Latest news with #DREAM


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Narcotics worth over 1,000cr seized in past 3 years, says Meghalaya CM
Shillong: Meghalaya Police seized narcotics worth over Rs 1,000 crore and filed chargesheets against 422 in the past three years, chief minister Conrad Sangma said. Additionally, 1,031 drug-related cases were filed during this period, he added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CM was addressing an event to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the State Convention Centre here on Thursday. Specialised units like the anti-narcotics task force are being further strengthened, and new tools such as drug scanners and trained canine squads are being introduced, he said, urging all citizens to come together in this fight. The event brought together leaders, frontline workers and communities under the theme 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All'. The CM emphasised that the govt is committed not only to law enforcement but also to holistic recovery, involving health systems, education, youth engagement and strong community partnerships. "We cannot look at this as just a law enforcement issue. It is a public health, social and developmental issue. DREAM is our mission to fight this together — as a state, as a people," he said and also led the gathering in a solemn pledge as part of the National Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The flagship programme — Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) — is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative that addresses both the supply and demand side of substance abuse. Under the initiative, the govt has committed Rs 50 crore over five years to support rehabilitation centres, especially those run by faith-based and community-led organisations. As part of DREAM's community-based strategy, the govt also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses, a national organisation. The partnership aims to create customised toolkits and training modules for schools, teachers, local communities and NGOs to build an informed, drug-resilient society.


The Hill
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
5 things to watch in New York's primaries
Voters across New York are heading to the polls on Tuesday for primaries across the state, but most of the attention will be on New York City for its Democratic mayoral primary. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has for months seemed to be in a strong position to mount what at one time would've been considered an unlikely political comeback as the clear front-runner in the field. But state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who's sought to coalesce progressive opposition behind his candidacy as the Cuomo alternative, is hoping to pull off a major upset as polls suggest momentum is on his side. Several other races with high-profile individuals are also taking place in the city. Here are five things to watch for in New York's Tuesday primaries: For much of the race, the story of New York City's Democratic primary has been Cuomo's march back to political relevance. But the narrative has shifted in recent weeks, with Mamdani, a democratic socialist with the backing of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), gaining in the polls. An Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey released Monday showed Mamdani virtually tied with Cuomo, and beating him in the final round of a ranked-choice simulation. A victory by Mamdani would be a stunning upset for a candidate who was basically unknown to most voters just a few months ago. It would also be the latest setback for Cuomo, who resigned from his position as New York governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations and reports that his administration undercounted nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Cuomo still enters Tuesday as the likely favorite. He recently scored an endorsement from influential Congressional Black Caucus member Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), and The New York Times editorial board last week urged voters not to support Mamdani. But Mamdani appears to have momentum on his side in a city that last delivered a stunning primary upset in 2018, when Ocasio-Cortez ousted former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.). While most candidates in primaries usually declare their support for the party nominee, the Democratic mayoral primary has become increasingly fiery. A few candidates have strategically cross-endorsed as a way to influence their supporters to include candidates on their ballots more ideologically similar to them, or candidates who are at least more desirable alternatives. Several candidates pounced on Cuomo during the two mayoral debates. The 'Don't Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor' campaign, or DREAM, formed to call on voters and candidates to back anyone except Cuomo. And both Cuomo and Mamdani may have an opportunity to face each other again in November regardless of who wins the nomination. In May, Cuomo formed his own separate party line to run in the general election, called the Fight and Deliver Party, saying he wanted to form the largest coalition possible outside the Democratic brand. He's likely to be a choice in November regardless of Tuesday's result. Mamdani also could have another avenue to stay in the race through the Working Families Party, a smaller left-wing party that has ballot access in the general election. The party called on voters to rank Mamdani first, but it's also indicated interest in nominating another candidate if Cuomo wins the Democratic nomination. Party leaders haven't said whom they would choose, but Mamdani would have a strong case for it to be him. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is facing voters a year after he oversaw the first successful criminal prosecution of a former president, securing a conviction of President Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The case became a lightning rod in the 2024 presidential race as Trump railed against what he claimed was a politically motivated prosecution. A former federal prosecutor who became the first Black person to hold the office, Bragg called for not prosecuting lower-level nonviolent crimes during his first campaign and ushered in progressive policies, though he's taken some criticism from progressives over accusations of shying away from some of those proposals. Bragg has touted declining statistics on shootings and crimes like robberies and assaults, but he's facing a primary challenge from Patrick Timmins, a former prosecutor in the Bronx. One internal poll for Bragg showed him well ahead of Timmins, but Timmins expressed optimism about his chances of winning as his name identification increases. Two decades after his conviction was vacated, Raymond Santana is attempting to become the second member of the group of five Black and Latino men known as the Central Park Five to be elected to the New York City Council. Santana is running for the Democratic nomination for Council District 8, seeking to join Council member Yusef Salaam, who was elected in 2023. Salaam, Santana and three others were convicted of charges stemming from an assault on a white jogger in Central Park in 1989. Their convictions were thrown out in 2002 after the real culprit confessed and DNA evidence proved their innocence. Santana is facing a crowded primary to succeed outgoing Council member Diana Ayala, who is term limited. Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon ascended to the position in October after his predecessor, Byron Brown, stepped down to become CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public corporation for horse race wagering. Scanlon was the architect of Brown's successful 2021 write-in campaign after Brown lost the Democratic nomination to a left-wing challenger, and now he's trying to win the primary in his own right against a few candidates, most notably New York state Sen. Sean Ryan (D). Scanlon appears to be facing a bit of an uphill battle as Ryan secured the endorsements of the Erie County Democratic Party and the Working Families Party. Ryan's also kept pace with Scanlon's fundraising and spending, both raking in significant donations. The county party endorsement caused significant controversy over allegations that the party chair would be appointed to Ryan's state Senate seat if Ryan became mayor. The chair has denied this. Issues of city finances and infrastructure have played a central role in the race, which includes three other candidates. Scanlon has already filed to run as an independent in the general election, while Ryan has the Working Families Party nomination, making a November rematch likely. But winning the Democratic nomination would certainly be an advantage.


Perth Now
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Tyra Banks visits three ice cream parlous in a row at weekends
Tyra Banks has three ice creams in a row at weekends. The 51-year-old model - who lives in Sydney, Australia, with partner Louis Belanger-Martin and her nine-year-old son York, who she has with former partner Erik Asla - and her family make a weekly visit to a trio of dessert parlours on Saturday and she insisted their treats are not "excessive". Discussing her weekend visits to Manly, she told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper's Sydney Confidential column: "Once we land, we often head to Queen Chow — the Cantonese waterfront spot that makes you feel like you're floating. The view? Gorgeous. The food? Comfort meets elegance. And let's be real … convenience. Cause it's right there at the ferry station. "Then we go full-on ice cream mode. We don't stop at one — we hit Messina, Anita, and Royal Copenhagen. Yep. Three. In a row. "Call it excessive — we call it Saturday. "We're an ice cream family. And when you love frozen cream, there's no such thing as too much." Tyra - who is setting up stores for her own SMiZE and DREAM ice cream company in Australia - also confessted to having "many late night deliveries" from her favourite gelato parlours. She said: "Yes, we're in the ice cream business — but the ice cream and gelato world is family, not competition. Cause the frozen treat is so popular with so many people, there's enough to go around for everybody. And these Aussie gelato legends? We bow down. "Here's our fave shoutout list: Messina; Rivareno; Mapo; Ice Kirin; Anita. Let's be clear — we don't make gelato. We make ice cream. But these spots? They do their gelato thing with so much craft, flavour, and flair, we've got nothing but love. We order from them, and we cheer them on. "Much respect, mucho admiration — and many late-night deliveries. Proud to be part of the sweet ice cream scene here in Australia. Woop woop!!!" The America's Next Top Model creator is "so excited" about launching her SMiZE and DREAM store and hopes she can inspire others to pursue their dreams. She said: "Right now, we're in HIRING mode. That energy that comes when you're building the dream and are so excited about the team – and knowing what really makes the DREAM a reality. Or else it's just a wish. "I'm laser-focused on casting, hiring, and building super cool, fun jobs for the SMiZE and DREAM launch in Sydney. We're hiring 37 people that scoop and perform – and that is just to start. This makes my heart so happy. Creating jobs. Creating opportunity. That's what it's all about, right? I feel so good that my dream is inspiring others to dream bigger too."


Politico
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
AOC rallies against Cuomo ‘gerontocracy'
NEW YORK — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ratcheted up the stakes in the New York City mayor's race Saturday night during a rally for contender Zohran Mamdani, framing the contest as a referendum on the future of the Democratic Party nationally. It is a choice, she said, between the 'gerontocracy' represented by the 67-year-old former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the change represented by Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblymember. 'When I say that this is not just about New York City, but that this is about the United States, I mean that literally because Andrew Cuomo has made clear that if he wins this race, he wants to run for president of the United States,' Ocasio-Cortez, who's 35, said at Mamdani's event in Manhattan. Cuomo has not publicly said he would run in 2028, but he told POLITICO in May he intends to be a national figure as mayor, organizing Democrats across the country. 'In a world and a nation that is crying to end the gerontocracy of our leadership, that wants to see a new day, that wants to see a new generation ascend, it is unconscionable to send Andrew Cuomo to Gracie Mansion,' she added, referring to New York City's mayoral residence. Earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez endorsed a slate of five candidates in the Democratic primary, making Mamdani her top choice under the city's ranked-choice voting system. On Saturday, she mentioned that Mamdani and Brad Lander had recently cross-endorsed, with both encouraging supporters to rank their respective ally second. During her speech, Ocasio-Cortez also praised two other candidates she has endorsed, Zellnor Myrie and Scott Stringer, but did not mention the candidate she herself ranked second, Adrienne Adams. She also specifically urged voters not to rank Cuomo on the ballot, becoming the highest-profile supporter of the movement dubbed DREAM: 'Don't Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor.' 'Not ranking Andrew Cuomo is the right thing to do in solidarity with survivors of sexual harassment,' she said on stage. Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 after a report from Attorney General Letitia James' office determined he sexually harassed 11 women, allegations Cuomo denies. Cuomo's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday night. Not ranking Cuomo, Ocasio-Cortez added, 'is the right thing to do to turn the page on the future of a Democratic party that does not continue to repeat the mistakes that have landed us here. We can never get past Donald Trump if we continue to elect the same people and make the same decisions that got us here in the first place.' More than 2,500 people filled Terminal 5, a concert hall on the west side of Manhattan. The rally capped off the first day of early voting in the June 24 primary. Other speakers included Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen, the leaders of the New York Working Families Party and state Sen. John Liu. The Kid Mero, a media personality from the Bronx, emceed the event. Mamdani also presented the race as having implications far beyond the parochial concerns of New Yorkers. 'We stand on the verge of a victory that will resonate across the country and the world,' he said from the stage. 'Make no mistake, this victory will be historic, not just because of who I am, a Muslim immigrant and a proud democratic socialist. But for what we will do: make this city affordable for everyone.' Polling in the race has consistently shown Cuomo in the lead, though Mamdani is within striking distance. His growing prominence has unleashed a torrent of spending against him, funded largely by business and real estate interests who oppose his lefty politics. After former Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Cuomo and donated $5 million to a super PAC boosting his candidacy, the group started running ads accusing Mamdani of wanting to defund the police and move homeless people into subway stations, POLITICO reported. Mamdani and his allies urged supporters to volunteer to counter the messaging. 'This election isn't just about the future of our city, it's about the future of our democracy, whether billionaires and massive corporations can simply buy our elections,' he said. 'But we know that this movement is more powerful than their money.'


