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3 French women face trial in Paris over ties to Islamic State

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3 French women face trial in Paris over ties to Islamic State

PARIS (BN24) — Three French women accused of traveling to Syria to join the Islamic State group and taking eight children with them went on trial in Paris on Monday, including the niece of two jihadist propagandists who claimed responsibility for the deadly 2015 Paris attacks.

Among the defendants is Jennyfer Clain, 34, the niece of Jean-Michel and Fabien Clain. The brothers, who were among the most infamous voices of the Islamic State, claimed the group’s responsibility for the November 13, 2015 attacks that killed 130 people at the Bataclan concert hall and other sites across Paris. Both men are presumed dead, though in 2022 they were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment without parole.

Clain stands trial alongside her sister-in-law Mayalen Duhart, 42, and her mother-in-law Christine Allain, 67. Each faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of criminal association with a terrorist enterprise.

The women traveled to Raqqa, the Islamic State’s de facto capital, in 2014, bringing their young children with them. After the 2017 battle for Raqqa marked the collapse of the group’s caliphate, they remained with retreating fighters for two more years.

In 2019, Turkish authorities detained the women as they attempted to cross into Turkey from Syria with nine children between the ages of 3 and 13, eight of whom had been born in France. They were later expelled to France, where they were charged with terrorism-related offenses.

Clain and Duhart face additional charges of failing in their parental obligations by “voluntarily taking their children to a war zone to join a terrorist group,” exposing them to what prosecutors described as “significant risk of physical and psychological harm.”

Investigating judges who referred the case to trial noted that the women had remained for years embedded in jihadist networks, arguing that their decision to travel to Syria had been made “with full knowledge of the facts” after the declaration of the Islamic State’s caliphate.

The trial is being heard by a special criminal court without a jury, a standard procedure in French terrorism cases.

Duhart is the only defendant to appear in court as a free woman, saying she now works at a bakery. Allain’s lawyer told the court that his client has worked to turn her life around, emphasizing her rejection of extremist ideology.

“She still considers herself a Muslim, but she has only known one interpretation of Islam, the wrong one,” her lawyer said. “She hates the person she had become.”

The trial is scheduled to continue through September 26.

Martial arts star Conor McGregor withdraws from Ireland’s presidential race ahead of key nominations

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Martial arts star Conor McGregor withdraws from Ireland’s presidential race ahead of key nominations

DUBLIN (BN24) — Former mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announced Monday that he is dropping out of Ireland’s presidential race, ending months of speculation about his political ambitions just as he was due to seek crucial council nominations.

The 37-year-old fighter, who once vowed to become president of Ireland, said in a statement on social media that his decision came “following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family.” His withdrawal was announced hours before he was scheduled to address Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council, where he had hoped to secure the endorsements necessary to appear on the October ballot.

McGregor Cites Barriers to Candidacy

McGregor, who has not competed professionally since July 2021, acknowledged the decision was not easy but described it as the right one. He expressed gratitude for the “support and encouragement” he received from the public but criticized Ireland’s eligibility rules, calling them a “straitjacket” that prevents “a true democratic presidential election being contested.”

Under Irish law, presidential hopefuls must be Irish citizens at least 35 years old and must secure endorsements from at least 20 members of parliament or four of the country’s 31 local authorities. So far, three candidates have secured the necessary backing: Independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil nominee Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.

Sinn Féin, Ireland’s main opposition party, has yet to declare whether it will field a candidate, with an announcement expected on September 20. Candidates have until September 24 to qualify for the ballot ahead of the October 24 vote.

Seriousness of Campaign Questioned

Despite McGregor’s vast following on social media, where he frequently promoted his presidential bid and urged supporters to lobby councillors on his behalf, many political observers doubted his seriousness. He declined opportunities to speak at early council hearings where potential candidates presented their cases, raising further questions about whether he intended to fully commit to the race.

McGregor’s name was listed among prospective candidates due to appear before Dublin and Kildare councils on Monday, but his withdrawal preempted any direct questioning from councillors.

The former UFC champion’s candidacy faced widespread skepticism from Ireland’s political class, with many lawmakers declaring him unfit for office. Earlier this year, McGregor lost a civil jury appeal related to a sexual assault case dating back to 2018. A Dublin woman, Nikita Hand, accused him of raping her in a hotel, a claim he denied. In November 2024, she won her civil case and McGregor was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages plus costs.

The legal controversy, coupled with his absence from formal campaign forums, left analysts doubting whether he could have secured the nominations required to advance in the race.

