Latest news with #Do
Los Angeles Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Newport Beach police awarded $170K grant as part DHS' Operation Stonegarden
The Newport Beach City Council approved a $170,000 grant allowing for its police department to participate in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Operation Stonegarden. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the grant without deliberation during Tuesday's council meeting. According to a city staff report, Operation Stonegarden's 'main objective is to raise the level of U.S. border and California coastline security amongst law enforcement agencies' while increasing law enforcement's overall presence against maritime drug and human smuggling crimes. The Newport Beach Police Department, as part of the grant approval, will collaborate and coordinate with federal U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol agencies as the agreement describes California's coastline as a 'border-crime target.' Toward that end, Newport Beach police will use $70,000 from the grant to buy two mobile cameras and two handheld thermal imaging devices to monitor 'hot-spot' areas, such as parking lots and trailheads, while enhancing nighttime surveillance capabilities. The remaining $100,000 will go toward covering overtime expenses. Operation Stonegarden has raised some concerns as ramped up federal immigration raids have surfaced in Orange County and across Southern California. 'In view of the current conflict between state and federal agencies over immigration policy, the public may want additional assurances that the equipment and overtime will not be used to assist in the apprehension of law-abiding persons with long residence in our country,' Jim Mosher, a Newport Beach resident, wrote to the City Council. But even before President Donald Trump's federal immigration crackdown, pro-immigrant activists have kept a close eye on the program. Mai Nguyen Do, research and policy manager for the Harbor Institute for Immigrant and Economic Justice in Orange County, pointed to a number of law enforcement agencies and local governments in Arizona that have withdrawn from Operation Stonegarden in recent years for a variety of reasons, including misaligned missions. 'The justification for continuing to participate in Operation Stonegarden among many Southern California law enforcement agencies, is that it's technically not immigration enforcement,' Do said. 'But one of the main outcomes that's tracked for the program is arrests numbers, including immigration-related arrests.' 'One of the key elements that erodes trust between local law enforcement and communities, is not the nature of the cooperation, it's the cooperation itself,' Do added. A Newport Beach Police Department spokesperson couldn't be reached for comment by press deadline. DHS allocated $2.7 million for Operation Stonegarden for the 2024 fiscal year and tapped the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to act as the grants administrator. In addition to Newport Beach, other Orange County law enforcement agencies receiving grant money include police departments for Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Costa Mesa and La Habra. Newport Beach police have until February 2027 to spend the grant funds.
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
How US strikes on Iran could lead to spiral of crisis
"Attacking Iran is not a Nike commercial — Just Do It," said Middle East expert Aaron David Miller on the US striking Iran's nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump's decision to get into a war with Iran with ruthless strikes not only displays American power, but changes the dynamics in the oil-rich region. It also pushes the US into a "forever war", like it fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, which Trump vowed not to get the country Saturday (US time), American forces carried out coordinated airstrikes on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites in US used six B-2 bombers to drop a dozen bunker-buster bombs on the nuclear site in the Fordow, CNN reported, quoting a US official. "A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow," Trump said on Truth Social. The strikes, the first direct US military involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, will lead to a major like Aaron David Miller said, it isn't just a Nike ad."The most important point of today and every day. Attacking Iran is not a Nike commercial — Just Do It. When America puts its forces in harm's way, it's not just can we do it; but should we; what will it cost and what about day after," Miller, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment and former US State Department analyst, posted on it could very well be a midsummers night's nightmare for the US, as well as the world.1. US ASSERTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST AMID CHINA CAUTIONIran had positioned itself as a Shia counterweight to Sunni Saudi Arabia, an American ally, and created a Shia superstate. A militarily crippled Iran will tilt the balance of powers in the Middle China and Russia warned the US against military intervention in Iran after Israel attacked its nuclear facilities and top military commanders nine days Trump warned Iran of impending strikes last week, Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese foreign affairs ministry, said any use of force by the US would be seen as an infringement of Iran's sovereignty and security. Russia's foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova too "particularly warned" the US against military intervention, "which