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After the presidential election, Poles march to demand equality for LGBTQ+ after fears are raised
On Saturday, thousands of Poles marched in Gdansk's northern port to show their support for the LGBTQ+ Community amid concerns for its future following the election of nationalist candidate Karol Nawarocki. Participants waved the rainbow flags as well as the blue, white, and pink banners that represent the transgender communities. Many participants carried placards with messages like "Love is Love" and "12 Years Together - When Civil Partnership?" Wroclaw, a western city, also hosted a parallel Pride event. Nawrocki's support by the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), has caused alarm among LGBTQ+ activists. While in power between 2015 and 2023, PiS made opposition against what it called "LGBTQ+ ideologies" a key part of its program, framing them as a danger to traditional values in a predominantly Catholic country. Agata, a 23-year old student, said: "I was devastated. "I'm scared. "I don't know how our future will look." While LGBTQ+ issues were not as prominent in Nawrocki’s campaign as they were in the one of his PiS-backed successor Andrzej duda's in 2020, Nawrocki’s platform included promises to resist “ideology in school" and to oppose adopting same-sex couples. He stated that marriage is between a man a woman, and while rejecting civil partnership, he expressed his willingness to discuss the legal recognition of a "close" person, regardless of their sexual orientation. A pro-European coalition, which came to power in the year 2023, introduced a bill that would legalise civil partnership. The bill's fate is uncertain, however, as the presidency has veto powers. Agata expressed her hope that a civil partnership law could be implemented, but said it was unlikely to happen during Nawrocki’s presidency. She said, "I want to see more equality in society and in our country."
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Horse racing-Lambourn wins Epsom Derby for O'Brien
The front-running Lambourn won the Epsom Derby in its 246th edition on Saturday. It was Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in this race, which is a new record. Lambourn was 13-2 when he entered the race. He set off at a blazing gallop, and under Wayne Lordan he broke away from the rest of the field to stay unchallenged until the finish line. The Epsom Derby, which is run over a horseshoe-shaped course, is the ultimate test of speed and stamina for thoroughbreds. The Lion in Winter and Delacroix were not the favourites of O'Brien. Delacroix was ridden by Ryan Moore. O'Brien dismissed claims that the colt had been overlooked during the preparation for the race. He said: "Wayne was aggressive right out of the gate, he gained a good position." "I knew that Wayne was not going to give back any of the inches he had gained, and it would be difficult to beat him." O'Brien, the Derby's most-successful trainer, won the Oaks and Derby double after Minnie Hauk, the fillies' Classic winner on Friday, beat the previously unbeaten favorite Desert Flower to third place. Lambourn’s win was also the first British Classic victory for jockey Wayne Lordan, who has been working at Ballydoyle since around eight years. He said, "I knew that he'd had a good run, and his ears were pricked, but he still had plenty of energy left. I knew anyone who got to me had to be in great shape, or it would be a tough time for them." It is the best race for a jockey who wants to get started. All you want to do in life is win the Derby." Lazy Griff (50-1), who had been tracking the leaders along the inside rail of the track, finished second. Charlie Johnston, the trainer of the colt, said before the race that he hoped more rain would fall on the colt. He said, "We were delighted to see him in Chester. His preparation was interrupted and we knew that he would be ready for anything he did on that day. And he also had a smoother transition into this." Tennessee Stud, the 28-1 long shot for trainer Joseph O'Brien's son Aidan, came in third. Ruling Court, 2,000 Guineas champion, withdrew from the race because of the predicted rain. However, the rain held off until the Derby.