Presidential Field Takes Shape

With McGregor’s exit, the presidential contest is now focused on the three confirmed candidates:

  • Catherine Connolly, an independent backed by Labour, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit.
  • Jim Gavin, nominated by Fianna Fáil, Ireland’s largest parliamentary party led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
  • Heather Humphreys, representing Fine Gael, a center-right party governing in coalition with Fianna Fáil.

The election will determine the successor to President Michael D. Higgins, who has served since 2011 and is constitutionally barred from seeking another term.

Malawi heads to polls as former President Peter Mutharika seeks dramatic comeback at 84

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Malawi heads to polls as former President Peter Mutharika seeks dramatic comeback at 84

LILONGWE, Malawi (BN24) — Malawians will cast their votes Tuesday in a high-stakes presidential election that pits incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera against his predecessor, Peter Mutharika, who is attempting a dramatic political comeback at the age of 84.

Mutharika, who served as president from 2014 until his defeat in 2020, has framed his return as a mission to “rescue the nation” from economic decline and what he calls mismanagement under Chakwera’s leadership. Despite previously signaling he was done with politics, he has re-emerged as the central challenger in what is shaping up to be one of Malawi’s most fiercely contested races.

Supporters of the former president, especially in rural areas and informal trading communities, say they are nostalgic for his policies, particularly those that subsidized farming inputs and kept staple food prices lower.

“At the time Peter Mutharika was in power, he reduced the price of fertilizers so everyone had the opportunity to farm,” said Eliza Justin, a market trader in Lilongwe. “People were able to sell and buy food. This empowered people to have what they wanted. But this is not the case now, because people are scrambling to buy maize.”

With Malawi facing rising inflation, food insecurity, and high youth unemployment, Mutharika’s campaign has tapped into deep frustration with Chakwera’s economic stewardship.

Mutharika lost the presidency to Chakwera in 2020 in a court-ordered re-run election. The original 2019 results were annulled by Malawi’s Constitutional Court, which found evidence of widespread irregularities, including ballot tampering and the use of Tipp-Ex correction fluid on tally sheets. The ruling was hailed as a democratic milestone — the first time a court in Malawi overturned a presidential election result.

Chakwera, who won that re-run by a landslide, has defended his record and urged voters to stick with his administration, pointing to governance reforms and anti-corruption drives.

Tuesday’s election is widely seen as a referendum on whether Malawians are willing to give Mutharika a second chance or continue with Chakwera’s leadership despite mounting economic woes.

Observers say turnout could be critical, with younger voters playing a decisive role. Election monitors from regional and international organizations are expected to be present across the country to ensure credibility.

The outcome will determine not only Malawi’s political future but also its stability in the face of economic hardship and growing public frustration.

Britain bars Israeli officers from London Defence College over Gaza war escalation

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Britain bars Israeli officers from London Defence College over Gaza war escalation

LONDON (BN24) — Britain has banned Israeli officers from attending one of its most prestigious military education institutions in response to Israel’s intensifying operations in Gaza, the Ministry of Defence confirmed Monday, drawing sharp condemnation from Jerusalem.

The decision means that, starting next year, Israeli students will no longer be admitted to the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, which trains senior military and civilian officials from around the world in postgraduate-level international strategic studies.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the move was directly tied to Israel’s announcement in August that it planned to escalate its offensive by seizing control of Gaza City — where roughly one million Palestinians have sought refuge — in an effort to eliminate Hamas.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the spokesperson said. “We have therefore taken the decision to pause future Israeli participation in UK-run courses.”

Pressure on Israel

Britain has long been regarded as a close ally of Israel, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has sought to apply growing pressure over the conflict. In July, London threatened to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel adopted measures to ease humanitarian suffering inside Gaza.

Earlier this month, Britain barred Israeli officials from attending its largest arms fair but allowed Israeli defense companies to continue showcasing equipment.

Israel Condemns Ban

Israel’s Ministry of Defence swiftly denounced the college exclusion as discriminatory. Amir Baram, the ministry’s director general, sent a letter to both the Royal College of Defence Studies and the UK Defence Ministry, accusing London of betraying an ally.

“Israel’s exclusion is a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war,” Baram wrote, calling the decision a break with Britain’s “tradition of tolerance and decency.”

Humanitarian Law and Military Education

The Ministry of Defence defended its stance, noting that British military courses stress adherence to international humanitarian law. Fewer than five Israeli Defence Forces personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat academic programs across the UK, officials said.

The decision underscores growing tension between London and Jerusalem at a time when Israel’s military campaign has widened and Palestinian casualties continue to mount. Whether the ban leads to broader restrictions on Israel’s participation in UK defense programs remains unclear.

