Desmond Milligan

A lawyer representing Jimmy Lai said Wednesday it was "not wrong to support freedom of expression" as the defence began closing arguments in the jailed Hong Kong media mogul's national security trial. The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper has contested two counts of foreign collusion, with authorities accusing him of using various platforms to lobby Western nations to sanction China and Hong Kong. The charges are brought under the city's national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 after the finance hub saw huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before. Defence lawyer Robert Pang told the court it was "not wrong" to support freedom of expression and human rights. "It is not wrong to try to persuade the government to change its policy... Nor is it wrong not to love a particular administration, or even the country," he added. Aside from the collusion offence -- which could land him in prison for life -- Lai is also charged with "seditious publication" related to 161 articles, including op-eds carrying his byline. Pang began his closing arguments by pointing to three Apple Daily news articles that prosecutors deemed seditious. "It's factual reporting," he said, adding that the 161 items made up a tiny fraction of the newspaper's output. But judge Esther Toh countered that it was "pointless" to play a numbers game, adding that the judges had already gone through the articles carefully. - 'Not credible' testimony - Earlier in the day, prosecutor Anthony Chau challenged Lai's courtroom testimony -- which spanned more than 50 days -- as "not credible". The portrayal of Apple Daily as a "neutral defender of Hong Kong's core values" was "utterly misleading", Chau told judges. "(Lai) and Apple Daily were anti-communist for many years," he said, adding that the tycoon "glorified violence, mutual destruction and martyrdom against the (Chinese Communist Party) regime". The prosecutor also pointed to a trove of communications, some on WhatsApp, that allegedly tied Lai to political figures in the United States and a plan to lobby for Western sanctions against China and Hong Kong around the time of the 2019 protests. "(Lai) was clearly a betrayer of national interests," he said, wrapping up his case after two and half days. Lai was attentive during Wednesday's hearing, waving and gesturing to family and supporters in the public gallery when he entered the courtroom. The septuagenarian was outfitted with a heart rate monitor and prescribed medication after the defence said last week that Lai was experiencing heart palpitations. Concerns have been raised previously over Lai's health by his family and rights groups. The media tycoon has been kept behind bars since December 2020, reportedly in solitary confinement, and has lost weight during that time. The Hong Kong government has said Lai was receiving "adequate and comprehensive" medical care, with a senior medical officer earlier declaring him "physically and mentally fit for court". hol/reb/mtp View the full article

Rows of neatly dressed soldiers marched in unison to shouted instructions at a training ground in humid Beijing on Wednesday, as China prepares to unveil new domestically produced military hardware at a parade next month. President Xi Jinping will inspect troops in the capital's Tiananmen Square at the event to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and other world leaders expected to attend. Pin-straight lines of men and women clutching guns packed the pavement at a rehearsal on a military training square under the hot sun in southeast Beijing on Wednesday. Soldiers in their twenties stared sternly as sweat collected on their faces and soaked through their fatigues. Wang Ranran, an army guard, said she was "extremely proud" to participate in the parade on September 3. "China often uses the term 'steel-gun rose' to describe its female soldiers," she said. "The combination of roses and guns, we really like it." Troops wearing white, green and navy blue uniforms with Chinese flags on their chests started and stopped to the piercing voices of the officers directing the show. Training that is "strict, difficult and practical" has always been the army's tradition, said Lan Yu, a second-level staff sergeant. Rehearsals had not lasted long, he said, because parade training was part of their daily schedule. - New hardware - Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The ruling Communist Party has held a series of blockbuster events in recent years to commemorate its wartime resistance. China's military will showcase its latest equipment on September 3, "reflecting the evolution of modern warfare", Major General Wu Zeke, an official at China's military commission, told a news briefing on Wednesday. "All of the weapons and equipment taking part in this review were selected from domestically produced, currently active main battle systems, with a significant proportion being newly unveiled equipment," Wu said. These will include strategic heavy weapons and hypersonic precision systems, as well as unmanned and counter-unmanned equipment making their public debut, he said. The parade, which will last around 70 minutes, will "fully showcase our military's powerful capability to prevail in modern war", Wu said. It will also feature ground troops marching in formation, armoured columns, aerial echelons and other high-tech fighting gear. The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin will attend, and Chinese officials said other world leaders were also expected at the parade. China raised its defence spending for 2025 by 7.2 percent in March. The increase comes as Beijing's armed forces undergo rapid modernisation and eye deepening strategic competition with the United States. China has the world's second-largest military budget but lags well behind the United States, its primary strategic rival. bur-je/pbt View the full article

By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo plans to visit Lebanon, the country's senior Catholic official announced on Wednesday, in what could be the first visit outside Italy by the new leader of the global Church. The pope will travel to Lebanon "by December", Cardinal Bechara Rai told the al-Arabiya television channel. Rai, leader of the 3.5-million-member Maronite Catholic Church, did not give a specific date for the visit but said "preparations are already underway". A Lebanese official familiar with the matter confirmed that discussions were being held about a visit towards the end of the year, though a date had not yet been finalised. Leo, the first U.S. pope, was elected by the world's Catholic cardinals on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, who had planned to visit Lebanon but was unable to go because of health issues. Lebanon is home to more than two million Catholics, according to Vatican statistics. A Vatican spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Rai's remarks. A Vatican official, who asked not to be named, confirmed that a trip was being planned and said it could be part of a tour that would also include Turkey. Travelling abroad has become a major part of the modern papacy, with popes seeking to meet local Catholics, spread the faith, and conduct international diplomacy. They often draw crowds in the millions. Francis made 47 visits abroad during his 12-year papacy, travelling to 68 countries. He made a policy of visiting countries that often did not draw international attention as a way of highlighting problems in what he called the "peripheries" of the world. Leo has been expected to visit Turkey in late November as part of celebrations for the 1,700th anniversary of a major early Church council, which took place in Nicaea, now called Iznik. In a message to Lebanon earlier this month, Leo commemorated the fifth anniversary of a huge chemical explosion at the Beirut port that killed 200 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage. "Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the centre of our prayers," said the pope. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee;Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in BeirutEditing by Helen Popper) View the full article