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Trump signs an order to boost US drone defenses and boost supersonic flights
The White House announced that President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Friday to strengthen U.S. defences against drones, and to promote electric air taxis as well as supersonic commercial planes. Trump's three executive orders sought to allow drones to be used routinely beyond the sight of the operator - an important step in enabling commercial drone delivery - reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese drone companies, and advance test electric vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The order will boost eVTOL companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Trump has established a federal taskforce to ensure U.S. sovereignty over the skies of America, to expand restrictions on sensitive sites, to expand federal technology to detect drones instantly, and to provide assistance to local and state law enforcement. Michael Kratsios is the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He said that Trump wants to deal with the "growing threats of criminal terrorists and the foreign misuse of drones" in U.S. Airspace. We are protecting our borders against national security threats in the air and with major public events like the Olympics and World Cup coming up. The National Football League said that the executive order was crucial to protect fans. Over the last few years, a growing number of drones has flown in restricted airspace at our games. The NFL stated that this executive order was the most important step taken to address this issue. Congress should also act. Sebastian Gorka is the senior director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council. He cited threats against major U.S. sports events and the use of drones by Russia in its war in Ukraine. Gorka stated that "we will increase our counter-drone capability and capacity." We will enforce the current laws more aggressively to deter evildoers as well as idiots. Last year, the issue of suspicious drones gained significant attention after a spate of sightings of drones in New Jersey. Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports. Drone sightings can disrupt flights and sporting events. Trump has also ordered the FAA lift an old ban on supersonic flights over land, which was imposed in 1973. Environmentalists have criticized supersonic aircraft for burning more fuel than subsonic planes per passenger. Kratsios stated that "the reality is Americans should be able fly from New York City to Los Angeles in less than four hours." The advancements in material science, aerospace engineering and noise reduction have made supersonic overland flight possible. It is also safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. The order instructs FAA that supersonic speeds will be lifted as long as the aircraft does not create an audible boom on the ground. Boom Supersonic, a manufacturer of aircrafts, welcomed the decision. Blake Scholl said, "The race to supersonic speed is on, and a new age of commercial flights can begin." After 27 years, the Concorde was retired by Air France and British Airways in 2003, ending the era of commercial supersonic flight. Officials confirmed that the Trump orders did not ban any Chinese drone companies. Former President Joe Biden had signed legislation last year that would have banned DJI and Autel Robotics, both based in China, from selling drones to the U.S. DJI is the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, selling more than half of commercial drones. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis
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Sources: US considers giving millions of dollars to controversial Gaza Aid Foundation
According to two sources with knowledge and two former U.S. government officials, the State Department is considering giving $500 million to a new foundation that provides aid to Gaza after the war. This would further involve the U.S. in an aid effort that's been plagued by violence and chaos. Sources and former U.S. government officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue said that the money for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would come from USAID, which is now part of the U.S. State Department. Two sources claim that the plan was met with resistance by some U.S. officials who were concerned about the shootings of Palestinians in the vicinity of aid distribution sites, and the GHF's competence. GHF has been criticized for its alleged lack neutrality by many humanitarian organizations including the United Nations. Last week, they began to distribute aid amid warnings from UN agencies that Gaza's population of 2.3 million is at risk of starvation after an 11-week Israeli blockade. This was lifted on 19 May when limited deliveries could resume. After crowds flooded its distribution hubs, the foundation had to stop handing out food twice in a week. GHF and the State Department did not respond immediately to comments. It has not been possible to determine who currently funds the GHF's operations in Gaza, which began last week. The GHF relies on private U.S. logistics and security companies to transport the aid into Gaza, where it is distributed at so-called secure sites. On Thursday, it was reported that McNally Capital, a Chicago-based firm of private equity, had an "economic stake" in a for-profit U.S. contractor who oversees the logistics and security at GHF's distribution hubs. Both the U.S. administration of Donald Trump and Israel, which denies funding the GHF operation and the international aid groups have pressed the United Nations to assist it. Israel and the U.S. claim that Hamas received aid from a U.N. network with a long history. Hamas denies that. USAID is all but gone. About 80 percent of USAID's programs have been cancelled and its staff faces termination in President Donald Trump’s effort to align U.S. Foreign Policy with his “America First” agenda. According to a source familiar with the matter, and a former senior official who helped oversee USAID's dismemberment, Ken Jackson has championed the idea of giving $500 million to GHF. Sources said Israel had requested funds to cover GHF's operation for 180 days. The Israeli government didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Two sources claim that the U.S. government is concerned about the plan due to the violence and overcrowding at the GHF contractor's aid distribution hubs. Sources said that if State Department approves funds for GHF they also want established non-governmental organisations experienced in running aid missions in Gaza and other places to be included in the operation. Israel will likely oppose this position, according to the sources. Gaza Hospital officials reported that more than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured near GHF distribution points between June 3 and 6. The GHF opened three hubs since it began its operation. However, in the last two days, two of these hubs have been operational. Israeli soldiers were blamed by witnesses for the deaths. On two days the Israeli military claimed that it had fired warning shots, but on Tuesday they said that soldiers fired at Palestinian'suspects' advancing toward their positions. (Reporting and editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell, Michelle Nichols)
