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Revealed: $638M Left-Wing Voting Network Operates via Tax-Free Charities

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A vast coalition of left-leaning benefactors and organizations funneled an estimated $638 million into tax-exempt voter-registration and mobilization groups during the 2024 election cycle. This considerable financial network operates as a sophisticated, Democratic-leaning “vote machine” within the charitable sector, which is set to extend its reach into future elections, according to an exclusive report obtained by – News prior to its anticipated Monday release.

The 64-page analysis, crafted by the conservative watchdog group Capital Research Center (CRC), titled The “Charities” Influencing Elections: 2024 and Beyond, traces the flow of left-wing capital through tax-exempt entities that form a complex web designed to influence elections. This infrastructure spans crucial areas like voter registration drives, Census activism, redistricting efforts, the National Popular Vote Compact, and the implementation of ranked-choice voting systems.

In their investigation, CRC researchers delved into financial activities of 83 prominent 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. They unearthed a significant expenditure of approximately $638.7 million in 2024—marking a 30 percent increase from 2020 figures, or about a 10 percent rise when adjusted for inflation. Paradoxically, inflation-adjusted spending through traditional political action committees saw a 20 percent decline. The findings contend that this tax-exempt network increasingly serves to favor Democratic causes, offering distinct advantages such as tax-deductible donations and reduced donor disclosure compared to conventional political groups.

“It’s crucial for Americans to be aware if their tax-deductible charitable contributions are being inappropriately leveraged to support partisan political agendas,” stated CRC President Scott Walter in a declaration to – News.

Walter further elaborated, “This report meticulously traces financial currents and uncovers a coordinated apparatus working to shape voter turnout, influence districting, determine presidential election processes, and ultimately, sway governmental control.” He emphasized the need for Congress, the IRS, and state regulatory bodies to scrutinize these revelations and ensure these so-called ‘charities’ are held to account.

The report traces the roots of what CRC calls the modern “tax-exempt vote machine” to a 2015 plan revealed in leaked emails belonging to longtime Democratic operative John Podesta, who would go on to chair Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

One of the leaked emails, sent to Podesta by the president of Swiss billionaire and major left-wing donor Hansjörg Wyss’s private foundation, laid out a detailed $100 million plan using 501(c)(3) foundations and charities to register millions of voters. Tables in the plan calculated the number of “total non-white” votes the effort could generate across eight battleground states, while still-visible edits showed passages discussing “beating Republicans” and “reshaping the electorate” had been removed, according to CRC.

CRC argues the documents demonstrate the proposed registration effort was designed to target demographic groups expected to disproportionately vote Democratic while operating under the banner of nonpartisan voter participation.

Wyss has since emerged as a major financier of left-wing causes, funneling hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations including the Sixteen Thirty Fund and New Venture Fund, nonprofits formerly managed by Arabella Advisors. The Arabella network became one of the left’s largest dark-money operations, serving as an umbrella for organizations and projects bankrolled by wealthy liberal donors.

By 2020, the report notes, a leaked memo from the Democratic-aligned super PAC Mind the Gap described charitable voter registration as “4 to 10 times more cost effective than the next best alternative” at “netting additional Democratic votes.”

Ahead of the 2024 election, eBay founder and liberal billionaire Pierre Omidyar’s Democracy Fund launched the “All by April” initiative, urging donors to move election-related grants to 501(c)(3) organizations early enough to maximize their impact before November. According to CRC, 174 donors signed the pledge, with the initiative estimating that it mobilized $155 million, including $79 million in new election-related 501(c)(3) grants.

One of the largest organizations in the network was the Everybody Votes Campaign (EVC), an umbrella name encompassing the Voter Registration Project, Voter Registration Project Education Fund, and Register America. The operation raised more than $75 million in 2024, up from approximately $50 million in 2020, with much of the money distributed to other left-leaning nonprofits and canvassing firms.

Among them was Field+Media Corps, which received $4.6 million from the Voter Registration Project for “voter registration support” in 2024. Seven employees of the firm were later charged by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday with offenses including forgery and tampering with public records after thousands of allegedly fraudulent voter-registration forms were submitted in several battleground districts.

Another EVC grantee was the New Georgia Project, founded by two-time failed Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. The organization agreed to pay a record $300,000 penalty after the Georgia State Ethics Commission found campaign-finance violations stemming from its work during Abrams’s unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial campaign. The organization later dissolved.

The report also singles out the left-wing Voter Participation Center (VPC), which has long targeted what it calls “underrepresented” constituencies for registration efforts. During the 2024 election, VPC came under scrutiny after it was found to have filtered digital voter-registration advertisements to exclude users with interests including NASCAR, Duck Dynasty, and golf — audiences critics argued were more likely to contain Republican-leaning voters. The episode prompted Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) to call for an IRS investigation into whether the organization was complying with its tax-exempt status.

CRC also contrasts VPC’s longstanding claims of voter suppression with the organization’s own subsequent research.

After Georgia enacted an election-integrity law in 2021 that then-President Joe Biden denounced as “Jim Crow 2.0,” VPC joined an unsuccessful lawsuit seeking to overturn the measure. Yet a September 2025 VPC analysis found turnout among its designated “underrepresented” constituencies — including black, Latino and Asian voters, voters under 35, and unmarried women — increased by nearly 200,000 votes, or 6.8 percent, in Georgia between 2020 and 2024, while turnout among voters outside those categories fell by nearly 180,000.

CRC argues the same left-wing philanthropic infrastructure extends beyond voter registration and the 2024 election cycle.

The report examines $118 million in philanthropic spending surrounding the 2020 Census — up from $38 million in 2010 — through an effort organized by the Funders Committee for Civic Participation and its Funders Census Initiative, formed with support from the Ford Foundation and other major left-wing donors.

The Census Bureau’s post-enumeration survey subsequently found six states had been undercounted and eight overcounted. CRC cites an analysis concluding that the errors were large enough that two congressional seats apportioned to Democratic-leaning Minnesota and Rhode Island would otherwise have gone to Florida.

Another chapter follows more than $66 million behind an April 2026 Virginia redistricting ballot measure that could have transformed the state’s congressional delegation from a narrow 6-5 Democratic advantage to as much as a 10-1 Democratic advantage.

Supporters of the new map were “significantly better resourced,” according to the report, which traces millions of dollars to committees affiliated with left-wing billionaire George Soros, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and organizations associated with the former Arabella Advisors network. Virginia voters approved the measure, but the state Supreme Court invalidated the new map two weeks later over procedural violations.

The investigation further examines the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would require participating states to award their electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote regardless of which candidate carried each individual state. The report traces much of the movement’s backing to left-wing donors, organized labor, the Soros network, the Tides Foundation, and organizations associated with the former Arabella network.

