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Yomiuri Shimbun
an hour ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Accused of Acting as a Chinese Agent, NY Governors' Ex-Aide Now Faces Pandemic Fraud Charge, Too
NEW YORK (AP) — Already charged with acting as an illicit agent of the Chinese government, a former aide to two New York governors is being accused of illegally profiteering off the state's pandemic-era scramble for face masks. Linda Sun — who worked for Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul, both Democrats — and husband Chris Hu were indicted Wednesday on bribery and other charges in the alleged mask graft. 'When masks, gloves and other protective supplies were hard to find, Sun abused her position of trust to steer contracts to her associates so that she and her husband could share in the profits,' Brooklyn-based U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement Thursday. The couple is due to answer those charges in court Monday, and Sun's lawyer said she will vigorously contest the allegations. 'The newest allegations continue the government's trend of making and publicizing feverish accusations unmoored from the facts and evidence that we expect will actually come out at trial,' attorney Jarrod Schaeffer said. Hu's attorneys, Nicole Boeckmann and Seth DuCharme, said they remained confident in him and that prosecutors were 'scrambling to try to come up with some new charging theory' as the trial approached. The couple already pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges of subtly using Sun's state jobs to advance Chinese government perspectives and priorities in exchange for lucrative financial benefits. A trial is set for November. With the new charges, the case now weaves together two significant threads that federal prosecutors have been pulling in recent years: pandemic fraud and rooting out alleged covert agents for China and other countries. The new indictment accuses Sun and Hu of reaping millions in kickbacks by exploiting her role on a Cuomo administration team that procured much-needed personal protective equipment in the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold. At the time, New York was a hotspot for the virus and, like other U.S. states and other nations, was scouring the globe for masks and other supplies. A naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, Sun used her homeland ties to help New York wrangle PPE from the country where much of it was made even as exports had dwindled because of China's own battle with the virus. Sun connected the state with vendors the Chinese government recommended. But, according to the indictment, she also forged documents to falsely claim that Chinese contacts had suggested two additional companies. One was run by a second cousin of Sun's, and the other by a business associate of her husband's, the indictment said. Sun didn't disclose those relationships to New York's government, which signed contracts with both companies in March 2020 and went on to pay them over $44 million in all, according to the indictment. The cousin funneled about $2.3 million back to Hu, the indictment said. It doesn't specify whether Hu's associate allegedly paid anything. Hu worked in state government for about 15 years, starting in Cuomo's administration and eventually working for his successor, incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul's administration has said it fired Sun in 2023 after 'discovering evidence of misconduct.' Cuomo got national attention in 2020 for his daily pandemic briefings. He has since faced — and vociferously contested — criticism and congressional and federal Justice Department inquiries about his administration's handling of the virus in nursing homes. After resigning amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021, he conceded a Democratic primary race for New York City mayor this week. A message seeking comment on the new charges against Sun was sent to Cuomo's spokesperson. He has previously said Cuomo very rarely interacted with her. Sun also is accused of quietly doing the Chinese government's bidding by, for example, banishing any mention of Chinese human rights issues from a Hochul video celebrating the Lunar New Year. In return for Sun's efforts on China's behalf, prosecutors allege, Hu got assistance with business ventures in China. Prosecutors say the financial boost helped the couple buy multimillion-dollar properties and luxury cars.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Horoscope Tomorrow, June 28, 2025, read predictions for all sun signs
Embrace everything that life has to offer! Tomorrow's horoscope unfolds the agenda set forth by the universe for each sign of the zodiac. Whether its relationship matters, job changes, or simply the reflection and realization moments, let celestial guidance take the lead. Be mindful; trust your instinct, and walk through the day confidently. Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Something you consider small or ordinary may carry more meaning than expected tomorrow. A conversation, gesture, or simple task could touch your heart in a deep way. Stay present—you never know which moment might shift your day completely. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water with jaggery to the Sun at sunrise. Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) You may feel like things are taking longer than expected, but tomorrow reminds you that steady growth is still growth. Don't lose faith in the process. Trust what's unfolding—even the slow parts are helping you build something real. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle at sunrise. Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Your energy tomorrow calls for boldness—not in action, but in how you treat yourself. Speak to yourself with respect. Stand tall, even if no one is watching. When your self-worth is strong, everything else begins to align better. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water with a basil leaf to the Sun. Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 22) Your idea of progress may not match reality tomorrow, but that doesn't mean you're off track. What looks different could still be moving you forward. Let go of fixed plans and allow a new form of success to reveal itself. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle facing east at sunrise Leo (Jul 23-Aug 23) Tomorrow, you may notice that someone's mood or presence feels heavy on your spirit. Don't ignore that feeling. Your peace matters, so set your limits gently but firmly. Protecting your energy is not selfish—it is self-respect. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water to the Sun with a drop of rose water. Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23) You don't need to race others to prove your worth. Tomorrow teaches you to honor your own rhythm. What matters is moving with care, not speed. Your calm approach will actually bring stronger results than expected. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle during sunrise. Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) Help may come from someone you didn't expect. Tomorrow, keep your heart and mind open. Even a casual interaction could carry wisdom or support. Trust that the universe sends guidance in ways beyond your normal pattern. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water to the Sun with turmeric. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Instead of waiting for signs, tomorrow encourages you to take action. The answer you seek won't come through thinking but through doing. Start small, and the steps will guide you toward the message you were hoping to receive. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle facing east to awaken Mars energy. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) You may feel like pushing forward, but tomorrow reminds you that real strength comes from pausing. Rest is not a delay—it's preparation. Give yourself time to breathe and you'll return with more clarity, focus, and inspired energy. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water to the Sun with jaggery at sunrise. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) Tomorrow, your strength will come from listening more than reacting. Let others speak fully before you respond. A new perspective could arrive if you stay silent just a little longer. Patience will prove more powerful than control right now. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle during sunrise. Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) Your words may hold power, but your energy will speak louder tomorrow. Being present with kindness will create stronger results than long speeches. Others will feel your calm strength, even if you don't say much—just stay grounded in truth. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Offer water with rose petals to the Sun. Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Something you've been putting off may rise again tomorrow. This time, don't hide from it. Facing it gently but honestly can actually lift a heavy burden from your mind. Trust—your heart already knows the step you need to take. Mood: Energetic Love: A spontaneous message could warm your heart. Career: A bold step today might lead to recognition. Money: Unexpected expenses may arise — plan smart. Lucky Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tip of the Day: Take initiative, but keep ego in check. Remedy of the Day: Light a red candle at sunrise. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Science
- Hans India
Earth trapping heat has doubled in 20 years
How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to see longer-term trends. But another approach can give us a very clear sense of what's going on: track how much heat enters Earth's atmosphere and how much heat leaves. This is Earth's energy budget, and it's now well and truly out of balance. Our recent research found this imbalance has more than doubled over the last 20 years. Other researchers have come up with similar conclusions. This imbalance is now substantially more than climate models have suggested. In the mid-2000s, the energy imbalance was about 0.6 watts per square metre (W/m2) on average. In recent years, the average was about 1.3 W/m2. This means the rate at which energy is accumulating near the planet's surface has doubled. These findings suggest climate change might well accelerate in the coming years. Worse still, this worrying imbalance is emerging even as funding uncertainty in the United States threatens our ability to track the flows of heat. Energy in, energy out: Earth's energy budget functions a bit like your bank account, where money comes in and money goes out. If you reduce your spending, you'll build up cash in your account. Here, energy is the currency. Life on Earth depends on a balance between heat coming in from the Sun and heat leaving. This balance is tipping to one side. Solar energy hits Earth and warms it. The atmosphere's heat-trapping greenhouse gases keep some of this energy. But the burning of coal, oil and gas has now added more than two trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. These trap more and more heat, preventing it from leaving. Some of this extra heat is warming the land or melting sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets. But this is a tiny fraction as 90 per cent has gone into the oceans due to their huge heat capacity. Earth naturally sheds heat in several ways. One way is by reflecting incoming heat of clouds, snow and ice and back out to space. Infrared radiation is also emitted back to space. From the beginning of human civilisation up until just a century ago, the average surface temperature was about 14°C. The accumulating energy imbalance has now pushed average temperatures 1.3-1.5°C higher. Tracking faster than the models: Scientists keep track of the energy budget in two ways. First, we can directly measure the heat coming from the Sun and going back out to space, using the sensitive radiometers on monitoring satellites. This dataset and its predecessors date back to the late 1980s. Second, we can accurately track the build-up of heat in the oceans and atmosphere by