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Husband, brother-in-law charged with ******* of woman after ‘suspicious’ death in Springfield Lakes, near Ipswich Husband, brother-in-law charged with ******* of woman after ‘suspicious’ death in Springfield Lakes, near Ipswich Two men have been charged with ******* following the “suspicious” death of a woman west of Brisbane. Emergency services were called to a home on Ash Ave in Springfield Lakes about 8pm on Friday, following reports a woman had collapsed. Officers located the woman, 23, who was unconscious and not breathing. Despite attempts by police and paramedics to resuscitate her, she was declared deceased at the scene. Camera IconPolice found the woman unconscious and not breathing at the Springfield Lakes home about 8pm on Friday. NewsWire/ John Gass Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconA crime scene was established and two men – the woman’s husband, 26, and his 28-year-old brother – were taken into custody. NewsWire/ John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia A crime scene was established and two men – the woman’s husband, 26, and his 28-year-old brother – were taken into custody. The men were initially helping police with their inquiries throughout Saturday. In a further update, Queensland Police said both men had since been charged with one count each of *******. They will front Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday. Camera IconBoth men have since been charged with *******. NewsWire/ John Gass Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconDetective Inspector Michael Manago said detectives were running a number of lines of inquiry into what allegedly happened the night before. NewsWire/ John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Detective Inspector Michael Manago said detectives were running a number of lines of inquiry into what allegedly happened the night before. He said he could not go into detail in regards to the woman’s alleged injuries until a post-mortem examination was completed. Source link #Husband #brotherinlaw #charged #******* #woman #suspicious #death #Springfield #Lakes #Ipswich Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fresno hospital kickback scheme was fueled by wine, cigars and Vegas strip clubs Fresno hospital kickback scheme was fueled by wine, cigars and Vegas strip clubs In the Spotlight is a Fresno Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email *****@*****.tld. One of the most brazen — and costliest — hospital kickback schemes involving the region’s largest hospital group took place inside a nondescript, palm tree-lined medical plaza in north Fresno. That’s where a healthcare technology company founded with money from Community Regional Medical Center built an exclusive wine and cigar lounge, complete with private humidor lockers for cigar storage, a state-of-the-art smoke ventilation system, and luxury wines and liquors valued at about $1 million. Only a select few executives and physicians had access to the office-turned-lounge near First Street and Alluvial Avenue, known as “HQ2.” It was a place where doctors, healthcare executives and physician group leaders were generously rewarded for using the company’s electronic health record system and fraudulently referring patients in violation of several federal laws, according to a 2019 unsealed federal whistleblower lawsuit. The alleged conspirators planned to build a grander “ranch” luxury retreat using funds generated from the kickback scheme, according to the complaint, which was unsealed Wednesday. The scheme came to light only after a 2017 building fire at the medical plaza revealed a cache of a thousand bottles of wine,arousing suspicions from the whistleblower, an accountant, of improper spending. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Community Health System and healthcare technology affiliate Physician Network Advantage Inc. (PNA) have agreed to pay $31 million to the federal government to settle allegations that it violated the False Claim Act. Community Health System (CHS), Fresno’s largest healthcare group, owns downtown Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center and the Clovis Community Medical Center, as well as a health plan and physician network. Community Medical Centers (CMC) is the name of the group that includes the hospitals and clinics under the CHS umbrella. HQ2, a lounge on First Street near Alluvial and operated by Physicians Network Advantage, is where doctors were allegedly wined and dined health care providers in exchange for referrals. PNA is a health care technology business founded and funded by CMC to support Fresno-area physicians’ adoption of the electronic health records platform used by Community, according to federal prosecutors. PNA’s CEO Chris Roggenstein is a “longtime friend” of former CHS CEO Craig Castro, according to the lawsuit. At the heart of the complaint is a scheme that PNA provided lavish benefits to doctors and physician group executives in exchange for enrolling in CMC’s electronic health record technology known as “Epic EHR.” The lawsuit also alleges physicians and medical groups who joined the network made fraudulent referrals to CMC facilities in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The kickback scheme involves several major players in Fresno’s medical system, from hospital executives to medical records companies to some of the largest physician groups in the Central Valley. Some of the 17 luxury gifts, trips and donations listed in the lawsuit included: A trip to Paris, France for Castro and his family totaling approximately $63,000. A private plane for Timothy Joslin, former CEO of CRMC, to go to Las Vegas. Strip clubs and meals for CMC executives and physicians during a Las Vegas medical conference in January 2016. A $9,400 trip to Spain for Scott Wells, president of Santé Health and Santé Foundation, as well as Joyce Fields-Keene CEO of Central California Faculty Medical Group, or CCFMG (now known as Inspire Health Medical Group). “The whistleblower lawsuit makes claims regarding personal choices that don’t reflect our high standards as a non-profit health system, or the values of our current leadership team and board. And a number of elements in the 2019 lawsuit reflect either inaccurate or incomplete information,” said Michelle Von Tersch, senior vice president and chief of staff for CHS. In a statement, PNA said it cooperated with the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento in its review of Community Health System’s electronic medical records program that began nearly 15 years ago. “The settlement brings this matter to a conclusion without any determination or admission of legal liability for PNA,” the statement said. Thirty-five doctors were known to have received payment from CHS, according to the settlement agreement. Physicians Network Advantage has an office on First Street near Alluvial. A nearby lounge called HQ2 is where doctors were allegedly wined and dined health care providers in exchange for referrals. How the Fresno kickback scheme worked According to the complaint, CMC embarked on the seven-year, $75 million quality improvement initiative in or around 2010 to replace their business and clinical data system with new technology — the Epic EHR system. CHS Board Chair Roger Sturdevant said that, in 2009, the federal government directed the healthcare industry to transition to electronic health records, which CHS did to provide patients with a “robust, consistent, and secure electronic health records system.” “However, it is clear we needed stronger oversight measures to assure that both Community and our vendor partner maintained appropriate compliance at all times.” Sturdevant told The Bee in a statement. “While we are confident that physician referrals were driven by Community Health System’s position as a leading provider of hospital-based and specialty services, we recognize that even the appearance of inappropriate incentives must be addressed.” In 2010, Physician Network Alliance, Inc. was formed with the sole purpose and business function of expanding defendant CMC’s Epic EHR network of Fresno area medical practices — and to shelter the ******** kickback payments and elaborate gifts, the lawsuit says. According to the complaint, as early as 2011 CMC and PNA started giving kickbacks to Fresno-area physicians in the form of cash, expensive wine, strip-clubs, trips with private planes, and free or heavily discounted access to the Epic EHR software. PNA would bring in physicians and doctors groups into the network, all of which were subject to approval by CMC. In or around 2014 and 2015, CMC and PNA changed their building model so that PNA could retain some of the money received from the physician group, licensing fees and other monthly fees for maintenance and support of the Epic EHR system. Defendant PNA was able to retain a cash surplus from the Epic EHR client fees, so PNA began to use the excess cash for extra gifts and travel for CMC executives and CMC network physicians, such as the European and Vegas trips. PNA allegedly provided jobs to family members of CMC executives at the request of CMC. Screenshot of Illustration described alleged “******** Kickback Scheme Diagram” included in 2019 lawsuit The HQ2 cigar lounge was constructed sometime after 2014 with an estimated $1.1 million of CMC funds, the complaint said. Michael Terpening, the former controller for PNA, discovered the “******** activity” after a fire at PNA’s headquarters in 2017, in which 40 to 50 boxes of wine — totaling 1,000 bottles — were found in a storage room. When Terpening approached his boss Roggenstein about the wine, he was told it was “leftover from the holiday party.” Terpening and his attorney could not be reached for comment. Discovery of the wine surplus led Terpening to become suspicious of other large expenditures submitted as deductible “business expenses” for PNA, the complaint said. But, according to the complaint, Roggenstein ignored Terpening’s advice to cease the ******** activity, and instead “redoubled his criminal efforts.” Roggenstein and CMC had plans to build out the “HQ Ranch,” a luxury retreat for CMC executives and physician practices that would include a cigar and wine lounge “large and grander in scale than HQ2,” a skeet shooting range and a small off-road vehicle course. “Once he realized that neither Defendant Mr. Roggenstein, Defendant PNA, nor Defendant CMC had any intention of remedying the above conduct, and in an effort to quit the ******** conspiracy, Mr. Terpening resigned from his position as a Controller for Defendant PNA,” the complaint said. The lawsuit alleged the defendants violated three federal laws through its kickback scheme: the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act and the Stark Law. The Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a crime to