States participating in the compact currently represent 222 of the 270 electoral votes required for it to take effect, according to the report.

CRC also scrutinizes the push for ranked-choice voting, noting that voters rejected ballot measures involving the system in at least five states in 2024, while 19 states have enacted prohibitions against its use.

Taken together, CRC argues the findings expose a broader migration of left-wing political money away from conventional political organizations and into the charitable sector — allowing wealthy donors and advocacy networks to finance large-scale election-related activities through tax-advantaged organizations whose contributors generally remain hidden from public view.

“The report is built around a simple through-line,” CRC said in announcing its findings: “much of the ‘money in politics’ that voters distrust doesn’t flow through political channels — it hides within charities that pretend to be nonpartisan.”

Joshua Klein is a reporter for – News. Email him at jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaKlein

Myles Garrett: A Dominant Force Among the NFL’s Most Feared Players

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Myles Garrett may have yet to set foot on the field for the Los Angeles Rams in a crucial game, but his reputation alone strikes fear across the league. Despite not playing a single down for his new team, Garrett’s imposing presence has NFL fans on edge.

In a recent survey conducted by BetMGM Sportsbook, Garrett was named the third-most intimidating player in the entire NFL as the 2026 season approaches. His status as a defensive powerhouse precedes him, making certain that offensive players are well aware of his capability.

The survey gathered opinions from 1,800 NFL enthusiasts nationwide, asking them to identify the player they fear the most. Garrett was ranked only behind Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, both of whom are legendary in their own right.

Completing the top 10 list were players renowned for their game-changing abilities: Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback; Saquon Barkley, the powerhouse running back for the Eagles; Jalen Hurts, who leads the Eagles from the pocket; Aaron Rodgers, now a Steeler, who captivates with his veteran gameplay; Micah Parsons of the Packers, who dominates the defense as a linebacker; Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s unstoppable tight end; and the ever-cool Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Bengals.

The survey didn’t just capture fear but also admiration, ranking the most-coveted players in the league. Here, Garrett claimed the third spot once more, trailing only behind Mahomes and Allen. It seems that fear is often accompanied by a hearty portion of admiration and envy.

The polls’ findings have an obvious conclusion: If your team is playing against Garrett you fear, but for Rams fans, when he’s wearing your uniform, you’re happy he’s on your team. 

The Rams acquired the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner in a trade with the Browns that sent Jared Verse and three draft picks (including a first-round pick) to Cleveland. Garrett joined an already loaded defense full of young talent after LA came within one possession of reaching the Super Bowl last season. 

And if Garrett is the third-most feared player in the NFL, it’s safe to say that after their offseason arms race, the Rams would also be ranked as one of the most feared teams.

BetMGM’s survey didn’t ask fans that specific question, but it asked which NFL team would be the toughest to beat ahead of the 2026 season, and sure enough, the Rams ranked No. 1 ahead of the Chiefs and Eagles. 

The Rams were also the fans’ top Super Bowl pick, with 11% of those surveyed backing LA to win the Super Bowl inside its own stadium in 2027.

Preseason surveys don’t win Lombardi trophies, of course, but neither do betting odds, power rankings or analyst expectations. 

Fear, however, can be a sign of respect, and before Garrett has even had a chance to show opposing quarterbacks his new uniform yet, the rest of the NFL already appears to understand what’s coming.


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Heartfelt Words from Hayden Panettiere’s Mother After Tragic Loss Stir Emotions

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Lesley Vogel, the mother of Hayden Panettiere, has shared her heartfelt desire for her daughter’s legacy to be one of beauty and intelligence as she reflects on the actress’s untimely passing at the age of 36.

In an emotional conversation with ABC News, Vogel expressed her wish for Hayden to be celebrated as the gifted and vibrant individual she truly was.

Panettiere, who captivated audiences with performances in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” and “Ice Princess,” was discovered unresponsive on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina. Despite frantic efforts by first responders to save her after a cardiac arrest, she was declared dead at the scene.

Hayden Panettiere arrives at the premiere of "Blonde," on Sept. 13, 2022, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

Hayden Panettiere arrives at the premiere of “Blonde,” on Sept. 13, 2022, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File

Her tragic passing occurred only months following her candid discussions about the complexities of her relationship with her mother, who had played a pivotal role as her acting mentor during her formative years.

In a raw and honest interview conducted in May with ABC News, Panettiere acknowledged the challenges she faced in navigating her connection with her mother.

“Over the years, I’ve tried to leave that door open, hoping that the relationship would evolve into a healthy mother-daughter relationship, and it’s obvious that that’s just not going to be the case,” she explained.

At the time, Vogel responded to her daughter’s comments in a statement to Page Six, saying she had chosen to go “the no-contact route” after taking “the advice of professionals.”

The Greenville City Police Department is leading the investigation into Panettiere’s death, with the Drug Enforcement Administration assisting, according to sources familiar with the matter.

According to a police report obtained by ABC News, Panettiere was with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, at the time of her death. The report said it was unknown whether Panettiere had been using drugs or alcohol.

Panettiere’s official cause and manner of death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies,” the coroner’s office said.

Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Former NBA Player Alleges WNBA Star Directed Provocative Insult

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Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who is making headlines with his WNBA draft aspirations, has opened up about his heated altercation with Natasha Cloud during the game against the Indiana Fever, featuring Sophie Cunningham.

On Sunday night, Cloud had to be restrained by security after she approached Freedom. His interest in joining the WNBA is a response to ongoing discussions in the league surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes competing against women.

The incident occurred during the second half at Wintrust Arena, where Chicago Sky’s Cloud aggressively confronted Freedom, who had taken a controversial courtside seat, leading to a fierce verbal exchange.

In a viral clip of the incident, the pair could be seen shouting at each other before the former New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder player stood up and held his arms out, as if he were welcoming the mid-game confrontation from Cloud, who was quickly stopped in her tracks by security.

Security and teammates quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation, pulling Cloud away. Meanwhile, Freedom was escorted out of the venue by staff, effectively ending the confrontation.

Freedom, standing at 6 feet 10 inches, claims that it was Cloud who initiated the clash, allegedly taunting him with the comment that Cunningham ‘won’t sleep with you.’

WNBA star Natasha Cloud had to be held back by security after going to confront Enes Kanter Freedom - who said he has declared for the WNBA Draft - during her game on Sunday night

WNBA star Natasha Cloud had to be held back by security after going to confront Enes Kanter Freedom – who said he has declared for the WNBA Draft – during her game on Sunday night

Freedom alleged Cloud told him Sophie Cunningham 'won't sleep with you'

Freedom alleged Cloud told him Sophie Cunningham ‘won’t sleep with you’

Ex-NBA star Freedom

Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud

Cloud stormed over to Freedom, who was sitting courtside, and sparked a furious argument

He told OutKick: ‘Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate. Literally, a couple [of] possessions later, Natasha came back and started screaming and yelling and said, “She’s not gonna sleep with you.”

