑪呢空（麥景婷）的肉歪了，就是變了，她一生人就變了。」他更提到因車禍昏迷多天的余綺霞，原來中途為了讓導演金廣誠更多休息，主動與他調了位，彷彿一切都是已經注定，他說：「當時意外發生得很快，但是幾秒可以變一個人的一生，因為我是天主教徒，我第一個（想法）上主，請停止吧。你見到煙，你會聽到『救命啊』，我醒的時候，我第一個看到麥景婷，我想她（臉上）這塊肉，血都未流但已經開了，我以為她死了，真的！」幸好，當時剛巧有別的旅遊車經過，又剛巧車上有醫生和護士，立即為他們施救。 賈思樂當年拍TVB綜藝竟然俾人恰：我坐喺木人巷，好嬲｜專訪 當年意外後，幾位朋友間中都會聚舊。（受訪者提供） View the full article

Sean "Diddy" Combs' camp has reached out to the Trump administration about a pardon, his lawyer said. Combs is facing up to 20 years in prison following his conviction on two prostitution-related counts. Trump has recently signaled he's unlikely to pardon Combs due to past negative comments about him. Sean "Diddy" Combs' camp has contacted the Trump administration about a possible pardon, one of his attorneys said in a new interview. Combs, who was found guilty last month by a Manhattan federal jury of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, remains "hopeful" about his chances of being pardoned by President Donald Trump, lawyer Nicole Westmoreland told CNN. "It's my understanding that we've reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon," Westmoreland, a member of Combs' criminal defense team, said in the interview that aired Tuesday night. It's not clear who from Combs' orbit reached out to the Trump administration. Trump recently suggested that it was unlikely he'd pardon Combs, but Westmoreland told CNN that Combs is still optimistic. "I think that Mr. Combs is a very hopeful person, and I believe that he remains hopeful," Westmoreland said. Representatives and attorneys for Combs did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Business Insider. "Any decision on pardons or commutations will come directly from the President, and the White House will not comment on any speculation regarding such actions," a senior White House official told Business Insider on Wednesday. Combs is facing up to 20 years behind bars as a result of his July 2 conviction, but legal experts expect his sentence to be much lower than that. The 55-year-old self-made businessman and rapper who was once worth close to a billion dollars dodged a possible life sentence in prison when the jury cleared him of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking at his trial. "He was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent," Trump said of Combs during an interview with Newsmax last week. During that interview, Trump signaled that a pardon for Combs wasn't likely due to the music tycoon's past negative comments about him. "I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile," Trump said. Trump added, "We don't like to have things cloud our judgement, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements." That makes a pardon for Combs "more difficult to do," Trump said. When asked during the interview whether it was more likely a no for pardoning Combs, Trump responded, "I would say so." Combs has been locked up at a notorious Brooklyn jail since his September arrest and indictment. The judge overseeing his case denied Combs' latest request to be freed on $50 million bail prior to his October 3 sentencing. Read the original article on Business Insider View the full article