U.S. reaches framework deal on TikTok ownership, but details remain unclear

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U.S. reaches framework deal on TikTok ownership, but details remain unclear

MADRID (BN24) — The United States and China have reached a framework agreement over the future ownership of TikTok, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Sunday, though key details remain unresolved.

Bessent made the remarks after weekend trade talks in Madrid between delegations from the world’s two largest economies. He said President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping are scheduled to speak Friday to discuss final terms and potentially secure a binding deal.

“The objective of this framework is to shift TikTok to U.S. ownership,” Bessent said at a press conference. “We are not going to talk about the commercial terms of the deal. It’s between two private parties. But the commercial terms have been agreed upon.”

Chinese officials were not present at the briefing and have not confirmed Bessent’s statement.

The framework agreement comes during the fourth round of trade talks since Trump escalated tariffs on Chinese imports in April. Both sides have hinted at a possible summit between Trump and Xi, though analysts warn that ongoing trade disputes could delay any official announcement.

The future of TikTok has been a recurring flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. During President Joe Biden’s administration, Congress and the White House enacted legislation banning the app unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divested its controlling stake.

Trump, who returned to office in 2025, has extended the shutdown deadline several times, despite legal restrictions that allow only a single 90-day reprieve. The current extension expires Sept. 17 — just two days before Trump and Xi are set to discuss the framework agreement. Trump has suggested he can continue delaying the ban indefinitely.

Founded by Beijing-based ByteDance in 2012, TikTok grew from its domestic app Douyin and the acquisition of Musical.ly into a global phenomenon. By 2018, it had become the first Chinese-owned platform to achieve widespread popularity in the United States and Europe, launching the careers of artists such as Lil Nas X.

The app surged further during the COVID-19 pandemic, when viral dance videos made it a cultural staple. Rival platforms like Instagram and YouTube responded by creating their own short-form video features, Reels and Shorts, respectively.

But TikTok’s rapid rise has been shadowed by U.S. security concerns. Lawmakers warn that Chinese law could compel ByteDance to share user data with Beijing. The app’s proprietary recommendation algorithm — central to its success — has also been cited as a potential national security risk.

While Bessent emphasized that “commercial terms have been agreed upon,” the framework lacks clarity on how ownership will be transferred, which U.S. companies may be involved, and whether China will approve the deal.

For now, TikTok’s future hinges on Friday’s expected call between Trump and Xi, a conversation that could determine whether the app continues operating in the United States under new ownership or faces renewed threats of a nationwide ban.

DNA evidence ties suspect to Charlie Kirk murder, FBI director confirms

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DNA evidence ties suspect to Charlie Kirk murder, FBI director confirms

PROVO, Utah (BN24) — Federal investigators say DNA evidence has directly linked a Utah man to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, a killing that authorities allege was driven by political motives.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, was connected to items recovered at the scene, including a towel wrapped around a firearm and a screwdriver found on a rooftop. Patel said forensic sequencing confirmed Robinson’s DNA on both objects.

“I can report today that the DNA hits from the towel that was wrapped around the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody,” Patel said during an appearance on Fox & Friends.

Charges and Motive

Robinson was arrested last week and faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. He is being held at the Utah County Jail and is expected to be formally charged Tuesday.

According to Patel, Robinson’s attack was premeditated and motivated by “left-wing ideology.” Patel said investigators obtained text messages in which Robinson allegedly told another person that he had “an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk” and intended to act because of his political hatred toward Kirk.

Family members told investigators Robinson had increasingly embraced left-leaning political views over the past several years.

Evidence and Investigation

Authorities said the firearm itself, identified as a Mauser bolt-action rifle, remains under analysis at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives laboratory in Maryland. The rifle was discovered near spent bullet casings that contained engravings, including the phrase: “Hey fascist! Catch!”

Patel said he personally walked the crime scene with agents, underscoring the bureau’s commitment to the case. He also defended his handling of the investigation amid criticism that the FBI “grandstanded” after initially detaining another person who was later released without charges.

“The job of the FBI is not just to manhunt the actual suspect, but also to eliminate subjects who are not involved,” Patel said. “Could I have worded it better in the heat of the moment? Sure. But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not.”

Relations With Local Law Enforcement

Patel downplayed reports of tensions with local authorities, calling state and municipal police “fantastic partners.” However, he admitted frustration over delays in photo sharing, saying he accelerated the release process.

“The photos were produced, they just weren’t produced in a timely fashion that I felt was appropriate for an investigation of this magnitude,” Patel said.

Community Shock

Neighbors and family members described Robinson as a “considerate” young man from suburban Utah who had recently become more politically engaged. His arrest shocked acquaintances who said he had been known as “squeaky clean” before the shooting.

Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down on campus last Wednesday. His death has sparked widespread mourning in conservative circles and intensified political debate over threats faced by public figures.

Fox & Friends host apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be killed

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Fox & Friends host apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be killed

NEW YORK (BN24)  — Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade issued a public apology Sunday for suggesting that homeless mentally ill people should receive lethal injections, describing his controversial statement as “extremely callous” following widespread criticism of his remarks.

The apology came four days after Kilmeade made the inflammatory comment during a Wednesday segment on the conservative talk show. The discussion centered on the murder of a Ukrainian woman in North Carolina, during which co-host Lawrence Jones argued that mentally ill homeless people should either accept treatment programs or face incarceration.

Kilmeade escalated the conversation by adding his own suggestion for dealing with such individuals. “Or, involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill them,” Kilmeade said during the broadcast, sparking immediate backlash from viewers and advocacy groups.

The comment was made in connection with a criminal case involving a 34-year-old man with an extensive criminal record who has been charged with the Ukrainian woman’s murder. The suspect’s mother told local television stations that she had previously sought to have her son involuntarily committed for psychiatric treatment and that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

During Sunday’s broadcast, Kilmeade acknowledged the severity of his previous statement and expressed regret for his words. “I apologize for that extremely callous remark,” Kilmeade said on air, addressing the controversy directly with viewers.

The host attempted to clarify his position by emphasizing that his comments should not be interpreted as applying broadly to all homeless individuals struggling with mental health issues. “I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion,” Kilmeade stated.

The original Wednesday segment had focused on discussing policy approaches to addressing homelessness and mental health crises in American communities. Jones had advocated for a more structured approach involving treatment programs and potential legal consequences for those who refuse assistance, before Kilmeade’s extreme suggestion diverted the conversation.

Kilmeade’s remarks triggered immediate criticism from mental health advocates, homeless services organizations, and viewers who characterized the comments as dehumanizing and dangerous. Critics argued that such statements contribute to stigmatization of vulnerable populations and could potentially incite violence against homeless individuals.

The controversy highlights ongoing national debates about how communities should address homelessness, particularly cases involving individuals with untreated mental illness. Advocates emphasize that effective solutions require increased funding for mental health services, affordable housing programs, and comprehensive support systems rather than punitive measures.

Fox & Friends airs weekday mornings on Fox News Channel and attracts a significant audience among conservative viewers. The program frequently covers crime stories and policy debates related to homelessness and public safety in major American cities.

Fox News did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Kilmeade’s original remarks or his subsequent apology. The network has not issued any official statement regarding potential disciplinary action or policy changes following the incident.

The apology represents an unusual acknowledgment of error for the program, which typically maintains strong support for its hosts’ commentary even amid controversy. Kilmeade’s willingness to directly address his remarks suggests recognition of the severity of the backlash and potential harm caused by his words.

Mental health professionals have long emphasized that individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness require compassionate treatment approaches rather than criminalization or punishment. Research consistently demonstrates that supportive services, stable housing, and accessible healthcare produce better outcomes than punitive policies.

The incident occurs amid broader national discussions about media responsibility and the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory rhetoric broadcast to large audiences. Advocates argue that public figures bear special responsibility to avoid language that could endanger vulnerable populations.

Kilmeade’s apology, while addressing his specific comments, leaves broader questions about the tone and content of discussions surrounding homelessness and mental health on the program. The controversy may prompt renewed scrutiny of how major media outlets frame debates about social issues affecting marginalized communities.

The Ukrainian woman’s murder case that initially prompted the segment continues to proceed through North Carolina’s court system, with the defendant’s mental health status likely to become a significant factor in legal proceedings.

2025 Emmys: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ capture top honors as ‘Adolescence’ stuns with breakout wins

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2025 Emmys: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ capture top honors as ‘Adolescence’ stuns with breakout wins

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — HBO Max’s The Pitt and Apple TV+’s The Studio captured the biggest prizes at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, while Netflix’s Adolescence delivered a breakout performance that underscored the power of daring television.

The Pitt claimed outstanding drama series, triumphing over critical favorites Severance and The White Lotus, while The Studio, co-created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, swept comedy honors with wins for best series, directing and writing. Netflix’s Adolescence, shot entirely in uninterrupted single takes, won outstanding limited or anthology series and added four acting trophies.

The night produced history when 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest-ever male Emmy winner, earning outstanding supporting actor in a limited series for Adolescence. “Three years ago I was nothing — now I’m here,” he said, urging young fans to “step out of your comfort zone.”

Veteran performers also added to their legacies. Jean Smart won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Hacks, while Noah Wyle triumphed as lead actor in a drama series for The Pitt. Seth Rogen, visibly moved, won lead actor in a comedy series for The Studio, telling the audience, “I’m legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me.”