Time Out Dubai
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Eid weekend in Dubai: Fun things to do
Is your Eid break in Dubai sorted yet? The latest moon sighting has confirmed that Arafat Day will fall on Thursday June 5, with the first day of Eid Al Adha to follow on Friday June 6. This means we're in for a four-day long weekend, so what are you going to do with the time off? If you're in need of some inspo, here are some of the best things to get up to over the next few days. What to do during the long Eid weekend in Dubai Be dazzled at a DREAM show (Credit: supplied) The dinner show will be running a special selection of acts for two weeks spanning from Wednesday June 4 to Sunday June 15 and you need to be in the front row. While you watch the powerhouse singers and incredible acrobats commandeer the stage, you'll get to tuck into dishes from truffle beef tartare to seared salmon or steak. From Dhs800 per person. Jun 4-15, 8pm-late. Address Beach Resort, JBR, (04 220 0224). Explore Green Planet (Credit: The Green Planet) The indoor rainforest is hone to over 3,000 plants and animals, so try and count them all while you enjoy the Eid Al Adha celebrations. As well as complimentary henna and face painting, there will also be a live Oud player and an arts and crafts station for the little ones to try after they've had a meet and greet with a millipede or two. From Dhs129. Open 10pm-7pm (Eid hours only). City Walk, (800 2629464). Feast at Walima (Credit: Supplied) The buffet-style restaurant at the Grand Mercure Dubai City is throwing quite the feast on Friday June 6, where you can fill your plate for only Dhs175. Fill up on fresh seafood, hot and cold mezze, freshly cooked pasta and hot shawarmas cut from the grill in front of you. Dhs175 (adult), Dhs45 (kids aged 6-12). Fri Jun 6, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Grand Mercure Dubai City, grand-mercure-dubai-city (052 267 0398). Have a Bali-inspired dinner on the beach Head down to Koko Bay for sunset, and enjoy the Sound of Bali dinner experience, complete with three themed courses, free-flowing drinks and live entertainment surrounded by a flame-lit beachfront. Dhs295. Thu 7pm-11pm. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, (04 572 3444). Take the family to Times Square Centre (Credit: Times Square Centre) From Friday June 6 to Sunday June 8, the community mall will be packed with free events for the little ones, including a live show from Magic Phil, teddy bear workshops, face painting, storytelling and even a sing-along or two. June 6-8. Times Square Centre, Al Quoz, (04 341 8020). Try a brand new box of cookies Credit: Blueprint The Floridian favourite, Blueprint, is coming to Dubai all the way from the US with its chunky, gooey treats. Expect some drool-worthy flavours to hit the shelves, from 'Mom's apple pie' to salted caramel pretzel and New York cheesecake. Opening Fri Jun 6. Mall of the Emirates, Visit RIVERLAND Dubai The entertainment attraction is offering up all-day entertainment, from a ride along the Riverland boat, archery and axe throwing or even a dinosaur parade. Stick around for the evening, where you'll be treated to three eco-friendly laser shows before a dazzling fireworks display at 9.30pm. From Dhs25. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Sheikh Zayed Road, (800 2629464). Visit a Kayali pop-up If you're looking for the perfect Insta moment this month, we've found it. Sky-high infinity pool Alto 54 has teamed up with Kayali fragrances for a vacay-themed pop-up until Thursday June 19. Letting you travel around the world all in one place, you can try a special menu, use the sample vending machine and explore the four 'destinations' – Marrakesh, Capri, Maui and the Maldives. Dhs600 (Dhs300 redeemable). Until Thu Jun 19, 9am-sunset. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, (04 873 8888). Have a pamper day Credit: Mare by Bussola The popular salon and spa has recently opened in a new location in Dubai Marina, where you can enjoy a full pamper day for Dhs795. Starting with a 60-minute massage, you'll then enjoy a two-course lunch at Mare by Bussola, two mixed drinks and beach access for the rest of the day. Dhs795 (Mon-Thu), Dhs895 (Fri-Sun). Spa open daily 10am-10pm. W Dubai Mina Seyahi, (04 423 8313). Spending Eid Al Adha in Dubai? Eid Al Adha 2025: When it is, where to go and what to do The celebrations start here This is how much time off Dubai will get for Eid Al Adha 2025 What you need to know about the upcoming holiday We've found the best Eid Al Adha staycation deals in Dubai Celebrate Eid in style