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187 murders in DC last year. Adjusted for population the rate in the UK would be 7. Lies, damned lies and statistics. Lowest rate in 30 years = utterly appalling and unacceptable -
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Fire Europe Ablaze: Deadly Fires Rage as Temperatures Soar
File photo Europe is in flames as scorching temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius ignite wildfires across the continent. France, Spain, Portugal, and more are battling relentless blazes, marking a devastating wildfire season. Nearly 2.4 million acres have already burnt, twice the usual amount, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. In Spain, heroic efforts by nearly 1,000 firefighters are underway to control infernos forcing thousands to evacuate. A massive fire in Tres Cantos, near Madrid, tragically claimed one life and ravaged 2,500 acres. Meanwhile, in southern Spain’s Tarifa, tourists and locals evacuated as flames loomed over the beaches. Temperatures here are expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius, with extreme fire danger warnings issued. Portugal is also grappling with monumental fires, especially near Trancoso, where a blaze has scorched over 7,500 acres. An army of 1,200 firefighters and 400 vehicles has been deployed to tackle the massive flames. In Vila Real, blazes have raged for 10 days, causing despair and destruction. Sweltering heat is forecast to persist, exacerbating the fire risk, reported CNN. Across southern Europe, the situation is dire. In Italy, wildfires closed trails near Mount Vesuvius, while red heat alerts loom over several cities. France faces its largest wildfire since 1949 in Aude, now mostly contained but still a looming threat amid the prolonged heatwave. Albania and Montenegro are fighting numerous fires, threatening tourist hotspots like the Blue Eye spring. Scientists point to Europe’s rapid warming and severe droughts as key drivers behind these catastrophic fires. As the climate crisis intensifies, the frequency and severity of wildfires are expected to rise, painting a worrying picture for the continent’s future. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-08-14 -
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USA Trump's History Rewrite: Smithsonian Faces White House Review
video screenshot The White House has announced plans to undertake an extensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's exhibitions, materials, and operations. This is reportedly to align with US President Donald Trump's perspective on American history, in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary next year. A White House representative confirmed this to ABC News. In a letter directed at Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian Institution's secretary, the White House stressed the need for museums to project "the unity, progress, and enduring values" of America. The move follows a March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," aiming to remove divisive narratives and celebrate American exceptionalism. The review is set to scrutinise public-facing content, like exhibition texts, websites, and social media. The goal is to ensure these materials align with American ideals better. It will also cover curatorial processes and current and future exhibitions, focusing on developing consistent guidelines that align with the Smithsonian’s mission. Initially, eight museums will be under scrutiny: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. In response, the Smithsonian Institution asserted its dedication to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and accurate historical presentation. They're committed to continuing constructive collaboration with the White House, Congress, and the Board of Regents. At present, the review aims to reshape how American history is portrayed across the Smithsonian museums. As the developments unfold, the institutions will carefully consider how to balance narrative corrections with educational integrity. The looming question is how these historic repositories will integrate the President’s vision while maintaining their commitment to factual storytelling. Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-08-14 -
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Immigration Labour Faces Heat as Small Boat Migrant Crossings Hit 50,000
File photo In a staggering milestone, more than 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Labour assumed office last summer. Home Office figures confirm 50,271 crossings, following 474 arrivals on Monday alone. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson vowed to address the crisis amid mounting criticism, acknowledging public frustration. Labour's general election promise to thwart people-smuggling gangs and slash Channel crossings are under intense scrutiny, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissing it as mere rhetoric. Tragedy struck on Monday when a woman, in her 30s, died attempting the perilous crossing from Dunkirk. French authorities report unsuccessful resuscitation efforts at Malo beach after the early morning incident. This year's Channel death toll stands at over 20, including those killed en route to departure points. French officials managed to rescue 166 people in four operations on Monday, despite some migrants resisting help. In a year marred by unusually calm weather, migrant crossings peaked at over 50,000, a jump from the previous year's 36,346 during the same period. Phillipson assured voters of government action, highlighting a "one in, one out" deal with France to deter crossings. Yet, the plan, already under fire from Dunkirk's mayor, Patrice Vergriete, and critics like Nigel Farage, has shown limited progress, with only a few returns scheduled soon. As tensions rise on the coast, the government faces pressure to now address a migration crisis fuelled further by visible political division, reported the BBC. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp slammed Labour for losing control over borders, while former Border Force chief Kevin Saunders remained sceptical about the effectiveness of Labour's new deterrent strategies, recalling previous failed initiatives. Legal measures, including increased prosecutions and enhanced border policies, are part of a broader governmental response amid ongoing national protests against migrant housing conditions. Refugee Council Chief Enver Solomon emphasised the dire circumstances that drive these dangerous crossings and urged the expansion of safe, legal routes for asylum seekers. Without such policies, the problem persists, leaving the criminal smuggling networks unchallenged. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-14 -
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Report Starbucks Korea Bans Bulky Office Gear: No More Printers Allowed
File photo for reference only Starbucks customers in South Korea have been asked not to bring in "bulky items" like desktop computers and printers to do their office work in cafes. This move comes after reports of some patrons setting up entire office areas, complete with partitions and multiple computers, to the detriment of others who simply wish to enjoy a coffee. With the rise in remote working since the pandemic, cafes like Starbucks have become popular spots for those without a home office. While the chain welcomes laptops, iPads, and mobile phones, it discourages anything that "impacts the shared space" and signs of creeping territorial behaviour. Social media in Korea is buzzing with a mix of support and frustration over this new trend, known as "cagongjok," referring to people who settle down for extended periods after purchasing just one drink. Many see it as freeloading, taking advantage of the electricity and space provided by the cafe. "If Starbucks lets you run your office for the price of one drink, why not?" quipped a user on Reddit, highlighting the divide in opinion over the practice. On Korean social media, reactions to Starbucks’s announcement have been largely supportive. "Good job," declared one user, urging other cafes to follow Starbucks's lead. Another pointed out that the new policy serves as a check against those displaying "bad manners" by occupying space for hours without consideration for others, according to the BBC. Commenting on the policy shift, a Starbucks spokesperson shared: "Starbucks Korea has updated its policy so all customers can have a pleasant and accessible store experience. Customers are asked to refrain from bringing bulky office items that may limit seating and impact the shared space." The statement emphasises Starbucks's aim to remain a welcoming "third place" for coffee, community, and connection. However, the underlying tension with customers setting up pseudo-offices hints at broader societal debates over the shared use of public spaces tailored for business and leisure. Starbucks Korea's move resonates globally, as cafes across the world, including England, are introducing similar policies. These venues look to strike a balance, ensuring table availability for casual coffee drinkers against those transforming these spaces into full-time workstations. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-14 -
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Updates and events in the War in Ukraine 2025
Hallelujah – Matthew finally, mainstream columnists are addressing the previously overlooked issue: the pro-Ukrainian crowd, in their support of the war, bears some responsibility for this mess, alongside Putin himself. Putin is, without a doubt, an autocratic, despotic dictator, but he leads a country with the world’s largest landmass and immense mineral wealth. His power still holds. Never fight Russia unless you are prepared to go down to hell with them and hell it most certainly is: tens of millions of Ukrainians have left the country, and many will be reluctant to ever return. Forced mobilization is taking place in the thousands, and badly equipped, poorly trained troops are losing their lives needlessly. Don’t fight battles you can’t win and don't trust western allies who promise coalitions of the willing and then sit on their hands cometh the hour. Oh and western goverements you have enough problems of the home front to solve then getting involved in forever wars with nuclear armed powers. Matthew Parris - Has Zelensky become a liability? -THE SPECTATOR https://archive.ph/epOPD Zelensky should not be digging in his heels on the question of land, and European nations, including our own, should not be encouraging him to. We probably can’t save Ukraine without the Americans, and the Americans won’t save Ukraine unless there’s movement on conceding land. The Ukrainian President must get off his high horse, and Europe should stop indulging his intransigence. It’s as simple as that.
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