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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have transferred 42-year-old Justin Llewellyn Westerman of Tallahassee to the Alachua County Jail. He faces serious charges involving the lewd and lascivious molestation of a nine-year-old girl during a visit to Gainesville back in 2017.
In 2022, the victim bravely came forward to Tallahassee law enforcement to reveal the harrowing details of the incident. She recounted that Westerman took her to Gainesville to visit the Butterfly Museum and that they lodged at a hotel nearby. According to her testimony, Westerman entered the shower against her protests, and she felt his genitals press against her back. She also reported that while she was in bed, he allegedly touched her genitals beneath her clothing. This disturbing behavior reportedly occurred on both nights of their hotel stay.
In March 2026, the Gainesville Police Department was notified by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, which was already investigating related incidents in Leon County. A GPD detective reached out to the victim, who reportedly reaffirmed the grim details of her account.
By June 2026, formal charges had been filed against Westerman in Alachua County. He faces two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a victim younger than 12. Due to the nature of the charges, details of Westerman’s criminal history remain private, as sexual offense records are not publicly accessible. Currently, Westerman is held without bail as the State Attorney’s Office seeks to keep him detained without bond until his trial. Should the judge deny this request, a bail amount will be determined during the hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
When it comes to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), former Vice President Kamala Harris is often at the forefront. However, her choice of residence seems to stand in contrast to these values. In her recent real estate purchase, Harris and her husband, entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff, have reportedly spent $8.15 million on a 4,000-square-foot home situated in Point Dume, California.
Positioned about 30 miles from the expansive homeless encampments in Downtown Los Angeles, Point Dume offers a stunning escape with its breathtaking ocean views and relaxed lifestyle in the renowned city of Malibu. Known for its postcard-worthy beaches, this neighborhood is both exclusive and affluent.
However, one notable aspect Point Dume lacks is racial diversity.
According to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey from 2019, Point Dume is located in Census tract 8004.08, where the demographics show approximately 0.2% Black and nearly 94% White residents. This lack of racial diversity raises questions about Harris’ choice of neighborhood, especially given her past statements emphasizing the significance of living in communities with more Black Americans.
Harris’ choice of neighborhood may surprise longtime observers given past comments she has made about the importance of living among other Black Americans.
Ya think?
Actions speak louder than words, something noted by conservative political commentator Paul Szypula:
Kamala Harris Buys $8M Malibu Mansion in Neighborhood That’s 0.2% Black
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff closed on an $8.15 million four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot estate in Malibu’s exclusive Point Dume neighborhood.
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) July 31, 2026
Kamala Harris Buys $8M Malibu Mansion in Neighborhood That’s 0.2% Black
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff closed on an $8.15 million four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot estate in Malibu’s exclusive Point Dume neighborhood.
Census data for the tract shows the area is roughly 94% White and just 0.2% Black.
The choice stands in notable contrast to Harris’s long public emphasis on racial disparities in housing and the need to confront America’s racial history. In her own words:
“We must speak the truth about the history of racism in our country and its existence today. I now own an eight-million-dollar home in Malibu, in a neighborhood with virtually no Black residents.” [This is parody; she did not say that.]
Harris has spent years advocating for fair housing policies, disparate-impact enforcement, and aid for historically redlined communities. Yet her personal residence now sits in one of California’s least diverse coastal enclaves.
Actions often reveal more than speeches.
MORE: Now There’s Kamala Harris’s Preposterous, Content-Free Independence Day Spew
DNC Autopsy of Disastrous ’24 Election Released, and It’s As Pathetic As You’d Expect
Amazingly, the Queen of Words Salads was shown to have a significant lead in recent polling regarding who should be the next Democratic nominee for president. Her closest potential opponent is not failed Gov. Gavin Newsom, but instead it’s the super accomplished former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The field is pathetically weak, but it’s terrifying to know that one of these tragically inept folks could one day inhabit the Oval Office.
The internet noticed (profanity alert):
HOLY SH!T the irony is thicker than Kamala’s word salads.
Preaches $100 BILLION for Black homeownership, rails against ‘systemic’ barriers, demands we all ‘live among’ the communities she champions…
HOLY SH!T the irony is thicker than Kamala’s word salads.