would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences".Though China and Russia are least likely to get directly involved in the war, they might help Iran counter the US, which has faced challenges from their covert help to its opponents in the Middle strikes in Iran, in which the fighter jets flew for 37 hours, covering a distance of 11,400 kilometres, shows the US' has got the US into a Middle East muddle, and everyone is clear about that. What is also clear is Trump's assertion."Iran, the bully of the Mideast, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater," he said in an address from the White House.2. IRAN WEAKENED BUT MIGHT USE PROXIES TO TARGET USTrump claimed that the strikes were a success, but didn't provide any if its nuclear advancements have been destroyed, Iran remains a threat to the US and Israel. It has threatened to strike back, and shown that by firing a volley of missiles into Tel Aviv."The events [the US strikes] this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on what can Iran do now?"The Iranians are seriously weakened and degraded in their military capabilities. But they have all sorts of asymmetric ways that they can respond... This is not going to end quick," Miller told could use its proxy militia, like the Lebanon-based Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels of Yemen, to hit American and Israeli interests in and around the IRAN'S DIRECT ATTACK ON US CENTRES IN MIDDLE EASTThe US has thousands of its troops in the Middle East in bases like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran could make them the target of its these bases have missile shields, just like Israel's, they might have little time to respond to waves of missiles and swarms of drones given their proximity to Iran, according to an Associated Press with the advantage of geographical distance and sophisticated missile shield, Israel has been unable to shoot down all the missiles from Lob, assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, told Reuters that Iran's next move remained an open question. He suggested that "Iran could hit soft targets of the US and Israel inside and outside the region".If Iran kills any American in its attack, Trump and the US will be sucked into a cycle of escalation, which might not have a clear has already promised that."Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater that what was witnessed tonight," Trump posted in all-caps on Truth Social after his OIL'S NOT WELL. ALL EYES ON STRAIT OF HORMUZAny crisis in the Middle East has big repercussions for global trade and oil prices. With Iran, the third-largest producer among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec), involved, crude oil prices had isn't just Iranian oil, but the crude trade route that passes through the Strait of Hormuz along Iran's southern coast that has experts and traders 20% of globally traded crude oil and related products move through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow mouth in the Persian Gulf. At its narrowest point, the Gulf of Hormuz is just 33-km Associated Press analysis said that Iran's fleet of fast-attack boats and naval mines could make the strait the US entry into the war, Iran could launch direct attacks on tankers and energy was a fear RBC Capital analyst Helima Croft expressed while speaking to Reuters last the US 5th Fleet, stationed in Bahrain, would intervene, even jitters are enough to send oil prices high, and have a bearing on economies across the Reuters report from June 19 said the Brent crude futures, a measure for global oil prices, ended 3% up at $78.85 a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint, could see oil prices surging to a crippling $120-$130 per barrel, according to investment banking firm JP Morgan.5. TRUMP'S LEGACY AND THREAT OF IMPEACHMENTThe US getting embroiled in the Iran-Israel war isn't just slippery for oil prices, it's a slippery slope for Trump's legacy too. American leaders have already started calling for Trump's impeachment over the unilateral man who was eyeing the Nobel Peace Prize just hours ago and had been formally nominated by its lapdog Pakistan has made the US a party to a regional Trump's first stint saw him pull out troops from Afghanistan and broker the Abraham Accords, which would have normalised Israel's ties with Arab now, just six months into his second stint, Trump has got the US into what he branded earlier as "forever wars".Foreign wars and attempts at regime changes haven't had the desired results for most American decision to join the war, though cheered by some, comes against the wishes of many Republicans and MAGA at war at home with his detention and deportations of immigrants, Trump seems to have made himself a fair game for impeachment with the war in Iran."The President's disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman from New York, wrote on said his proudest legacy would be that of a peacemaker and unifier but has got the US into another war. If the damages to the three nuclear sites and its nuclear programme are significant, Iran's retaliation will be furious. The world would be cautiously watching how it all Watch
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Abbey Clancy leads Royal Ascot celebrity looks as Kate Middleton pulls out