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The US Supreme Court has granted DOGE access to Social Security Data
The U.S. Supreme Court granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), a key player behind President Donald Trump's plan to reduce the federal workforce by slashing the number of federal employees, access to millions of Americans' personal data in the Social Security Administration database while the legal case is being litigated. The Justice Department requested that the Justices suspend the order of U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Hollander, based in Maryland, which had blocked DOGE from accessing "personally identifiable data" such as financial and medical records. This is while the litigation in the lower court proceeds. Hollander determined that giving DOGE full access to data would likely violate federal privacy laws. The court's unsigned, brief order didn't provide any rationale to support DOGE. The court is conservatively majority 6-3. Three of the court's liberal justices were dissidents. DOGE was sweeping through federal agencies in the Republican President's effort spearheaded by Elon Musk to eliminate federal positions, downsize, reshape and reform the U.S. Government and root out wasteful spending. Musk officially ended his government job on May 30. Two labor unions, an advocacy group and the Social Security Administration (SSA) sued DOGE to prevent it from accessing sensitive information at the SSA. This includes Social Security numbers of Americans, bank data, tax data, earnings histories and immigration records. The agency provides government benefits to over 70 million people, including retired Americans and Americans with disabilities. The plaintiffs in their lawsuit alleged that the Social Security Administration was "ransacked", that DOGE members were installed without proper training or vetting, and demanded that they be given access to the most sensitive data systems of the agency. Hollander, in a ruling dated April 17, found that DOGE failed to explain its stated mission which required "unprecedented and unfettered access" to virtually the entire SSA data systems. Hollander wrote: "For about 90 years, SSA was guided by a foundational principle that an expectation of privacy in relation to its records." This case exposes an extensive crack in the foundation. Hollander issued an injunction prohibiting DOGE staffers, and anyone who worked with them, from accessing personal data. There were only a few exceptions. In the judge's decision, DOGE affiliates can access data stripped of personal information as long they have undergone training and cleared background checks. Hollander also ordered DOGE affiliated companies to "disgorge" and "erase" any personal data they already possess. Richmond, Virginia's 4th U.S. The Circuit Court of Appeals, in a vote of 9-6 on April 30, declined to pause Hollander’s block on DOGE’s unlimited access to Social Security Administration Records. In a filing to the Supreme Court, lawyers for Justice Department characterized Hollander’s order as judicial excess. The court ordered the executive branch not to allow employees who are responsible for modernizing government systems of information access the data stored in these systems, because in its opinion, the employees in question do not "need" such access. The six dissenting judge wrote that this case should have treated the same way as the 4th Circuit panel ruling 2-1 to allow DOGE access to data at the U.S. Treasury Department, Education Department and Office of Personnel Management. Seven judges who ruled against DOGE in a concurring decision wrote that the case regarding Social Security data had "vastly higher stakes" and "detailed Social Security records", such as school and family records for children, mental health records, and credit card details. (Reporting and editing by Diane Craft, Alistair Bell and John Kruzel)
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Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to the US and facing charges, returns to the US
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly sent from Maryland to El Salvador under the Trump administration has returned to the United States and will face criminal charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced this on Friday. Abrego Garcia has been charged with conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants in the United States in a federal court indictment in Tennessee. Court records show that the indictment was filed more than two months following Abrego Garcia’s deportation on March 15, according to court records. Andrew Rossman, Abrego Garcia’s lawyer, stated in a press release that it was now up to the U.S. judiciary system to ensure that he received a fair trial. "Today's actions prove what we knew all along -- the administration had the capability to bring him home and simply refused to do so," Rossman, a lawyer at Quinn Emanuel said. Court records reveal that Abrego Garcia was deported from El Salvador despite a 2019 order by an immigration judge granting him protection against deportation after finding that he would be persecuted if he returned to El Salvador. The erroneous removal was cited by critics of President Donald Trump as an example that the Republican president is overly aggressive in his approach to increasing deportations. The officials countered that Abrego was a MS-13 member. His lawyers denied that Abrego was a gang member and stated that he hadn't been charged or convicted for any crime. The case of Abrego Garcia has become a flashpoint for tensions between Trump's executive branch and judiciary. Both have ruled against some of Trump’s policies. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego's Garcia's return. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the government did not have a basis for his "warrantless detention." U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis opened a probe to determine what the Trump administration did, if any, to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return after his attorneys accused officials of stonewalling them in their request for information. In addition, Abrego Garca and two other unidentified conspirators are charged with illegally transporting firearms purchased in Texas to Maryland for resale. According to the indictment, Abrego Garcia also transported illegal drugs purchased in Texas and resold in Maryland. He was sometimes accompanied by MS-13 members and associates on these trips. (Reporting from Ryan Patrick Jones, Sarah N. Lynch and Luc Cohen in Washington; additional reporting by Nate Raymond and Tom Hals in Wilmington; editing by Sandra Maler.)