Preaches $100 BILLION for Black homeownership, rails against ‘systemic’ barriers, demands we all ‘live among’ the communities she champions…
Then drops $8.15 MILLION on a cliffside mansion in Point Dume, Malibu —94% White, basically zero Black neighbors 😑
Rules for thee, luxury bunker for me.
Kamala Harris is a fraud.
Fortunately for Kamala, there will be ample space to store fermented grapes: the new digs sport “ocean views, multiple wine fridges, private golf greens and enough parking to accommodate five vehicles.”
Her message would seem to be: “Diversity for thee, but certainly not for me.”
Virginia migrant crime surge sparks debate over sanctuary policies
In Virginia, the issue of migrant-related crimes is coming to a head as illegal immigrants are being charged with serious offenses, including sexual crimes. Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino discussed this rising concern, highlighting specific cases in Fairfax County reported by Griff Jenkins. The incidents involve individuals like Israel Flores Ortiz and Angel David Rubio Moran. Meanwhile, Josh Holmes has criticized Governor Abigail Spanberger’s recent executive order, which puts an end to collaboration with ICE, intensifying the debate over sanctuary policies and their repercussions on public safety within the state.
A Honduran national in Northern Virginia is facing serious legal troubles after federal immigration authorities placed a detainer on him for allegedly attempting to disarm a police officer during an altercation.
Following an incident where he allegedly ambushed a police officer, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested that Fairfax County officials keep Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas in custody rather than releasing him.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that officers were called to a scene in Annandale after a man reportedly exited a residence with two knives following an altercation.
A body camera worn by a Fairfax County police officer recorded the moment Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas attempted to disarm the officer in Annandale, Virginia.(Fairfax County Police Department)
Fairfax County police said the man also stabbed himself before leaving the residence and fleeing into a nearby wooded area.
As officers searched a wooded area, Fuentes-Banegas allegedly emerged from the brush, grabbed an officer’s firearm and attempted to disarm the officer, DHS said.
Fairfax County police said one officer fired his service weapon while a second officer simultaneously deployed a department-issued Taser. The bullet grazed Fuentes-Banegas’ shoulder, police said.
Fuentes-Banegas was arrested and charged with attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer. ICE has lodged a detainer requesting that Fairfax County notify federal authorities before his release.
Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas is accused of attempting to disarm a Fairfax County police officer during an encounter in Northern Virginia, according to authorities. Federal immigration officials have lodged a detainer seeking his transfer to ICE custody.(Fairfax County Police Department)
According to DHS, Fuentes-Banegas entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2022 and was later released under the Biden administration.
“This criminal illegal alien from Honduras attacked a law enforcement officer and attempted to take the officer’s gun,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
“He has now been charged with attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer,” she continued. “ICE is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this dangerous criminal from jail.”
DHS blamed Virginia’s sanctuary policies for limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, arguing they have made the commonwealth “a magnet for illegal alien crime.”
Two knives were recovered during the arrest of Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas, who is accused of attempting to disarm a Fairfax County police officer in Annandale, Virginia.(Fairfax County Police Department)
The department noted that Spanberger signed executive orders at the start of her administration ending former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 287(g) agreements and limiting state cooperation with ICE.
“Under Governor Spanberger, Virginia has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime,” DHS said.
DHS also pointed to the recent arrest of Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, a Mexican national charged with second-degree murder and aggravated sexual battery in connection with the death of a 2-year-old girl in Louisa County.
“This horrific tragedy was completely avoidable because this illegal alien should have never been in our country. Governor Spanberger’s sanctuary policies have made Virginia a hotbed for illegal alien crime,” DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis previously told News Media.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has been criticized by the Department of Homeland Security over the state’s immigration policies following the arrest of a Honduran national in Fairfax County.(Mike Kropf/Getty Images)
News Media has reached out to Spanberger’s office for comment.
Alert: Major spoilers ahead! Venture further only if you’ve caught up with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Speculation has turned into reality: Sadie Sink takes on the iconic role of Jean Grey.
The beloved star of “Stranger Things” dons the mantle of the telepathic and telekinetic Marvel superhero in the blockbuster film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which hit theater screens this past Friday.
In this gripping chapter titled “Brand New Day,” we find Peter Parker, portrayed by Tom Holland, facing off against a shadowy adversary. This new villain possesses the unnerving ability to infiltrate the mind of anyone within a 33-foot radius, exercising total mental control.
