“Wonder Man” star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has addressed the recent discussions regarding Marvel’s track record on projects led by Black actors after the abrupt cancellation of his show.

“I think the optics are obvious,” the Emmy award-winning actor told Vanity Fair in an interview published Thursday. “If I’m a big business, if I’m Disney, if I’m Marvel, I don’t want to be attached to these optics. So it should be a priority to change that narrative and to do what it takes to responsibly change that narrative with quality stories, with quality resources.”

In “Wonder Man,” Abdul-Mateen portrayed Simon Williams, a struggling actor with superpowers that he had to keep secret so he could work in Hollywood. The grounded series — more a love letter to Hollywood than superhero spectacle — was well-received by critics and fans. But just weeks after Abdul-Mateen was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the show, “Wonder Man” was canceled despite the announcement that the series had been picked up for a second season back in March.

Abdul-Mateen was told that the decision “had something to do with the viewership numbers.”

“I wasn’t told what those numbers were, but ultimately, for whatever reason it was, I think they decided that it didn’t make sense for business, and that’s the decision that we live with and we keep on marching forward,” the actor said to Vanity Fair.

Marvel’s abrupt reversal on “Wonder Man” invited scrutiny from fans who had also noted how “Blade” had been stuck in development for years. The film, which had been announced in 2019, was set to star Mahershala Ali as the titular human-vampire hybrid.

“If they wanted to do it, we would’ve done it,” Ali said to GQ in a recent interview, confirming he had “moved on” from the project. (Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said during a recent podcast appearance that he felt like “a gigantic loser and failure” for not getting “Blade” made.)

Fans have also pointed to other Black characters whose storylines have been sidelined or left unresolved over the years, such as Ironheart and Monica Rambeau.

There is one Black-led project for which Marvel has ambitions plans, though.

Marvel recently stoked excitement for the “Black Panther” franchise at San Diego Comic-Con with the announcement that David Jonsson has been cast as T’Challa’s son and the new King of Wakanda. “Black Panther 3,” from filmmaker Ryan Cooger, will be released on Dec. 15, 2028.

Despite his disappointment, Abdul-Mateen said in his Vanity Fair interview that he understands “business and life move on.” But he also believes there are things Marvel and the industry can learn from “Wonder Man.”

“I felt that our show did have quality story, did have quality resources, did have quality actors and people, and did produce quality results that the viewers responded to positively, that the [Emmy] voters responded to positively,” he said. “So our show does deserve some study and some real, hard information about why a show like this did not continue forward, because it had all of the ingredients that one would want in a show.”

The Pentagon on Friday fired the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, as well as its publisher and a reporter, the editor said. He said he was dismissed for insubordination after an interview he gave that objected to potential censorship by the U.S. military.

Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief of the military newspaper that is partly funded by the Pentagon but has a long legacy of editorial independence, told The Associated Press that he and the others had received notices of separation.

The moves come at a time when the Trump administration, in its second term, has been increasingly aggressive and combative toward the news media — including sharply curtailing Pentagon access for the press corps that covers the Defense Department. Trump or other parts of the executive branch have also, in policy and in the courts, grappled with the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and The New York Times — in addition to using the FCC to target broadcast networks.

Slavin said he was being fired “for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line.” He said he stands by the principle “that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent.”

Earlier this week, publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement effective at the end of September. He too received a separation notice, according to Slavin, as did Middle East reporter Lara Korte, who was cited for the same CBS interview as Slavin. Neither Lederer nor Korte immediately responded to requests for comment.

Lederer made his announcement a few weeks after the Pentagon installed a new deputy publisher, an active duty service member, under Lederer at the newspaper without his prior knowledge. Three Democratic senators on Thursday wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asking why the new deputy — Navy Capt. William Urban — had been installed.

It was unclear whether Urban would now become the new publisher. In an email message to the AP, Urban said, “I am currently the Military Deputy to the Publisher. I can’t comment on what my role will be in the future.”

The retirement of Lederer, who had been at Stars and Stripes for three decades and publisher since 2007, comes as Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it asserts are “woke distractions.”

Lederer, the second full-time civilian in the position, wrote in a staff memo that it had “become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.”

In April, the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for the newspaper, whose job had been to safeguard editorial independence.

Noveck writes for the Associated Press.

How the table looks could change drastically by the end of the weekend, with Leeds able to reclaim top spot if they beat York Knights on Sunday, while a third successive Trinity loss has them in danger of dropping to fifth on Saturday if defending champions Hull KR beat Toulouse Olympique.

Both sides had early chances to take the lead, but French was the reason that neither of them managed to open the scoring in the first 10 minutes.

First the Australian wasted a golden opportunity to send Zach Eckersley over with a forward pass, but within two minutes he came up with a stunning try-saving intervention at the other end by holding Max Jowitt up over the line before the full-back was controversially judged to lose the ball in his attempt to touchdown.

Eventually, it was French himself who broke the deadlock, pouncing on a stray Wakefield pass inside his own half before sprinting 65 metres untouched to go in near to the posts.

Two tries in five minutes from Marshall out wide put Warriors in a commanding position before the half-hour mark.

Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell called on Emre Guler for the first time soon after that, with the prop coming off the bench just two days after his move from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons was brought forward by Trinity.

It was only five days ago that Guler, who had been due to make his Super League move next season, had started for the Dragons in their win against Wests Tigers.

Wakefield threatened to respond a number of times before Hall plucked a searching high ball from Jake Trueman from the sky to dot down for the visitors in the 53rd minute.

Hall very nearly linked up with Jowitt for another Wakefield four-pointer soon after, but the centre was forced into touch by Eckersley as he dished the ball off for the finish.

The game’s definitive moment came in the 65th minute when Field swooped on a knock-on from Mike McMeeken, who was within barging distance of the tryline, allowing the full-back to race away in the other direction to score his 15th Super League try of the season.

Wigan Warriors: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O’Neill, Thompson, McDermott, Partington, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Kerr, Cartwright, O’Connor.

Wakefield Trinity: Jowitt; Myers, Scott, Hall, Pratt; Sinfield, Trueman; McMeeken, Lipowicz, Storton, Rodwell, Smoothy, Lolesio.

Interchanges: Hamlin-Uele, Faatili, Smith, Guler.