‘And I was like, “I am not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to protect women and support her.” And then, obviously, after that, she started yapping, and she started to walk towards me, and literally I just got up, and then I was like, “I’m just here to protect women, and that’s all.” 

‘She started to yell. She started to use some very heavy language. She started to actually cuss, and I was very shocked that there were a lot of kids and that there were a lot of teenagers at that game.

‘I just cannot believe that she was just cussing and using those F-bombs in front of all these kids. I’m sure she’s loved in Chicago and many kids are idolizing her and stuff, but that’s not how a WNBA athlete should react.’

Taking to X after he was removed by security, Freedom wrote: ‘I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!’

He also wrote: ‘It’s always women hating on other women’. 

Meanwhile, in another video, Freedom was seen arguing with security after being escorted away from his courtside seat, telling them, ‘This is unacceptable.’ 

Freedom, who has spent more than a decade in the NBA, recently sent shockwaves through women’s basketball after revealing he wants to play alongside the likes of Caitlin Clark.

Freedom appeared to welcome the confrontation from Sky star Cloud during the game

Freedom appeared to welcome the confrontation from Sky star Cloud during the game

The pair could be seen yelling at each other mid-game at the Wintrust Arena on Sunday night

The pair could be seen yelling at each other mid-game at the Wintrust Arena on Sunday night

Earlier in the night, Freedom was confronted by furious fans as he arrived at the Wintrust Arena for the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky clash.

He wore a provocative T-shirt that included a definition of the word woman. ‘Woman. Noun,’ it read. ‘Adult human female.’ The words woman and female were highlighted in red. And he was not given a warm welcome by everyone, with one fan calling the 34-year-old a ‘b**** a** n****’ and telling him to ‘get [his] b**** a** out of Chicago.’ 

Another said ‘f*** you b****,’ while a third held up their middle finger in the face of Freedom, who was flanked by police outside the arena. ‘We are getting attacked before the @WNBA game in Chicago,’ he posted alongside a video of the incident.

But the former Utah Jazz and New York Knicks star was greeted by cheers and high-fives from other fans in Chicago.

There have been regular protests and counter-protests at WNBA games in recent weeks, after Cunningham sparked controversy by claiming she wants to ‘protect young girls’ from ‘biological men.’

On Sunday in Chicago, there was a ‘save women’s sports party’ in support of Cunningham. Freedom stopped by to greet fans.

After making it inside Wintrust Arena, Freedom was pictured courtside as Cunningham and Clark faced a rematch with the Sky and DiJonai Carrington.

Earlier this month, Cunningham slammed Carrington for ‘playing’ the race ‘card’ after the Chicago Sky star appeared to suggest her rival benefited from ‘white privilege’ during a shocking fracas.

Freedom was confronted by furious fans as he arrived at the game

He was flanked by police officers in Chicago

Earlier in the night, Freedom was confronted by fans as he arrived at the Fever-Sky clash

Carrington was ejected from the clash between the Sky and the Indiana Fever after her nasty foul left Cunningham bloodied and on the floor.  Toward the end of the first quarter, Cunningham drove towards the basket, only to be struck in the face by Carrington’s arm.

The Sky star was assessed a flagrant 2 and sent to the locker room, with both Cunningham and her teammate Clark seen waving as Carrington headed off the court. 

Minutes later, Carrington posted on social media ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever,’ sparking yet another WNBA scandal.

Meanwhile, Sky star Cloud made headlines of her own recently after launching a furious verbal tirade regarding the sex-toy-throwing incidents of late.

Speaking to reporters after Chicago’s victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Cloud did not hold back when asked about the recurring fan behavior.

‘It’s lame as f***; Sorry, mama,’ the 34-year-old veteran said. 

‘And I just, man, and like, in most of these occasions, it’s men. And I want you to know that is the gayest thing that you can do is to go to a store, a sex shop, buy a d****, come to a women’s game to throw the d**** on the court.

‘That is the gayest s*** that I’ve ever heard. So I’m a firm believer in anyone that has so much problem with a certain marginalized group, just come out and say that you’re a part of our marginalized group because that hate is unwarranted. It’s not factual.

‘And it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group.’

This incident comes days after DiJonai Carrington's hard foul on Indiana's Sophie Cunningham

This incident comes days after DiJonai Carrington’s hard foul on Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham

Cloud went on to call the perpetrators ‘extremely weak,’ stating that their actions fail to rattle the players on the court and instead reflect poorly on the fans responsible.

‘Y’all lame as s*** to us. Y’all gay to us and we see it,’ Cloud continued. ‘So keep throwing them if you just want to keep telling us you’re gay. You can come out. You’ll be happier. You’ll be nicer to people. You’ll be happier in your everyday life. You don’t need to go to therapy or none of that s***. Just be yourself.’

She concluded her postgame comments by questioning how the culprits explain the purchases on their financial records.

‘Y’all weird,’ she added. ‘Like it says d**** on their credit card. Like they have to go through their financial advisor and be like, ‘What’s this green d****? You good, Chad? You good, Richard? Are you good, Paul?’ Because it also is a certain demographic. Y’all cool? Are y’all cool? And don’t be running.’

Trump’s Shift in Energy Policy: Iran Conflict Accelerates Renewable Growth

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February was a whirlwind month for Donald Trump.

On February 11, the U.S. President issued an executive order commanding the military and the Pentagon—already comparable to the Philippines in carbon dioxide emissions—to switch their energy sources to coal.

In recognition of this move, the CEO of the nation’s largest coal company presented Trump with a bronze trophy, hailing him as the “undisputed champion of beautiful clean coal.”

Just a day later, Trump, along with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Lee Zeldin, revoked the pivotal 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding, effectively nullifying the EPA’s power to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and methane.

Continuing on February 14, Trump formed the National Energy Dominance Council, a governmental body aimed at expediting oil, gas, and coal projects with minimal costs and bypassing environmental impact assessments, thus fulfilling his campaign mantra to “drill, baby, drill.”

Two weeks later, the US was firing missiles at Iran.

The retaliatory Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf state infrastructure have created an energy crisis the likes of which the world has never seen.

Oil and gas disruptions are expected to continue for months, even years.

A photo of US President Donal Trump receiving a bronze statue of a coal miner at the White House.

At the same time, the world is warming at its fastest rate in geological history, driven by the burning of those same fossil fuels.

The transition away from them has not been happening fast enough to avoid the kind of warming that exacerbates extreme weather events, such as the recent catastrophic wildfires in Europe and North America or the “exceptionally unusual” El Niño event presently brewing.