Tin sao Việt: Á hậu Phương Nhi thanh lịch trong trang phục áo dài truyền thống, xuất hiện bên chồng doanh nhân tại sự kiện trọng đại ở Hà Nội. Thanh Lam, Hồng Nhung hội ngộ mừng sinh nhật tuổi 50 của Mỹ Linh. Ca sĩ Y Phụng khoe loạt ảnh check-in tại Las Vegas. Vợ chồng Hoàng Bách đi du lịch cùng con trai. Trương Ngọc Ánh tự tin khoe vóc dáng trong trang phục tập gym, thẳng thắn chia sẻ cảm giác kiệt sức sau buổi luyện tập cường độ cao. Vợ chồng Thành Đạt - Hải Băng tình tứ trong khoảnh khắc ngọt ngào, khiến fan ghen tị với tình cảm mặn nồng của cặp đôi. Rapper Đinh Tiến Đạt dí dỏm chúc mừng sinh nhật BB Trần với lời hát ca khúc "Vẫn nhớ". Diễn viên Ma Ran Đô cùng Minh Dự và bạn bè đi nghỉ dưỡng. Ca sĩ Kyo York gửi lời chúc thứ Tư vui vẻ và khỏe mạnh đến người hâm mộ bằng tiếng Anh thân thiện. Đạo diễn Cường Ngô nhiệt tình chúc mừng Hiếu Nguyễn và phim "Mưa đỏ" ra mắt thành công, mong tác phẩm được khán giả đón nhận. Hoa hậu Diễm Hương so sánh hai lần mang thai cách nhau 10 năm, tâm sự cảm giác mệt mỏi nhưng vẫn hạnh phúc. Hoa hậu Bùi Quỳnh Hoa thư thái tận hưởng không khí thơ mộng trong chuyến nghỉ dưỡng tại cố đô Huế. Trấn Thành hoàn thành ngày quay đầu tiên cho dự án phim Tết, ê-kíp đông đúc nhưng đầy nhiệt huyết. NSND Tự Long xúc động sau buổi ra mắt phim "Mưa đỏ", ca ngợi tác phẩm của điện ảnh quân đội với góc nhìn trẻ trung về chiến tranh. Nghệ sĩ Bình Tinh bộc bạch về tính cách đa chiều của mình: "Vừa dịu dàng vừa cá tính, ngoan đúng lúc hư đúng chỗ". MC Quỳnh Chi chia sẻ quan điểm tình cảm sâu sắc: "Còn thương thì ở bên, không thương xem như chưa hiểu nhau". Con gái Phương Vy được khen xinh như thiên thần, gây sốt khi diễn thời trang cùng mẹ. => Xem thêm những hình ảnh làng sao mới nhất trên VietNamNet. MC Diễm Quỳnh VTV khóc vì quá xúc động, Đặng Thu Thảo xách túi nửa tỷ đi du lịchMC Diễm Quỳnh không kìm được nước mắt xúc động sau khi xem buổi ra mắt phim "Mưa đỏ". Hoa hậu Đặng Thu Thảo mang chiếc túi Hermes Kelly trị giá khoảng nửa tỷ đồng. View the full article

Trong các loại rau gia vị, tôi chỉ ăn được lá kinh giới. Xin chuyên gia cho biết ăn rau kinh giới có tốt không? (Vũ Thị Xuân Thanh - Hưng Yên). Bác sĩ chuyên khoa 2 Huỳnh Tấn Vũ - Giảng viên Khoa Y học cổ truyền, Trường Đại học Y Dược TPHCM tư vấn: Rau kinh giới không chỉ là gia vị quen thuộc trong bữa ăn Việt Nam như ăn sống với phở, bún chả, mà còn là vị thuốc quý trong y học cổ truyền và hiện đại. Tất cả các bộ phận của cây kinh giới đều sử dụng làm dược liệu được. Ở nước ta, kinh giới phân bố khắp cả nước, thường mọc hoang hoặc trồng ngay tại nhà để làm gia vị chế biến thức ăn, làm dược liệu điều trị bệnh. Đây là loại rau gia vị giúp bạn sống thọ, giảm quá trình oxy hóa tế bào. Rau kinh giới có nhiều tác dụng tốt cho sức khỏe. Ảnh: T.Trinh. Theo y học cổ truyền, kinh giới vị cay, tính ôn, quy kinh phế và can, có tác dụng phát biểu khứ phong giúp giải cảm, đổ mồ hôi, lợi yết hầu (thông họng), thanh nhiệt tán ứ (giảm viêm, tan huyết ứ), phá kết hay trị mụn nhọt. Toàn cây dùng tươi hoặc sao đen để tăng hiệu quả cầm máu. Hoa mạnh hơn lá trong việc ra mồ hôi. Trong y học hiện đại, kinh giới chứa 1% tinh dầu với các hoạt chất như carvacrol, thymol, flavonoid, phenol có nhiều tác dụng tốt trong đó chống oxy hóa, loại bỏ gốc tự do, kháng viêm, giảm đau, an thần, chống lão hóa. Tinh dầu khuếch tán ức chế một số virus, vi khuẩn, hỗ trợ hô hấp. Nghiên cứu cho thấy chiết xuất kinh giới giảm cytokine viêm, prostaglandin E2, hữu ích cho cảm cúm, viêm mũi dị ứng. Ngoài ra, kinh giới dưỡng da, chống lão hóa nhờ rosmarinic acid, kích thích tiêu hóa, giảm khó tiêu, đau bụng kinh. Các công dụng cụ thể: - Giải cảm, hạ sốt, trị ngoại cảm phong hàn, sốt, nhức đầu, không ra mồ hôi: Kinh giới 20g sắc uống nóng, đắp chăn ra mồ hôi. - Cầm máu, khử ứ, chữa máu cam, băng huyết, thổ huyết: Kinh giới tuệ sao đen 15g sắc uống 2-3 lần/ngày. - Hô hấp, kinh giới trị ho, mất tiếng, viêm mũi dị ứng: Kết hợp kinh giới 12g với tang diệp, địa cốt bì sắc uống. - Da liễu, chữa rôm sảy, mụn nhọt, mẩn ngứa: Nấu nước tắm cho trẻ em; xông mặt với kinh giới, ngải cứu, tía tô để sạch mụn, thoáng lỗ chân lông. - Tiêu hóa, kích thích tiêu hóa, chữa lỵ ra máu: Viên cao từ kinh giới, tía tô dùng với nước mơ lông. Ngoài ra, lá kinh giới còn giúp phòng sởi. Bạn có thể dùng cây nấu nước nóng và xông khói. Người bị bệnh trĩ ngâm hậu môn với kinh giới hoặc sử dụng kinh giới sao tồn tính mới có tác dụng tốt. Lưu ý khi dùng Khi dùng làm thuốc nên chọn kinh giới đã có hoa, ăn thì dùng ngọn. Dù an toàn, bạn cần dùng đúng cách để tránh tác dụng phụ: Không nên ăn một lượng lớn rau kinh giới. Tối đa chỉ nên ăn 5-10g rau khô hay 15-30g rau tươi/ngày, 6-12g/ngày dạng sắc hoặc bột; tinh dầu dùng ngoài da hoặc khuếch tán, không uống trực tiếp. Không dùng cho người biểu hư tự hãn (ra mồ hôi tự nhiên do hư yếu), mụn nhọt đã vỡ mủ hoặc dị ứng tinh dầu (gây kích ứng da, hô hấp). Phụ nữ mang thai, cho con bú, trẻ nhỏ nên tham khảo bác sĩ, vì có thể gây co thắt tử cung hoặc dị ứng. Tránh lạm dụng liều cao, có thể gây rối loạn tiêu hóa, chóng mặt. Hạn chế việc kết hợp rau kinh giới chung với cua biển, cá lóc để tránh tạo phản ứng phụ. Khi mua nên chọn kinh giới sạch, không thuốc trừ sâu; bảo quản khô ráo. Nếu triệu chứng không giảm sau 3-5 ngày, cần đến cơ sở y tế. Diếp cá - loại rau gia vị ‘trường sinh’ Rau diếp cá là “trợ thủ” đắc lực bồi bổ cơ quan hô hấp và tiêu hóa. Mỗi ngày chỉ cần ăn 10-15 lá này sẽ giúp đường ruột hoạt động trơn tru. Loại rau được ca ngợi ‘ngôi sao’ kéo dài tuổi thọ, chuyên gia khuyên ăn nhiều Cải bó xôi chứa nhiều vitamin, chất xơ tốt cho tim mạch, hệ tiêu hóa, bảo vệ não bộ, góp phần kéo dài tuổi thọ. Ăn rau muống sống - lợi hay hại cho sức khỏe? Rau muống là thực phẩm giá rẻ, nhiều lợi ích nhưng bạn không nên ăn sống, hãy nấu chín bằng các cách như xào, luộc… View the full article