Referee: Chris Kendall.

Aug. 21 (UPI) — Dozens of people across 15 states have been sickened by alfalfa sprouts tainted with E. coli bacteria and salmonella, federal health officials said Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a safety alert that 55 people have suffered symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting after consuming alfalfa sprout sold in grocery stores under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.

Four hospitalizations have resulted from the outbreak.

Some 38 of the 55 of the cases have been recorded in Minnesota and Wisconsin combined, with fewer cases reported in North and South Dakota, New York, Washington state, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida.

CDC officials warned that the number of illnesses is likely to increase as investigators continue their probe.

The tainted food was determined to originated from Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis-based hydroponic grower.

“Traceback information from Minnesota and Wisconsin restaurants identified alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts as a source of illness in this outbreak,” the CDC said in a statement.”[The Food and Frug Administration] is working to determine if there are additional sources of contaminated sprouts and if there is a common seed supplier.”

The same company last year was issued a warning letter by the FDA following an inspection that produced what it called “serious violations” of the Produce Safety Rule, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

Inspectors documented roof leaks that allowed water to drip near or onto exposed mung bean sprouts while condensation from refrigeration equipment was also found dripping in areas where sprouts were grown or stored.

A TOWIE legend, 62, left fans stunned after she stripped down to a bikini on holiday in Italy.

She looked beautiful in a black and beige striped two-piece as she posed for snaps on a sandy white beach.

The TV star styled her bikini with a pair of black aviator sunglasses and had her white-blonde hair tousled around her shoulders.

The icon in question is, of course, Debbie Bright, who made her debut on series two of The Only Way Is Essex back in 2011.

Debbie is a mum-of-four, and is best known for being mum to 35-year-old Lydia Bright, who left TOWIE in 2017.

Debbie is currently away on holiday, soaking up the sun as she admitted her body was “craving rest” and “recharge”

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Taking to Instagram, she shared a trio of snaps of her enjoying some time with the “sand between her toes.”

She captioned the post: “I think my mind and body have an Italian timer. As we reach the final weeks of school runs, endless reports, housework, cooking and all the everyday chaos, I can feel something inside me beginning to shut down.

“My body is craving rest. My mind is begging me to unplug, recharge and simply breathe. And all I want is sunshine on my face, sand between my toes and the sea surrounding my body.”

Debbie continued: “If I believed in reincarnation, I’m quite sure I was a mermaid in a previous life… or perhaps a dolphin, swimming freely through open waters.

“There is something about the sea that makes me feel completely and utterly myself.

“Since the day I was born, summers have been spent in Italy, near the little village where my beloved Dad was born. It is more than a place to me. It is sanctuary. It is freedom. It is home.

“It is where I feel deeply connected to my Dad, to my roots, and to a part of myself that gets lost amongst the noise of everyday life.”

“And perhaps the greatest gift of all these years of sharing this place, this feeling and this freedom with my children is watching them fall in love with it too,” she added.

“My greatest dream is that they carry this love in their hearts forever. That they always remember the feeling of these summers, the sea, the sunshine, the laughter, the family and the freedom. Because roots run deep.

“And I hope ours never die.”

Kate Ferdinand penned in the comments: “You look incredible,” followed by a red love heart emoji.

One fan wrote: “Wow, how hot is she?” Another fan said: “You look fabulous, beauty inside and out.”

“Absolutely stunning,” added a third fan.

SACRAMENTO — Legislative leaders are drafting a complicated scheme to help close the state’s massive deficit by raiding funds voters have set aside for transportation and local government services, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday, adding that it probably would force a state sales tax hike.

“It is not a good idea,” the governor said in an interview with The Times. But Schwarzenegger, anxious to get a budget passed before the state experiences a cash crisis, did not rule out signing off on such a plan.

During the half-hour interview in his office, the governor offered a broad outline of the proposal being discussed in closed-door budget negotiations. Schwarzenegger, who seemed exasperated by his inability to fix California’s fiscal dysfunction five years into his governorship, cited the borrowing plans to bolster his point that the state’s budget system was in need of reform.

The proposal is being considered as part of a possible compromise between Democrats seeking to close the deficit with $5.6 billion in income tax hikes on the rich and Republicans vowing to block any new taxes.

The legislative plan would balance the state budget with the help of $1.1 billion voters set aside for transportation projects and at least $1.4 billion earmarked for local governments under Proposition 1A, which was approved in 2004, Schwarzenegger said. State law requires that the money be paid back — at a steep interest rate — in three years.

In order to ensure that the money is repaid, “I literally would have to guarantee that with a sales tax or something,” Schwarzenegger said. “Where [else] do we get the revenues that someone can be saying so freely we can pay back this $2.5 billion we are borrowing?”

Officials involved in the confidential budget negotiations, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, said lawmakers also were looking to borrow $200 million voters set aside for early childhood education programs through 1998’s Proposition 10.

Local officials and advocates for the programs expressed alarm at the proposal to raid their funds. They accused legislative leaders of ignoring the will of voters, who approved the measures to prevent the state from touching the money in question.

“The money they would take is going to fund a huge amount of projects,” said Jim Earp, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, a construction trades group. “It would be a complete violation of the spirit of Proposition 1A.”

Earp said transportation advocates were mobilizing a campaign against the plan. He said direct mail would urge lawmakers to vote against it if it is included in the final budget deal.

In Los Angeles County, the proposal would force further cuts in healthcare and human services, and probably affect other programs, said county Chief Executive Officer William T Fujioka. He said the county would lose as much as $145 million this year.

“The human and social impact would be significant,” he said.

Schwarzenegger expressed frustration that California may once again return to borrowing. He argued that if the state were to impose some spending restraints — or at least require lawmakers to build substantial rainy-day funds — the perpetual budget crises would stop.

“It is a self-inflicted situation we are in,” Schwarzenegger said. “We know what the problem is, and we know this is the only way it can be fixed, but we are unwilling to do it.”

For the third time this year, the governor is trying to make changes in the state Constitution that would require that money be put aside in good economic times. His first attempt, in 2004, was watered down by the Legislature, ultimately resulting in a weak reserve that was quickly wiped out when the state’s revenue began to slow. That was followed by a ballot proposal that Democrats and labor groups warned would strangle government; it was defeated by voters in 2005.