For many countries, the cost of switching away from fossil fuels has outweighed the urgency of the climate crisis, slowing the transition to renewable energy.

But that appears to be changing. Trump’s decision to engage Iran in a protracted military conflict has prompted a global rethink of traditional energy sources — inadvertently strengthening the case for investment in renewables at a time when market conditions are increasingly favourable.

Some experts suggest it could be the inflection point needed to bend climate projections in a more survivable direction — but it has also prompted a major doubling down in some areas, which could have the opposite effect.

Economic drivers trump environmental urgency

Since the war broke out at the end of February, at least 29 countries have enacted structural policy decisions to decarbonise their economies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports.

Australia is among them, having announced an expansion of public EV charging stations, funding to electrify the Australia Post fleet and a zero-emission heavy freight transport project.

Overseas, the European Union has fast-tracked a mandate requiring solar panels to be installed on all new buildings by the end of the year; France and Germany have redirected billions from fossil fuel subsidies into heat-pump grants; India has commissioned 500 new biogas plants (which convert organic waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser); while New Delhi and Mumbai have switched all new public buses to electric.

Even in the US, a major high-voltage transmission project has been fast-tracked to deliver Canadian hydropower to New York and New England.

Experts say such emergency policy measures are being driven by economic needs in the wake of the crisis, the third this decade to rocket global fuel prices, following the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The current situation, however, is accelerating fossil fuel “demand destruction” on a larger scale, independent climate analyst Ketan Joshi says.

“Those previous crises did not occur when there was a cheap, readily available alternative to both oil consumption and gas consumption,” Joshi tells SBS News.

The policy response also signals the growing importance of domestic power generation, according to Roc Shi, professor of energy, environmental economics and sustainability at the University of Technology Sydney.

He believes the present crisis “will impact any future assessment scenario for governments”.

“The crisis makes people realise that relying on the global supply of oil and energy actually [makes them] vulnerable to the new reality. That will undermine and damage the comparative advantages of fossil fuels,” Shi says.

A global ‘turning point’

That economic rationale is already driving major renewable projects worldwide, especially in parts of Asia that have historically depended on oil and gas imports for energy production.

In South Korea, there is a huge push to ensure commercial truck and shipping infrastructure will soon run on hydrogen.

In Vietnam, the country’s largest conglomerate Vingroup recently announced a major hybrid renewable and battery storage project, replacing its previous proposal to build the country’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and power plant.

In China, now the world’s biggest producer of green energy, the rapid uptake of renewables has been fuelled in part by energy security concerns, along with the economic growth potential of green technology and manufacturing. In the first six months of this year, more than 40 per cent of its electricity came from renewables, according to China’s National Energy Administration.

Sofia Gonzales-Zuñiga, a senior climate policy analyst with Climate Analytics, tells SBS News the crisis has been a wake-up call for many countries. Those that have been sluggish to act on environmental grounds are now seeing the economic appeal.

“Things are changing very fast now,” she says.

You have mature technology that is price-competitive and that can be easily scalable.

Over the past decade, renewable energy installation costs have fallen dramatically, opening up market opportunities in regions that previously saw the transition as cost-prohibitive.

According to research from Our World in Data, solar photovoltaic costs fell by 90 per cent over the decade to 2024, onshore wind costs dropped by 70 per cent, and battery costs by more than 90 per cent.

As costs have dropped, capacity has grown. And with an energy crisis once again inflating fuel prices, conditions are ripe for long-term change, Gonzales-Zuñiga says.

“The expectation is that this could be that turning point where afterwards there’s no return to fossil fuels.”

The ‘solar revolution’

Pakistan’s response to the 2022 energy crisis offers a domestic example.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international sanctions halted the supply of Russian oil to Europe. In response, contractors re-routed shipments, chasing enlarged profits in Europe, which sent global fuel prices soaring.

At the time, Pakistan was generating 25 per cent of its power from LNG imported via Qatar. The country suffered devastating rolling blackouts as a result of the price hikes and quickly began seeking alternatives.

Haneea Isaad, a Pakistan-based energy finance specialist at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), says solar energy was the obvious choice.

A Pakistani man pours water over solar panels in Jacobabad, Pakistan, in 2022.

China was producing a “massive surplus” of solar panels for relatively low cost at the time, she explains. In addition, the newly elected government in Pakistan slashed taxes and import charges on them, while implementing “generous” energy buyback schemes.

“Anybody who could really afford to put up a rooftop solar system went for it,” Isaad says.

Pakistan quickly became the world’s largest importer of solar panels. Over the next two years, almost 30 gigawatts of solar energy was installed; rural areas were electrified for the first time and demand for coal, oil and LNG dropped.

Joshua Runciman, lead Australian gas analyst at IEEFA, describes it as a “human-led solar revolution”.

“It potentially serves as an example of the way that individuals — not energy planners, not wonks in ivory towers — but individuals might actually respond to [the current crisis],” he says.

Thanks to Pakistan’s solar revolution, when gas stopped flowing through the Strait of Hormuz in March — essentially cutting off all LNG supplies from Qatar — the country was better positioned to respond than it was in 2022.

Waqas Moosa, head of solar energy company Hedron Solar in Pakistan, says other countries can learn from Pakistan.

“Malaysia, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, they suffered,” he says, referring to the fallout of the crisis ignited by Trump’s war on Iran.

The sun does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz or any other strait or chokepoint which is going to come in the future.

With solar panel sales rising dramatically over the last few years — which Moosa notes coincided with prices falling — he expects to see similar revolutions around the world as countries enter “the renewable era”.

“The Stone Age did not end because stone finished, the Iron Age did not end because iron finished, and the fossil fuel age is not going to end because we ran out of fossil fuel,” he says.

“Maybe 30, 40 years down the road, when the kids study history, they’ll probably look at this decade, the 2020s, where the transition from fossil fuels towards renewables happened.”

Billions and billions of dollars

Even as rapid change is underway in some parts of the world, the status quo prevails in others.

Research from Climate Analytics shows that nearly one-third of the global population lives in a country that is highly economically dependent on fossil fuel exports.

So while many importing nations have hastened their transition to renewables since Trump authorised the first strikes on Iran in February, some exporting nations have sought to capitalise on increased global demand for fuel.

US exports of LNG have surged to an all-time high while Canada has enacted emergency legislation to fast-track new mining and export projects, simultaneously reneging on its global climate pledges.

Other countries without established renewable resources have also increased their use of coal for power generation, including Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand and the Philippines.

Even China, increasingly touted as a green energy leader, has walked back coal-reduction commitments, choosing instead to focus on building its renewable-led power sector, underpinned by coal.