taking temperature readings. Thousands of robotic floats have monitored temperatures in the world's oceans since the 1990s. Both methods show the energy imbalance has grown rapidly. Doubling of the energy imbalance has come as a shock, because the sophisticated climate models we use largely didn't predict such a large and rapid change. Typically, the models forecast less than half of the change we're seeing in the real world. Why has it changed so fast? We don't yet have a full explanation. But new research suggests changes in clouds is a big factor. Clouds have a cooling effect overall. But the area covered by highly reflective white clouds has shrunk, while the area of jumbled, less reflective clouds has grown. It isn't clear why the clouds are changing. One possible factor could be the consequences of successful efforts to reduce sulphur in shipping fuel from 2020, as burning the dirtier fuel may have had a brightening effect on clouds. However, the accelerating energy budget imbalance began before this change. Natural fluctuations in the climate system such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation might also be playing a role. Finally – and most worryingly – the cloud changes might be part of a trend caused by global warming itself, that is, positive feedback on climate change. What does this mean? These findings suggest recent extremely hot years are not one-offs but may reflect a strengthening of warming over the coming decade or longer. This will mean a higher chance of more intense climate impacts from searing heatwaves, droughts and extreme rains on land, and more intense marine heatwaves. This imbalance may lead to worse longer-term consequences. New research shows the only climate models coming close to simulating real world measurements are those with a higher 'climate sensitivity'. We don't know yet whether other factors are at play, however. It's still too early to definitively say we are on a high-sensitivity trajectory. We've known the solution for a long time: stop the routine burning of fossil fuels and phase out human activities causing emissions such as deforestation. Keeping accurate records over long periods of time is essential if we are to spot unexpected changes. Satellites are our advance warning system, telling us about heat storage changes roughly a decade before other methods. But funding cuts and drastic priority shifts may threaten essential satellite climate monitoring. (Steven Sherwood is from UNSW Sydney, Benoit Meyssignac is with the Université de Toulouse and Thorsten Mauritsen is from Stockholm University)
Vancouver Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Letters to The Sun: Only one Vancouver neighbourhood on list of 'hidden gems'
Re: Realtor lists Metro region's hidden gem communities There are seven neighbourhoods listed in The Sun's article. Of the seven, only one is in Vancouver. The report describes east Mount Pleasant as a 'vibrant neighbourhood blending historic charm with modern flair, rising affordability and trendiness … great dining, shops, nightlife and colourful wall murals.' How ironic that it is also at risk of losing so much of that historic charm and the characteristics that go with it because of the Broadway transit plan and because city council seems ready to ignore it in favour of bland highrises that will destroy it. What this article indicates, but does not say, is that the neighbourhood is potentially a draw for the whole city, and for tourists who want to see what the city they are visiting is really like. Once we lose our heritage, we can never get it back. Once we lose our neighbourhoods, we lose the heart of our city. Why can't council see that, or why are they ignoring it? A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Peter Silin, Vancouver Re: Incendiary comments about Chinese shipbuilding unwarranted Re: B.C. Ferries should source shipbuilder in democratic country I read the letters submitted by Bernie Smith and Gabriel Yiu, and came away with mixed feelings. Smith laid out his opinion in a clear and concise manner, based on his working years as a mariner criss-crossing the oceans. His submissions are fact-based without any influences or narratives. Yiu also expressed his opinion that reflected his beliefs and conviction about the modus operandi that led China as a state and Hong Kong as a robust city that desperately wants to bounce back after the 2019 uprising. As a retired mechanical professional, I would like to point out that during each and every stage of the vessel fabrication, there will be rigorous checks and inspections that will be signed off by both parties before commencing the next stage of the construction. False narratives and fear-mongering has no place in Canadian society. Sidney Ng, Vancouver The B.C. NDP government has spent its entire term in office passing environmental and regulatory laws making it harder for B.C. businesses to survive, let alone compete with other jurisdictions. Then, when it's time to make a major purchase, B.C. Ferries buys from China, which has none of the environmental and regulatory burdens the government has saddled local businesses with because 'it's cheaper'. The gross hypocrisy and lack of introspection is breathtaking. Chris Midmore, Surrey Re: We need rules to ensure on-farm processing actually has a benefit to B.C. agriculture Chris Bodner is right. The current push to eliminate the 50-per-cent B.C. produce rule has little to do with supporting farmers and more to do with serving developers who have been thirsting after 'cheap farmland' for decades. Food processing facilities are important in the ALR — as long as you are farming the land and/or processing food from other B.C. producers. The 50-per-cent rule is an incentive for local food production, not a deterrent. Without the insurance provided by the 50-per-cent rule, there would be nothing stopping landowners from converting infrastructure to non-food-related uses that are detrimental to surrounding farms and the farming community. With population growth, climate change, and now Trump tariffs, today is the perfect storm for which the