“There was $100 million spent against it” and other unsuccessful ballot measures Schwarzenegger championed that year, he said, “because God forbid we should fix something.”

Democrats say it is the governor who is exacerbating the state’s financial problems, by refusing to recognize that California needs more revenue to provide the services polls show voters want. Schwarzenegger’s first action in office was to cut vehicle license fees, a move that is now costing the state as much as $6 billion. Democrats say the state needs that money, and that imposing spending restraints without replacing it would ultimately reduce government services substantially.

The standoff has allowed California’s fiscal problems to grow under the governor’s watch, even as other states have implemented reforms. In a recent ranking by the nonprofit Pew Center on the States, California’s budget system received a D-plus, the lowest grade given any state.

Schwarzenegger’s role in the budget process has been limited this year. Lawmakers complain he is often out of state boosting his national profile.

But the governor says he has met his deadlines for presenting budget plans, and that his attempts to get lawmakers to work on the problem throughout the year were rebuffed.

Schwarzenegger twice during the interview mentioned how Senate Leader Don Perata publicly implied that the governor should butt out of budget deliberations, saying that if he wanted to be involved, he should run for the Legislature.

“I kept saying all spring, ‘Guys, don’t wait until the last minute,’ ” Schwarzenegger said. “Then Perata makes his statement that ‘He shouldn’t be telling us what to do.’ We don’t have the luxury to improvise this year. We are running out of cash.”

The delay in dealing with the budget problem, the governor said, ultimately spilled over into other business at the Capitol, making it impossible to achieve anything of substance.

Schwarzenegger said he ranks the bills the Legislature sends to his desk into weight categories, a nod to his days as a bodybuilder. This year, he said, there is “very rarely a heavyweight bill.”

“We can’t move the state forward because everyone gets frozen,” he said.

—

evan.halper@latimes.com

Rothesay County Championship, Division Two, The OurCoop County Ground, Derby (day two)

Durham 283: Clark 64, Lees 63, Stokes 53; Aitchison 5-70

Derbyshire 127-6: Jewell 28, Montgomery 28; Stokes 2-14

Derbyshire (3pts) trail Durham (3pts) by 156 runs with four first innings wickets remaining

Match scorecard

The Ben Stokes show rolled into Derby on a pulsating second day of the County Championship match between Derbyshire and Durham at the OurCoop County Ground.

The former England captain delivered another top all-round performance, scoring 53 with 11 fours and then taking a wicket with his first ball.

He had figures of 2-14 but then pulled up at the start of his fifth over and had to leave the field although he was back on before the close.

Ben Aitchison starred for the hosts, taking 5-70 to bowl the Division Two leaders out for 283 which included half-centuries from Alex Lees and Graham Clark.

That looked an even better score when Derbyshire collapsed to 127-6, 156 behind, with Matthew Potts and Will Rhodes both taking two wickets.

The prospect of seeing Stokes bat put a few on the gate and it was not long before he was striding to the middle.

Aitchison was getting the ball to nip around and he moved one in to trap David Bedingham lbw in the third over of a sunny morning.

Stokes edged his second ball just short of the slips but a lofted drive off Brett Randell suggested he was in the mood to repeat his hundred on this ground in the One-Day Cup last month.

Aitchison had Lees dropped on 58 by Brooke Guest diving across first slip, and he beat Stokes, who responded by glancing the next ball to the fine leg boundary.

Stokes moved into Bazball mode when he dropped to one knee to drive Nick Potts gloriously through the covers before a dismissive pull brought him another boundary.

It was, however, far from a smooth ride, with a clip off Anuj Dal just evading mid-wicket before an edge through the slips took him to a 56-ball fifty, before Dal pouched a leading edge in his follow-through to reduce Durham to 182-5.

Clark mirrored Stokes, hitting two sixes in a 57-ball half-century and with Ollie Robinson, took Durham to 260 before the second new ball gave the game another twist.

Aitchison got the rewards he deserved when he had Clark caught at second slip to end a stand of 78 from 129 balls and then beat Robinson’s drive.

Both Brydon Carse and Potts went cheaply, the latter bowled by a beauty from Aitchison who became the first Derbyshire bowler for 61 years to take five wickets in an innings in four consecutive first-class matches.

Durham had lost their last five wickets for 23 and Derbyshire’s openers soon discovered there was plenty there for the pace bowlers.

Harry Came and Caleb Jewell were beaten numerous times by Potts and Carse but clung on until Stokes inevitably broke through.

His first ball drew Came into a defensive push which flew to third slip and in his fourth over he swung one in to beat Jewell’s drive as he went for 28.

There was concern when Stokes went off feeling his lower left side but was back on after Rhodes removed Wayne Madsen.

Rhodes then tempted Matthew Montgomery (28) into a drive before Potts struck twice late on, removing Martin Andersson for 21 and Guest for one as Durham again demonstrated their promotion ambitions.

Report by ECB Reporters’ Network, supported by Rothesay.

Aug. 21 (UPI) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he spoke by phone with President Donald Trump on Friday to push for resuming bilateral trade negotiations and discuss efforts to contain international conflicts.

According to Brazil’s presidential office, the 80-minute conversation resulted in an agreement for representatives of both governments to resume talks aimed at resolving the trade dispute, Agência Brasil reported.

During what the Brazilian government described as a “friendly and cordial” conversation, Lula rejected the U.S. justifications for imposing new tariffs, calling them “unfounded.”

The recent trade barriers imposed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative include an additional 25% tariff over alleged unfair practices and another 12.5% tariff linked to alleged shortcomings in efforts to combat forced labor.

The White House based the measures on a series of regulatory and political concerns involving issues including Brazil’s Pix instant payment system, anti-corruption efforts, the ethanol market and efforts to curb deforestation.

Lula argued that the trade restrictions lack a factual basis and cause direct economic harm to both countries.

The Brazilian president said diplomacy is the appropriate path forward and called for bilateral dialogue to remain open.

According to the statement, Trump was receptive to the need to preserve strategic trade ties and proposed that technical delegations from both governments resume meetings as soon as possible.