Indeed, the country remains the world’s biggest carbon emitter. Its domestic coal-fired power generation is expected to rise by 1.5 to 3 per cent this year, reversing last year’s first-in-a-decade decline.

Globally, coal use is predicted to increase 1.4 per cent.

Across the world, politicians have used the crisis to argue for slowing or reversing the energy transition on economic or energy security grounds, something Joshi says is “very convincing”.

In Australia, Opposition leader Angus Taylor has said “we must dig and we must drill” in response to the current global shock. The Liberal Party and One Nation have both promised to abandon net zero frameworks entirely, arguing they hamper energy security.

Such favourable political backing gives fossil fuel companies greater licence to continue generating already vastly inflated profits.

Analytics firm Wood Mackenzie estimates the global oil and gas industry is on track for a nearly $700 billion cash windfall this year. When oil peaked at US$126 a barrel in April, the world’s top 100 oil companies were making a combined US$30 million ($43 million) in profit every hour.

“This money just becomes a war chest,” Joshi says.

“They can use it for political lobbying, for communications, to build new fossil fuel infrastructure. I think we can say confidently that it makes them more capable in enacting their agenda.”

‘The last push for fossil fuels’

The tug-of-war between renewables and fossil fuels is affecting global emissions in real-time, too.

While the IEA predicted at the beginning of the year that emissions would finally begin to drop, the onset of war in Iran saw carbon emissions spike sharply. It represents a departure from other recent energy crises, which have typically triggered a temporary drop in emissions.

A chart showing global carbon emissions since 1990, highlighting dips during major energy crises.

The IEA now expects emissions to rise to a new record once again this year.

Gonzales-Zuñiga says a “lot is changing in the background”; however, political resistance and entrenched interests continue to offset meaningful climate action.

“There’s this last push for fossil fuels, like, the last dying push,” she says.

I think we are exactly at that threshold where it just needs to go in the other direction.

If the world could rally to implement the Global Stocktake goals agreed to at COP28 — tripling renewable capacity, doubling energy efficiency, and cutting methane — by 2030, it would reduce projected warming by 0.9 degrees this century.

“If this crisis were to tip the scales in that direction, this could be like a reference point for how far we could go,” Gonzales-Zuñiga says.

With economic factors, not environmental ones, driving the rollout of renewable energy so far, it’s not yet clear whether uptake will moderate long-term projections beyond the war.

Joshi says the simultaneous push for renewables and the doubling down on fossil fuels seem to be having a “counter-balancing” effect, with no clear overall direction.

“If I had to guess, electrification in Asia and a general nervousness around fossil fuel use will result in a material reduction in fossil fuels, but not necessarily enough to make that curve plummet downwards — you know, like it should have 10 years ago.”

He adds that a renewables transition powered by concern over energy security is also unsustainable, as once that issue is resolved, “the impetus to switch away from fossil fuels just drops”.

“It probably does have some side benefits for climate, but in general, it is just not a great way of enacting this change.”

If you could design a perfect world, you would opt for a much better way of doing things.

With the war in Iran now in its sixth month and fuel prices again climbing, some experts are sceptical about whether the crisis will amount to lasting change.

And yet, undeniably, it has also hastened the fast-tracking of renewable projects in some regions which otherwise may not have happened — including in the US.

In Texas, America’s most oil-rich, deep-red state, pure economics have seen solar, wind, and battery installations roll out faster than in any other, save for California.

Solar now powers more Texan homes than coal, and installation records continue to be shattered.

The picture in Donald Trump’s United States, much like the rest of the world, remains complex. Still, despite the best efforts of the “undisputed champion of beautiful clean coal”, not everyone has been persuaded to stick with the black stuff.


Exploring Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson’s Wealth as Divorce Proceedings Begin

In a surprising twist, Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson, one of Hollywood’s beloved couples, announced that they are heading for a divorce after four years of matrimony, stunning their fanbase on Monday.

The British actress Jodie, who has a three-year-old daughter, Juno Rose Diana, with her Canadian husband Josh, cited “irreconcilable differences” in her divorce filing, stating their separation date as September 13.

This announcement took many by surprise, especially since Jodie and Joshua appeared to be very much in love, just a day before the divorce news broke. They were seen hand-in-hand at the COS Autumn/Winter 2023 event on September 12.

Although Jodie, 37, and Joshua, 45, have remained silent in public about their split, court documents reveal that she has opted out of seeking spousal support and noted that there was no prenuptial agreement.

This brings up questions about how the ex-couple will navigate their financial futures.

It's over: Power couple Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson shocked fans on Monday when it was revealed they are set to divorce after four years of marriage (pictured 2022)

It’s over: Power couple Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson shocked fans on Monday when it was revealed they are set to divorce after four years of marriage (pictured 2022)

Canadian actor Joshua is said to have a net worth of $8 million, reports celebritynetworth.com. 

He became a household name when he starred as Pacey Witter in the hit teen show, Dawson’s Creek, from 1998 to 2003. 

The Critics’ Choice Award nominee went on to land starring roles in Fox’s sci-fi series Fringe and Showtime’s drama, The Affair. 

Most recently, Joshua took on the leading role in Paramount+ series Fatal Attraction, based on the 1987 film of the same name. 

The father-of-one previously revealed that being paid so much in his younger years gave him imposter syndrome. 

Reflecting on being cast in Dawson’s Creek at the age of 19, he confessed: ‘I would make more money doing four episodes of Dawson’s Creek than most of my friends’ parents made in a year..

‘That was the center of my imposter syndrome: You’re trying to set me up to be a role model to kids, and I definitely am not, and you’re paying me all this money that I don’t deserve.’

Joshua and Jodie reside in the Hollywood star’s former childhood home in Topanga, California, after he bought the property in 2001.

The actor was born in Vancouver but raised in Los Angeles until he was eight years old, at which point his parents divorced and he returned to the Canadian city with his mother and sister.

Speaking about his decision to buy his childhood home, he told Mr Porter: ‘ My father unfortunately was not a good father or a husband and exited the scene, but that house in Topanga was where everything felt simple, so it was a very healing thing for me to do.’

Joshua previously owned a home in West Hollywood with ex-girlfriend Diane Kruger which he sold in 2017 for $5.76 million a year after they split.

Iconic: Canadian actor Joshua is said to have a net worth of $8 million. He became a household name when he starred as Pacey Witter in Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003

Iconic: Canadian actor Joshua is said to have a net worth of $8 million. He became a household name when he starred as Pacey Witter in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003

Racy: Most recently, Joshua took on the leading role in Paramount+ series Fatal Attraction, based on the 1987 film of the same name (pictured with co-star Lizzie Caplan)

Racy: Most recently, Joshua took on the leading role in Paramount+ series Fatal Attraction, based on the 1987 film of the same name (pictured with co-star Lizzie Caplan) 

No place like home: Joshua and Jodie reside in Joshua's former childhood home in Topanga, California, after he bought the property in 2001

No place like home: Joshua and Jodie reside in Joshua’s former childhood home in Topanga, California, after he bought the property in 2001

Joshua’s estranged wife is said to have a smaller but still respectable net worth of $3 million, Idol Net Worth reports.

