Latest news with #ValerieMacon
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Hundreds of Thousands of People Warned to 'Stay Out of the Water'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than 200,000 beachgoers and swimmers along the coast of Lake Ontario in New York were told to stay out of the water on Monday morning amid dangerous lake conditions. Why It Matters The Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario near Buffalo, are premier recreation destinations in the United States, especially during summer months when swimmers frequent local beaches, despite the region's historically cold water temperatures early in the season. The urgency of the warning follows a reported 42 drownings so far this year across the Great Lakes, underscoring the persistent risks associated with swimming in these waters when weather makes for dangerous conditions. Although most fatalities have occurred at Lake Michigan, life-threatening incidents are possible at all of the Great Lakes, and local officials emphasize prevention and public awareness as critical during peak beach season What to Know The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning early Monday for residents and visitors in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties in the Buffalo, New York, forecast region, cautioning them to stay out of Lake Ontario waters due to strong currents and hazardous swimming conditions. The advisory remained in effect until 11 a.m. local time on Monday. The Beach Hazards Statement specifically warned of "strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions" that could threaten beachgoers in affected counties. The NWS advised people to stay out of the water to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. A person stands on the beach of Lake Ontario in Toronto on September 14, 2023. A person stands on the beach of Lake Ontario in Toronto on September 14, 2023. Valerie Macon/Getty The NWS's Beach Hazards Statement warned that strong lake currents posed direct threats to swimmers, surfers, and other water enthusiasts in Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties. Similar advisories have been issued across other states bordering the Great Lakes earlier this month, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, among others. NWS meteorologist Aaron Reynolds told Newsweek that both rip currents and longshore currents posed a risk in the Buffalo area on Monday, although longshore currents were the strongest issue. Reynolds added that winds of 15 to 20 knots, which are 17 to 23 mph, were generating waves of 3 to 5 feet. "Because of that, you can have some strong rip currents," he said. The winds are worse when low-pressure systems move into the area, Reynolds said. However, high pressure is building, which means once the beach hazards statement expires, it likely won't be issued again for at least the next few days. Although the water-related threat is subsiding, a warming trend will soon begin, Reynolds said, which could bring dangerous high temperatures to the region. What People Are Saying NWS Buffalo beach hazards statement: "Stay out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions." NWS Buffalo in a hazardous weather outlook: "Hot and humid conditions are forecast for Thursday, when apparent temperatures could potentially reach the mid 90s to lower 100s across the area. If realized, such conditions would result in an increased risk of heat-related illnesses." What Happens Next While the beach hazards statement for the Buffalo, New York, region was scheduled to expire at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday, officials continued to urge the public to respect all posted advisories and monitor updates from the NWS as weather and water conditions could change rapidly.
Sinar Daily
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
BTS to release first-ever live album "Permission to Dance on Stage" on July 18
It hopes the album serves as an opportunity for fans to "recall the memories" of the concerts and wished for "every moment spent with BTS to shine brightly in your hearts for a long time." 01 Jul 2025 02:17pm South Korean boy band BTS performs onstage during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. Photo by Valerie Macon/AFP FILE PIX SEOUL - K-pop supergroup BTS will release its first-ever live album this month, the group's agency, BigHit Music, announced Tuesday, offering fans a chance to relive the global "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour, Yonhap News Agency reported. The album, "Permission to Dance on Stage -- Live," will roll out July 18, featuring 22 tracks recorded during the 2021-2022 tour, including live renditions of hit songs, such as "On," "Fire," "Dope" and "Idol," according to the agency. It said in a statement that it hopes the album serves as an opportunity for fans to "recall the memories" of the concerts and wished for "every moment spent with BTS to shine brightly in your hearts for a long time." Fans of K-pop boy band BTS pose for photos as they queue up for the annual 'BTS Festa' celebrating the group's debut anniversary at KINTEX exhibition centre in Goyang on June 13, 2025. Photo by Jung Yeon-je/AFP The "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour spanned 12 shows across three cities: Seoul, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It drew a total of four million members of ARMY, the group's devoted fan base, through various platforms, including online livestreaming. The tour also marked a significant milestone for the septet, as they became the first Korean artists to perform at major United States (US) venues, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. For the record, all seven BTS members have now completed their mandatory South Korean military service. Suga was the last member to be discharged, finishing his alternative service as a social service agent on June 21. This marks the end of the group's hiatus and fans are excited for a full reunion and potential new music from the group. - BERNAMA-YONHAP Permission to Dance on Stage
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Science
- Scotsman
Why we (probably) shouldn't fear new giant leap forward for robot-kind
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From R2-D2 to WALL-E and the Terminator, robots have captured our imagination for years but, in the real world, such machines have proved pretty thin on the ground. However scientists at Edinburgh University have apparently made a giant leap forward for robot-kind by inventing ones that can walk straight out of the 3D printer that made them. The printer costs less than £400 and first-time users can begin cranking out bots within days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lead engineer Maks Gepner said: 'Using our new platform, anyone can now easily print things which were previously thought to be impossible. This is a game-changer for engineers and artists alike... we believe soft robotics is ready to make a major real-world impact.' R2-D2 and C-3PO from the Star Wars films have fascinated generations for more than 40 years (Picture: Valerie Macon) | AFP via Getty Images Potential uses include in nuclear decommissioning, the biomedical sector and space. However, we suspect it won't be too long until a science fiction writer uses them to conjure up a dystopian tale of the world under attack by a robot army churned out from some wannabe Bond villain's basement.