美國有個家庭近日到意大利威尼斯旅遊，沒想到被3名女扒手盯上，一口氣被偷走錢包、護照等物。 然而這個家庭的媽媽一怒之下決定硬槓到底，她利用iPhone的定位功能順利逮到扒手，後續還緊抓著對方的馬尾不放，最終成功將失竊物品拿回。 美國一名8寶媽到意大利威尼斯旅遊，被3名女扒手偷走錢包、護照等物，她利用iPhone定位功能順利逮到扒手，最終成功將失竊物品拿回。（TikTok截圖）點圖放大瀏覽： +16《紐約郵報》報導，美國女子卡莉絲（Karis McElroy）近期在TikTok上分享自己的母親和繼父14日在威尼斯的經歷，當時兩人在1座狹窄的橋上被一群少女擠上來，卡莉絲的母親很快意識到自己的背包拉鍊被拉開，裝有信用卡、現金和護照的錢包、AirPods和1個金屬水瓶全都不翼而飛。 意大利威尼斯「入城費」開徵「亂到七彩」　居民被逼排隊怒上街機艙老鼠｜男乘客偷行李斷正　被物主拍片並「當場狂毆」畫面瘋傳卡莉絲的母親和繼父不願善罷干休，隨即用iPhone的尋找功能定位AirPods，最終找到3名少女扒手，氣憤不已的卡莉絲母親追了上去，一把抓住其中1個少女的馬尾不放，另外2人則站在一旁糾纏，卡莉絲透露： 我母親說她不在乎包包裏的其他東西，但她至少想要回護照，這樣她才能回家。據悉，被抓住馬尾的女孩一直尖叫，但卡莉絲的母親霸氣地高喊： 我有8個孩子，你們別小看我。然而隨著警察到場、準備要逮捕這幾名少女，這時1名沒有被抓住馬尾的少女突然開始揮舞背包、製造混亂來趁機逃跑，過程中還打中卡莉絲母親的頭，由於裏頭裝有偷來的金屬水瓶，卡莉絲的母親被打到頭部流血，不得不去醫院縫了幾針。 揮舞背包的少女趁機逃跑後搭火車去了機場，不過她在機場被攔下，卡莉絲的母親最終成功拿回護照和信用卡，不過現金和AirPods不翼而飛。事後，卡莉絲母親住的Airbnb的房東表示這3名少女是威尼斯出名的扒手，雖然經歷了前述衰事，但卡莉絲的母親一再強調威尼斯的每個人都很友善。 此外，那位被卡莉絲母親抓住馬尾的少女年僅14歲，遭逮捕2天過後就被保釋。 【延伸閱讀】意大利西西里島「火山大爆發」！遊客不要命狂拍　只差2步就遭殃（點圖放大瀏覽）： +17意大利半裸遊客拍片屋頂跳威尼斯運河　市長震怒斥要頒他愚蠢證書美國女郵差偷拆郵件3年盜用133張信用卡　買Rolex去度假炫富被捕【意大利】百年一遇嚴重水浸　佛羅倫斯與威尼斯水位及膝如澤國延伸閱讀： 美貪吃鱷魚將遊客鞋吞下肚　全身大綁癱軟遭剖肚 【本文獲「TVBS新聞網」授權轉載。】 View the full article

六旬醫生關國安涉5年前在停車場內，向一名當時21歲診所女護士上下其手，並一邊說：「我控制唔到…..」醫生否認指控，並指事主想他當其「Sugar Daddy」，因未成功而才誣告他。醫生一度裁定非禮罪成，上訴得直後，早前在九龍城法院重審。裁判官曾慶東今(20日)在九龍城裁判法院再裁決，認為辯方指事主誣告說法不合理，再裁定醫生非禮罪成，判監6星期。 被告關國安，65歲，醫生，被控兩項非禮罪，指他於2020年3月14日在尖沙咀海運大廈停車場及其私家車內猥褻侵犯女子X。 被告關國安。(資料圖片)事主X在2017年已在被告診所工作女事主案發時21歲，她自2017年起在被告的診所當助理護士，負責處理文書事務。當發當日X首次與被告單獨午膳，X上了被告的七人車往尖沙咀午餐，被告駕車駛至海港城的停車場並下車後，被告突然拖住X的手，X稱她曾問被告：「你係咪當我女呀。」被告回應：「一半一半啦。」被告午膳期間提及他可資助X 修讀護理課程，並問X：「你係咪想做我girlfriend。」 被告摸X胸並稱失控午飯後，X上被告車的後座，被告半個身進入車廂欲拉開X的口罩，又隔著X的衣服在難X左胸上打圈，並伸手入X的連身裙，隔著胸圍撫摸X的左邊乳房約1分鐘，期間被告有稱：「我失控，我失控，我控制唔到……」 X與被告關係良好無理由誣告曾官裁決時指，X在診所工作時，與被告關係良好，無理由要誣告被告。X亦未有向被告示愛，若X如辯方所言，有意圖想被告做其「Sugar Daddy」，不可能工作至案發前都沒有跡象，認為辯方說法不合情理。 被告警誡下有提伸手入X的裙內辯方另質疑，X未提她當時未戴安全帶，曾官認為被告警誡下已提及伸手入X的連身裙撫摸其腰部，顯示即使有佩戴安全帶，被告仍有機會作出同類行為，故裁定他非禮罪成。 兩次審訊至今歷時5載辯方求情指，被告1960年在柬埔寨出生，年幼喪父，其後流落到泰國難民營，輾轉到澳洲讀醫科，1994年來港執業，與妻育有3名女兒，家庭須依賴他供養。被告患睡眠窒息症，須靠呼吸機入睡。他因本案感到焦慮。上次判刑時已還押21天，案件至今已5年，他經歷兩個審訊，望法庭輕判。 衝動犯案致名譽受損或未能行醫曾官判刑時指，案件重審，事主要兩度出庭，她作供時情緒波動，更要中斷休息以平復心情。被告是她的老闆，她亦需要這工作，她要鼓起很大勇氣挺身而出指證被告，並即日辭職。考慮到被告並無刑事紀錄，只是一時衝動犯案，重犯機會低，本案亦令其名譽受損，並要接受醫務委員會的紀律聆訊，最終判他入獄6星期。 案件編號：KCCC790/2024 診所醫生涉非禮女護士　外出吃飯牽手兼摸胸臀　問事主可否當女友診所醫生涉非禮女護士　反指事主想要sugar daddy　官不信裁罪成診所醫生涉非禮女護士判囚候上訴　醫委會今准延後紀律聆訊六個月 View the full article