While Joshua hit the spotlight in his teenage years, Jodie’s rise to fame came later, with the actress first studying finance at the University of Pittsburgh before going on to work at a bank.

In 2009 at the age of 22 she decided to move to Hollywood after a chance meeting with musician Pharrell Williams who convinced her to become a model. 

While living in Los Angeles, Jodie also pursued an acting career, landing her first TV role in 2013 as a siren in True Blood. 

She went on to make a number of small TV and music video appearances, including in the video for Zayn Malik’s 2016 hit, Pillowtalk.

However it wasn’t until her starring role in 2019’s Queen & Slim that she began to attract buzz. 

The talented actress starred alongside Daniel Kaluuya in the critically acclaimed drama about a young couple who go on the run after killing a police officer in self defence. 

In 2021 she starred in Channel 5’s controversial version of Anne Boleyn, in which she played the titular character. 

While her casting was met with backlash due to her race, critics praised her acting skills in the three-part drama series. 

Jodie will next be seen in The Acolyte, an upcoming television series within the Star Wars franchise. Her role has not yet been announced. 

While it appears neither Joshua nor Jodie will be seeking spousal support, their living and child custody arrangements have yet to be announced. 

Jodie has asked for joint custody of their three-year-old daughter in the divorce and is being represented by celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser. 

Laura has handled a number of high-profile, high-net-worth dissolutions, including those for Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Johnny Depp and Kevin Costner. 

As Joshua and Jodie did not sign a prenuptial agreement, they will now have to come to an agreement surrounding their divorce settlement. 

A pre-nuptial agreement is essentially a contract drawn up by a couple before they get married. Typically it will list all of the assets each person owns, including any debts, and specifies how these will be divided up in the event of a divorce. 

The extent to which a pre-nup is enforced can depend on the state the couple reside in. While all 50 states officially recognize the agreement, many disagree on the specifics. 

Rachael Burns, who founded True Worth Financial Planning, told DailyMail.com that she believes all engaged couples should sign a prenup regardless of wealth or status. 

She revealed: ‘Pre-nuptial agreements get this reputation for being for really wealthy people. And they are seen as this very unromantic thing. But I think it’s actually very romantic. It’s a way of avoiding so much potential conflict.’

It's a hit: Jodie's rise to fame came later in life and it wasn't until her starring role in 2019's Queen & Slim starring alongside Daniel Kaluuya that she began to attract buzz

It’s a hit: Jodie’s rise to fame came later in life and it wasn’t until her starring role in 2019’s Queen & Slim starring alongside Daniel Kaluuya that she began to attract buzz 

Backlash: In 2021 she starred in Channel 5's controversial version of Anne Boleyn, in which she played the titular character and while her casting was panned her performance was praised

Backlash: In 2021 she starred in Channel 5’s controversial version of Anne Boleyn, in which she played the titular character and while her casting was panned her performance was praised 

Jodie and Joshua first sparked split rumours in September 2022 after they unfollowed each other on social media.

They then refollowed each other with Joshua brushing off split speculation as he gushed about his wife in a chat with E! News.

He said: ‘She is undeniably one of the most beautiful women on the planet. And she always smashes it when she’s on the red carpet. That is truly a wonder to behold.

‘But I will tell you, that there is nothing like waking up in the morning, opening my eyes and seeing her face in the morning.’

Jodie and Joshua married in 2019 after meeting through mutual friends in 2018 and initially insisting that their romance was just ‘casual’.

She has previously revealed their romance started as a one-night stand.

Prior to his relationship with Jodie, Joshua was in a decade-long romance with Diane Kruger, 47, which ended in 2016. Diane is now dating Norman Reedus. 

Throwback: British actress Jodie shares three-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana with Canadian star Josh and is seeking joint custody (Jodie pictured during pregnancy)

Throwback: British actress Jodie shares three-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana with Canadian star Josh and is seeking joint custody (Jodie pictured during pregnancy) 

Case of the ex: Prior to his relationship with Jodie, Joshua was in a decade-long romance with Diane Kruger, 47, which ended in 2016 (pictured in 2015)

Case of the ex: Prior to his relationship with Jodie, Joshua was in a decade-long romance with Diane Kruger, 47, which ended in 2016 (pictured in 2015)

Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Breaks Silence: Emotional Plea to Haters Following Tragic Loss

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Lesley Vogel fiercely addressed detractors criticizing her response to the tragic loss of her daughter, Hayden Panettiere.

During an emotional interview with Rhiannon Ally on “Good Morning America,” the former soap star declared, “To those passing judgment, I say, ‘You have no say in how I grieve my second child. That journey is mine alone.’”

Vogel shared that she is still coming to terms with Panettiere’s passing, adding, “I suspect the gravity will fully hit me in time.”

Reflecting on the initial shock of the news, Vogel recounted how she felt utterly “numb” and disconnected upon receiving the call about her “Heroes” star daughter’s death.

“I’m still struggling to accept this as reality. Some parts of my mind rebel against it, and I know it will be a long journey ahead,” she stated, needing a moment off-camera to collect her tears.

Vogel also said she wants her daughter to be remembered for “the talented, you know, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman she really was.”

In the same interview, she went after her daughter’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.

The “Ice Princess” star died after suffering an apparent “overdose” at a luxury apartment complex in Greenville, SC, on Aug. 16. She was 36.

Hayden’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed “the tragic passing” with “profound sadness” in a statement to Page Six.

A police report obtained by Page Six on Aug. 17 revealed that Hayden — who struggled with “severe health issues” in recent months and was still in the throes of addiction — was taking a “bag of medication” at the time of her death. The types of medications were redacted from the report.

The report also revealed that Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were with Hayden at the time of her death. According to the report, Brian “did not become emotional” until she was officially declared dead.

Since then, Vogel has been vocal about her animosity towards Brian, claiming he is somehow involved in her daughter’s death.

“I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments,” Vogel, 70, told NBC News on Aug. 18 in her first statement since Hayden’s death.

“And I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry — it is a struggle, and it’s a very challenging industry, and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path.”

Speaking about Brian, she said, “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson.”

Vogel also revealed she would be talking to a private detective.

On Aug. 20, Brian spoke out via his lawyer on the loss of Hayden, defending himself from accusations that he played a role in her death.

“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” his attorney, Sloan Ellis, told Page Six.