On security, Lula reiterated Brazil’s interest in cooperating with the United States in the fight against organized crime. He said criminal groups terrorize the country’s poorest communities on a daily basis but should not be confused with terrorist organizations.

Lula outlined progress in his government’s strategy to financially weaken criminal groups, citing seizures worth millions, and detailed the creation of maximum-security prisons.

Trump expressed willingness to deepen cooperation on border security and high-level intelligence sharing, according to the Brazilian government.

The two presidents concluded the call by discussing the need to pursue negotiated peace efforts to address the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Court cuts Infowars founder’s penalty for false claims that school shooting was a ‘hoax’ from $50m to $1.5m.

A court in the US state of Texas has slashed a fine that conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was ordered to pay for capitalising on false claims that the deadly 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school mass shooting was a “hoax”.

The unanimous opinion by the Texas Third Court of Appeals on Friday reduced the $50m judgment to $1.5m. The court found that parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, whose six-year-old son was one of 20 children and six staff killed in the shooting, did not provide enough evidence of harassment to pass the state’s $750,000 cap on damages.

“The families care not at all about this irrelevant ruling which affects only two of the 19 claims they all share. Jones still faces over a billion dollars of liability, so this changes absolutely nothing. All it does is highlight the absurdity of Texas law,” said Mark Bankston, an attorney for Heslin and Lewis in Texas.

The decision does not affect a separate ruling against Jones in Connecticut that ordered him to pay $1.25bn for his claims that the shooting was a hoax perpetrated by the government to justify gun regulations.

The case centred on the allegation that Jones knowingly pushed false claims about the victims and their families – including that the children who were killed were actors – to capitalise on attention around the shooting for his Infowars platform, even as his claims led to a torrent of abuse for the families of victims. Many said they faced death threats and were forced to relocate as a result.

Jones and his company have filed for bankruptcy, and he gave up the Infowars brand in April. He has continued to broadcast online and share his shows on the social media platform X.

Jones called the Friday ruling a “gigantic victory for the First Amendment”, which protects freedom of expression in the US Constitution, adding that he will continue to appeal the case to the Texas state Supreme Court in a bid to have the remaining charges dismissed.

“I got lawyers who are good constitutional lawyers and they are not backing down,” Jones said.

ORE Oduba has been served a fresh blow as he was forced to slash the ticket prices for his new show with Joanne Clifton.

Broadcaster Ore – who has been open about his financial troubles over recent months – met pro dancer Joanne back in 2016 after they were paired together on series 14 of Strictly Come Dancing.

They have remained good pals over the years and recently decided to go on tour.

The Joanne and Ore – Champions Reignited tour will see the pair sing, dance and tell stories.

But, it seems fans aren’t too keen as they’ve been left with no choice but to flog remaining tickets for 75% less than the original price.

Ore, 40, and Joanne’s tour was spotted on discount website Show Film First, which is used to sell-off tickets at a cheaper price.

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Event organisers and theatre producers strive to have all seats to be filled for shows, so when venues aren’t selling-out they often allocate unsold tickets to seat-filling agencies like Show Film First.

Tickets to their show have been slashed from £59 to just £15.

Before discounts, the lowest-priced tickets at their original price were £25 for students with a valid ID.

The advert on the site flogging tickets to Ore and Joanne’s upcoming show on Sunday has, at the time of writing been taken down.

They are set to take to the stage in Newcastle at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House.

On the venue’s website, fans can still get 2-for-1 tickets to the performance, which is just hours away.

This isn’t the first blow Strictly star Ore has suffered over the past few years as he announced he and Portia, 36, had ended their nine year marriage in October 2024.

Following their sad split Ore and Portia the put their family home on the market, which left their kids devastated.

The pair share a son, Roman, eight and four-year-old daughter Genie together.

Portia said on social media: “I told the children that we are selling the house.

“It’s hard, especially for Roman, to have these conversations. He’s really upset.”

Last November, Ore opened up on his porn addiction battle while speaking on the We Need to Talk podcast with Paul C Brunson.

He candidly said: “I was nine when I was introduced to pornography. That’s when my addiction started.”

Ore added: “While I wouldn’t say the addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately and it didn’t take long for that intrigue to start running my mind over.

“It was the thing that was destroying my life from the inside out.

“But it was a thing I was running to from an early age as a response to the trauma.”

“Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here’s what’s happening,” said Ore.

“The reason I felt like I needed to speak out on this, is because I wanted to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there.

“They’re going to come across it.”

Ore also admitted that he’d been struggling financially and his son was forced to leave his private school mid-term as a result.

The London-based TV and radio anchor shot to fame after fronting coverage for BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live, and major events like the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2016 Rio Olympics.

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is allowing the White House to continue construction on President Trump’s $400 million ballroom project for now.

Roberts signed a temporary order on Friday allowing work to continue while the court considers an emergency appeal from the Trump administration.

Lower courts had ordered a halt to the project, finding that it must have congressional approval. That ruling was set to take effect on Friday. Roberts signed the order because he oversees appeals of Washington-based cases.

The case comes before the nation’s highest court as Trump, a Republican, exercises unparalleled assertions of presidential power and increasingly seeks to mold the capital in his own image.

The Trump administration has scored a series of victories on the high court’s emergency docket, though the justices have ruled against some of the president’s signature policies after fuller review.

The administration has argued that the president has total authority to renovate the White House and other federal buildings as he sees fit and that the ballroom project must be completed due to national security concerns.

When Trump first announced the plans for a new ballroom, he did not emphasize national security. He said the project would be funded by private donations, including from himself.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation argues that Trump has no unilateral authority to undertake the work, which has included demolishing the East Wing. Lawyers for the preservation group accused the White House of trying to “outrun the courts” by accelerating construction.

The Trump administration says 65% of work has already been completed on the planned 90,000-square-foot (8,400-square-meter) ballroom, where the East Wing stood before the president ordered its demolition. Crews are working 20 hours a day, seven days a week on the project, where about $200 million in private donations has been spent or committed, Justice Department attorneys said in court documents.

A district court judge ordered a stop to aboveground construction of the planned ballroom in April in a ruling that was suspended before being upheld by an appeals court panel. The order from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington allows belowground work on bunkers and military installations to continue. Leon was nominated by President George W. Bush, a Republican.