Being overweight or obese has long been linked to a greater risk of developing or dying from breast cancer. New research suggests a reason: Certain breast cancer tumors may feed on neighboring fat cells. The findings may help scientists find ways to treat triple-negative breast cancer, which is notoriously aggressive and has lower survival rates. Moreover, the results may apply to any cancer that uses fat as an energy source, according to the report, published Wednesday in Nature Communications. Triple-negative accounts for about 15% of all breast cancers. It tends to be more common in Black women and women under 40 and is more likely to recur than other cancers. The breast tumor cells appear to gain access to the fat cells’ content by poking a straw-like structure into the fat cells and then dislodging the lipids stored there. If researchers can find a way to block tumors from tunneling into neighboring fat cells without harming patients, they might have a way to cure the often deadly cancers, said the study’s lead author, Jeremy Williams, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco. “Aggressive cancer cells can co-opt different nutrient sources to help them grow, including by stimulating fat cells in the breast to release their lipids,” Williams said. “In the future, new treatments might starve the tumor cells by preventing their access to lipids from neighboring cells.” Lipids are fatty compounds, such as cholesterol, that are used largely for energy storage in the body. Williams and his colleagues ran multiple experiments, some using tissue from breast cancer patients and others using a mouse model of a breast cancer patient. In the experiments exclusively using human tissue, the researchers examined fat cells at varying distances from tumor cells. They found that the closer the fat cells were to tumor cells, the more depleted in lipids they were. When the researchers blocked the tumor cells’ ability to build the straw-like structures, officially known as gap junctions, the tumors stopped growing. They found a similar result in a mouse model, in which tumor cells from breast cancer patients were tweaked genetically so they lost some of their ability to make gap junctions. When the tissue was implanted in mice, the mice were protected. “Knocking out a single gene impaired the formation and progression of the tumor,” Williams said. Williams and his colleagues started looking at mechanisms to explain an earlier finding from the lab he worked at. “These tumors were burning fatty acids as a source of energy,” he said. “It seemed an urgent question to answer where the fatty acids were coming from.” As it turns out, several medications that inhibit gap junction formation are being studied in early-phase clinical trials for other purposes, Williams said. How cancer 'grows and feeds itself'Dr. Julia McGuinness, a breast cancer specialist and an associate professor of medicine at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, said it’s the first evidence of a mechanism showing the association between fat and cancer. It’s also “suggesting one pathway to treat aggressive cancers for which we don’t have any good therapies,” McGuinness said. “We already know that obese women who have these kinds of cancer have worse outcomes.” The new research may also suggest that lifestyle modifications that would help women achieve healthy weights might also protect against such cancers, McGuinness said. “Slimming down could be protective,” she said, adding that obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for all breast cancers. The authors of the study found ways to look at the mechanism linking fat to breast cancer growth in ways that couldn’t be tested in human beings, said Justin Balko, the Ingram professor of cancer research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “They found a new way cancer grows and feeds itself,” Balko said. “If some of the same effects are observed in humans, it might be fodder for differences in the way we treat patients.” But there are caveats, Balko said. “For example, we don’t know if this is a major mechanism by which breast cancer grows in humans,” he said. “But it makes a lot of sense.” This article was originally published on NBCNews.com View the full article

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – After a murder on campus, University of New Mexico regents on Tuesday approved millions of dollars in security upgrades. Michael LaMotte, 14, was shot and killed in a dorm in July. That sparked the university to look into improving security. UNM President Garnett Stokes said they’re looking to expand key badge access across all buildings on campus. She also mentioned looking into upgrades to the Lobo Alert system that sends emergency messages to students and faculty. The board of regents approved $2.6 million for upgrades. The funding is now awaiting approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department and New Mexico Board of Finance. 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. View the full article

A longtime White TV anchor for Boston’s CBS affiliate has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was demoted to satisfy corporate diversity quotas under a broader diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) push. Katherine Merrill Dunham, an anchor for CBS affiliate WBZ-TV, was known to viewers as Kate Merrill. She filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court on Aug. 5 claiming WBZ-TV "exploited" DEI policies imposed by parent corporations CBS and Paramount Global and took "career-ending action" against her to advance a companywide DEI agenda. The lawsuit notes that in 2021, CBS acknowledged "diversity, equity and inclusion standards need to be a top priority for leadership in every corner" moving forward. According to the lawsuit, CBS executives said WBZ was "too White," "the least diverse station for on air talent," and the "Whitest of all their stations." Paramount, Skydance Complete $8 Billion Merger As Fcc Continues Cbs Probe In September 2023, WBZ hired a Black meteorologist named Jason Mikell, who is listed as a defendant. A White meteorologist, Zack Green, was let go, according to the lawsuit. "On February 22, 2024, Defendant Mikell made an inappropriate sexual innuendo about Ms. Merrill on air. Specifically, he implied that Ms. Merrill and her co-anchor had sexual relations at a gazebo," the lawsuit states. "Mikell was not disciplined for his sexually charged remark." Read On The Fox News App The complaint states that Merrill continued to support Mikell despite her disappointment. However, in April 2024, she privately texted him to correct a mispronunciation of the town "Concord," and Mikell allegedly "loudly yelled at her on the studio floor." "His tone was aggressive and unprofessional… Merrill immediately lodged a complaint with WBZ’s Human Resources department," the complaint states. Shari Redstone Breaks Silence On 'No-brainer' $16M Trump Settlement That Preceded Paramount-skydance Merger WBZ, CBS and Paramount took no action to investigate Merrill’s complaint about Mikell’s aggressive confrontation and threatening treatment of her, nor did they investigate the previous complaints lodged by Merrill’s colleagues about Mikell’s "sexually charged" comment on air about Merrill, according to the complaint that was obtained by Fox News Digital. However, Merrill was informed "that an investigation was being conducted into allegations that she treated coworkers differently because of their race." According to the complaint, Mikell alleged that Merrill suggested he would "find his people" in Boston, was "always" critical of him, failed to ask him about his weekends and other issues. "Merrill vehemently challenged the validity of Defendant Mikell’s allegations and denied (and denies) any of her actions, inactions, or comments were as described or motivated by overt racism or unconscious bias," the complaint states. "Based on the falsity and/or and misleading nature of Defendant Mikell’s allegations, Defendant Mikell acted with malice and/or improper motive in lodging a complaint against Ms. Merrill." Merrill was then informed she would be demoted from her role as co-anchor of the "Weekday Morning Show" to working weekend nights, stating that decision "had been in the works for some time," according to the complaint. Skydance Informs Trump’s Fcc It Will Eliminate Dei At Paramount, Create Cbs News Ombudsman Following Merger Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have been the subject of heated opinions of praise and rebuke."Merrill was advised by professional colleagues and senior leaders at SAG-AFTRA that the demotion constituted ‘career sabotage’ from which her career would never recover – i.e., that the demotion was career ending," the lawsuit states. "Because of the catastrophic damage a demotion would have caused her career, especially in the context of allegations that she was racist, on May 24, 2024, Ms. Merrill gave notice of constructive discharge resignation, effective immediately," the suit continues. "Ms. Merrill’s employment agreement with WBZ expires, by its terms on June 1, 2025. It contains a non-competition provision. She was therefore unable to work in her field until after June 1, 2025. As a result, Ms. Merrill has suffered significant financial losses." Merrill claims she suffered significant reputational harm and has not been paid for 20 unused vacation days. She is seeking damages to be determined at trial. CBS' parent company, Paramount, promised it would eliminate DEI policies last month ahead of a planned merger with Skydance Media. WBZ-TV and Mikell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Original article source: TV anchor sues Boston CBS affiliate claiming White employees targeted under corporate DEI push View the full article