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Gol plans to expand its fleet and add new routes after exiting Chapter 11.
Celso Ferrer, the Chief executive officer of Brazilian airline Gol, said that the company had officially exited bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, paving the way for new routes and flights within Brazil as well as to other countries. Gol, the Brazilian airline after Latam, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in 2024. The sector was struggling with heavy debts, a sharp decline in passenger numbers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and delays in aircraft deliveries. Azul, Gol's competitor, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. Ferrer stated that despite Azul's financial troubles, discussions over a possible partnership between the airline and Gol continue. A final deal will only be made if the partnership adds value, either through new routes or increased growth. "If it's better," he said. Abra Group is managing the discussions regarding the business merger, which was formalized by a memorandum last January. Abra Group is the majority shareholder in Colombia's Avianca and Gol. Luciana Magnalhaes, Luciana Andreoni and Manuela Andreoni contributed to this report.
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Boeing is preparing to resume plane deliveries in China as the tariff war eases
FlightRadar24 reports that a new Boeing 737 MAX painted in Xiamen Airlines' livery, and on its first leg of the route to shuttle jets to Xiamen Airlines' delivery center in China. The Boeing jet was headed for Kailua-Kona in Hawaii, which is one of many refueling stations Boeing jets stop at on their way to China across the Pacific. The Chinese customers received their deliveries. The abrupt halt Early April, as the U.S. & China were edging towards a trade conflict. Boeing's spokesperson refused to comment on where the jetliner will end up. Neither Xiamen Airlines nor the Chinese government responded to requests for comment. In April, the United States and China agreed to roll back tariffs for 90 days in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs. On May 12, however, the U.S. & China agreed to reduce the tariffs by 90 days. Trump announced on Friday that U.S. representatives and Chinese representatives will meet in London, England, June 9, to discuss a possible trade agreement. On May 29, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said that Chinese airlines will resume receiving Boeing aircraft deliveries in June. Boeing brought back at least three 737 MAX jets to the United States from its Zhoushan completion centre near Shanghai in April. These jets had been taken there for final preparations before being delivered to Chinese carriers. The plane that flew to Hawaii on Friday was the first one to return from China. Boeing had previously stated that customers in China wouldn't take delivery of new aircraft due to tariffs. It was also looking to resell dozens of planes. Beijing has not stated why Boeing deliveries have stopped but claimed that Chinese airlines and Boeing were severely affected by U.S. tariffs. China is a growing and important aviation market, representing about 10% of Boeing’s commercial backlog. Boeing announced in April that it planned to deliver 50 jets to Chinese carriers in the remainder of the year. Of these, 41 were in production or had been pre-built. Boeing has said that other airlines would be interested in purchasing the rejected Chinese planes. However, the planemaker did not send the planes anywhere else despite its goal to reduce the inventory.
Lilium's fall throws spotlight on air-taxi cash crunch
The race to end up being the first Western airtaxi company to carry guests lost a highprofile competitor this month when Germany's Lilium caught a cash crisis, tossing a fresh spotlight on a major obstacle for the recently established industry.
Almost half-way into the decade in which air-taxi makers have actually guaranteed investors the first industrial flights, the company's demise demonstrates how dwindling money balances threaten to postpone the sector's goal to revolutionise city travel.
Makers of electrical vertical take-off and landing airplane ( eVTOL), frequently known as air taxis, have actually raised roughly $13. billion since 2019, but the speed of yearly financial investments has. fallen after peaking in 2021, according to data from Alton. Air travel Consultancy shared with Reuters.