As the plot thickens, it’s unveiled halfway through the film that this formidable telepath is actually Jean Grey, also known as Dark Phoenix from “X-Men,” seamlessly brought to life by Sink.
She’s not evil at all, it turns out, but has been wronged by the Department of Damage Control, which wants to understand and replicate the mind-control powers of her and her sister, Sara
Sink’s Jean Grey is the first “X-Men” character to be properly introduced into the main Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline.
In the 20th Century Fox “X-Men” movies, which are set in a different universe than the MCU films, Famke Janssen played the adult version of Jean, while Sophie Turner played the younger version of the character in the prequels.
Janssen starred in “X-Men” (2000), “X2: X-Men United” (2003) and “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006). Turner appeared in “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016) and “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (2019).
Sink, 24, was widely rumored to be playing the red-headed superhero ever since she was cast in the film in 2025. However, Sink had to stay tight-lipped about her role throughout the press tour.
When she appeared on “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday, host Jimmy Fallon outright asked Sink if plays Jean.
Sink, who kept her composure, replied, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Sink admitted it’s been “freeing” to not be allowed to talk about her character.
“I get a little nervous for interviews sometimes,” she explained. “And so, if I don’t have to talk about anything, it relaxes me. I’m like, ‘I don’t have anything to say.’”
Six months earlier, Sink told Fallon that she learned of the fan theories about her role even before she was cast in the film.
“There was speculation online that said, ‘Sadie Sink is going to be in the new ‘Spider-Man.’ I was like, ‘Hmm? I am?’” she said on the late-night show in January.
“And sure enough, two days later, they asked me to do it. So yeah, those theories, there’s sometimes some truth to it.”
Days before “Spider-Man 4” came out, MCU boss Kevin Feige told Entertainment Weekly how the team decided Sink was the perfect person to play Jean.
“We had a Peter story that we wanted to tell, and knew that there were a number of characters that could fit into that,” he shared. “And it was Sadie’s name who came up that solidified the idea of the character that she’s playing.”
Holland, for his part, praised Sink’s performance in the film, saying on the press tour that she stole the show.
“She handled the pressure of the character that she’s playing with such grace,” he gushed. “And the third act, she steals the movie. It is so good.”
In Sydney, the Royal Commission is currently scrutinizing allegations of antisemitism, spotlighting issues within government bodies, educational institutions, and the arts sector, as it delves into matters of social cohesion this week.
Throughout the hearings, Jewish professionals from various fields including arts, education, healthcare, and public service have been sharing their personal encounters with workplace antisemitism.
On Friday, renowned Jewish artist Nina Sanadze revealed that she faced antisemitic harassment following the leak of a private group chat in 2024, where she had referred to Hamas using harsh terms.
Sanadze testified that her words mentioning Hamas were altered to ‘Palestinians’ when the chat was disclosed, suggesting the changes were made to falsely accuse her of vilifying the Gazan people.
She further stated that the fear of antisemitic reprisals has made many of her Jewish peers hesitant to display their work publicly.
“Jewish creatives are such an incredible, extinct minority already, and we have been now erased almost entirely,” she said.
The Soviet-born artist felt the Australian creative sector has been “radicalised” by a Marxist-Socialist ideology since the 1960s.
“They divide people into oppressors and the oppressed. And if you’re in a category of the oppressor, any violence, any harassment, any bullying is by all means acceptable,” Sanadze said.
She said she struggled to engage with the art world’s discussion of the Middle East and pressure to attend rallies.
Another witness spoke of the two sides of the Australian comedy scene, which he said could be an open community, or a place of isolation, harassment and bigotry.
The witness, speaking under a pseudonym, felt exhausted trying to call out antisemitism and being ostracised.
Art funding distribution under scrutiny
On Thursday, Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism Jillian Segal made her third appearance to the Royal Commission, this time raising concerns that Jewish artists are unfairly excluded from public creative grants due to antisemitism.
“The arts are important in challenging our thinking … I wouldn’t want to, in any way, constrain that,” she said.
“But how do you balance that with making sure that everyone feels safe?”
Segal said supporting Jewish artists who were struggling to find work in the industry remained a “wicked problem”.
She also advocated for creating a separate grant panel for Jewish artists, while ensuring existing grant panel members take antisemitism training.
Frequent antisemitic harassment against students
Segal also gave evidence on existing training and guidance available across the education sector, saying education on antisemitism should be rolled out further.