knowingly and willingly offer, pay, solicit or receive any remuneration to induce a person to refer to an individual for the furnishing of any item or service covered under federal healthcare program. Claims submitted knowingly and in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute constitute a “false or fraudulent” claim under the False Claims Act, according to the lawsuit. The Stark Law prohibits a physician or medical provider from referring Medicare patients for certain services to an entity with which a physician’s immediate family has a financial relationship. What’s next for Fresno hospital group? The 2019 complaint lists several defendants, including: Fresno Community Hospital and Medical Center; Physician Network Advantage, Inc.; Santé Health System; Santé Health Foundation; Berj Apkarian; Craig Castro; Central California Faculty Medical Group; Timothy Joslin; Michael Muruyama; Grant Nakamura; Patrick Rafferty; Christopher Roggenstein; and Michael Synn. On Tuesday, summons were issued to the defendants. In court filings, the U.S. The Attorney’s Office said it chose not to intervene at this time given the settlement with defendants Santé Health System, Inc., Santé Health Foundation, Central California Faculty Medical Group, Grant Nakamura and Michael Synn. But it has left open the possibility that it may take action pending further investigation. A scheduling conference is set for Aug. 21 at 11:30 am in the Yosemite Federal Courthouse with Magistrate Judge Helena M. Barch-Kuchta. Source link #Fresno #hospital #kickback #scheme #fueled #wine #cigars #Vegas #strip #clubs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Audio emerges of Joe Biden’s damaging interview with Robert Hur – Politico Audio emerges of Joe Biden’s damaging interview with Robert Hur – Politico Audio emerges of Joe Biden’s damaging interview with Robert Hur PoliticoExclusive: Biden-Hur special counsel audio exposes memory lapses AxiosNew Hur interview tapes detailing Mongolia trip shed light on Hur’s ‘sympathetic’ characterization of Biden Fox NewsNewly released audio reveals Joe Biden’s memory lapses during 2023 investigation ABC NewsJoe Biden’s Hur Tape Could Backfire on Kamala Harris Newsweek Source link #Audio #emerges #Joe #Bidens #damaging #interview #Robert #Hur #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Campbelltown’s Tigers plea likely to fall on deaf ears Campbelltown’s Tigers plea likely to fall on deaf ears Wests Tigers are standing firm on a June 30 deadline for Campbelltown’s council to secure stadium upgrades, despite a plea to commit long-term in order to help attract funding. The Tigers return to Campbelltown on Sunday against South Sydney for the first time since CEO Shane Richardson threatened to quit the venue last month if a $50 million upgrade was not secured. The NRL club also called for $100 million in upgrades to be locked in over the next five years, with the A-League’s Macarthur Bulls also playing out of the venue. Campbelltown City Council has already made clear they cannot fund that themselves, with mayor Darcy Lound instead petitioning state and federal government. The council remain hopeful, but their chances appear to be dimming with no federal assistance pledged during the election and the NSW government also yet to come to the party. Talks are also ongoing with the Tigers, but Lound is desperate for the club to increase their amount of games in Campbelltown even if funding is not secured. That, he believes, would strengthen the case for funding in coming years, with the Tigers wanting an increased capacity of 24,000 and around 1200 corporate seats. “The bottom line is we want the Tigers here full time. We would love to see seven or eight games here with Campbelltown as the main base,” Lound told AAP. “It really does strengthen the case to go to government over the coming years if we have a commitment that the Tigers have it as predominantly their home ground. “Without the Tigers, it really weakens our case. “We need the commitment from them. And we are committing to them that we want them here. We will do whatever we can, we will fund whatever we can.” Lound also believes remaining in Campbelltown holds other benefits for the Tigers, with the Macarthur region home to one of the state’s biggest junior nurseries. A previously announced $40.3 million sporting centre of excellence, funded largely by council and state government, will also be complete at the northern end of the ground by 2027. Adjustments allow that to double the stadium’s corporate spaces in the ground from 450 to 900, while also providing game-day facilities which will assist with hosting women’s matches. But that is unlikely to sway the Tigers, who still believe the ground falls short of NRL standards. Richardson is yet to decide if the club will pull the pin on playing at Campbelltown for good if no upgrades are forthcoming by June 30, but any long-term commitment to increase games appears unlikely. “We won’t make a long-term commitment if there is no commitment from the council,” Richardson told AAP. “We want to play out there, but we can’t play out of there if the situation doesn’t change.” The Tigers make around $400,000 from sold-out home games at their suburban grounds, compared with $1.05 million in sell outs at CommBank Stadium. They play four games at Campbelltown and CommBank this year and three at Leichhardt, with the latter locked in for $40 million upgrades of its own. Source link #Campbelltowns #Tigers #plea #fall #deaf #ears Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anthony Scaramucci Says Once Bitcoin Hits $500,000 It Will Be Considered An Asset Class Just Like Gold Anthony Scaramucci Says Once Bitcoin Hits $500,000 It Will Be Considered An Asset Class Just Like Gold Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Anthony Scaramucci, the founder and CEO of SkyBridge Capital, said Wednesday that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) would be deemed a full-fledged asset class once it hits $500,000 a piece. What Happened: The Bitcoin bull, while speaking at CoinDesk’s Consensus 2025 conference, stated, “$3 trillion is like a mag 7 stock, $20 trillion is an asset class. So if you tell me that Bitcoin can get to $500,000, people will be writing stories that Bitcoin is an asset class.” Scaramucci emphasized the importance of Bitcoin matching the market capitalization of gold, which is presently over $21 trillion, in order to be recognized as a separate asset class. Trending: Trade crypto futures on Plus500 with up to $200 in bonuses — no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies. Scaramucci suggested that the ongoing influx of capital into the Bitcoin market via exchange-traded funds and the adoption of strategies following Strategy Inc.’s (NASDAQ:MSTR) lead presented an optimistic future for the apex cryptocurrency. “We may not actually be bullish enough,” he said. See Also: Grow your IRA or 401(k) with Crypto – unlock the power of alternative investments including a Crypto IRA within your retirement account. Despite the political risks associated with crypto becoming a contentious issue in U.S. politics, Scaramucci sees the incentives aligning for bipartisan support. He added, “If you get bitcoin to $500,000, people won’t just say it’s an asset class—they’ll treat it like one.” Why It Matters: Scaramucci’s bullish outlook aligned with his previous statements. Earlier this week, he said that Bitcoin was undergoing a structural transformation, evolving from a volatile tech-aligned investment to a maturing global asset more akin to digital gold. Scaramucci has mixed feelings regarding President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency policies, asserting that the healthy developments around legislation and regulatory clarity were marred by his family’s involvement in the space. Scaramucci has been vocal about his Bitcoin support, revealing previously that 70% of his wealth is tied up in the leading cryptocurrency. Read Next: Source link #Anthony #Scaramucci #Bitcoin #Hits #Considered #Asset #Class #Gold Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Moody’s downgrades U.S. credit as Congress considers bill that could add to deficits – The Washington Post Moody’s downgrades U.S. credit as Congress considers bill that could add to deficits – The Washington Post Moody’s downgrades U.S. credit as Congress considers bill that could add to deficits The Washington PostMoody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Below Triple-A The New York TimesBlow to Donald Trump’s narrative? Moody’s strips US government of gold-standard Aaa, credit rating, cuts Times of IndiaWith Moody’s downgrade, US loses treasured Aaa credit rating ReutersMoody’s strips US government of top credit rating Al Jazeera Source link #Moodys #downgrades #U.S #credit #Congress #considers #bill #add #deficits #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s trial hinges on ex-girlfriend Cassie’s testimony Why Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s trial hinges on ex-girlfriend Cassie’s testimony Madeline Halpert BBC News in New York court Reuters Sean Combs and Cassie at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in 2015 In a trial that is undoing the legacy of one of music’s biggest moguls of the 2000s, the focus of the opening week of proceedings was not Sean “Diddy” Combs himself – but his ex-girlfriend. R&B singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura took the witness stand for four days, describing in emotion details the years of beatings and drug-fuelled sex encounters with prostitutes that she alleges she endured at the hands of the rap superstar, who she dated for more than a decade. But while her story clearly left an impression on those in the courtroom, which one onlooker described as an “aura of sadness”, it is just one piece in the puzzle that prosecutors must present to prove that Mr Combs was not just an abuser, but a mastermind of a criminal, ******* enterprise. On Tuesday, gasps erupted in a Manhattan overflow courtroom when prosecutors called Ms Ventura – their star witness – to the stand. All eyes were fixed on the eight-months pregnant singer, as she strolled past her ex-boyfriend, whom she had not seen in six years. Ms Ventura was there to testify in the federal sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution case against Mr Combs, whom she accuses of abusing her and coercing her into unwanted sex acts – so-called “freak-offs” – during their 11-and-a-half year relationship. Mr Combs is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution – all of which he has vehemently denied. Surrounded by his children and dozens of family and friends, Mr Combs has watched Ms Ventura from his chair at the defence table just a few dozen feet away. All the while, US District Judge Arun Subramanian has pushed attorneys to stay on schedule, as prosecutors have