“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play,” the statement continued. “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

After Vogel faced backlash over her statement due to their estranged relationship, she said in a new statement to Entertainment Tonight, “Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love. It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”

She continued, “Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful.”

“I hope all remember Hayden for the beautiful human being inside her and her gift to the world from her time on this earth,” Vogel added. “My heart is with you, Hayden. Mama.”

She also cast doubt on Brian’s version of how Hayden died while they were staying in the same AirBnb and even claimed that he had “pawned” some of the actress’ belongings amid his ongoing financial issues.

While Brian has not commented on Hayden’s death aside from the statement through his attorney, Zach claimed that Brian used Narcan on the late actress and performed CPR on her when he discovered her unconscious.

“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” Zach told TMZ on Friday.

The on-again, off-again, couple met in 2018 and had a tumultuous relationship. Brian was arrested multiple times for domestic violence against the “Remember the Titans” star, and she wrote about his abuse in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Burnham’s Visit to Kyiv Marks Strategic Handover of Missile Plans

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Today, a tense diplomatic confrontation emerged as Russia made a sharp threat in response to Britain’s decision to provide Ukraine with advanced missile technology.

Moscow alleges that the United Kingdom is now actively engaging in the conflict, coinciding with Andy Burnham’s arrival in Kyiv for his inaugural foreign visit. 

In a significant announcement, the Prime Minister confirmed that European defense giant MBDA has received authorization to divulge details on UK-manufactured components for the Scalp missile — France’s equivalent to the Storm Shadow.

Determined to stand firm, the Prime Minister emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Vladimir Putin’s aggression, dismissing Russia’s warnings to Britain as utterly unacceptable.

Nonetheless, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov intensified the rhetoric, proclaiming, “Britain is actively taking part in this war, aligning itself with the Kyiv government.

‘Britain methodically and regularly pours fuel on the fire and methodically and regularly plots to prevent any progress in the peace process.’

He added that the Russian armed forces were intent on identifying ‘the production sites of such missiles, the production sites of other military equipment’ in order to destroy them.

It emerged over the weekend that the Russian ambassador has been withdrawn from London as relations deteriorate further.   

The UK’s decision means the ‘deep precision’ Scalp – which is built using both British and French technology – could now be produced locally in Ukraine.

The weapons are critical for long-range strikes reaching targets deep inside Russia. 

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Andy Burnham today as the PM made his first visit to Kyiv

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Andy Burnham today as the PM made his first visit to Kyiv 

Mr Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery

Mr Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery

Giving a speech in front of St Sophia cathedral in Kyiv to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Mr Burnham compared the country’s resistance to the fight against Nazi Germany.

‘My nation kept the flame of European freedom alive in the 20th century, you hold that flame in the 21st,’ he said.

‘Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine.’

In his first major speech on the international stage, Mr Burnham praised the ‘sheer strength’ of the Ukrainian people as ‘truly awesome’, and said that ‘this is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war’.

‘Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security but the front line in keeping Europe safe,’ he added.

‘The Ukrainian people deserve not just our continued support, but our gratitude and respect,’ he said, thanking Ukrainians for ‘the incredible stand’ they have taken.

Ukraine has marked its Independence Day with huge drone attacks on three major Russian online shopping hubs.

In a defiant speech marking Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day in front of Saint Sophia, Mr Zelensky said: ‘Ukrainians will not be cobblestones under the feet of tsars and rulers. Ukrainians will not submit.’

Mr Zelensky gave awards to members of the military and posthumous acknowledgements to family members of soldiers killed in the war sparked by Russia’s invasion.

He also gave honours to world leaders present, including one to Mr Burnham titled Honorary Distinction to the British People, Gratitude of the Ukrainian People.

Mr Burnham, who travelled to Ukraine overnight by train, laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery, as part of events marking the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish president Alexander Stubb, who told the Prime Minister ‘we are in a war period’ and warned of Ukraine’s difficulties repelling Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Later today Mr Burnham will chair his first meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’, and accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK’s support.

It follows the Kremlin warning of ‘consequences’ over UK drones being used by Ukraine to strike far into Russia.

Moscow said the deeper Britain became involved, ‘the higher price it will pay’.

Mr Burnham said: ‘On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, its people should be in no doubt: The UK is behind you.

‘In the fight and the rebuilding to come, we stand with Ukraine. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down till there is a lasting peace.’

But Russia said relations with Britain are at ‘an unprecedentedly low level’ as it ordered its ambassador Andrey Kelin back to Moscow after seven years in post.

Mr Kelin has accused the UK of choosing ‘a path of confrontation’ with Russia.

Mr Burnham said: ‘Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.’

Ukrainian drones appeared to hit another Russian online retailer today, following strikes over three nights in a row last week.

Kyiv has been waging a campaign against Wildberries – dubbed ‘Russia’s Amazon’ – and Ozon, claiming they have been supplying components to the military.

Ozon, Russia’s second largest online retailer, said ‘a fire broke out’ at a logistics centre in Makhachkala, southern Russia, following a drone attack at around 5am.

Mr Burnham’s visit comes as Mr Zelensky faces domestic political strife caused by a rift with his former defence minister.

Mykhailo Fedorov was sacked last month after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine’s armed forces.

His ousting triggered weeks of mass protests, and he has called for Mr Zelensky to hold elections, arguing democracy ‘should not be the hostage of Putin’.

The PM is in the Ukraine capital for the country's independence day after travelling overnight by train

The PM is in the Ukraine capital for the country’s independence day after travelling overnight by train

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish president Alexander Stubb (second from left)

During the ceremony, he spoke to Finnish president Alexander Stubb (second from left)

Ukrainian drones strike a huge logistics hub  for online retailer Ozon near Makhachkala this morning

Ukrainian drones strike a huge logistics hub  for online retailer Ozon near Makhachkala this morning

He has also called for Mr Zelensky to face questions over what he knew about alleged corruption in his inner circle.

Last week, Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities said they had uncovered a money-laundering plot, leading Mr Zelensky to sack one of his senior officials over their alleged involvement.

The president has denied any involvement, telling reporters over the weekend: ‘The heads of anti-corruption agencies have zero questions for me.

‘They understand perfectly well that I am not involved in anything like that.’

Touring broadcast studios for the Government this morning, defence minister Luke Pollard told Times Radio: ‘We’ve already seen Russian activities against the United Kingdom, we’ve seen them loitering over our critical undersea cables, we’ve seen cyber attacks on our systems, we’ve also seen them prosecute an illegal war against one of our close friends.

‘So am I surprised that Russia doesn’t like people supporting Ukraine? No, I’m not. Will that stop us from supporting our friends in Ukraine? No, it won’t either.’

Mr Pollard said when to have an election was ‘an internal matter for the people of Ukraine, the government of Ukraine’. 