Two appeals-court judges appointed by Democratic presidents found the project was for Congress to decide and “not a matter for Executive self-help.” A third judge, appointed by Trump, found that the preservationist group that challenged the project had no legal right to sue.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer picked up on that argument, calling the decision halting the work “extraordinary and unlawful.” He said the completion of the project was “vitally required by national security.”

Whitehurst and Kunzelman write for the Associated Press.

For Root, the innings victory sealed inside three days against Pakistan was the ideal start to his second spell as captain.

It also extended England’s run of wins at Headingley, which began in 2018. Their longest winning streak at another ground is six at Chester-le-Street.

The decision for Headingley and Old Trafford to miss out on the 2027 Ashes roster was announced in 2023.

But the match allocation has once again come into focus after the schedule for next year’s series was confirmed in July.

Nottingham’s Trent Bridge will be the most northerly ground to host a men’s Ashes Test, with Southampton given an England-Australia Test for the first time. Headingley will instead play host to a women’s Ashes Test.

Headingley staged a men’s Ashes Test in 2019 and 2023, both matches England won. The 2019 win, inspired by Ben Stokes, was one of the most legendary contests in Ashes history, ranking alongside Ian Botham’s heroics of 1981 on the same ground.

Overall, England’s record of nine home Ashes wins in Leeds is bettered only by their 17 at The Oval, and The Oval has hosted 36 Ashes Tests compared to Headingley’s 26.

“I would love to play as many games as possible here,” said Root. “It’s a great Test-match venue, a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket, and one we’ve had quite a lot of success on recently.

“It’s a shame we don’t get to play here next year, but I’m sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here.”

Headingley will next host a men’s Ashes Test in 2031, from when the England and Wales Cricket has said it will keep at least one Test in Leeds or Manchester in the allocation for every home Ashes series. Southampton will get a Test in alternate men’s home Ashes.

Aug. 21 (UPI) — President Donald Trump‘s threatened 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods hung in the balance Friday as U.S. and Canadian negotiators met in Washington with a midnight deadline looming.

Canadian Minister for Internal Trade Dominic LeBlanc, his country’s lead negotiator, arrived at the offices of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer shortly after noon as the two sides met to strike a deal ahead of Trump’s 12:01 a.m. Saturday deadline, the CBC reported.

The U.S. president signed orders in July to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, including cement, hockey sticks and many other items, representing about 2% of the entire trade between the United States and Canada.

The tariffs were to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, but were delayed through the end of Friday by an announcement on social media issued about 90 minutes before the deadline in which Trump said the two sides “have a DEAL!” with final implementation to come.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, however, was much more cautious, saying only that “substantial progress has been made, although there is important work still to be done.”

Details of the touted agreement have been scarce. However, Trump teased the possibility that it could reinstate work on the abandoned proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Alberta, which was dropped by then-President Joe Biden in 2021 over climate concerns.

The U.S. president also intimated that U.S. tariffs on Canadian autos could be part of the deal, which Greer suggested that the United States could adjust its current tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Canadian negotiators, meanwhile, want to ease the tariffs already imposed on Canadian industries, including duties of up to 50% on steel, aluminum and autos. Some tariffs also affect Canadian softwood lumber.

On Wednesday, after Trump extended the deadline, Carney urged a “Team Canada” approach during a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial premiers as some of them have toed a hard line in refusing to stock American alcohol products, which is seen as a main irritant to the Trump administration.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew on Thursday told reporters if a new deal allows a return of U.S. beer and spirits to Canadian shelves, local consumers should “leave it there.

“Don’t buy it. Let it sit on the shelf … and buy the Canadian stuff instead,” he said.

Carney on Wednesday emphasized “continued collaboration with provincial and territorial governments as the federal government works to finalize a deal with the United States,” according to an official readout of the meeting.

He reiterated the government’s goal is to “secure the best deal for Canadians — one that provides the greatest possible U.S. market access for Canadian businesses,” and emphasized “the importance of remaining focused on Canada’s central economic strategy: building our economic strength at home and diversifying our partners abroad.”

China opposes the US and Western escalation against Iran and insists on condemning the US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear targets. China considers the US and Israeli military attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. While Beijing officially adheres to nuclear non-proliferation, it will hold the US directly responsible and will oppose the imposition of new international sanctions against Iran in the UN Security Council. China will work to hold Washington accountable. Beijing believes that the US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement is the root cause of the current impasse in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) negotiations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserts that the policy of maximum pressure and economic sanctions against Tehran will not resolve the crisis but will only exacerbate tensions. China views Tehran’s threat to withdraw from the NPT as an understandable reaction to the maximum pressure exerted upon it, but it consistently prefers diplomatic solutions and supports maintaining the international legal framework to prevent escalation.  The Chinese stance came after Iranian parliamentarians, including Ebrahim Rezaei, asserted that withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the best response to the Trump administration’s escalation of economic warfare.

The main dimensions of the Chinese position regarding the Iranian threat to withdraw from the NPT are embodied in China’s rejection of pressure and sanctions against Iran. China maintains that the escalating US sanctions and policies against Tehran will not resolve the nuclear crisis but rather exacerbate it. Chinese intelligence, military, political, and strategic circles have adopted a strategy of legal consideration versus feasibility. Experts and observers close to Chinese circles argue that Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT is a legitimate legal right for independent states, but Beijing implicitly suggests that such a move could trigger harsher international sanctions against Tehran. Therefore, Beijing is working to (obstruct UN sanctions against Iran). China, along with Russia, has expressed its readiness to block the activation of the snapback mechanism or any harsh international sanctions against Iran in the UN Security Council to protect its interests and regional stability, while adhering to a political settlement. Beijing is calling on all parties to return to the negotiating table and maintain regional and international stability, instead of taking radical and escalatory steps that violate international treaties.