expressed worry their star witness could go into labour with her third child as soon as this weekend. An aspiring musician falls in love with a ‘larger-than-life’ rapper On her first day on the stand, Ms Ventura began by taking prosecutors through the start of her tumultuous relationship with Mr Combs, whom she met when she was a 19-year-old aspiring musician. Mr Combs, 17 years her senior, signed her onto his record label. Their romantic relationship began soon after, when Ms Ventura fell in love with the “larger-than-life” musician and entrepreneur, she said. But it was not long before she noticed a “different” side to him, Ms Ventura testified, at times wiping the tears from her eyes. Mr Combs, she said, wanted to control every aspect of her life. He paid for her rent, her car, and her phone, sometimes taking the items away to “punish” her when he was upset, she said. Eventually, the relationship turned violent. She testified about the time when he attacked her because she was sleeping, slashing her eyebrow as he threw her onto the corner of her bed as her two friends tried to stop him. The court was shown a photo of the gash that Ms Ventura said Mr Combs hired a plastic surgeon to fix secretly. There was another time at a party where he kicked her head as she cowered behind a toilet in a bathroom stall, she said. While jurors remained concentrated on her testimony and the evidence, betraying little emotion, some in the courtroom wiped away tears or looked away from the graphic photos and videos – including the viral video of Mr Combs beating and dragging Ms Ventura in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. Published by CNN last year, the video has been viewed by millions – including many of the jurors before they were seated in the trial – and Ms Ventura, who was forced to rewatch the incident of abuse several times this week. Watch: Hotel surveillance footage shows Diddy kick and drag Cassie Freak-offs become ‘a job’ Ms Ventura testified that the hotel incident took place after she tried to leave a “freak-off”, a ******* encounter in which the couple would hire male escorts to have sex with Ms Ventura while Mr Combs watched and recorded from the corner. Ms Ventura said the rapper introduced her to freak-offs around a year into their relationship, and at first, she did it to make him happy. But over time, the encounters humiliated her, she said. They would sometimes last as long as four days, and require Ms Ventura to take countless drugs to stay awake, she said. She endured injuries like painful ******** tract infections – and once even blacked out, waking up in the shower, she said. “It made me feel worthless,” she told the court. “Freak-offs became a job where there was no space to do anything else but to recover and just try to feel normal again.” The couple would go on to have “hundreds” of freak-offs, Ms Ventura estimated. After years of temporary break-ups – some fuelled by Mr Combs’ affairs – Ms Ventura ended her relationship with Mr Combs for good in 2018, the same year she alleges the rapper ****** her in her home as she cried. Ms Ventura went on to date and marry her personal trainer, Alex Fine, with whom she has two children, but the trauma of her relationship has stayed with her. Through tears, Ms Ventura told the court of a time two years ago when she considered taking her own life, when traumatic flashbacks of her time with Mr Combs became too much to handle. Her husband helped her seek therapy to recover, she said. Consent vs compliance: Prosecutors build their sex trafficking case Get all the latest trial updates on the BBC Sounds ‘Diddy on Trial’ podcast available wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Throughout Ms Ventura’s harrowing story of domestic violence, prosecutors have tried to thread in elements of their larger sex trafficking and racketeering case against Mr Combs. Mr Combs’s attorneys have already conceded that the rapper was abusive – and have argued they would not have fought a domestic violence case against him. But, “domestic violence is not sex trafficking”, Mr Combs’ attorney Teny Geragos argued this week. The federal government has charged Mr Combs with transportation to engage in prostitution and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He is also charged with leading a racketeering conspiracy, or directing an ******** enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The statute was created to take on mob bosses, but has since been used in other cases, including sex trafficking, such as the case against disgraced R&B singer R Kelly. Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson used parts of Ms Ventura’s story to boost this case, asking her about the guns the rapper had access to and the ways he allegedly blackmailed her. Ms Ventura told the court of a time when she said Mr Combs pulled up videos he recorded of their freak-offs on his laptop, in view of others on a commercial flight. She said he told her he would release them if she didn’t behave. “I felt trapped,” Ms Ventura said. Arick Fudali, a lawyer who represents an unnamed victim in the government’s case against Mr Combs, said “the fear of what would happen if they didn’t comply” is a crucial element of the government’s case. “Someone can consent to a ******* act of course,” Mr Fudali told the BBC. “But someone can also be coerced into being compliant, and that’s different.” The government has also used Ms Ventura’s testimony to try to build up their racketeering argument – the allegation that Mr Combs used his loyal network of associates to run a criminal enterprise and cover up his alleged crimes. Prosecutors have asked Ms Ventura about security guards who she said stood by while Mr Combs abused her. Ms Ventura has testified about Mr Combs’ employees’ involvement in setting up freak-offs with supplies like baby oil, and booking travel for the male escorts they hired. Watch: The BBC’s Nada Tawfik on how Diddy’s lawyers used freak-off texts against Cassie Mr Combs’ team says jealousy and drugs fuelled violence After a day and a half on the stand, it was Mr Combs’ attorneys turn to question Ms Ventura. The rapper’s lawyer, Anna Estevao, relied on hundreds of pages of text messages between Mr Combs and Ms Ventura to help push her team’s broader arguments: that Ms Ventura was a willing participant in freak-offs in a toxic relationship fuelled by drugs and jealousy. Mr Combs’ legal team showed messages from Ms Ventura to Mr Combs in which she said she was “always ready” for a freak-off, and another time when she said she wished they could have had one. Ms Ventura acknowledged writing the messages while adding that those were “just words at that point”. Ms Estevao also kept bringing Ms Ventura back to the couple’s moments of infidelity, like when Mr Combs would spend holidays with his family and former girlfriend Kim Porter, or when Ms Ventura began dating rapper Kid Cudi while she and Mr Combs were on a break. She repeatedly asked Ms Ventura about her drug use and how both she and Mr Combs struggled with opioid addiction at times. In these moments, the defence was trying to show jurors that it was a toxic, violent and complicated relationship – but not a case of racketeering or sex trafficking, former federal prosecutor Sarah Krissoff told the BBC. The defence also made efforts to try to chip away at the government’s racketeering case, asking Ms Ventura whether Mr Combs’ employees had actually witnessed the freak-offs, to which Ms Ventura said she did not think so. Ultimately, Mr Fudali said, the prosecution’s case will hinge on this question of compliance versus consent – whether Mr Combs’ girlfriends were willing participants in his ******* fantasies or acted out of fear. “Did Ms Ventura consent or was she coerced into complying?” Mr Fudali said. “That seems to be the question for the jury.” Source link #Sean #Diddy #Combss #trial #hinges #exgirlfriend #Cassies #testimony Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Adam Selwood: West Coast Eagles great’s life in pictures following tragic passing at 41 Adam Selwood: West Coast Eagles great’s life in pictures following tragic passing at 41 The Selwood family has been hit by more tragedy with Adam Selwood passing just three months after his twin brother Troy, as we look back on the Eagles great’s best moments. Born on May 1 1984, alongside twin brother Troy, he would be the second Selwood to enter the AFL, with the Bendigo product being taken at pick 53 in the 2002 AFL Draft after Troy was taken at pick 19 by Brisbane. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles new recruits Adam Selwood (right) and Brent Staker in the club locker room. Credit: Iain Gillespie/WA News Selwood would play two games in his first season, including the losing elimination final to Adelaide. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles versus Adelaide crows Elimination final at AAMI stadium 6/9/03. Adam Selwood keeps the ball away from Adelaides’ Brent Reilly. Credit: Trevor Collens/WA News Selwood will play just a further three matches in 2004, with osteitis pubis ending his season early in a frustrating start to AFL life. But Selwood would announce himself in 2005, playing 21 matches and receiving an AFL Rising Star nomination, putting in a commanding performance in their preliminary final win over Adelaide with 26 touches and a goal. Camera IconPreliminary Final At Subiaco Oval. West Coast Eagles versus Adelaide Crows. Adam Selwood celebrates a victory against the Crows to put the Eagles into the Grand Final against the Swans. Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA News However, he would be kept quiet, a week later gathering just seven touches as West Coast would lose a grand final heartbreaking by four points. Camera IconMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 24: Adam Selwood of West Coast is tackled by Nic Fosdike of Sydney during the 2005 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground September 24, 2005 in Melbourne, Australia. Credit: Hamish Blair/Getty Images Having solidified himself as a defensive midfielder, Selwood would play every single game of the 2006 premiership season, averaging 19 disposals a game. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles versus Collingwood at Subiaco Oval; Adam Selwood drifts in front of Blake Caracella to mark the ball. Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA News In the qualifying final against Sydney at Subiaco, the Eagles would once again be on the wrong side going down by one point with Selwood shattered after the loss. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans qualifying final at Subiaco. Sydney won the match by a point 13.7 (85) to 12.12 (84). Adam Selwood after the match. Credit: Iain Gillespie/WA News But three weeks later, the Eagles and Selwood got their revenge, winning by one point in one of the all-time great grand finals with Selwood contributing 26 touches. Camera IconAdam Selwood and David Wirrpanda of the Eagles celebrate after winning the AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. Credit: GSP Images/AFL Photos/GSP In one of the more infamous moments of his career, Selwood got in a fight with Fremantle’s Des Headland, in a fiery derby clash, but neither would be sanctioned. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles v Fremantle Dockers at Subiaco Oval; Fremantle’s Des Headland about to go on report for striking West Coasts Adam Selwood. Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA NewsCamera IconWest Coast Eagles v Fremantle Dockers at Subiaco Oval; Fremantle’s Des Headland about to go on report for striking West Coasts Adam Selwood. pic Mal Fairclough Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA News On the back of the premiership, Selwood would reach new heights in 2007, playing the best game of his career against North Melbourne with 34 disposals. Camera IconAdam Selwood and Dean Cox celebrate their win during the Round 5 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Credit: Greg Ford/AFL Photos/GSP While the Eagles would fall short of defending their flag, losing the semi-final to Collingwood despite Selwood’s 31-touch performance, there would still be joy at the MCG, celebrating with brother Joel after Geelong beat Port Adelaide. Camera IconFans during the 2007 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Port Adelaide Power at the MCG. Credit: Andrew White/AFL Photos/GSP At the end of 2007 Adam would be joined by brother Scott who after he was selected with pick No.22 in the draft, Camera IconBrother I’m coming: West Coast Eagle Scott Selwood, with brother Adam Selwood(background), is set to make his debut. Mal Fairclough Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA News Having finished third in the club champion award, Selwood would do the same in 2008 after playing every single game and despite a tough season, winning just four games would be named vice-captain of Australia in the International Rules series. Camera IconWest Coast Eagle Adam Selwood (left) and Fremantle Docker Ryan Crowley team up for Australia in the upcoming Gaelic International rules football match to be played at Subiaco Oval. Bill Hatto 20 August 2008 Credit: Bill Hatto/WA NewsCamera IconAdam Selwood of Australia in action during the First Test of the 2008 International Rules Series at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Credit: Michael Willson/The Slattery Media Group As West Coast struggled over the subsequent years, Selwood remained a consistent performer, averaging more than 20 disposals across the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles v Melbourne at Subiaco Oval; Adam Selwood. Mal Fairclough (The West ***********) 10th May 2009 *** NOTE .*** Credit: Mal Fairclough/WA NewsCamera IconCarlton captain Chris Judd and Eagle Adam Selwood clash during the AFL Round 07 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Carlton Blues at Subiaco. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/GSP Images In 2010, Selwood became an ambassador for the Meningitis Centre having contracted HIB meningitis at two years old. Camera IconMeningitis victim: Adam Selwood and his mother, Maree Selwood, who are promoting World Meningitis Day on Saturday. Nic Ellis Credit: Nic Ellis/WA News Selwood would bring up game 150 in 2011, celebrating with a win against the Western Bulldogs. Camera IconMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 30: Adam Selwood of the Eagles is chaired from the ground to celebrate his 150 game after their win in the round 19 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium on July 30, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images) Credit: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images With his powers waning, his brother Scott became the dominant brother, taking home the John Worsfold medal in 2012. Camera IconThe West Coast Eagles 2012 Club Champion Awards: Adam and Scott Selwood. Michael Wilson, WA News, 5th October 2012….. and . Credit: Michael Wilson/WA News Selwood announced his retirement ahead of West Coast’s final game against Adelaide in 2013, alongside fellow Eagle Mark Nicoski, having won the best clubman award. Camera IconJoel Selwood of the Cats tackles his brother Adam Selwood of the Eagles during the 2013 NAB Cup round 01, week 01 match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at Patersons Stadium, Perth. (Photo: Will Russell/AFL Media) Credit: Will Russell/AFL MediaCamera IconWest Coast Eagles players Adam Selwood and Mark Nicoski at Subiaco Oval after announcing their retirements. Pic Mogens Johansen, The West *********** 15/08/13 Credit: Mogens Johansen/WA News There would be no fairytale ending in a loss to the Crows, but Selwood finished his career having played 187 games with 43 goals and a premiership medal to his name. Camera IconWest Coast Eagles vs Adelaide Crows at Subiaco Oval. Adam Selwood is chaired off. Picture by Sharon Smith Credit: Sharon Smith/WA NewsCamera IconAdam Selwood of the West Coast Eagles celebrates his retirement with the crowd after the 2013 AFL Round 23 match between West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Patersons Stadium, Perth on August 31, 2013. (Photo: Daniel Carson/AFL Media) Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Media Selwood would remain with the Eagles, taking over as development coach. Camera IconEagles 2nd Generation Academy: Adam Selwood is pictured with Noah Braun, Bailey Banfield, Harper Banfield, Cooper Green, Charlie Braun, Bryce Jakovich & Levi Lamb. Photo by Michael Wilson, The West ***********. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West *********** He would also play an integral role in launching West Coast’s AFLW side becoming the inuagral head of football to set up the side. Camera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 25: Brianna Green of the Eagles runs laps with Adam Selwood, head of female football during the AFLW West Coast Eagles open training session at Mineral Resources Park on November 25, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos) Credit: Will Russell/via AFL PhotosCamera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 15: Adam Selwood, assistant coach of the Eagles looks on during the 2020 AFLW Round 06 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Mineral Resources Park on March 15, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos) Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos After spending nearly two decades with the Eagles, Selwood stepped away from football to focus on a different professional path. But there would be one more moment in the sun for the Selwood family with all four brothers present as they celebrated Geelong’s premiership win in 2022 in what would be Joel’s final game. Camera IconJoel Selwood pictured with his brothers Adam Selwood, Troy Selwood and Scott Selwood. Credit: Supplied Earlier this year the brothers would be reunited by tragedy following the passing of his twin, Troy, as they farewelled him at a ceremony in Geelong. Camera IconGEELONG, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: (L-R) Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood and Scott Selwood embrace during Troy Selwood’s ******** Service at GMHBA Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images In his final act before his passing Selwood was on hand to present Malakai Champion with his jumper at the Eagles season launch in March. Camera IconSPT AFL West Coast Eagles season launch at Crown. Adam Selwood and Malakai Champion. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West *********** VALE ADAM HUNTER – 187 games – 43 goals – 2005 Rising Star nominee – 2006 premiership winner – 2008 *********** vice-captain – 2013 best clubman award Source link #Adam #Selwood #West #Coast #Eagles #greats #life #pictures #tragic #passing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Gastric bypass pill’ causes weight loss with no side effects: Study ‘Gastric bypass pill’ causes weight loss with no side effects: Study A daily pill could give patients the weight-loss benefits of gastric bypass surgery or drugs like Ozempic without the negative side effects, according to a new study. Dr. Jessica Duncan, a board-certified obesity medicine physician, explains the science behind the medication — and its current data limitations — on “Morning in America.” #Health #WeightLoss #Ozempic Source link #Gastric #bypass #pill #weight #loss #side #effects #Study Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Thibs, Brunson carryovers from last time Knicks were in the Eastern Conference finals – ESPN Thibs, Brunson carryovers from last time Knicks were in the Eastern Conference finals – ESPN Thibs, Brunson carryovers from last time Knicks were in the Eastern Conference finals ESPNKnicks pound Celtics, finally back in East finals ESPNKnicks vs Celtics score, recap: Knicks crush Celtics to advance to first conference finals since 2000 Yahoo SportsKnicks beat Celtics, advance to Eastern Conference finals: Live updates, analysis and reaction from Game 6 The New York TimesNBA playoffs 2025: Knicks advance to Eastern Conference Finals for first time since 2000 ABC7 New York Source link #Thibs #Brunson #carryovers #time #Knicks #Eastern #Conference #finals #ESPN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