ALR was created. Ontario is only now proposing a 'food belt' to help tariff-proof their agriculture sector. We did that over 50 years ago and that foresight is perhaps the only reason we still have options in B.C. There are things government can do to further support farming and food processing in B.C. Removing the 50-per-cent rule is not one of them. Far from leading us toward food security, it will take us in exactly the opposite direction. Joan Sawicki, Hagensborg My family and I just returned from a wonderful visit to Vancouver. This was a family reunion, the first time our children and grandchildren had been together in three years. During our visit, we were enthralled with the city, the sites, and the gracious and welcoming people. Thank you, as citizens of your ill-mannered neighbour country to the south. We want you to know we're very grateful. David Miller, Lancaster, SC Letters to the editor should be sent to sunletters@
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Libra Monthly Horoscope, July 2025 ♎: Navigate Career Shifts & Emotional Growth with Balance and Clarity
♎ Libra Monthly Horoscope (1st July to 31st July 2025): Libra Monthly Horoscope: Career (1st July to 31st July 2025) Libra Monthly Horoscope: Finance (1st July to 31st July 2025) Live Events Libra Monthly Horoscope: Health (1st July to 31st July 2025) Libra Monthly Horoscope: Family (1st July to 31st July 2025) Libra Monthly Horoscope: Education (1st July to 31st July 2025) Conclusion – Libra Monthly Horoscope (1st July to 31st July 2025): Remedies: Libra natives will transit from July. There can be a strong desire to stabilise your emotional and financial worlds. The planetary influences push you to reconsider your priorities. Mercury will be retrograde mid-month. The first half encourages structured action. In the second half, it may be more suited for introspection and refining plans. The Monthly Horoscope suggests maintaining emotional composure. You shouldn't rush important July presents mixed signals. The first half offers steady progress. You can do well, particularly in tasks involving research and planning. There can be gains from client coordination. On 15th July, the Sun transits the Cancer sign, and Mercury will be retrograde from 18th July. Delays, miscommunication, or leadership changes may impact work Monthly Horoscope encourages patience in professional matters. You should avoid changing jobs. You can launch major initiatives until August. There can be gains from collaborations that may need renegotiation. Backup documentation for your communications will be essential. You can use this phase to reevaluate long-term goals rather than chasing short-term More:Finances look stable, but demand caution. Venus will be moving out of the Taurus sign, which is your eighth house of shared resources, on 26th July. Mercury will be retrograde from 18th July 2025. There can be gains from shared finances. There can be tax-related concerns. Joint accounts may need extra attention. You should avoid taking loans. You should also be careful while co-signing on financial documents in the second half of the Monthly Horoscope asks you to focus on pending bills. You should also cut unnecessary expenses and budget efficiently. Your pending payment may clear after a delay. If you are involved in any legal or property-related matters, results may be postponed. You should delay new investments until clarity improves. There can be more clarity once Mercury becomes direct in remains moderate throughout the month. Your emotional tension or stress-related symptoms may rise. This is because of Mercury being retrograde and also the emotional influence of the Cancer sign. You may feel more introspective or withdrawn around the third week, which could affect your sleep and Monthly Horoscope advises gentle physical activity. You need to detox with routines. There can be gains from meditative practices. You need to maintain your well-being. You should avoid overindulgence in comfort foods or late-night snacking. You need to prioritise emotional self-care. You can also take short breaks to recharge your mental Read:Family interactions may be emotionally rich. It can also be occasionally complicated. Venus in the Taurus sign early in the month supports harmony. There can be happiness in domestic relationships. The Sun will transit into the Cancer sign on 15th July 2025. Mercury will be retrograde from 18th July 2025. Unresolved emotional undercurrents may Monthly Horoscope warns against misunderstandings escalating, especially with parents or in-laws. From mid-month onwards, you should avoid sensitive discussions. You should wait until early August. You can make more productive family decisions. You need to create time for bonding through shared activities. You can have trips to strengthen your emotional students, this month is a mixed bag. Early July is focused on studies. You can excel in subjects related to the arts and design. You can also do well in law or literature. Your distractions may increase. Mercury will be retrograde from 18th July. This transit can affect comprehension and Monthly Horoscope suggests staying organised. You need to review notes regularly and avoid last-minute cramming. If appearing for exams, you should double-check your schedules and instructions. The month is good to revise older topics rather than start something Libra Monthly Horoscope for July 2025 encourages you to balance between planning and feeling. Career, finance and relationships may require success after mid-month. The retrograde period might slow external progress, but it's ideal for deep reflection and long-term clarity. You should trust the process and allow room for patience and personal growth.a) You should offer white flowers at a temple on Fridays to please Venus.b) You should chant 'Om Shukraya Namah' every morning to boost positivity.c) You can gain by donating white rice or sweets to young girls on Fridays.d) You should use a rose quartz crystal to promote calmness in relationships.e) You can gain if you practice daily affirmations. This can help to maintain inner balance and clarity.