In my analysis, China will insist on referring the Iranian issue to international forums, such as the Security Council, using its veto power to condemn and block any resolutions issued against Iran. Here, China is expected to cooperate with Russia to obstruct any Western or American Security Council resolutions aimed at condemning Iran or imposing new, harsh UN sanctions. China will maintain its commitment to dialogue by continuing to call for a return to the political negotiating table, while publicly acknowledging Tehran’s previous assurances that it is not seeking to produce nuclear weapons. Here, we must understand all the strategic parameters of China’s position regarding the escalation against Iran over its nuclear program through the lens of China’s opposition to nuclear armament. Despite China’s understanding of Iran’s motives and its right to peaceful energy, it categorically rejects Tehran’s move towards acquiring a nuclear military arsenal in order to preserve the stability of the international order and prevent a regional arms race. This is coupled with the desire of relevant circles in Beijing to safeguard their interests. Therefore, Beijing will strive to avoid sliding into a direct confrontation with the West and the United States while continuing to provide Iran with as much economic and diplomatic support as possible in order to alleviate Iran’s isolation.

China supports Tehran diplomatically, emphasizing dialogue and rejecting the unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington. Despite the ongoing pressure, the likelihood of direct war remains low, as a major war of attrition is avoided. China’s position is characterized by its call for diplomatic solutions and dialogue based on mutual respect, its rejection of unilateral US economic sanctions against Iran, and its insistence that all parties address the root causes of the tension and resume the nuclear agreement. This is especially relevant given the Iranian threat to withdraw from the agreement, voiced by several members of the Iranian parliament who believe that remaining in the nuclear non-proliferation treaty is pointless under continued US pressure.  Intelligence, military, political, and strategic circles in Beijing considered the Iranian parliamentary proposal a political response to the tightened US economic sanctions against Tehran. Chinese intelligence circles are well aware that an actual Iranian withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty requires the approval of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Should this occur—a slim possibility according to Chinese strategic assessments—it would mean the potential outbreak of a full-scale war. Therefore, strategic assessments in Beijing suggest that the potential confrontation between Washington and Tehran will likely escalate into a protracted war of attrition rather than a full-scale military clash. According to Chinese analyses, both Washington and Tehran prefer economic pressure and the prospect of open negotiations to the option of open warfare. Hence, China seeks to curb any military escalation that could threaten energy security and regional stability.

Accordingly, China supports the continuation of the diplomatic and political track to resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis. It rejects pressures, escalatory policies, and economic sanctions against Tehran, while simultaneously calling for dialogue based on mutual respect and the preservation of regional stability, without supporting any sudden steps that could fuel the conflict. China’s general position stems from its rejection of sanctions. Beijing believes that the policy of maximum pressure and economic sanctions does not resolve the nuclear issue. Therefore, China consistently calls for adherence to dialogue to resolve differences through peaceful political and diplomatic means and to resume negotiations. China also provides strategic support to Iran. In this regard, China stands with Iran in the face of Western and American pressure. China is working alongside Russia to submit draft resolutions to the UN Security Council to support de-escalation, extend the agreement’s framework, address threats of withdrawal, and avoid mutual escalation. China urges all parties to avoid any unilateral steps or escalatory measures, such as triggering the snapback mechanism or mutual withdrawals from international agreements and treaties, which could lead to a loss of control.  Therefore, Beijing prefers to contain this crisis and the Iranian threats to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty through negotiating frameworks that preserve the basic structure of the non-proliferation regime, while holding the United States and European countries partly responsible due to Washington’s previous withdrawal from the same nuclear agreement that Tehran is now threatening to withdraw from.

DAMON ALBARN has found the woman to drag him off his very own melancholy hill.

The Blur frontman’s 25-year relationship with Suzi Winstanley ended four years ago, but now I’m told he has been secretly dating long-time Gorillaz collaborator Rebecca Freckleton for almost a year.

And now, things have got more serious, as pals say the couple are shacked up in his London pad.

My exclusive photos show that Damon and Rebecca are absolutely smitten, and I’m told they’ve been inseparable for months.

I first heard whispers about their relationship late last year, with friends telling me Rebecca and Damon’s friendship was moving to the next level.

Over the past few months, the pair have been seen together in public on a handful of occasions.

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“Damon and Rebecca are in love and their friends couldn’t be happier for them,” one insider told me.

“After his split from Suzi in 2022, Damon took some time to find himself again. It was a few years later he started to grow closer to Rebecca.

“They’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now.

“He’s got a place in London and she’s there all the time with him.

“She’s been seen out walking his dog, too. They make a lovely couple and it’s been great to see Damon so happy again.”

I first revealed Damon and Suzi, the mother of his daughter, Missy, had split three years ago.

The pair ended their relationship in 2022, with friends revealing the news early the following year.

Damon, who wrote On Melancholy Hill for Gorillaz album Plastic Beach in 2010, poured his heartbreak into Blur’s comeback album, The Ballad Of Darren, which came out in 2023 and went straight to No1.

And he had the same success with Gorillaz’s latest record, The Mountain, which hit the top spot in the album chart back in March.

Rebecca was on board for that project and sang backing vocals on their track, The Empty Dream.

Damon certainly won’t have any of those with Rebecca by his side.

Ayda now inactive

WHEN one door closes, another opens – and that’s exactly what’s happened to Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field.

After he launched new clothing line Hopeium last week, hers, Ayda Activewear, was put on ice.

Former Loose Women panellist Ayda debuted her range of cool athleisure clobber back in 2022 and it was initially a big success – but things became more tricky.

A source said: “The market is fiercely competitive and while Ayda Activewear did take off, business has been tough recently.

“The way the markets are, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for brands like this to operate.

“Naturally she hopes one day she could open it back up, but only time will tell.”

Shoppers visiting Ayda’s website are now greeted with a message blaming “sizeable tariffs and overall economic uncertainty” for a “pause” in trading.

In a personal note, she wrote: “I envisioned clothes that were ready to reflect and tackle the chaos of my life and make me feel f***ing fantastic while doing it. Thanks to you all, I got to do just that.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and I thank you so much for the enduring support. For now we’re hitting the pause button but don’t worry – we’re still stretching and dreaming . . .  and wearing leggings every damn day.”

Amen to that, Ayda.

SAM SMITH says they have never been as proud of an album as new record, Hazel Eyes.

The LP came out yesterday and is reminiscent of their 2014 debut, In The Lonely Hour. It is all about falling in love with fashion designer Christian Cowan.

Sam, who confirmed their engagement last month, said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of myself or an album.

“This album will always mark one of the most magical, confronting, happiest and challenging times of my life as a person and an artist.”