North Korea’s Kim calls for stepped-up war preparation North Korea’s Kim calls for stepped-up war preparation North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has supervised drills by the nation’s air force and underscored the need for a step-up in war preparation, state media says,. Kim, who inspected anti-aircraft combat and air strike drills by North Korea’s 1st Air Division on Thursday, called for “all units in the entire military” to bring about “a breakthrough in war preparation”, KCNA reported on Saturday. Footage of the drills on North Korean state TV showed a MiG-29 jet launching a missile, which appeared to be a North Korean version of a Russia-developed mid- to long-range air-to-air missile, said Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. So far in May, Kim has overseen a missile test, inspected tank and munitions plants, made a rare visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang reaffirming the country’s alliance with Russia, and supervised tank firing drills and special operations unit training. North Korea also slammed the US State Department for placing it on a list of countries that do not fully cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts. Pyongyang has been placed on the list every year since 1997, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency said. “The more the US provokes the DPRK with unnecessary and inefficient malicious acts, the further it will escalate the irreconcilable hostility between the DPRK and the US,” a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, using the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “The DPRK will … take effective and proper measures to cope with the US hostile provocations in all spheres.” Source link #North #Koreas #Kim #calls #steppedup #war #preparation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bears tell Mayor Johnson they intend to build in Arlington Heights Bears tell Mayor Johnson they intend to build in Arlington Heights CHICAGO — It seems the Chicago Bears have their hearts set on taking the franchise to the northwest suburbs. In the latest development in the ongoing stadium search, a spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said Friday that discussions with the team’s executive leadership revealed that the Bears intend to prioritize the development of a site located in Arlington Heights. The team purchased a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights two years ago and cleared the area, making it a possible home to a new stadium and business ventures in the surrounding area. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines While it appears an Arlington Heights move is on the horizon, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office indicated that Johnson is still open to talks about keeping the team in Chicago. “The Mayor spoke with executive leadership from the Chicago Bears, who indicated they intend to prioritize the development site located in the Village of Arlington Heights. As the Mayor has said several times, the door remains open in the city of Chicago,” a spokesperson for Mayor Johnson’s office said. The team released the following statement. “Over the last few months, we have made significant progress with the leaders in Arlington Heights, and look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders on making a transformative economic development project for the region a reality.” The Chicago Tribune reported Friday morning that the team’s plan to move to Arlington Heights would depend on state legislation that would allow for negotiated financing of large-scale development projects. According to the Tribune, the team said it would not seek public funding for the new development and would instead depend on “reaching an agreement with local taxing bodies over property taxes, infrastructure funding and other financial aspects.” LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Discussion about a potential move to Arlington Heights has been underway for years and officials in the northwest suburb have already begun taking steps to secure the team. Arlington Heights’ new mayor Jim Tinaglia issued the following statement. “We have a great working relationship with the team, and I have always believed that the former Arlington Park site is the best location for a new NFL stadium centered development for the entire Chicagoland region,” stated Mayor Jim Tinaglia. “While much work remains to ensure that the community’s and the team’s goals can be met, we all agree that the discussions are headed in the right direction and we are optimistic for the future of this partnership.” Last month, the Daily Herald reported that the Village of Arlington Heights had hired a consulting firm to review an economic impact study for what could be the Bears’ new stadium and business ventures in the surrounding area. Chicago’s lakefront has been home to the Bears since 1971. They moved to the stadium after playing at Wrigley Field for their first 51 seasons. Back in December, the Village of Arlington Heights Board of Trustees unanimously approved a tentative property tax deal brokered between the Bears and three local school districts: districts 15, 211 and 214. According to the proposal’s memorandum of understanding, the Bears would save about $5.4 million a year in property taxes under the new deal, lowering the annual tax load on the site from the initial estimate of $9 million to $3.6 million. A statement from School Districts 15, 211 and 214 regarding the stadium development reads: We continue to welcome the Chicago Bears’ proposed stadium and entertainment district in Arlington Heights. The project has the potential to generate long-term economic growth, increase regional visibility, and create new opportunities for our students and communities. We are excited about the possibility. We are committed to working collaboratively with the Village of Arlington Heights, the Chicago Bears, and our elected officials, consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding between the school districts, the Village, and the Bears. We believe there is a path forward that supports both world-class development and strong public education, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations. 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 WGN-TV. Source link #Bears #Mayor #Johnson #intend #build #Arlington #Heights Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

U.A.E. Is Pouring Money Into Africa, Seeking Resources and Power U.A.E. Is Pouring Money Into Africa, Seeking Resources and Power Look at the chief economic and strategic spots across Africa — ports for key trade corridors, mines that produce critical minerals, large renewable energy projects — and you will find the United Arab Emirates. As the United States and, to a lesser extent, China reduce their investment, aid and presence on the African continent, the Emirates is using its enormous wealth and influence to fill the void. Persian Gulf investments in Africa, primarily by the Emirates, have exploded in recent years. Since 2019, $110 billion worth of deals — mostly by firms tightly aligned with the ruling powers — have been announced, dwarfing amounts pledged by any other country. “The U.A.E. is turning into a dominant foreign player” in much of Africa, said Anna Jacobs, a nonresident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Its efforts to become a world leader, particularly in finance and technology, are likely to be bolstered under President Trump, Ms. Jacobs said. The president, seeking to draw Emirati money to the United States, paved the way this week for the ***** of American advanced artificial intelligence chips to the Emirates. The Emirates’ wide-ranging investments and efforts to become a world leader in A.I. are part of an ambitious plan to increase the country’s influence, particularly over global supply chains. Like other oil-producing nations in the Persian Gulf, the Emirates is looking to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels, and it sees Africa as an essential part of the plan. The continent has vast mineral resources, a growing population, agricultural potential and a strategically important location bordering the Red and Mediterranean Seas as well as the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Powerhouse Emirati corporations based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with political connections are in dozens of countries across Africa. AMEA Power is already building or operating clean energy plants in Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda and has plans to expand. Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has projects in Morocco, Senegal and South Africa and is participating in a project to invest $10 billion in renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa. DP World, the gargantuan government-backed ports and logistics operator, has invested billions of dollars in ports and economic free zones from Algeria to Zambia, including in the Berbera port city in the breakaway republic of Somaliland, where the Emirates also has a military base. Last summer it announced that it would spend another $3 billion on African ports over the next three to five years. Last year, the Emirati International Holding Company invested more than $1 billion for a 51 percent share in the Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia. Spending in Egypt has also soared. Last year, the Emirates agreed to invest $35 billion to develop a new city and tourism destination on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Emirati investment in Africa has ramped up as China’s has tapered off. Once the biggest foreign investor on the continent through its Belt and Road Initiative, China still has a large presence, but Beijing has pulled back in recent years after a series of debt crises in Africa and economic problems at home. In 2022 and 2023, the Emirates announced a total of $97 billion in investments in Africa — three times China’s total, according to fDi Markets, a database of foreign investments. U.S. investment in 2023 was about $10 billion. Experts said that even though not all of these pledges would pan out, they showed an overall commitment to doing business on the continent. The Emirates is also looking to build trade and has signed bilateral economic partnership pacts with three African nations, including Kenya, since the year’s start. “The U.A.E.’s total foreign assistance in Africa, which exceeded $1 billion in 2023-24, also highlights our ongoing commitment to addressing urgent needs,” a government spokesperson on trade and aid said. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has fast-tracked America’s exit from Africa, ending billions of dollars in funding, dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development and ending all contributions to the African Development Bank. The State Department’s reorganization plan also calls for the elimination of most operations in the region. Britain has also tightened its flow of money into the continent in recent years as it has increased aid to Ukraine and increased its own military spending. The Trump administration’s actions are extreme, said Ricardo Soares de Oliveira, a co-director of a program on African governance at Oxford University, but they reflect a larger global trend away from development aid and liberal values. The world is transitioning to an era in which the focus on democracy and free markets is becoming less significant, Mr. Soares de Oliveira said. “A more business-focused approach is going to be the shared norm,” he added. That isn’t to say the Emirates does not have substantial strategic and political interests in Africa. What’s different is that it has delegated statecraft to private interests and businesses, almost all of which have ties in some way to the government or ruling families, said Andreas Krieg, a fellow at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at King’s College London. These enterprises are expected to generate both economic and strategic returns. “The U.A.E. has revolutionized statecraft for a small country,” Mr. Krieg said. It has fewer than one million citizens, is smaller than the state of Indiana and has a relatively tiny military. Yet, he said, “it’s very much playing the game of a middle power.” Some of the Emirates’ political choices have stirred