“We should touch people in primary school and in secondary school … even touch being a tolerant, helpful young person in preschool, and we need to not only be high school, but university and TAFE,” she said.
The special envoy also highlighted the needs of teachers being overlooked in favour of student outcomes.
Segal said she was first confronted by the issue at a teacher’s forum hosted by Victorian billionaire John Gandel’s philanthropic foundation a few years ago.
“They explained to me that the most difficult thing for them was answering questions from students that they didn’t have the knowledge … that was even in relation to the Holocaust, but (also) how it morphed into antisemitism,” she said.
The inquiry also heard from the former head of Australia’s largest Jewish day school that students were frequently targeted by pupils from other schools.
John Hamey, former principal of Sydney’s Moriah College, told the inquiry that during his tenure from 2011 to 2018, he found many students from his school gave up reporting antisemitism incidents, due to their frequency and the lack of consequences for perpetrators.
“It was not necessarily something they would report because they would say, ‘well, nothing would happen’, or there’d be no serious outcome or consequence for the perpetrators of that antisemitism.”
Hamey also said most teachers outside Jewish institutions weren’t well informed about Jewish cultural life or equipped to identify antisemitism.
“They really lack the language,” he said.
The inquiry also heard from Michael Zervos, who provided an example of a successful anti-discrimination program for primary and secondary schools.
The Courage to Care program, which has reached to more than half a million students nationwide, focuses on bystander training and calling out discrimination of all kinds.
“We now call them ‘upstanders’, who had the moral courage to actually take some action and combat that discrimination and that racism,” Zervos said.
Courage to Care is an initiative created by B’nai B’rith, which describes itself as an international Jewish community service organisation committed to combating anti-Semitism, promoting Jewish unity and continuity, and “staunchly” defends the State of Israel.
It’s a connection Mr Zervos said he had had to defend.
“Our focus is on behaviour, so we are not an advocacy organisation. We’re not a political organisation … we know what our role is. We’ll leave that to other organisations,” he said.
Healthcare sector
The Australasian Jewish Medical Federation raised the issue of politicisation of Jewish identities in Wednesday’s hearings of the royal commission.
The federation provided the royal commission with examples of multiple incidents in which people felt unsafe or doctors were rejected by patients because of their cultural identity.
Federation president Jack Green said the organisation “hardly ever” received reports of anti-Semitism before the turning point of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
“There was increased politicisation in the health sector, there were a lot of social media postings,” Green said of the shift.
Doctors became afraid to display symbols indicating their Jewish identity and, in one instance, an Israeli-Australian patient experienced significant distress seeing “overt political symbols” in a Northern Territory hospital Green said.
Government policy in spotlight
On Monday, Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory criticised the federal government for having “egged on” antisemitism since the October 7 attack in 2023.
“[Government] policy, some of the statements and actions from people, particularly in the federal government, have egged on the situation,” he said.
He claimed the government has refused visas “disproportionately to Jewish and Israeli people”, while citing the government’s refusal to grant a visa to a former Israeli minister.
In 2024, Home Affairs minister Tony Burke declined to grant a visa to right-wing Israeli politician Ayelet Shaked, citing concerns about social cohesion.
The inquiry also heard Jewish patients are scared of revealing their religious identity in hospitals, and some Jewish public servants feel worried about claiming their Jewish identity at the workplace.
The inquiry will continue on 4 August in Sydney, focusing on protests and policing.
Tyler Wilkin’s family is fervently searching for the individual behind his tragic, execution-style murder.
The 35-year-old, originally from Ohio, was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head while camping at Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.
His lifeless body was located on July 10.
Tyler Wilkin, at age 35, fell victim to an alleged execution-style gunshot to the head during a camping trip with friends in Puerto Rico.(Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
Wilkin, born and raised in Ohio, had relocated to Puerto Rico in 2024 with his girlfriend.
A fundraiser has been started to raise $30,000 to hire a private investigator to take over Wilkin’s case. A statement posted to the fundraiser said the “funds will help us [Wilkin’s family and friends] cover any and all expenses that may arise during the private investigation. Tyler deserved a full life, and he deserves for every possible avenue to be explored.”
Luquillo, where Wilkin was found dead, is a city with a significant amount of unsolved violent crime, according to Jamie Copenhaver, a former sheriff’s investigator and private investigator. He has investigated cases in Puerto Rico in his capacity as a law enforcement officer and as a PI.