The Dispatch's higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix will moderate a conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter at the Columbus Metropolitan Club's Aug. 20 live forum, hosted at the National Veterans Memorial. Uncertainties around Federal grants, student visas and dramatic changes to the country’s DEI climate have all shaped Carter’s first year and a half on the job. Carter will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio State right now and look forward at what’s on the horizon for Ohio’s flagship university. More: Ohio State President Ted Carter addresses AI, funding cuts and free speech ahead of fall You can watch the livestream here or on the CMC's YouTube page. More information about the event is available here. Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at [email protected] and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State President Ted Carter speaks at Columbus Metroplitan Club View the full article

井山裕太碁聖 　囲碁の第50期碁聖戦五番勝負（新聞囲碁連盟主催）の第5局が20日、東京都千代田区の日本棋院で打たれ、井山裕太碁聖（36）が挑戦者の芝野虎丸十段（25）に196手で白番中押し勝ちし、3勝2敗で5連覇を果たした。碁聖獲得は通算11期で、王座との2冠を維持した。芝野十段は初の碁聖にあと一歩届かず、2024年4月以来の2冠復帰はならなかった。 　今春の十段戦で芝野十段に敗れてタイトルを失い、今回の碁聖戦でも追い込まれ1冠に後退する危機だった井山碁聖は、第4局からの連勝でタイトルを守った。終局後、「今年は結果が出ず、苦しい時期が長かった。自分にとって非常に大きな防衛になったと思う」と語った。一方、第80期本因坊戦五番勝負に続いてフルセットを戦った芝野十段は「難しい碁ばかりだったが、負けた碁は内容的に苦しいものが多かった。力が足りていなかった」と振り返った。【最上聡】 View the full article

第9回アフリカ開発会議の開会式であいさつする石破茂首相＝横浜市西区のパシフィコ横浜で2025年8月20日午後2時36分、猪飼健史撮影 　石破茂首相は20日、横浜市であった「第9回アフリカ開発会議（TICAD）」開会式で、日本がアフリカに寄り添う姿勢の原点として、約100年前の1928年に西アフリカのガーナで黄熱病を研究中、自らも感染して51歳で死去した細菌学者、野口英世を取り上げた。 　首相は「私は教えに来たのではなく、習いに来たのです」という英世の言葉を紹介し、「英世は現場主義を貫き、課題解決に取り組んだ。この言葉は今も生きている」と強調。日本は「共に笑い、泣き、汗を流す」と述べ、アフリカと共に課題解決に取り組むとした。 Advertisement 　外務省幹部によると、首相は3日間の会議の中で、開会式のスピーチに最も力を入れて推敲（すいこう）した。各国はアフリカの高い経済成長や資源、エネルギーへの期待から投資を進めるが、日本は他国より早い93年から協力の枠組みを開始した「先輩格」という。 　米国の高関税措置が世界を翻弄（ほんろう）し、中国による過剰な融資で借金漬けになる「債務のワナ」が問題となる中、日本は会議のキーワードに「共創」を掲げる。同省関係者は「アフリカは米中間で立場を鮮明にするよう迫られるのを最も嫌がる。押しつけがましくない日本のアプローチが今後、生きる」と期待を示した。【田所柳子】 View the full article

國民黨指控零日攻擊導演羅景壬團隊在三年內獲得勞動部就安基金近三千萬元補助，其中包括1069萬元的開口契約，質疑合約核銷過程涉及弊端。勞動部長洪申翰於20日回應，確認開口契約標案已經停止並進行檢討，但對於具體簽核人員，他表示目前手中沒有資料。 廖偉翔質詢洪申翰（圖／TVBS資料畫面）洪申翰解釋，所謂的35支影片實際上是35「式」，每「式」約19萬元，並非35支影片。對於連續三年獲得開口契約的情況，洪申翰指出，當時的決策並非在他主政期間。洪申翰確認，今年已無使用開口契約的情形，並強調已對相關開口契約進行停止和檢討。 王育敏質詢洪申翰（圖／TVBS資料畫面）針對就安基金涉嫌弊端的問題，洪申翰表示檢調已經立案調查。國民黨立委廖偉翔質疑勞動部對於問題的處理態度，批評勞動部回答問題時「問A答B」，並質疑勞動部對於內部懲處的具體措施。卓榮泰院長前一天表示會依法徹查此事，勞動部的後續處置態度將影響在野黨是否會在明年度總預算中進行預算刪減。 更多 TVBS 報導 許銘春涉濫用就業安定基金 親現身綠廉政會喊冤：最不該參加初選 霸凌下屬、濫用就安基金！監院出手彈劾謝宜容、送懲戒法院 《零日攻擊》導演爆領千萬就安基金？ 羅景壬發聲：不靠任何政黨維生 爆零日攻擊導演「獲千萬就安基金」補助 藍批「違法」 View the full article

By Mark Trevelyan (Reuters) -Belarus and Iran - two countries that have backed Russia's war in Ukraine - plan to deepen bilateral ties across all areas including defence, their presidents said at talks in Minsk on Wednesday. Belarusian state news agency Belta said presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Masoud Pezeshkian agreed to work on a strategic partnership treaty. "In conditions of geopolitical turbulence, Minsk and Tehran are undertaking consistent and balanced steps to further develop cooperation, and are working hard to turn each new challenge into a new opportunity," it quoted Lukashenko as saying. "We are ready to discuss any issues, we have no closed topics," Lukashenko said, adding that the two countries could partner across a range of areas including "military-technical cooperation". Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory as a launchpad for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and later assented to hosting Russian tactical nuclear missiles. Iran has supplied drones to Russia for use in the war and Pezeshkian signed a strategic cooperation treaty with Putin in January, although it did not include a mutual defence clause. Both Iran and Belarus are under what Pezeshkian described as "illegal Western sanctions". Belta quoted him as saying Iran was ready to help Belarus "neutralise" such measures, noting that it had more than 40 years of experience in this area. Pezeshkian said the two countries needed to build their economic and other ties to a level that matched the high level of trust between them. "Of course, our common views should be implemented in the economic and cultural spheres, in the development of tourism between our countries, and also, as you noted, in the development of military-technical cooperation," Belta quoted him as telling Lukashenko. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Alex Richardson) View the full article