Celebrities are gearing up for the second day of action in the sunshine at Royal Ascot, but Princess Kate opted against attending as she continues her return to duties following her cancer treatment The celebrity styles were out in force as the famous faces soaked up the sun on day two of Royal Ascot. The iconic horse racing event always brings the eye-catching look, and the second day's proceedings didn't disappoint. Statement headpieces and showstopping dresses are always front and centre at the stylish annual event. As is perfect tailoring impeccable tailoring. However, there was no sign of Princess Kate. The Princess of Wales had been expected to join her husband Prince William at Royal Ascot today. It was confirmed she will not be there as she continues her gradual return to duties following her cancer treatment She is said to be disappointed at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion in Berkshire, with her name having been initially included in the official programme as taking part in today's carriage procession in the second carriage alongside William. While Kate wasn't in attendance, her mum looked fabulous as she turned up in a summery look. Carole chose an airy lemon outfit and matching hat, while clutching a handbag of the same colour. She was joined by daughter-in-law Allizee Thevenet. Alizee opted for a similar style pastel outfit that was nipped at the waist. And Abbey Clancy was also sure to make an impressive entrance, too. She took to Instagram prior to her appearance to show her dazzling look with her followers. She struck a pose as she simply captioned her upload: "Ascot day". She looked stunning in a sleeveless silk gown which effortlessly hugged her trim physique. She completed the look with matching pointed-toe heels and a boater hat. Elsewhere, Georgia Toffolo lived up to the beauty is pain statement as she joked she "can't breathe" in her tight outfit. The former Made In Chelsea star took to the racecourse wearing a pale yellow dress that she accessorised with a bright red feathered fascinator. On Twitter /X, she wrote: "Breathing may be optional in this dress but it's worth it for Day 2 of Ascot. Going a bit more classic today: elegant, structured, and just the right amount of COLOUR!" Charlotte Hawkins also went for the colourful approach on a hot summer's day. The presenter donned a stunning floral patterned design that she paired with a sun hat. Lady Victoria Hervey was also in attendance. She opted for a green patterned dress that she matched up with a white blazer and fascinator. Zara and Mike Tindall also glammed up for the occasion. The former rugby union star wore a black morning suit jacket and top hat with a royal blue tie. Zara, meanwhile, went for a floral design and rose topper. Yesterday saw Penny Lancaster among those stealing the show with her stunning design. She joined son Alastair, 19, for the opening day's proceedings. She turned heads she stepped out in a glamorous vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress. The mother and son duo enjoyed some quality time together in a the rare public outing – weeks ahead of musician Sir Rod's epic Glastonbury headline performance.
Los Angeles Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
From ‘Ghost Town Alive!' to ‘Summer Nights' band performances, season of easy living opens at Knott's
Summer at Knott's is here with Wild West-themed character interactions, nightly live music and lots of dancing. Ghost Town Alive! runs during the day — culminating with a family-friendly, dance-filled hoedown full of step-heeling and grape-vining through Calico Park. Meanwhile, Knott's Summer Nights livens up the evening and night with bands and performers at multiple stages throughout the park. The two summer events launched June 13 and run through Sept. 1. 'Summer Nights has been entertaining our guests since 2019 and since then we've seen the [evolution] of new bands, new music and of course great fun for all of our guests,' said producer Christopher Do. 'Ghost Town Alive has been running since 2016, the 75th anniversary of Ghost Town. Some of the citizens have changed throughout the years as a new storyline is presented with each subsequent year.' Do said guests can expect a mix of new and returning live music for this year's Knott's Summer Nights. 'We're excited to introduce some new bands to the mix,' he said. '90s Rockshow was a guest favorite last year and this year guests can find them at the Calico Mine Stage. Also joining this year at the Calico Mine Stage is Midnight Regret playing some familiar top '40s hits. At the Calico Park stage, we are welcoming a few new bands: the Ritchie Hummins Band, Tommy Drinkard & the Remedy as well as some returning favorites like Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, and Stone Soul.' There are also some fun returning games including Fla-ringo, Cornhole and Zing That Ring — a habit-forming hook-and-ring game located on the outskirts of the Calico Mine Stage. Also at the Calico Mine Stage, Do said, they are introducing some new pay-to-play games with special prizes developed by the Knott's Games department. In addition to the big hoedown, Ghost Town Alive! also features a whole Ghost Town full of characters and activities — from the fire wagon coming through with some water misting to interactions in the dress shop and visits to The Old School House. Characters may elicit the help of guests in secret missions and puzzle-solving. 'The puzzles and immersive elements of Ghost Town Alive! are designed to appeal to every level of guest — from the casual observer to the deep diver or returning guest,' Do said. 'Often, our citizens may use puzzles to help deepen the experience of any one of our guests.' Show Director Rovin Dickinson said acting in Ghost Town Alive! is different from other forms of performing in that it requires making the guest the star in their story and sometimes the focus of attention — the role usually reserved for the actor. 