Tyler Wilkin’s body was reportedly discovered by authorities on Playa La Selva in Luquillo, Puerto Rico on July 10.(Getty Images: Swathi Chirra)
Wilkin reportedly sent text messages to his friends concerned about a “howling” noise and what sounded like “fireworks” outside of his tent, FOX 19 reported.
“The howling struck me as possible stalking behavior,” Copenhaver told News Media. “If you’re camping and hear those noises in the middle of the night, you’re naturally going to grab a flashlight and investigate. I think it’s possible someone intentionally lured him away from his campsite.”
He is concerned that investigative efforts of local police may lack essential training and resources required to take on this homicide case.
A fundraiser was created to hire a private investigator to find out how American Tyler Wilkin ended up shot to death in Puerto Rico.(Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi)
“Unlike many police departments in the mainland U.S., agencies there are often overwhelmed by the number of violent crimes they’re investigating. They’re doing their best, but it’s a tremendous workload,” Copenhaver said.
Tyler Wilkin is survived by his parents and four other siblings.(Lilly Wright, GoFundMe)
Copenhaver said Wilkin’s loved ones’ decision to hire a private investigator just makes sense.
In addition to hiring a PI, he said the family should also contact the FBI in San Juan if they have not done so already.
He said, “I’d ask them to take an interest in the case to make sure every avenue is explored and whoever murdered this young man is brought to justice.”
“At this time, the SJFO is providing technical assistance to PRPD, but this case remains an ongoing local investigative matter,” the FBI said in a statement to News Media, referring to its San Juan Field Office and the Puerto Rico Police Department. “We will defer to PRPD for any statements or comments but encourage the local public to call in tips and information, through Tips.FBI.Gov , 1-800-CALL-FBI, or calling the SJFO at 787-987-6500.”
News Media has reached out to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Chipotle’s CEO, Scott Boatwright, announced on Wednesday that the popular fast-casual restaurant chain is witnessing a positive shift in how customers perceive its affordability. This boost in perception is a promising sign for the brand.
During the company’s discussion of second-quarter earnings, Boatwright revealed that Chipotle’s brand tracking surveys have shown an enhancement in perceived value among different demographic groups, spanning various income levels and age ranges.
“I’m pleased to share that our brand tracker indicates significant strides in value perception across diverse income brackets and age categories,” Boatwright expressed enthusiastically.
He further highlighted that affordability scores have reached their best levels in the second quarter, surpassing any period seen in the last couple of years, signaling a noteworthy improvement.
Boatwright also emphasized that customers tend to evaluate value through more than just price and deals, pointing out a broader spectrum of factors influencing their perception.
“And so I think we’re making meaningful progress as it relates to value at Chipotle. What we also learned, I think, as an important note, is [that] value isn’t just about discounting and price point. It’s about convenience. It’s about execution,” Boatwright added.
Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright says customers now see the fast-casual chain as more affordable. REUTERS
“It’s about menu innovation. There’s a host of things that the consumer is looking at to determine value.”
Chipotle has recently introduced lower-priced menu options.
In December, the company launched a high-protein menu featuring a Single Chicken Taco, starting at $3.50 at select US restaurants, and a High Protein Cup of Adobo Chicken, with a national weighted average price of $3.82, the company said at the time.
The chain recently rolled out cheaper menu items, including high-protein options. dennizn – stock.adobe.com
Chipotle on Wednesday also reported second-quarter revenue of $3.3 billion, up 9.3% from the same period in 2025.
Boatwright has previously pushed back against perceptions that Chipotle has become too expensive or reduced its portions to boost profits.
“We have an affordable price point for all walks of life, and we’re for everyone. We want everyone to have access to wholesome, nutritious food,” Boatwright said during a May appearance on Yahoo Finance’s “Power Players” podcast.
CEUTA, Spain — A human tragedy unfolded as at least 18 migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach Ceuta, a Spanish territory, after thousands managed to breach borders and flood in from Morocco.
The situation escalated on Thursday and continued into the night, with Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE showing images of burnt-out vehicles along the Moroccan border, evidence of the clashes that had erupted there.
Rachid Sbihi, the leader of a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.” He noted that countless migrants, including many unaccompanied children, were left to find shelter in parks and on sidewalks, as others wandered through the city with nowhere to turn.