Sam will play two nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall on September 3 and 4 before kicking off an eight-night residency at the London Coliseum on September 8.

NETFLIX has snapped up the rights to a documentary all about US singer and actress Jessica Simpson.

The project will be headed up by Joe Pearlman, who directed Robbie Williams’ 2023 series on the platform.

Jessica found fame as a pop star in the early noughties alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, with hits like I Wanna Love You Forever, With You, and a cover of These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.

She’s since sold 20 million records and had a high profile marriage, and divorce, to American singer-songwriter Nick Lachey.

CELEBRITY Big Brother star Danny Beard may wear wigs in his drag shows, but he wants everyone to know the importance of hair care.

The performer is the new face of the Method haircare brand – creating a full dance video to show off his not-so-natural locks.

Apparently, 71 per cent of us say freshly washed hair has a positive effect on our mood.

To be fair to Danny, I also perform a full choreographed dance routine in the shower.

Pixie: I’ll do Marilyn proud

PIXIE LOTT arrived in style for the press night of her new West End show, Who Killed Marilyn?, in a white Cadillac.

She wore a slinky pink, white and gold dress for the event at London’s Emerald Theatre and told how she hopes to show the real person behind Marilyn’s Hollywood alter-ego.

Pixie, who posed for pics with husband Oliver Cheshire, said of the play: “Marilyn was the character she created, but this is more from her Norma Jeane side. It’s her telling her own story, right from the beginning, right up until the end.

“ I was always aware of obviously the very glamorous Hollywood icon side and maybe more of her vulnerable side and fragile side, but not this strength and the intelligence – that side of her that hasn’t really been spoken about.”

Shaggy’s 007 heaven

SHAGGY lived up to his name when he got hitched at the GoldenEye resort in Jamaica – where Ian Fleming wrote James Bond – by intimating he got frisky on the author’s desk.

The It Wasn’t Me singer, who married wife Rebecca in 2014, admitted: “It’s a magical desk. I did a different kind of magic on the desk – but we’re not going to talk about that.”

On Alan Carr’s travel podcast Life’s A Beach, Shaggy also said one of the best things about being a celeb is never complaining.

“I just have someone complain for me,” he said. “I’m famous. I can do that.”

Some claim new MJ biopic is a cover-up

MICHAEL JACKSON’s biopic sequel will explore the sexual abuse allegations made against the late King of Pop, but won’t tell it from the victims’ side.

The Smooth Criminal singer’s nephew Jafaar Jackson, played him in the first film, Michael, which came out this year and made more than $1billion at the box office.

He has said the follow-up will be from MJ’s point of view. But that has already ruffled feathers among people who believe it will skate over the serious allegations.

Jafaar told GQ Middle East: “The second film will give more insight from his point of view, because [the allegations] are always from someone else’s.

“It’s someone else’s story . . .  and it’s mainly driven by an agenda. That’s the issue we have as a family – not having Michael’s voice heard. That is very important.”

There are high hopes for the sequel, after the first movie became the highest-grossing biopic and has sent Jacko’s greatest hits album back up the charts.

NEW YORK — Nearing the six-month mark of the Iran war and facing diminishing stockpiles of key weapons, the Trump administration is touting a crushing financial campaign against Tehran, promising an “economic D-Day” against a country that has withstood nearly five decades of punishing American sanctions.

With sparse details, President Trump announced this week that the U.S. would be imposing an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare and isolation on Iran, aiming to force its leadership to cave to demands to end its nuclear program and fully reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers.

It reflects the dire reality Trump faces with an increasingly unpopular war he can’t seem to end just months before pivotal midterm elections that will decide whether his Republican Party keeps control of Congress. Whether out of desperation or strategy, the president is refocusing America’s might on bringing Iran to its knees through an accelerated sanctions campaign against one of the most economically penalized countries in the world.

In response to the threat, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted Friday on X the history of U.S. sanctions against Iran, saying, “We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies.”

The immediate reaction from Iran hawks has been praise and a call for patience as it plays out, while other analysts warn that Trump is refusing to learn the lessons of his predecessors.

In an interview Thursday on CNBC, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a small glimpse of what may be ahead, threatening secondary sanctions on nations and companies that conduct business with Iran.

He did not reveal who would be targeted as part of this next phase of the administration’s Operation Economic Fury, which earlier had focused on entities and people who buy oil from or bank with Iran. China and India, however, are major buyers of Iranian oil.

“If you insist on doing business with them, then the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government will put its full might and force against you,” Bessent said. “It’s time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision.”

Some experts see ‘uncharted waters’ that could force Iran’s hand

Despite decades of U.S. sanctions against Iran, the Trump administration is arguing that it’s only a matter of time and that striking the right economic target would get Tehran to its breaking point.

Richard Goldberg, who coordinated efforts to put diplomatic pressure on Iran in Trump’s first term, said the consequences of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites last year, the war this year and the American naval blockade on Iranian ports have created the perfect storm for capitulation — one that didn’t previously exist.

“I think we’re watching a strategy, whether it takes a short time or a long time, that is very much about fundamentally changing the future of the world by seeing the end of this regime,” said Goldberg, who is now at the hawkish Washington think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, or FDD.

“I caution everyone — including myself, who has worked on sanctions, who’s worked on financial warfare — to have the humility to admit that we are in uncharted waters,” he said.

He said the decision this week by the United Arab Emirates — once one of Tehran’s most important trading partners — to suspend trade with Iran over an alleged missile attack will only further isolate the government.

Beyond trade in domestically produced goods, the Emiratis had helped the country absorb some of the shocks caused by sanctions through its re-export hub.

Targeting allies and partners comes at a price

With nearly all of Iran’s energy, financial and transportation sectors already covered by U.S. sanctions, Trump’s aim appears to be to apply secondary sanctions on countries, including allies and partners, that have not cut all ties with Iran to starve the country of any remaining income it may still be receiving.

In many ways, it is a redux of Trump’s first-term maximum-pressure campaign, which he has ramped up during his second term to include military action.

But as Trump and his allies discovered during his first administration, it can be difficult to enforce secondary sanctions without harming U.S. interests and provoking reciprocal measures. There were numerous instances of the administration granting sanctions waivers to countries, particularly those that rely on Iranian oil for their energy needs.