concerns. Sudan’s government has accused the Emirates of fueling genocide with its backing of the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group engaged in a civil war that has killed 150,000 and displaced 14 million people. Recently, Sudan’s military cut diplomatic ties with the Emirates, which has said it has provided only humanitarian assistance. The Emirates has also been accused of funneling money to the Russian mercenary group Wagner in both Sudan and Libya. “There is no such thing as clean or dirty money in the U.A.E.,” Mr. Krieg said. Ken Opalo, an associate lecturer at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, said the Emirates aimed to be the world’s gateway to Africa for investment and trade, whether legal or smuggled. The gold trade alone that passes mostly through Dubai is worth $30 billion, he said. “The U.A.E. has developed a robust regulatory framework that ensures that the trade in gold is conducted with the maximum security, integrity and transparency,” an Emirati official said. As Mr. Trump’s visit to the gulf region this week illustrates, Washington considers the Emirates a reliable ally in the region and in Africa. The two countries have maintained close security ties. But Washington may underestimate just how valuable the commercial partnership between the Emirates and China is. Ambitious investments in green energy in Africa rely on ******** technology, minerals and goods. “The U.A.E. ultimately militarily relies on the U.S., but it also wants to position itself as the Switzerland of the gulf where everyone is welcome,” Mr. Opalo said. “They want to be a renewables hub, and it’s hard to play that game without engaging China.” Source link #U.A.E #Pouring #Money #Africa #Seeking #Resources #Power Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

2025 North Wilkesboro Speedway pit stall assignments – NASCAR.com 2025 North Wilkesboro Speedway pit stall assignments – NASCAR.com 2025 North Wilkesboro Speedway pit stall assignments NASCAR.comNASCAR paint schemes preview: Hendrick Motorsports gets All-Star Race ready Hendrick MotorsportsNASCAR All-Star qualifying live results: Cup Series sets All-Star Open, heat race lineups The TennesseanKyle Larson to skip heat race at North Wilkesboro for Indy 500 qualifying NBC SportsBrad Keselowski: NASCAR should run a points race at North Wilkesboro, move All-Star Race Yahoo Sports Source link #North #Wilkesboro #Speedway #pit #stall #assignments #NASCAR.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anxiety Aunt: Help! How do I convince my sick mum now is not the time for an around the world trip? Anxiety Aunt: Help! How do I convince my sick mum now is not the time for an around the world trip? Dear Aunty, My mother had booked an around-the-world trip with her sister but the problem is, my mother is seriously unwell and really needs to stay in Perth and be treated. I have tried telling her that if she gets on the plane she risks not coming back alive. I have also tried saying that it isn’t fair to her sister to put her in a position where she might be stuck in a foreign country trying to get medical attention for my Mum or heaven forbid, be arranging to have her body sent home. We are not strangers to this scenario either because my late Dad’s sister flew to England to visit family and died in transit. We know how traumatic it can be for someone to have to fly home not with the person they left with but their body. I just don’t understand why my Mum would put herself at risk and also put her sister into a potentially terrible scenario, just so she can have one last major holiday. What can I do to talk sense into her? Yours, Worried Dear Worried, It is unfortunate timing that middle-aged people often find themselves arguing with both their offspring and their elderly parents simultaneously about not doing stupid things and taking unnecessary risks. And of course, both teenage children and those in the 70-plus cohort, think they know best and cannot be told, cajoled or convinced otherwise. At least teenagers can be somewhat excused due to the fact their brains are still developing. Elderly parents are just stubborn. However, having said all that, Worried. One must admit that as One shuffles further along the old mortal coil, One has — to borrow a phrase commonly hurled over the back fence by One’s high school-aged neighbour — no more (rhymes with ducks) left to give. It sounds as though your mother has also hit that stage. She probably realises all too well, the future is no longer looking rosy. It’s just looking blurry and short. She probably thinks if not now, then it’s probably never. She has possibly come to the decision that if she doesn’t have too long left then she’d prefer to go out doing something she enjoys and having fun, rather than sitting in a hospital bed wishing she’d done more, seen more, drank more, danced more and laughed more. Camera IconDon Lindsay’s Anxiety Aunt illustration. Credit: Don Lindsay/The West *********** One understands your concerns and One thinks it is very likely they are grounded in reality and quite possibly they may come to fruition. But my dear, One is afraid to say, it is not your choice. By all means talk to your mum and to her sister about your concerns. But if they seem unswayed and determined to go through with their trip, then you are going to have to respect their wishes. In which case, the best thing you can do is update your own passport just in case, take them to the airport, give them both a big kiss and cuddle and tell them you love them, then cross all your fingers that they both come back safe and well. Because as terrible as it would be if your mum were to pass away on the trip, it would be even worse if she left while you were on bad terms and you missed your chance to say goodbye. That’s a tragedy you might never get over. Source link #Anxiety #Aunt #convince #sick #mum #time #world #trip Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Widespread storm damage and hail around the St. Louis Metro Widespread storm damage and hail around the St. Louis Metro ST. LOUIS – Friday brought a round of severe weather to the region, with extreme winds, hail, and a potential tornado. FOX 2 reporters and viewers have shared photos of extensive widespread damage Friday from uprooted trees, roof damages, and more. The storm was rather brief but intense. Possible Tornado Photo from Lindy Schoenberger at Saint Louis SLU Hospital Damage near Pershing and Big Bend. Photo from Ally Bruemmer. Hail. Photo from Jessica Ramirez. University City damage. Photo from Suzi Mahe. Tree uprooted in Central West End. Photo from Delaney Ehrhardt. Roof damage in Overland. Dark clouds seen from West County Mall. North St. Louis hail. Taken by Mike Moore Uprooted tree in Clayton. Photo from FOX 2’s Max Diekneite. Dark clouds in Steelville. Photo from Justis Howard. Clayton damage. Photo from FOX 2’s Max Diekneite University City tree damage. Photo from Ally Bruemmer. Marthasville hail. Photo from Janet Hollerberg. Weldon Spring hail. Photo from Cindy Thornhill. Photos of storm damage from Jen Matus in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Photos of storm damage from Jen Matus in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Significant damage to Harlem Tap Room in north St. Louis. Photo from FOX 2’s Chad Mira. Trees toppled onto cars and buildings around St. Louis, Clayton and U-City. Photos from FOX 2’s Kelley Hoskings near Waterman and Pershing avenues. Trees toppled onto cars and buildings around St. Louis, Clayton and U-City. Photos from FOX 2’s Kelley Hoskings near Waterman and Pershing avenues. Trees toppled onto cars and buildings around St. Louis, Clayton and U-City. Photos from FOX 2’s Kelley Hoskings near Waterman and Pershing avenues. Trees toppled onto cars and buildings around St. Louis, Clayton and U-City. Photos from FOX 2’s Kelley Hoskings near Waterman and Pershing avenues. Trees toppled onto cars and buildings around St. Louis, Clayton and U-City. Photos from FOX 2’s Kelley Hoskings near Waterman and Pershing avenues. Photos of storm damage near Forest Park Parkway and Des Pes Avenue. From FOX 2’s Stan Dawid Photos of storm damage near Forest Park Parkway and Des Pes Avenue. From FOX 2’s Stan Dawid Photos of storm damage near Forest Park Parkway and Des Pes Avenue. From FOX 2’s Stan Dawid Tree falls on car in Clayton. Photo from FOX 2’s Max Diekneite. Storm damage at a GasMart on Natural Bridge Road in north St. Louis. Photo from FOX 2’s Jamar ******. Storm damage in St. Louis’ DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Photos from viewer Caitlyn Priese. Storm damage in St. Louis’ DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Photos from viewer Caitlyn Priese. Storm damage in St. Louis’ DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Photos from viewer Caitlyn Priese. Storm damage in St. Louis’ DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Photos from viewer Caitlyn Priese. Storm damage at and Aldi and Kingshighway and Delmar. Photo from FOX 2 Jeff Bernthal. At least four fatalities were reported from the storms in the City of St. Louis, according to Mayor Cara Spencer. It’s unclear how many others may have been hurt. Preliminary information indicates there may have been a tornado that began just east of Hanley Road in Clayton that moved northeast toward Newstead Avenue and Page Boulevard in St. Louis, possibly through parts of Big Bend, Skinker, and North Kingshighway. A tornado watch is in effect for the area until 7 p.m. Stay tuned to FOX 2 for severe weather updates. Download our app for your smart TV to see live streaming coverage. Search for FOX 2 STL+ in your TV’s app store. 