“The influx is ongoing. The reinforcements that have arrived are focused on aiding the injured and handling other humanitarian needs,” Sbihi explained. “It’s a scene of utter chaos.”
Tragically, among the 18 fatalities, many succumbed to drowning, while others were caught in a deadly stampede trying to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach—a popular urban spot near a border checkpoint adjoining Morocco.
Ahmed Karim, a 33-year old Moroccan, said he had crossed into Ceuta because of the lack of jobs in his country.
“Many people want to go to Europe, America, but they don’t have the opportunity,” Karim said.
On Friday morning, the waters near the border fence were littered with buoys as crowds of mostly young men were amassed near the crossing.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to join Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in a visit to Ceuta on Friday morning.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said France would strengthen border checks with Spain, writing on X that he had activated the Rapid Intervention Border Force.
Video footage on Thursday showed throngs of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters onto local roads. While most appeared to be young men, there were also families with women and small children. Some migrants were also attempting to return to Morocco, according to a freelance photographer working for The Associated Press.
Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the crossings, and Morocco’s Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
It was not immediately clear what prompted so many people to cross to Ceuta.
Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.
To reach Ceuta, located on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.
Migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, Spain’s other territory at the tip of North Africa.
There was widespread chaos in Bni Nsar, the Moroccan town bordering the Spanish territory, where migrants clashed with police, throwing rocks and setting police vehicles ablaze, according to local media and rights groups. They reported injuries among security forces and the arrest of dozens of people attempting to cross.
Omar Naji of the local branch of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, who regularly monitors migration attempts and helps families identify bodies, told the AP that attempts to cross into Melilla had already been recorded in recent weeks. However, the latest surge appeared to have been driven by the situation in Ceuta.
Like Ceuta, Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Many Moroccans consider both cities to be occupied territory.
Migrants often try to enter Melilla by scaling the 19-foot (6-meter) fence separating the enclave from Morocco. In 2022, thousands of sub-Saharan migrants attempted to cross the border that way, and dozens died in one of the deadliest such incidents on the route.
The escalation at the frontier between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday.
Ceuta authorities had previously linked the surge to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea without due process. The ruling does not apply to migrants who enter Spain by land, including by climbing over the border fence.
But some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions.
Juan Jesús Vivas, the head of Ceuta’s regional government, had called for the national government to declare an emergency on grounds of national security, asking for more police and for the army to be deployed on the border “to guarantee the inviolability of the frontier and citizen safety.”
He had warned that migrant reception centers were already overwhelmed on Wednesday, with hundreds of people sleeping on the streets. Thousands or even tens of thousands are believed to have arrived since then.
Spain’s Interior Ministry, which tracks irregular migration, would not confirm the number of migrants who had made it to Ceuta in the past few days but said it would publish its next migration report on Monday.
Legislation covering a declaration of national emergencies does not consider migration flows as a risk to national security, according to the ministry, which said government agencies are “coordinating to respond with speed and efficacy to the situation in Ceuta.”
In this week’s captivating episode of Real Housewives of Orange County, the ever-dynamic duo Shannon and Tamra begin the delicate dance of mending their fractured friendship. However, Tamra’s relationship with Heather remains tense, leaving her pondering their current standing. Hosting a gathering at her home, Tamra seizes the opportunity to compel the group to engage in a revealing exercise, challenging them to “unbox” their deepest feelings.
Meanwhile, TikTok sensations Gina and Emily have tapped into a lucrative niche: humorously portraying themselves online for profit. In a lighthearted gesture, Gina gives Emily a belated but thoughtful gift—a double-headed hoodie billed as a “hoodie for two.” Conversations later lead to the topic of birthdays, where Emily divulges that Carmella surprised her with a luxurious Dior bag and an unexpected addition—a vibrator. With gifts ranging from a $3,000 designer accessory to an intimate toy, Gina can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Shannon confides in viewers about her newfound peace with Tamra, a sentiment underscored by Tamra’s timely phone call, as if sensing she was the topic of recent conversation. Tamra shares news that Vicki, who is uncertain about her return to Puerto Vallarta, will be hosting a taco night to uplift Vicki’s spirits, extending the invitation to Shannon and the rest of the group.
Although Shannon admits to being a self-described social media novice, she gamely joins Emily and Gina in concocting engaging TikTok content, showcasing a playful side as they delve into the world of online entertainment for financial gain.