台股20日收在23,625.44點，大跌728.06點。（示意圖／黃耀徵攝）台股20日收在23,625.44點，大跌728.06點，跌幅達2.99%，台積電跌50元收在1135元，聯發科跌35元收在1355元；北極星藥業-KY、楠梓電、華經等22檔漲停；ETF部分，多檔債券型、槓桿型ETF收紅，又以00679B元大美債20年成交量超過16.6萬張最多；金融股仍是由台新金以交易近8.5萬張領先。 00679B元大美債20年今天收盤價25.95元，上漲0.22元，漲幅達0.86%；00937B群益ESG投等債20+則收在14.45元，上漲0.08元，漲幅達0.56%；00687B國泰20年美債收在26.94元，上漲0.25元，漲幅達0.94%；00953B群益優選非投等債收在9.39元，上漲0.05元，漲幅0.54%。 由於聯準會降息時程舉棋不定，根據統計，短天期債ETF逆勢吸金，年至今規模增加220.21億元，即使在7月以來市場對於9月降息的預期升溫，長天期債ETF獲資金回補，短天期債ETF仍舊保持吸金態勢。 00985B群益ESG投等債0-5基金經理人謝明志表示，市場預估聯準會9月將降息，不過後續降息路徑仍是眾說紛紜，也更突顯短天期債的投資價值，主因短天期債券同樣能提供收益來源，也因對利率波動的敏感度較低，有助平衡波動風險。 原始連結 看更多 CTWANT 文章 夫妻旅遊回家驚見「客廳爬滿小蛇」 竟是網購盆栽惹禍 櫻花妹伴遊2／日女台灣遇險非頭一遭！ 井口真理子頭顱至今未尋獲 彰化社福機構虐童！伸港3姊弟車禍倖存小弟被逼下跪 社會處證實：已罰鍰 View the full article