Extra.ie
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Kneecap deny support for terrorism groups and apologises to families of murdered MPs
Belfast Irish rap trio Kneecap have released a new statement after calls for the band to clarify their rumoured comments on the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah and UK politicians. Taoiseach Micheál Martin even got involved by sharing the need for 'urgent clarity' surrounding clips from two of their gigs which are now being investigated by the UK's counter terrorism department. The band has now released a new statement to address these claims, saying they 'unequivocally' do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, and 'condemn all attacks on civilians.' Mo Chara and Moglai Bap from Irish Hip Hop trio Kneecap perform onstage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Pic: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images The statement on social media reads: 'They want you to believe words are more harmful than genocide. Establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or years ago to manufacture moral hysteria. 'Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history. 'We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action. This distortion is not only absurd — it is a transparent effort to derail the real conversation. Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap from Kneecap performing at Coachella. Pic: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images 'All two million Palestinian people in Gaza are currently being starved to death by Israel. At least 20,000 children in Gaza have been killed. The British government continues to supply arms to Israel, even after scores of NHS doctors warned Keir Starmer in August that children were being systematically executed with sniper shots to the head. 'Instead of defending innocent people or the principles of international law, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine. This is where real anger and outrage should be directed towards. 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt. Kneecap's message has always been — and remains — one of love, inclusion, and hope. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32) 'This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that. 'Suddenly, days after calling out the US administration at Coachella to applause and solidarity, there is an avalanche of outrage and condemnation by the political classes of Britain. 'The real crimes are not in our performances; the real crimes are the silence and complicity of those in power. Shame on them.' Kneecap performing at Coachella. Pic:for Coachella The statement comes after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for a member of the group to be prosecuted after a video emerged from a November 2023 gig, appearing to show him saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' The official spokesperson for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added that the Government leader believes the comments were 'completely unacceptable' and 'condemns them in the strongest possible terms'. The inclusion of an apology to the Amess and Cox families comes after relations of the murdered politicians, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, spoke out against the band and their supposed encouragement of violence against MPs. Mo Chara aka Naoise O Caireallain, Moglai Bap aka Liam Og O Hannaidh, Rich Peppiatt and DJ Provai of Kneecap at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards Pic: Max Cisotti/Conservative MP Sir David was stabbed to death while meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 2021, and his daughter Katie recently spoke to BBC's Good Morning Ulster about how 'dangerous' the band's words could be. She explained: 'It is just beyond belief that human beings would speak like that in this day and age, and it is extremely dangerous,' adding that the band saying 'to kill anybody – what on Earth are they thinking', warning there are 'absolute nutters' who could try to act upon the comments allegedly made by Kneecap. Meanwhile, Labour MP David Taylor has written to the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival, urging them to remove Kneecap from this year's line-up, with the band currently slated to appear on the West Holts stage on the Saturday of the festival. DJ Provaí from Kneecap performing at Coachella. Pic: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images In a letter addressed to founder Sir Michel Eavis and posted on X, the Hemel Hempstead MP said: 'By hosting such a group, Glastonbury Festival risks undermining its proud tradition of promoting peace, unity and social responsibility. 'It would be deeply troubling to see the festival provide a platform to individuals who advocate hatred and violence, especially at a time when politcal and social tensions are already high. '[Removing Kneecap from the lineup] would send a clear message that Glastonbury stands firm against violence, terrorism and political extremism in all its forms.' Kneecap Pic: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images The festival team nor Sir Michel Eavis have responded to the calls yet, but its not the only festival under fire for having the band on their lineup. The Hurricane Festival in the north of Germany and its sister event, the Southside Festival in south of the country, have both cancelled planned appearances from Keecap this summer. There have also been calls to have them axed from TRNSMT festival in Scotland, and for the USA to remove, or not issue, visas to the trio for their scheduled concerts this October.
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Kneecap gig footage to be assessed by police over alleged 'kill MP' call
Footage of Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is being assessed by counter-terrorism police. Video emerged of the band at a November 2023 gig, appearing to show one person from Kneecap saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Earlier in the week, footage emerged of another gig last year in November, which seemed to show a band member shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a performance at the Kentish Town Forum, and a Hezbollah flag being displayed. Footage of Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap allegedly calling for the death of British MPs is being assessed by counter-terrorism police. Pic: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the UK, and it is a crime to express support for them. On Sunday, a Met Police spokesman said: 'We were made aware of a video on April 22, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the counter terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required. 'We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023.' He also said the force 'are assessing both to determine whether further police investigation is required'. The visas held by the band members are understood to no longer be valid, and they are in the process of securing a new sponsor ahead of its sellout October tour in North America. The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) is a national counter-terrorism policing unit based within the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, dedicated to identifying terrorist and extremist material online. Police will carry out an investigation if the material breaches UK law. Following former The X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne calling for Kneecap's US work visas to be revoked over their support for Palestine amid the Gaza war at US festival Coachella, the band was dropped by its now-former sponsor and booking agent, Independent Artist Group (IAG). The visas held by the band members are understood to no longer be valid, and they are in the process of securing a new sponsor ahead of its sellout October tour in North America. At Coachella, Kneecap displayed messages which read: 'Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people', 'It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes' and 'F*** Israel. Free Palestine'. On Tuesday, Osbourne called the images at Coachella 'projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech'. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock On Tuesday, Osbourne called the images at Coachella 'projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech'. The music manager and wife of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne wrote on X: 'As someone of both Irish Catholic on my mother's side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her father's side and extensive experience in the music industry, I understand the complexities involved. 'I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap's work visa.' Kneecap, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, alleged on social media that they have 'faced a co-ordinated smear campaign', saying their shows have previously 'called out' the conflict in Gaza. They also appeared to suggest they would be taking legal action against the 'malicious efforts'. Earlier in the week, Kneecap's manager, Daniel Lambert, said the band had received 'severe' death threats after Coachella.