In spite of marquee financiers such as U.S. carrier Delta Air. Lines, and automakers Stellantis and Toyota. , analysts say billions more will be required to attain. accreditation, massive airplane production and. success.
We are beginning to see the weaker gamers fall by the. side ... there will be more to follow, stated Brian Foley, founder. of aviation consultancy Brian Foley Associates.
EVTOL makers have actually raised $2.3 billion so far in 2024,. compared with $1.5 billion in 2023, $3.4 billion in 2022 and. $ 4.3 billion a year previously, according to Alton data, while. profits have actually stayed evasive as business invest in establishing. operations and securing certification.
The business including Archer Air travel, Joby. Aviation, Embraer backed-Eve Holding, Lilium. and Vertical Aerospace tapped into the blank-check firm. merger trend at the beginning of the years, going public at. multi-billion dollar evaluations.
That was before they even had a product - a stage where most. companies prefer to stay private and depend on venture capital. funding.
Archer, Joby and UK-based Vertical had actually estimated they would. launch business service in 2024 after they went public,. according to business declarations and a 2021 Bernstein analyst. note.
That timeline is specific to be missed out on, as regulations are. still developing in the United States and Europe. Some eVTOL. business have stopped making public predictions about approvals. from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which. controls the world's greatest market.
MIDDLE EAST OPPORTUNITIES
Regulative hold-ups, an uncertain financial environment and. simmering international tensions have weighed on the sector's. fundraising and development.
We don't have these companies getting to success. up until late into the years, said Raymond James expert Savanthi. Syth.
Some eVTOL makers are checking out other markets.
Archer is planning to introduce industrial flights in the. United Arab Emirates as early as the fourth quarter of next. year, and Joby prepares to launch business service in Dubai by. early 2026.
Experts state Middle East regulators may dedicate more manpower. to certification and create a safe environment for eVTOLs as. their rulers try to bring in future technologies.
It is also simpler to develop facilities in the Middle East. than in Europe and the United States, said Stephan Baur, partner. at consultancy Roland Berger.
Market professionals state Archer, Eve, which recently reached a. loan arrangement with Brazil's National Advancement Bank, and Joby. are among best-positioned to continue running enough time to. a minimum of reach accreditation.
The 3 companies, and Vertical, are anticipated to burn at. least $1 billion this year combined, which ought to continue for. the next 2 to 3 years, stated Syth, who anticipated the very first. eVTOL would be accredited to bring guests in late 2026 or. early 2027 in the United States.
Joby burned through $863.3 million in money in between 2021 and. 2023, according to LSEG information, the most amongst the 4 eVTOL. makers, as its service design calls for both manufacturing and. running the airplane. The business, which revealed extra. capital raising in the last couple of months, ended the third quarter. with $710 million in cash and short-term investments.
Archer, which has more than $500 million in money and money. equivalents, informed Reuters it had sufficient money for the. foreseeable future.
Eve stated it had raised $236 million in equity and debt given that. completion of the second quarter, which puts it in a really. comfortable monetary position for the next couple of years.
Vertical has a lower cash balance compared with the rest,. though its operating model burns less cash. On Monday, the. business stated creator Stephen Fitzpatrick had an alternative to invest. $ 25 million into the business in the next year.
The company likewise revealed an agreement under which debt. holder Mudrick Capital Management will participate in an equity. round and transform $130 million in debt to equity, which is. expected to settle a default notice the investor had served to. the business. The deals extend Vertical's money into the. 4th quarter of next year.
Vertical had actually revealed doubts about the business as a going. concern when it reported half-year results in September.
Analysts say eVTOL companies should consider production-only. company models to cut their cash burn, and advances towards. certification may generate pre-delivery payments. Mergers may. likewise be needed.
After accreditation, they will require to increase production. while decreasing eVTOLs' cost so they can compete with high-end. taxis. Experts state it will be important to keep battery and. infrastructure expenses under control.
Though these difficulties have caused expert scepticism. over eVTOLs dominating intra-city transport, some revealed. optimism.
Recently, Needham analysts initiated coverage of Joby and. Archer with buy scores, stating they saw a $3 billion early. stage worldwide air taxi earnings opportunity.
(source: Reuters)