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 FOX 2. Source link #Widespread #storm #damage #hail #Louis #Metro Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Audio Clip of Biden Special Counsel Interview Is Released, Showing Verbal Stumbles – The New York Times Audio Clip of Biden Special Counsel Interview Is Released, Showing Verbal Stumbles – The New York Times Audio Clip of Biden Special Counsel Interview Is Released, Showing Verbal Stumbles The New York TimesExclusive: Biden-Hur special counsel audio exposes memory lapses AxiosBiden fails to remember when son Beau died and Trump’s election year in leaked Hur interview audio Fox NewsNewly released audio reveals Joe Biden’s memory lapses during 2023 investigation ABC NewsTrump administration eyes release of Hur interview blocked by Biden Politico Source link #Audio #Clip #Biden #Special #Counsel #Interview #Released #Showing #Verbal #Stumbles #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gracie Abrams puts on magical, love-filled sell-out debut Perth concert at RAC Arena Gracie Abrams puts on magical, love-filled sell-out debut Perth concert at RAC Arena “I’ll never forget my first show with you, I love you.” So much love was in the air inside RAC Arena on Friday night where American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams performed her first headline show in Perth. Our city was also the last stop on her The Secret Of Us tour and the 25-year-old didn’t hold back with pouring her heart out. Opening her show with Felt Good About You, the star appeared on stage hidden from the light until she revealed herself and her cute outfit, a beautiful red dress with ****** bows on the shoulders. Abrams fans — mostly teenage girls in white maxi skirts and pastel colour bows in their hair — showed endless love and support for their idol throughout the entire night — from singing every lyric from some of her older songs to more recent tracks like Us featuring Taylor Swift, Risk and I Love You, I’m Sorry. The intense interactions Abrams had with her fans showed how much they meant to her and she took every opportunity to accept gifts from the crowd. Camera IconGracie Abrams will wrap up her tour with one last Perth show on Saturday night. Credit: Supplied Some of these presents included the *********** flag, koala teddies and a huge handmade scrapbook. Addressing her thousands-strong crowd, Abrams said it was “so nice to meet you.” “This is my first show I’ve ever done in your city. I can’t tell you how much it means thanks so much for being here, camping and waiting outside,” she said. “It’s an honour to know you and to be here.” It was incredible to see an artist have that type of relationship with her fans and actually take time out of her show to spend it more intimately with them. The last part of the concert involved Abrams running through the centre of mosh pit to a second stage that was in fact a bed. Abrams said the bedroom was a replica of her own and was where she spent the early days of her career writing songs and sharing snippets of them on social media. Camera IconGracie Abrams performing at RAC Arena on May 16. Credit: Supplied She sang several songs, including fan request Camden, while playing the keyboard. She also took a moment to sing happy birthday to fellow musician and friend, Tucker from Role Model, with the entire arena joining in. Abrams closed her show with two of more well known tunes That’s So True and Close To You which had most fans up and dancing and belting out the love songs. Abrams’ stunning debut show in Perth was a clear crowd pleaser. From her powerful vocals, to fun visualisers on the LED screens to her musical talent playing guitar and piano, it’s no doubt her fan base is only going to grow exponentially. Abrams is definitely one to keep an eye on as it seems she is following in Taylor Swift’s footsteps. The verdict: 4 stars Gracie Abrams is set to perform another sold-out show at RAC Arena on Saturday night. Source link #Gracie #Abrams #puts #magical #lovefilled #sellout #debut #Perth #concert #RAC #Arena Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kia offers a killer lease deal on EV6 GT with up to $20,000 in rebates Kia offers a killer lease deal on EV6 GT with up to $20,000 in rebates Kia’s electrifyingly enjoyable EV is up for grabs for less Kia’s sleek EV6 comes in a few different flavors, but the performance-focused EV6 GT is arguably the most intriguing to enthusiasts. Now, with serious manufacturer backed rebates, you can save up to $20,000 on remaining 2024 model year EV6 GTs. The offer almost entirely offsets the $21,000 delta between the base model and the range-topping GT, meaning now’s the time if you’re looking to score an EV6 GT on the (relative) cheap. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Kia’s best five-figure discount applies to 2024 Kia EV6 GT leases, but you can save on other models, too As originally reported by CarsDirect,a new dealer bulletin indicates savings of up to $20,000 when leasing a 2024 Kia EV6 GT. The largest savings is only available when you select a 24-month lease, and mileage restrictions aren’t mentioned, but we’re thinking they’re low. For what it’s worth, Kia’s lowest mileage lease is 10,000 miles per year. Thankfully, you still have options outside the restrictive two-year term, as those who opt to lease for 36 months will still enjoy $18,500 off. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen substantial savings on Kia’s flagship performance EV6, either. Back in February, when 2025 model year cars were first beginning to hit dealer lots, Kia offered a similar $19,050 lease cash offer. What’s most surprising is that the Korean automaker is also running competitive lease cash promotions for the current model year EV6 GT. Customers can enjoy $12,500 in lease cash when they choose a 24-month lease. Those opting for more traditional 36-month terms can get $10,000 off, which is still a pretty decent chunk of change on a car that costs just a couple grand over $60,000. Notably, the 2025 model gets a few tweaks that might make it more enticing, despite the diminished savings. For one, it makes up to 641 horsepower in Launch Mode, up 65 ponies from the 2024 model. Related: I Test Drove the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: Here’s the Real Verdict The Kia EV6 GT is a high-performing EV that gets even more compelling when you save $20,000 Need a refresher on the Kia EV6 GT? It’s based on the same platform that underpins the enthusiast’s EV of choice, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, and the 2024 model makes 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, contributing to the car’s lightning-quick performance figures. Instrumented testing over at Road and Track revealed that zero to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds. The EV6 GT completed the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 120 mph, which isn’t bad for a car that weighs over 4,800 pounds. The EPA claims the car will get 218 miles of range on a full charge. Kia EV6 GT Final thoughts As of this writing, there are 28 2024 Kia EV6 GT examples sitting on lots in the US, according to Autotrader. We reckon there’s a few more than that floating around, but we wouldn’t say there’s a surplus. As long as you can overcome the somewhat middling range, the 2024 Kia EV6 GT is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to go electric. The value is even better when you consider the $20,000 on the hood. Besides, if you don’t like it, you give it back in two years. Talk about a no-brainer. Related: This Groundbreaking Battery Tech Is Coming In 2026, But What Is It? Source link #Kia #offers #killer #lease #deal #EV6 #rebates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan is on leave amid a ******* misconduct investigation – NPR ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan is on leave amid a ******* misconduct investigation – NPR ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan is on leave amid a ******* misconduct investigation NPRProsecutor Accused of ******* Misconduct Takes Leave From I.C.C. The New York TimesOpinion | The ICC’s Tainted Case Against Benjamin Netanyahu WSJICC prosecutor behind Netanyahu arrest warrants steps aside amid ******* misconduct probe Fox NewsICC war crimes prosecutor takes leave amid ******* misconduct inquiry The Washington Post Source link #ICC #chief #prosecutor #Karim #Khan #leave #******* #misconduct #investigation #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Adam Selwood: Tributes pour in from AFL community after tragic death of West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood: Tributes pour in from AFL community after tragic death of West Coast Eagles premiership player Tributes have poured in from the AFL community after the sudden death of premiership Eagle Adam Selwood. The devastating news broke on Saturday morning and comes just months after the passing of the former AFL player’s twin brother, Scott. Selwood was just 41 and played 187 games at West Coast across a decorated decade-long career between 2003 and 2013. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the “industry would unite to support the Selwood family”. “Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father, and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,” he said. “On behalf of the AFL and all of our clubs, I want to send our love to his wife Fiona and their two children, to Maree and Bryce Selwood, Joel and Scott, and their families, and all of Adam’s many friends and colleagues and past team mates at West Coast and across football. “Adam was a premiership player and outstanding contributor to the game at the highest level, and then, latterly, continued to work in the game in coaching and other roles, but first and foremost, he was a young man who gave so much time and love to those around him.” AFL clubs were also among the tributes, with Scott’s former clubs, Geelong, where he played four seasons, and Collingwood, where he was employed as an assistant coach, releasing heartfelt statements. “On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we extend our deepest condolences to the Selwood family following the passing of Adam,” a Magpies statement read ahead of their clash with Kuwarna in Adelaide. “We send strength and all of our love to Adam’s parents, Maree and Bryce, his brothers, Scott and Joel, his wife, Fiona and their children, Lenny and Billie.” A statement from the Cats read: “The Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adam Selwood. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Fiona, children Lenny and Billie, brothers Joel and Scott and parents Maree and Bryce; our thoughts are with you at this time.” Selwood’s family released a statement when the news broke. “We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel,” the statement read. “Adam was a loving husband and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie. We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother. “We will miss Adam deeply—his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room. His determination, the lessons he shared, and his infectious personality will stay with us always. Adam had a unique ability to make people feel special, and our family was lucky to experience that every day. “We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.” The pair are also brothers of Geelong champion Joel Selwood. LIFELINE: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Source link #Adam #Selwood #Tributes #pour #AFL #community #tragic #death #West #Coast #Eagles #premiership #player Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Sends Thinly Veiled Warning to Supreme Court Justices Trump Sends Thinly Veiled Warning to Supreme Court Justices President Donald Trump wrote in a social media rant that Democrats are “PLAYING THE REF” when it comes to the Supreme Court, and warned the justices not to “fall for the games they play.” The court heard oral arguments Thursday in a case challenging a temporary injunction that blocks the president’s executive order to end birthright citizenship from taking effect. The legal question at issue was whether federal judges could issue injunctions that are valid nationwide, instead of only in their districts. But the legality of the executive order itself came up repeatedly during oral arguments, since overturning the injunction would mean letting the policy take effect in the meantime. The justices questioned why the Trump administration only asked them to decide on the procedural issue despite losing repeatedly on the merits, how plaintiffs could get relief for a presumably ******** order without nationwide injunctions, and how the executive order would work in practice. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a case involving Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. / Alex Wong/Getty Images Trump responded in a Truth Social screed Friday, the last day of his tour around Gulf states where he’s received lavish welcomes from the region’s monarchic leaders. “The Radical Left SleazeBags, which has no cards remaining in its ******** bag of tricks, is, in a very coordinated manner, PLAYING THE REF with regards to the Supreme Court,” Trump wrote. “They lost the Election in a landslide, and with it, have totally lost their confidence and reason. They are stone cold CRAZY,” he continued. “I hope the Supreme Court doesn’t fall for the games they play. The people are with us in ******* numbers than ever before.” The president has repeatedly used “playing the ref” as a catchall phrase to describe anyone who argues against his policy in court, criticizes his policies in general, criticizes a ruling he agrees with, or criticizes a judge he likes. Last month, Trump said during a talk at the Department of Justice, “You know what playing the ref is? Like the great Bobby Knight basketball coach. He’d scream and scream at the ref. He’d scream,” in reference to the former Indiana University basketball coach who in 1985 famously threw a chair after a series of calls he disagreed with. Knight “wanted to scare the hell” out of the refs just like “they”—whom he didn’t identify—“wanted to scare the hell out of judges,” Trump explained, after a nine-minute verbal ramble that covered Knight endorsing him, Afghanistan, ******, the price of eggs, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. “They” also treated the conservative Supreme Court justices “unbelievably badly,” Trump continued. “They’re hoping that they can sway them to go along because again, what do they do?” he said. Former Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight, who was fired for misconduct, later endorsed and campaigned for President Trump. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images His Truth Social post, however, seemed to imply that there would be trouble for the justices if they didn’t rule in the administration’s favor, given the part about the people being “with us in ******* numbers than ever before.” The facts do not appear to bear this out. Trump beat former Vice President Kamala Harris by 1.5 percent of the vote in his “landslide” victory of 2024, while former President Joe Biden beat Trump by 4.4 percent in 2020. Trump also received a record-low approval rating for his first 100 days back in office. Furthermore, 56 percent of adults disapprove of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, according to the Pew Research Center. “They want to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump wrote. Later on Friday, he added an all-caps follow-up to his earlier missive: “THE SUPREME COURT IS BEING PLAYED BY THE RADICAL LEFT LOSERS, WHO HAVE NO SUPPORT, THE PUBLIC HATES THEM, AND THEIR ONLY HOPE IS THE INTIMIDATION OF THE COURT, ITSELF. WE CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN TO OUR COUNTRY!” Source link #Trump #Sends #Thinly #Veiled #Warning #Supreme #Court #Justices Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Appeals court lifts block on Trump executive order targeting federal worker unions – Politico Appeals court lifts block on Trump executive order targeting federal worker unions – Politico Appeals court lifts block on Trump executive order targeting federal worker unions PoliticoA judge has moved again to block Trump’s anti-union EO Government ExecutiveClinton-appointed federal judge blocks Trump admin from pulling foreign service workers’ bargaining rights Fox NewsCourt gives go-ahead to Trump’s plan to halt union bargaining for many federal workers ReutersFederal employee unions fight for survival as Trump tries to eviscerate them NPR Source link #Appeals #court #lifts #block #Trump #executive #order #targeting #federal #worker #unions #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Santander stays on Blue Jays bench in close game Santander stays on Blue Jays bench in close game Descrease article font size Increase article font size TORONTO – Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider resisted the temptation to employ Anthony Santander as a ninth-inning pinch-hitter on Friday. Schneider gave his struggling slugger a day off partly to rest a sore shoulder and partly to reset after a series against the Tampa Bay Rays in which he went 1 for 12 with five strikeouts. “His shoulder was a little bit cranky still,” Schneider said. “So I didn’t want to force him in there if he couldn’t.” With two on and two out, and the Blue Jays behind a run, Santander was kept on the bench in favour of pinch-hitter Ernie Clement. Related Videos 2:22 Blue Jays fans skip out on Seattle series over U.S. trade war Previous Video Next Video Story continues below advertisement Clement grounded out to Detroit reliever Beau Brieske for the final out for a 5-4 win for the American League-leading Tigers. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. The 30-year-old Santander went 0 for 3 against Brieske in 2024. Schneider wanted to give his newcomer a complete day off to rest and reset. The free-agent acquisition has struggled with a .187 average, five homers and 16 RBI after a career-best 44 homers in 2024. “I kind of wanted to stay away from him, unless it was something like Myles Straw got a migraine, too,” said Schneider, whose starting right-fielder, Nathan Lukes, was forced out of the game with a migraine. More on Sports More videos Straw replaced Lukes in the seventh inning. Schneider felt that because Santander didn’t go through his usual preparation to play, it wasn’t fair to put him into the ninth-inning heat. Trending Now ********* real estate market entering a ‘transition *******,’ says CREA As another Canada Post strike looms, here’s what you need to know “It’s kind of a double negative if that makes sense,” Schneider said. Varsho homers In just 12 games, Daulton Varsho has snatched the Blue Jays’ home-run lead from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Varsho belted a two-run shot in the sixth inning for his sixth of the year. “It’s good for him, better for us,” Schneider said. Story continues below advertisement Francis’ fight Toronto starter Bowden Francis has given up 14 home runs this season after the two dingers by Riley Greene and Zach McKinstry. It’s the most allowed by a pitcher in Major League Baseball so far this season. This report by The ********* Press was first published May 16, 2025. &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Santander #stays #Blue #Jays #bench #close #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Sham trial’: Foreign Minister Penny Wong slams jailing of captured Aussie Oscar Jenkins after Russia hands down 13 year jail term ‘Sham trial’: Foreign Minister Penny Wong slams jailing of captured Aussie Oscar Jenkins after Russia hands down 13 year jail term Foreign minister Penny Wong has slammed the harsh sentence Russia has handed to captured *********** man Oscar Jenkins, blasting the “sham trial” after he was jailed for 13 years. Mr Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in December 2024 while fighting in Ukraine, with video of his interrogation by soldiers circulating pro-Russian social media channels. The 33-year-old Melbourne man has remained in custody since then but was sentenced to 13 years’ jail by a Russian-controlled court in Ukraine’s east Luhansk region. Mr Jenkins was convicted of being a “mercenary in an armed conflict” – with prosecutors saying he “took part in combat operations against Russian military personnel between March and December 2024”. Camera IconOscar Jenkins has been handed a 13-year jail term by Russian prosecutors for fighting in the war in Ukraine. war. Supplied Credit: SuppliedCamera IconMr Jenkins was captured on video appearing in a Russian court – with prosecutors ordering him to serve his sentence out in a ‘strict regime penal colony’. Supplied Credit: Supplied A video released by prosecutors shows Mr Jenkins in prison garb, behind a glass cage in a Russian court. Mr Jenkins was ordered to serve out his sentence in a “strict regime penal colony”. Senator Wong has since weighed in on the decision, calling the trial Mr Jenkins was subject to a “sham”. “As a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war,” Senator Wong said in a statement. Russia and its eastern Ukrainian proxies consider foreigners travelling to fight in Ukraine as “mercenaries” – which allows them to be prosecuted under the criminal code, rather than being treated as captured prisoners of war with the protections that fall under the Geneva Convention. Camera IconMr Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in December 2024. Supplied Credit: SuppliedCamera IconVideo of his interrogation was shared across pro-Russian social media accounts. Supplied Credit: Supplied “The *********** Government has made clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins must be given the protections afforded to him as a prisoner of war,” Senator Wong continued. “Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment.” “We continue to hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins. We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to advocate for his ******** and release.” Senator Wong said Mr Jenkins’ family was being provided with consular support by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). In video of Mr Jenkins’ interrogation – taken shortly after his capture – he responds to questions in broken Ukrainian, to the frustration of his interrogators. At one point, a Russian asks him: “Do you want to live?” Mr Jenkins replies: “I want to help Ukraine.” It is understood he was fighting as part of the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine – which is not considered to be a mercenary group. Mr Jenkins was thought to have been killed in captivity, until another video showing him undergoing medical treatment was revealed. Source link #Sham #trial #Foreign #Minister #Penny #Wong #slams #jailing #captured #Aussie #Oscar #Jenkins #Russia #hands #year #jail #term Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]