“Trump’s strategy now rests on targeting Tehran directly by impeding its touch points and access to the formal financial system and international economy,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the FDD’s Iran program. “This will require making the Iran issue more important in U.S. bilateral relations with countries in Europe and Asia.”

Iran doesn’t see an ‘open door’ at the end of the sanctions campaign

Iranian officials and analysts have accused the Republican president of flip-flopping with his latest pivot to economic pressure against Tehran. Trump has long derided past leaders who used sanctions to limit Iran’s ability to pay for its military and nuclear development.

In a post last week on X, Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, wrote that Washington’s pattern of retreating to sanctions when it doesn’t want to pursue diplomacy has proven to be futile.

“Iran has demonstrated over decades that it will not be strangled by these exhausted refrains,” he said. “The real risk is that American politicians, clinging to this bad habit, will instead strangle their own remaining chances of a less humiliating exit from a crisis of their own making.”

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said the Trump administration’s decision to take its own maximum-pressure policy to new heights with military action seems to ignore years of U.S. foreign-policy lessons that show Iran does not respond well to pressure.

If anything, he says, the latest economic campaign has only “hardened Iran’s position.”

“I think (Trump’s) blind spot is the fact that the only thing that the Iranian regime views as more dangerous than suffering from U.S. sanctions is surrendering to U.S. terms,” Vaez said.

Plus, the past year of start-stop diplomacy has only worsened the already fragile dynamic between the longtime adversaries, Vaez says, adding that Iranian officials’ lack of trust in Trump and his mediators has created an untenable foundation.

“They believe that even if they capitulate to U.S. terms under economic duress, Trump would move the goalposts and ask for more,” he said. “And this is really the fundamental problem: Pressure without an open door is an exercise in futility.”

Amiri writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Matthew Lee and Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.

Since Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach, the Reds have signed Victor Munoz for £34.5m and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

Jeremy Jacquet, the French centre-half, also arrived from Rennes in a deal worth £60m, but that was agreed back in January.

In terms of outgoings, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all left the club over the summer while Curtis Jones is in Italy to complete a £30m move to Inter Milan.

Iraola added: “You are asking me what we need – there are certain situations that for me are clear – especially now on the wing because we don’t have enough players specific to play in those positions.

“And then in other positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that honestly can improve our team.

“It’s not about signing because we need a player here. No, it’s about improving the squad. And we have very good players already here, so to improve our very good players, you need like a specific level of player, yes.”

In a separate interview with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, he said: “We will definitely sign some players. Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1. Because it is true that we are still quite thin.”

It’s not the first time that Iraola has said words to that effect, having echoed similar sentiments during Liverpool‘s pre-season tour in the USA when discussing Liverpool‘s defensive options, and internally the belief at Anfield is that it will be a busy end to the window for Liverpool

On Jones’ move to Inter Milan, Iraola said: “With Curtis, you know. I think it’s still not official but there is an ongoing situation. I understood with Curtis. I talked to him. I think in the first or second training session we talked.

“I value him a lot as a player. He loved this club – it was very clear since the beginning for me – but I understood that probably the outcome was going to be what it has been at the end.

“I’ve never hid it – for me Curtis is a very good player. A very, very good player, but I understood straight away when he talked to me about his situation. It was a situation that could happen and it looks like it is going to happen.”

Israeli settlers fatally shot 17-year-old Karim Sanad Shalaldeh in Hebron, while Israeli forces killed 58-year-old Fathi Khazem in Jenin.

A Palestinian teenager in Hebron and a former colonel in Jenin have been shot and killed in separate incidents involving Israeli settlers and soldiers, as escalating attacks and the rapid expansion of illegal settlements drive a wave of forced displacement in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Friday that 17-year-old Karim Sanad Shalaldeh was fatally shot in an Israeli settler attack in Khirbet Hamroush.

Shalaldeh sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was reported to be in critical condition before he was announced dead. A 70-year-old man was also shot and injured during the attack.

Local sources told the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, that large groups of armed Israeli settlers raided the Khirbet Hamroush area, opening fire at residents and setting Palestinian homes on fire.

In a separate incident on Friday morning, the Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs informed the Health Ministry that 58-year-old Fathi Khazem was fatally shot by Israeli forces in Jenin. The Israeli military was raiding the home of retired colonel in the Palestinian National Security Forces when the shooting occurred.

The Israeli army claimed Khazem attempted to stab Israeli troops during a military operation before the soldiers opened fire and killed him.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said the Israeli army did not release the body to the victim’s family for burial, and Wafa reported that Israeli forces prevented emergency services from reaching the house after the shooting.

Earlier, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its crews treated a 14-year-old boy who was shot with live ammunition in the chest and back during an Israeli raid near Jenin. The boy was transferred to a hospital, it added.

The Israeli military also arrested six people during a separate raid on the city on Friday.

The ‘most immoral’ army

Amid new attacks and Israeli army raids across the occupied West Bank, in Qusra, south of Nablus, Israeli settlers continue to besiege three Palestinian homes for a 13th consecutive day under the protection of Israeli forces.

Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said Israeli forces and settlers were preventing families in the Ras al-Ain area from entering or leaving their homes, while one of the houses had been seized and turned into a military post. The area has also been declared a closed military zone.

Wadi said the families were running short of food and medicine because Israeli forces were preventing supplies from reaching them, Wafa reported.

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, called the Israeli military “the MOST IMMORAL ARMY” in a post on X.

“In the West Bank, soldiers and settlers cut water pipes, while Qusra’s siege continues,” she wrote. “In Gaza the pulverization continues and so the massacres. Since the ceasefire Israel has killed 1,200+ people, including 300 children.”

A report by Human Rights Watch on Thursday found state-backed Israeli settler violence fully or partially displaced 107 Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank since January 2023.

The US-based rights group said increased settler attacks, along with the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements that are illegal under international law, are driving a wave of forced displacement of Palestinians.

Israeli plans to build a major new illegal settlement under the E1 settlement project, which would cleave the occupied West Bank in two, have provoked widespread condemnation from around the world.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway on Thursday called Israel’s opening of construction tenders for more than 1,200 housing units under the project “unacceptable” and in violation of “the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories”.

“Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing,” the statement said.