Tamra, Heather, and Jenn meet for a workout class with one of Tamra’s old buddies, Fernanda. Jenn shares that her son is really struggling since the divorce. Tamra explains that kids react to divorce at different stages in life and Heather states that every kid is different. Mom guilt is real, but it’s so nice to hear from other mothers trying to navigate life.
Heather explains that she told Shannon she needed an intervention because her social media has been awful. Speaking of socials, Tamra realizes that she noticed a change in Heather’s social media. She feels left out of Heather’s TikToks because Heather never posts the ones she is involved in. It seems like Heather does not want people to know she is friends with Tamra. Tamra worries about her friendship with Heather and calls Heather a people pleaser. She feels like Heather can turn it off and turn it on with some people.
Vicki and her son, Michael, head out for some margaritas. Michael is a world traveler, who runs for Coto insurance remotely. Michael admits that he has not seen his sister, Briana, in person in 8 years. It’s not what Vicki planned, but since Michael lives in Spain and Briana lives in Oklahoma, it’s been hard. Speaking of hard, Vicki admits that one of her biggest regrets is her divorce with Don. She feels very remorseful.
Jenn feels like Tamra is growing so much and so she is happy to meet her for some drinks. Carmella is joining the ladies so Tamra gets the chance to learn more about her. Carmella talks about her gift situation with Emily, but feels grossed out that Gina questions ulterior motives. Carmella wishes Gina would just be happy to have a friend who would buy a gift like that.
Carmella has never had so much criticism about her finances (ie. paying $35,000.00 a month for rent). Carmella explains that she “essentially” flips houses in a high-end market. When Carmella found out her husband was not faithful, she made a million four on her first house and that was her start.
We get a peak inside of Carmella’s real estate life. She has sold almost $100 million dollars in the last ten years. Carmella explains that she does not like to overprice so she can create a buzz for her real estate listings. Carmella refuses to waste her time or her money and so she prices herself on her listing prices.
Vicki does a nice job of getting Tamra and Shannon together to go whale watching. Heather comes along for good measure and the ladies set off. Things seem to be getting off on the right foot for Tamra and Shannon. Tamra invites Shannon to come over early and decorate, so they’re essentially bff’s again.
Heather does not like the way Vicki closes down about “new girls,” especially when it comes to Carmella. Maybe she should watch what she says before she makes judgements.
According to Tamra, it is so nice to have Shannon back in her life. They have such a history together, but Shannon coming early to help Tamra set-up for the party shocks Gina, who, last time she checked, thought Shannon had “boundaries” up around Tamra. Carmella does not make it to the party, and Vicki points out that Carmella does not live in the OC, she just rents so she can pseudo live there. Vicki also makes it clear that Carmella is a house flipper, NOT a developer.
As of now, things are not great between Jenn and Heather. Emily lets Jenn know that Heather said she is obsessed with Tamra, which sets Jenn off. To Jenn’s face, Heather is sweet as pie. But, she needs a conversation with Heather to clear things up.
Tamra has a game for the group to play, because those always end well. Because Tamra found out she was “put in a box,” she now has created an “unboxing” game. It’s a way to know where their friendships are, and this sounds like a recipe for hurt feelings. When Tamra pulls out eggshells, Shannon admits she put that in her box. Tamra does not disagree with anyone’s comments and takes it so well it straight up shocks Gina.
Everyone seems to get lovely messages until Vicki pulls out Debbie Downer. Emily owns up to that comment, but Vicki is offended. Tamra puts “social bestie” into Heather’s box, which confuses the hell out of Heather.
Jenn wonders why Heather said she is obsessed with Tamra. Heather points out that any time they are together, Jenn always brings up Tamra. Heather just wants Jenn to stop asking about friendships.
Jenn does not like that Heather is talking behind her back. Shannon jumps in and points out that it’s bad that Heather is using the word “obsessed” against her, considering all last year Tamra threw that in her face. Heather is now a “confused AF” box for Jenn because wtf just happened.
Shannon gets “kind, but holds grudges” (thanks, Tamra) and Tamra hopes that time helps to ease the past pain. Tamra loves that she received a text from Shannon and apologizes for all of the horrible things she has done to her in the past. Shannon claims that this does not mean that they are BACK, but it sure means they are moving in the right direction.