'Each guest is different, and every interaction unique. For the performer, it may be challenging at times to be the supporting role in several different experiences at once,' Dickinson said. 'Our citizens are great at meeting our guests where they are at, encouraging them to engage as much or as little as they desire. It's sometimes as simple and as a quick question of what they're doing or if they can help with a task to get them engulfed into the story.' Of course, as with other big seasonal events at Knott's, food is a big part of the fun. Director of Food and Beverage Wilf Seymour said 40 new menu items were added in time for their Flavors of Summer. 'This summer, we will be trying out some new summer favorites with a Knott's twist. Blue Bunny is our ice cream supplier, and our pastry chef took inspiration from the strawberry shortcake bar and turned it into a new dessert called the strawberry crunch bar,' he said. 'We serve a lot of elotes during the summer, so we've decided to include it as a topping on our new summer pizza — the delicious roasted elote and chicken pizza with chipotle mayo.' They've also added kimchi crab tots — tater tots tossed in Cajun seasoning topped with imitation crab meat, kimchi, spicy mayo and green onions. 'Fresh berries are always popular during the summer. We have topped our fresh funnel cakes with lots of fresh berries for the new berry bliss funnel cake found at Sutter's Funnel Cake,' Seymour said. 'We have some great new beverages coming for the summer, like the juicy pale ale. We also have some great Italian sodas at Prop Shop Pizzeria.' Another intriguing new item is the grilled pineapple beef burger. 'The grilled pineapple beef burger was based on a Hawaiian grill idea we were playing with,' he said. 'We wanted to make pineapple chicken, and then we tried a teriyaki beef dish that we had planned to do at Boardwalk. However, we needed a signature burger for the summer, and this led us down the path of experimenting with these ideas on a burger.' The Tajin funnel cake was also a bit of inspired experimentation. 'We love to experiment with different combinations for our funnel cakes here, and the inspiration for the mango soft serve and Tajin funnel cake came from a mangonada, as well as a spicy funnel cake we served last year,' he said. 'We wanted to pair these two flavors together.' Seymour said the summer menu is a 'fun creation' and captures many of the summer flavors that guests enjoy. 'We have had the opportunity to taste everything a few times and make some adjustments that make the menu items fit nicely into our theme park world,' he said.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Russell 2000 Stock to Keep an Eye On and 2 to Approach with Caution
The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is home to many small-cap stocks, offering investors the chance to uncover hidden gems before the broader market catches on. However, these companies often come with higher volatility and risk, as their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to economic downturns. Picking the right small caps isn't easy, and that's exactly why StockStory exists - to help you focus on the best opportunities. Keeping that in mind, here is one Russell 2000 stock that could be a breakout winner and two that may struggle to keep up. Market Cap: $2.65 billion With customers across the foundry and fabless markets, FormFactor (NASDAQ:FORM) is a US-based provider of test and measurement technologies for semiconductors. Why Do We Avoid FORM? Annual revenue growth of 4.4% over the last five years was below our standards for the semiconductor sector Estimated sales growth of 2.4% for the next 12 months is soft and implies weaker demand Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its operating margin to decline by 6.1 percentage points FormFactor's stock price of $33.70 implies a valuation ratio of 23.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including FORM in your portfolio, it's free. Market Cap: $3.54 billion Starting as a small community bank in 1950 and expanding through strategic acquisitions across the Southeast, United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB) is a regional bank holding company that provides financial services including loans, deposits, wealth management, and merchant services across the southeastern United States. Why Does UCB Worry Us? Muted 1.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its bank peers Net interest margin of 3.3% is well below other banks, signaling its loans aren't very profitable Annual earnings per share growth of 1.1% underperformed its revenue over the last five years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable United Community Banks is trading at $29.11 per share, or 1x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why UCB doesn't pass our bar. Market Cap: $1.65 billion Established in 1901, Limbach (NASDAQ: LMB) provides integrated building systems solutions, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. Why Does LMB Catch Our Eye? Operating margin improved by 5.3 percentage points over the last five years as it eliminated redundant costs Additional sales over the last two years increased its profitability as the 53.3% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue Industry-leading 22.9% return on capital demonstrates management's skill in finding high-return investments, and its returns are growing as it capitalizes on even better market opportunities At $141.83 per share, Limbach trades at 34.3x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio