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When it comes to modern cars, I’m usually team coupe. They look better, handle sharper, and cost less. If I want the wind-in-my-hair feeling, a T-top or targa gets me there without the drawbacks. Classics? That’s a whole different story. With vintage metal, the drop-top transforms everything. Sure, they’re more work, cracked tops, worn seals, maybe a little extra rust, but the payoff is pure magic. Drop the roof, and suddenly you’re not just driving. You’re cruising. You’re making an entrance. These cars turn Friday night parking lots into car shows and everyday roads into memory lanes. So if you’re hunting for inspiration for your next “new to you” ride or just here to relive the good old days, these are the drop-tops that bring the swagger and the smiles. The kind of cars that don’t just show up. They stand out on any road. Chevrolet Camaro RSImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS arrived with purpose and presence. The RS package brought hidden headlights that stayed sealed until ignition, giving the front end a mysterious, almost predatory look. When those doors snapped open to reveal the quad lamps, it was like pulling back the curtain on a performance that was just getting started. The '69 Camaro’s one-year-only body design made it instantly iconic. Every crease and curve was tight and athletic, built for motion. Top down, it moved with a perfect mix of attitude and grace. It captured the energy of rebellion and long summer nights, always looking like it belonged on the cover of a magazine or halfway through a burnout. Ford MustangImage Credit: Ford.The 1965 Ford Mustang convertible was a symbol of freedom, style, and American optimism. Launched just a year after the revolutionary 1964½ fastback, it helped cement the Mustang’s place as a true cultural icon. It had just enough power to back up its attitude. The available 289 cubic-inch V8 pushed up to 271 horsepower, giving the car real bite to match its bold looks. With the top down, every drive became a breeze-filled escape. Its proportions were spot-on. The long hood, short deck, and confident stance made it feel fast even when parked. The engine note carried a sense of optimism, like it knew the road ahead had something worth chasing. Nearly 73,000 Mustang convertibles were sold in 1965, a clear sign the formula struck a chord. Whether carving backroads or cruising the boulevard, the Mustang convertible made the ordinary feel cinematic. It didn’t need to shout. It just showed up, looked right, and delivered the kind of experience people never forgot. Pontiac GTO JudgeImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge convertible exploded onto the scene in a blur of color, noise, and unapologetic attitude. With muscular lines and eye-searing "Carousel Red" graphics, it looked more like rolling performance art than conventional muscle. Drop the top, and it became pure theater ,a bold, mobile stage for anyone brave enough to take the spotlight. Only 108 Judge convertibles were built in 1969, making it one of the rarest muscle cars of its kind. Inside, the cockpit was all business, hugging the driver with purpose and flair. Every drive felt like an event. Every stoplight, a show. The Judge brought spectacle wherever it went loud, proud, and absolutely unforgettable. Chevrolet Bel AirImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible offered an elegance that never tried too hard, because it didn't have to. Its iconic rear fins, inspired by jet aircraft, reached optimistically toward the horizon, while the abundant chrome trim shimmered with the pure joy of postwar American prosperity. With the power roof tucked away, it felt as if the entire sky had been invited to join the ride, turning mundane routes into grand parades. The interior, often a symphony of contrasting colors and thoughtful details, was pure '50s exuberance. Passengers felt like cherished guests rather than mere cargo, and even a slow drive down main street became a full-blown celebration. Power came from Chevy's groundbreaking small-block V8, including the 283 cubic-inch "Fuelie" with 283 hp, ensuring it had the go to match its show. The '57 Bel Air convertible became a rolling time capsule, capturing imagination and carrying the undeniable spirit of American dreams in every line and shimmering detail. It was grace in motion, pure and unadulterated. Oldsmobile Cutlass SupremeImage Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible carried itself with a polished, understated confidence, becoming one of the most popular trims in the Cutlass family. It offered smooth, flowing lines, potent engine options, and a distinct sense of everyday luxury that practically begged for long, unhurried drives. The convertible top dropped with the serene ease of a summer breeze, revealing a cabin designed for comfortable conversation and refined cruising. This wasn't a car that screamed for attention with wild graphics; instead, heads turned in quiet appreciation of its balanced design and performance. Under the hood, a responsive 455 cubic-inch V8, especially in the 442 W-30 spec (370 hp, 500 lb-ft), added just the right amount of muscular grunt without resorting to uncivilized behavior. Whether gliding through town or stretching its legs across state lines, it felt effortlessly complete, soaking up miles with composed dignity. The Cutlass Supreme convertible invited calm, delivered refined power, and exuded an effortless coolness mile after mile. It was the choice for those who knew they had power, but didn't need to broadcast it with every downshift. Buick GS Stage 1Image Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible delivered brute force cloaked in undeniable sophistication. This wasn't your average street brawler; this was a refined weapon. It came equipped with Buick's monstrous 455 cubic-inch big-block V8, particularly the Stage 1 variant, officially rated at 360 hp but widely known to produce closer to 400 hp and an earth-shaking 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine pulled with relentless authority and seemed to possess an endless well of power. The styling felt muscular but composed, avoiding the overt aggressiveness of some rivals, while the interior added a layer of luxury and comfort that genuinely elevated the driving experience. With the top down, that formidable V8 exhaled power into the breeze like a symphony in motion. It became a firm favorite among those who valued comfort and a sense of effortless, overwhelming power just as much as raw acceleration. The GS Stage 1 rewarded open roads with effortless grace, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone in its rearview mirror. Mercury Cougar XR-7Image Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 convertible masterfully blended pony car muscle with European-inspired refinement in one commanding package. While sharing its platform with the Mustang, the Cougar aimed for a more mature, sophisticated buyer. With its distinctive hidden headlights (dubbed "electric shaver" grille by some) and beautifully sculpted proportions, it moved with a quiet strength and feline grace. Inside, the XR-7 trim boasted luxurious touches like wood-grain accents, full instrumentation, and comfortable, supportive seating, giving it the feel of a rolling lounge rather than a stripped-down racer. The standard 351 cubic-inch Windsor V8 (up to 290 hp) responded with smooth enthusiasm, and the suspension handled the road with relaxed precision, making it an excellent grand tourer. The convertible roof opened the experience to sunlight and skyline, transforming the Cougar into a soulful cruiser. Every detail felt measured, from the subtle chrome to the stitched interior, earning the Cougar XR-7 respect through its elegant presence, not just its noise. Plymouth Sport FuryImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible delivered a big-bodied cruising experience that practically demanded long journeys and leisurely afternoons. Its expansive hood, clean lines, and elegant chrome trim gave it undeniable stature, while a range of Mopar V8 engines (from the 318 cubic-inch to the 440 cubic-inch with 375 hp) provided easygoing, confident strength. With the power top tucked away, the interior opened up like a rolling patio, generously welcoming friends, family, and a tidal wave of fresh air. The plush seating encouraged relaxed conversation, and the ride soaked up road imperfections with smooth, unflappable confidence. This wasn't a car for drag races; it belonged on scenic coastal roads, in drive-in movie lots, and leading parade routes, not because of flashy aggression, but because of its sheer, unpretentious dignity. The Sport Fury was made for movement, but also for those cherished moments in between. It was comfort with character, a true American land yacht designed for soaking up miles and memories. Dodge Coronet R/TImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible arrived with an undeniable air of muscle and clear intention. Its styling was honest, assertive, and purposeful, with just enough aggressive flair to hint at the substantial power lurking within. The convertible version added a sense of lightness and freedom to the raw strength, turning a pure performance machine into something more playfully exhilarating. That potent 440 cubic-inch Magnum V8 (375 hp), or the legendary 426 HEMI (425 hp), filled the air with an exhaust note that was pure anticipation. Every green light became a quiet, personal invitation to move with authority. Inside, the Coronet R/T offered function first, with a no-nonsense layout and just enough stylistic flair to match the era's muscle car ethos. It brought unadulterated muscle to the open sky without excess frills. The Coronet R/T convertible gave you serious performance with room to breathe, a true driver's car that understood the appeal of wind-in-your-hair acceleration. Only 318 Coronet R/T convertibles with the 440 were built in '68, making them quite rare. Lincoln ContinentalImage Credit:Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible offered an elegance imbued with undeniable gravity. It moved like a private yacht cutting through city traffic, never hurried, always utterly sure of itself. The car's defining feature, its signature rear-hinged "suicide doors," invited a kind of entrance or exit usually reserved for royalty or Hollywood legends. With the power top gracefully folded down, it transformed ordinary city streets into grand boulevards. The cabin was a testament to understated luxury, trimmed in rich textures and soft materials that seemed to soften the world outside its expansive windows. Every mile felt carefully measured, a testament to Lincoln's commitment to quiet refinement. This car did not chase competition or attempt to out-muscle its rivals. Instead, it carried itself with an inherent purpose and redefined what it meant to move with presence and undeniable class. It was the epitome of refined American luxury, for those who truly understood that quiet confidence speaks louder than any exhaust note. Cadillac EldoradoImage Credit: IFCAR - Own work, Public Domain/Wiki Commons.The 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible did more than roll — it glided, floated, and wafted with an imposing, yet soft, confidence. This was the era of the gargantuan luxury cruiser, and the Eldorado was king of the road, stretching out at an impressive 224.1 inches long. It was unique for its front-wheel-drive layout (a rarity for a car of its size and power at the time), while a massive 500 cubic-inch V8 engine (detuned to 190 hp by '76, but still offering prodigious torque) kept it grounded in effortless capability. Inside, it wrapped passengers in a cocoon of silence and plush softness, from the deeply padded dash to the velour-like seats. This was the absolute height of American personal luxury, unapologetically grand and ostentatious. The Eldorado didn't follow trends because, in its own glorious way, it set them. The 1976 model year was initially touted as the "last American convertible" by Cadillac due to impending rollover safety regulations (which never materialized), making its 14,000 convertible units particularly sought after at the time. It's a colossal piece of American automotive history that embraced excess with open arms and an open top. Pontiac CatalinaImage Credit: Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock.The 1964 Pontiac Catalina convertible brought genuine style to the streets with an effortless grace that made every drive feel like a celebration. Its long, clean silhouette moved with relaxed strength, and the power convertible top opened the cabin to unfiltered sunlight and a rhythmic V8 thrum. The ride was famously soft and compliant, the engine steady (ranging from a 389 cubic-inch V8 at 230 hp to a 421 cubic-inch Super Duty making 405 hp), and the overall experience utterly effortless from the first turn of the key. Inside, chrome accents and generous seating created a spacious environment that welcomed conversation and comfort for an entire crew. This was the car that carried families, first dates, and friendships across seasons and state lines. The Catalina didn't need extremes or outlandish features to make a lasting impression; it thrived on understated elegance and familiar reliability. Every journey in it felt like a memory unfolding in real time, a testament to Pontiac's ability to blend everyday usability with genuine flair. Plymouth SatelliteImage Credit: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA - 1967 Plymouth Satellite Convertible, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.The 1967 Plymouth Satellite convertible brought together strength and clarity in a design that felt both focused and inherently free. Its profile was clean, confident, and purposeful, with just enough sculpted detail to suggest motion even at a standstill. When that power top lowered, the sky became an integral part of the driving experience, stretching above a cabin built for relaxed command. A range of robust V8 engines, including the 318 cubic-inch (230 hp) and the potent 383 cubic-inch (325 hp), ensured the Satellite responded with smooth urgency – never rushed, but always ready to perform. Inside, the straightforward layout encouraged long drives and unhurried thoughts, with every control logically placed. It felt grounded and solid without ever feeling heavy or cumbersome. The Satellite carried a quiet confidence that made every road feel open-ended, an invitation to explore. It moved with undeniable purpose and left behind a trail of memories that traveled exceptionally well, solidifying its place as a classic American cruiser. Where the Wind Still RemembersImage Credit: Spanish Coches - 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.Whether you’re team fixed roof or live for the feeling of a drop-top, there’s no denying that classic convertibles drip cool. They’re bold, they’re stylish, and they turn every drive into something worth remembering. If we missed your favorite open-air legend, drop it in the comments and tell us where you’d take it for a cruise. Beachside boulevard? Mountain backroad? Friday night downtown? We’re all ears. Like our content? Follow us for more. Read More Now: Overlooked, Underpriced, and Built to Thrill - These Cars Are Hiding in Plain Sight Fast, Fun, and (Maybe) Profitable: Sports Cars That Might Pay You Back View the full article