‘If I look at the parallel United Kingdom during the Second World War, while there was war waging in Europe, we didn’t have elections,’ he said.

He added: ‘Having spoken to both President Zelensky and the former defence minister Fedorov in the past, I know that both of them are committed to the defence of their nation and seeing through their nation to get to a peaceful conclusion to the conflict.’

Alaska Monday Marvel: Watch This Kung Fu Bear Steal the Show

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As autumn approaches, while much of the contiguous United States continues to bask in sunny days, Alaska’s Susitna Valley has already welcomed the cooler, rain-soaked weather. Bright summer greens are fading from the birches and poplars, giving way to the dusty, muted tones typical of August, with the first hints of yellow dotting the leaves.

But there’s another interesting development brewing. Otters, those playful yet cunning creatures, have been spotted around Anchorage, seemingly adapting to city life with surprising ease.

In response to recent otter activity, wildlife experts are cautioning the public to steer clear of these animals following two attacks in Anchorage, one notably occurring in the Taku/Campbell neighborhood just this week.

An alert from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game was issued Wednesday, highlighting the risk of encountering aggressive otters. This warning came after an incident where an otter injured a man who was with a group of children along Campbell Creek near Taku Park.

Just a few weeks earlier, a child suffered a bite while paddleboarding after crossing paths with four otters on Sand Lake. Fish and Game authorities have noted that otters in the same area have also displayed aggressive behavior toward a dog, although the dog escaped unharmed.

This seems rather surprising, as otters are usually pretty inoffensive and even playful critters, although they tend to give humans a wide berth. When I was a kid in Allamakee County, Iowa, we’d see them now and again along Bear Creek, which flowed through my folks’ property. I can remember one late winter when they made a slide on a steep bank of the creek, and three of them, if memory serves, would slide down, run back up the bank, and slide down again. It was a lot of fun to watch them.

These Anchorage otters are apparently less playful.

River otters are found throughout Anchorage’s lakes and streams, often in groups, and can be territorial, biologists say. They can travel both overland and by using Anchorage’s connected bodies of water.

Fish and Game officials said in Wednesday’s statement that they had few details about the otters involved in the encounter this week, as well as their group composition.

Alaska Man score: 5 aquatic meat Slinkies. They’re just doing what they do.



Now then, here’s another interesting Alaska critter story, this one out of Kodiak Island. This gutsy woman repelled a charging brown bear, not with pepper spray, not with a firearm, but with jiu-jitsu. 

Yes, really.

While walking her dog Vesper on a routine weekly route near Bells Flats — a small community about 10 miles from the town of Kodiak — on Aug. 18, (Katelynn) Lane suddenly found herself in a life-or-death confrontation next to a salmon stream.

Armed with no deterrents, she attempted standard bear safety protocols by making noise and standing her ground.

But when the sow kept barreling toward her, Lane made the decision to scramble up a vertical hill. It was during this climb that her dog Vesper intervened, momentarily distracting the brown bear long enough for Lane to reposition herself.

I know I said kung fu in the headline. Kung fu is funnier. Anyway, the martial arts tactic worked:

“You use one leg to kind of block and you kick with the other leg. I don’t know if that was what made that happen or if that was entirely instinctual, but if a person wanted to attribute it to some sort of training, then I suppose that would be it.”

As the bear returned to the hill, it grabbed Lane’s right leg. Lying on her back with her feet pointed downslope, Lane used the leverage to deliver a defensive kick directly to the bear’s face, halting the encounter.

Of course, Ms. Lane was fortunate indeed. She probably startled the bear, who was more concerned about getting her cubs away than pressing home an attack. But that kick to the snoot may have been persuasive. Bears have very sensitive noses, and not just where their sense of smell is concerned. If you have to fight a bear, direct your blows on its nose, especially since the rest of a huge Kodiak brown bear is pretty much bulletproof.

Alaska Man score: 5 bears with sore noses.



In closing, let’s talk about firewood, especially the virtues and shortcomings of various kinds of stove wood.

Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical Left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.

Gainesville Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Woman with Firearm in Parking Lot

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours yesterday, 21-year-old Jovani Luis Lopez found himself under arrest following an alleged incident involving a gun in the parking lot of the Taco Bell situated on SW 13th Street.

Around 12:30 a.m. on August 22, a police officer from the Gainesville Police Department arrived at the Taco Bell at 1515 SW 13th Street. According to the victim’s account, Lopez allegedly pulled out a pistol and issued threats to shoot her.

The victim recounted that while she was inside the Taco Bell, she observed Lopez entering with a woman. Recognizing the woman from an ongoing dispute over another man, the victim decided to head back to her car, retrieve her phone, and Facetime her sister to share that the woman was present at the Taco Bell location.

Upon re-entering the Taco Bell, the victim noticed Lopez and the woman were no longer there but encountered them once more as she exited the establishment. She claimed Lopez threatened that should she approach the woman, he would “pop” her, simulating reaching for a weapon in his waistband.

The victim explained that she moved toward her car while Lopez and his companion headed toward his vehicle. She recalled Lopez shouting at her to approach his car. When she refused, Lopez allegedly drove toward her, lowered his window, and revealed a gun pointed with a green laser at her torso before speeding off. Terrified, the victim believed her life was in imminent danger.

Based on a photo of Lopez’s car and tag, officers conducted a felony stop on Lopez’s car at the intersection of NW 34th Street and NW 8th Avenue. The officers reported finding a handgun in the trunk with a green laser.

The woman who was with Lopez reportedly told an officer that she and Lopez were doing a DoorDash delivery, and she said the victim started taking video of them at Taco Bell. She said they interacted with the victim again outside Taco Bell after they left, and the victim said she would slap the woman if she saw her, and then the victim said she would fight her in the future. She said Lopez and the victim argued, and then they all walked toward their vehicles. She said Lopez drove to where the victim was standing and started yelling at her while waving a handgun, and then the victim saw the handgun and told Lopez he was going to jail. She said they drove away from the Taco Bell, and a short distance away, Lopez stopped at a red light, got out of his vehicle, and told her he had to put something in the trunk.

Post Miranda, Lopez reportedly said the victim had threatened to fight the woman, so he told her she was not going to touch the woman and that she should go get her boyfriend. They continued arguing as they walked to their vehicles, and he said he drove to the victim’s vehicle and told her he’d better not see her or her boyfriend in the city. He denied brandishing a gun or threatening the victim with a gun; he admitted to owning a firearm with a laser but said it was in the trunk the whole time. When an officer asked him how the victim knew he had a gun with a green laser, he said it was from social media.

Lopez has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one previous local arrest, a 2024 case in which adjudication of guilt was withheld after he pled nolo contendere to disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence. Judge Adam Lee ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.