近期成為討論熱話的TVB戀愛綜藝真人騷《女神配對計劃》，周日已播出第11集Dating Camp最終回，向來被視為競爭激烈的Sophie組，雖然曾展望GM看似由頭帶到尾，但林澤譯Him及林堡熙Eddie完全沒有退縮，情願被淘汰也要向女神Sophie表忠，結果葉蒨文最終選擇淘汰「大隻仔」林澤謙（Him）。 諗番當初為阿謙戴上心動頸鏈，Sophie亦忍唔住流下豆大的眼淚。諗番當初為阿謙戴上心動頸鏈，Sophie亦忍唔住流下豆大的眼淚。諗番當初為阿謙戴上心動頸鏈，Sophie亦忍唔住流下豆大的眼淚。節目播出後葉蒨文在IG與網民玩你問我答，不少觀眾見到葉蒨文好似更心疼幫自己找了3個小時手機的林堡熙（Eddie），為曾展望（GM）解釋，她表示：「我都係講笑，我冇好怪責佢嘅。個節目組就剪到佢搵完跟住我的哦咁講，咁但係事實上我係睇唔到㗎嘛，所以間唔中上帝視角，間唔中我個視角呢係好難去睇到我嗰個角度嘅。至於我對Eddie特別內疚，因為佢係唯一一個搵咗三粒鐘嘅人……其他嘅人都有去玩去休息，但係佢冇。鏡頭見唔到佢，佢都係照樣搵，佢最後係攰到喺化妝間瞓着咗。如果唔係我拍醒佢，佢都唔知要開始拍營火晚會。」 葉蒨文回應網民種種疑問。（IG：@sophieysm）葉蒨文回應網民種種疑問。（IG：@sophieysm）葉蒨文回應網民種種疑問。（IG：@sophieysm）葉蒨文回應網民種種疑問。（IG：@sophieysm）至於成功配對的話會否公開戀情，葉蒨文坦言：「節目組係無強迫我地揀任何人嘅。個人嚟講我係一舍唔鍾意偷偷摸摸嘅人，其實而家個社會比較開明，自己亦都係一個比較坦蕩嘅人，其實都好難玩地下情。我自己上一段感情呢，喺我已經一拍拖無耐就自己公開咗，因為我就覺得唔使你地記者自己搵，我自己講咗就無人可以爆我大鑊，亦都無嘢需要收收埋埋。」但她同時指會尊重另一半想法，到真正配對成功再與對方商量決定是否公開。 +11 View the full article

西醫蔡淑梅涉濫發免針紙一案今（20日）續，蔡接受控方盤問時稱，病人入其診症室起，她會觀察其神情、態度及肢體語言等，若病人提及生活受疫苗影響，會衡量打針的傷害會否大於利益，若如此便會解釋稱用疫苗恐懼症為豁免打針的理由。對於不少人到其診所求發免針紙，蔡稱對有人為其診所宣傳感不悅，但亦做不出在門口則告示澄清不會發免針紙，並稱：「咁好似暗示發免針紙係犯法咁。」 蔡在控方進一步追問下否認她虛構診症過程，並強調病人的恐懼是無法虛構的，她又稱，無打針不代表是帶菌者，並自爆她亦沒有打新冠疫苗，因她對自己的免疫力有信心。 女被告蔡淑梅，及男被告白偉雄。(資料圖片)控方質疑蔡亂填免針理由高級檢控官吳加悅今繼續盤問被告蔡淑梅，蔡稱她將病人資料輸入醫健通的速度很快，可於40秒內完成，熟能生巧。吳質疑蔡亂填免針理由，指蔡曾輸入「VACC」和串錯疫苗恐懼症的英文。蔡否認亂寫，解釋即使她有核對過資料，有時會因「鬼揞眼」而看漏，蔡又指「VACC」是疫苗恐懼症（Vaccine phobia）的簡稱，舉例流鼻水她也會寫作「RN」。 蔡稱「VACC」代表疫苗恐懼症吳指出，蔡只是故意曲解「VACC」作疫苗恐懼症，蔡不同意。吳再指「VACC」一字沒有包含「phobia（恐懼症）」的意思。蔡反駁「你睇唔明啫」，重申字眼代表疫苗恐懼症，相關人員有需要可要求她澄清。 討厭別人宣傳其診所吳另稱，案發時蔡的診所出現人龍，如果蔡出告示澄清不會發免針紙，要求欲取免針紙的人離開，便可令人龍散去。蔡自言「做唔出」，又稱：「咁好似暗示發免針紙係犯法咁。」蔡早前提到，她後來在護士口中得知，網上有人說蔡會發免針紙，她直言討厭別人宣傳其診所。 若有人取不到籌會不安樂蔡就記錄簡短回應指，案發時很多人排隊，她被迫快手填資料。法官質疑，蔡可安排診所派籌限量收症。蔡說若叫取不到籌的人離開她會不安樂。 若衝量屬傷害大於利益會豁免打針蔡憶述其診症經過指，當病人進入診症室起，她會一直評估對方的神情、態度、行為和肢體語言，當病人提及生活受疫苗影響，她接著會衡量打針的風險，如果傷害大於利益的話，她會向病人解釋她會用疫苗恐懼症作為豁免打針的原因。 指病人是作疫苗諮詢蔡強調，她簽發免針紙的病人是作疫苗諮詢，沒有向她求醫，蔡認為自己的醫療記錄沒有違反醫務守則。 女被告蔡淑梅，66歲，男被告白偉雄，64歲。蔡被控不誠實取用電腦罪，指她在2022年1月30日至9月3日期間，發出12,768張免針紙，蔡及白並合共被控7項洗黑錢罪，指他們曾處理57萬及757萬可供訴罪行得益。法官頒下匿名令，禁止披露作供病人的身份。 指病人的恐懼是無可能虛構控方指出，蔡虛構診症過程，一派胡言，蔡明知病人的臨床狀況沒有疫苗恐懼症，或在短時間內沒法作臨床評估，依然以疫苗恐懼症為由，有不誠實意圖用醫健通系統發出免針紙。蔡不同意，指她真誠相信病人對新冠疫苗有恐懼，且極力逃避，蔡說：「（病人）真係用咗好多心血同代價走嚟搵我，希望我明白了解佢嘅恐懼，呢個係冇可能虛構嘅。」 無打針不等同帶菌蔡在暫委法官勞潔宜提問下一度稱她認為有無打針，對傳染他人的風險相同。勞官質疑獲發出免針紙的人會更易對他人帶來風險，蔡稱沒打針不等同帶菌。 蔡透露她亦沒打新冠疫苗，因她對自己的免疫力有信心，認為市民很多時忽略了免疫力。 案件編號：DCCC 228/2024 女西醫涉濫發免針紙　辯稱見病人不安至眼光光　認為他們承受壓抑醫生涉濫發免針紙　辯方指被告「耳仔軟」和同情病人　官押後判刑屋邨西醫王秉亮4月內發逾6千免針紙　官斥被告財迷心竅　判囚9月女西醫涉濫發免針紙　專家指被告診斷不足　辯方指醫生傾向信病人女西醫涉濫發免針紙　「三高」證人聞有種疫苗後死　坦言：驚吖嘛西醫蔡淑梅涉濫發免針紙　曾3天內發800張　輪候人龍長達幾條街 View the full article