Cristin Milioti earned lead actress in a limited series for The Penguin, while Stephen Graham captured both lead actor in a limited series and a writing award for Adolescence. Erin Doherty also picked up supporting actress honors for the Netflix miniseries.

The ceremony, hosted by Nate Bargatze, ran almost on time thanks to his unusual pledge: a $100,000 charity donation that would shrink by $1,000 for every speech exceeding 45 seconds. CBS later announced $250,000 would be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America regardless of the tally.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won outstanding talk series, weeks after CBS confirmed the show’s cancellation.

Mark Herbert, executive producer of Adolescence, said the series’ international acclaim was proof of its cultural weight. “We wanted to hold a mirror up to society, and this show has blown our minds around the world,” he said.

The dominance of The Pitt, The Studio and Adolescence gave the 2025 Emmys a decisive identity: a night of prestige storytelling, daring experimentation and emotional goodbyes.

Full List of 2025 Emmy Winners:

  • Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)
    Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)

British politicians condemn Elon Musk over incendiary remarks at anti-migrant rally – AP

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British politicians condemn Elon Musk over incendiary remarks at anti-migrant rally – AP

British political leaders on Monday condemned Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur told a massive anti-immigration rally in London that “violence is coming” and urged demonstrators to “fight back or die.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced violence that flared on the fringes of Saturday’s “Unite the Kingdom” march, a far-right demonstration organized by Tommy Robinson, where more than 100,000 people flooded central London in one of the largest nationalist protests in decades. Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, in clashes with protesters attempting to breach barriers separating them from anti-racist counter-demonstrators. Authorities arrested 25 people and warned more arrests were imminent.

Musk, appearing by video link, went further, calling for Parliament to be dissolved, an early election to be held, and Britain’s government to be replaced. His intervention prompted sharp criticism across the political spectrum.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Musk of trying “to sow discord and incite violence on our streets” and urged both Starmer and Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch to consider sanctions against the Tesla and X owner. Equalities Minister Jacqui Smith called Musk’s remarks “dangerous,” while Business Secretary Peter Kyle described them as “totally inappropriate.”

Starmer, while not addressing Musk directly, wrote on X that peaceful protest “is core to our country’s values. But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the color of their skin.”

The rally underscored how immigration, particularly the arrival of more than 30,000 people crossing the English Channel in small boats this year, has become a polarizing issue. The use of hotels to house asylum-seekers has sparked a wave of smaller protests, some turning violent.

Saturday’s demonstration turned London’s streets into a sea of Union Jacks and St. George’s flags, symbols that in recent weeks have proliferated across Britain in a grassroots “fly-the-flag” campaign. Red crosses have also appeared painted on buildings, which critics say is meant to intimidate ethnic minorities.

Musk has repeatedly aligned himself with far-right figures in Europe, including Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany party (AfD). Once seen as an ally of President Donald Trump, Musk has also opposed efforts by the U.K. and other European governments to tighten controls on harmful online content, arguing they infringe on free speech.

Starmer stressed that Britain’s identity would not be surrendered to extremist movements. “Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect,” he wrote. “Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”

Ex-British soldier faces trial over Bloody Sunday killings after 53 years

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Ex-British soldier faces trial over Bloody Sunday killings after 53 years

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (BN24) — More than five decades after British paratroopers opened fire on unarmed civil rights marchers on Bloody Sunday, a former soldier identified only as Soldier F has gone on trial in Belfast, accused of murder and attempted murder in one of the darkest chapters of Northern Ireland’s conflict.

The case marks the first time any member of the British Army has faced a criminal court for the killings on Jan. 30, 1972, in Londonderry, when soldiers shot dead 13 unarmed demonstrators and wounded 15 more during a march against internment without trial. The massacre, which became a defining moment of “The Troubles,” fueled decades of sectarian violence between Irish nationalists and unionists.

Soldier F, shielded from public view behind floor-to-ceiling curtains in Belfast Crown Court, is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of five others: Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O’Donnell and another unidentified victim. He has pleaded not guilty.

Families’ decades-long fight for justice

For 53 years, victims’ families have sought accountability, challenging the initial British government claims that soldiers fired only in response to threats from gunmen and bombers. That narrative was dismantled by the 2010 Saville Inquiry, which concluded that soldiers shot fleeing civilians and lied about their actions for decades. Then–Prime Minister David Cameron issued an unprecedented apology, calling the killings “unjustified and unjustifiable.”

Despite the findings, prosecutions were slow to materialize. After years of investigation, prosecutors in 2019 announced charges against Soldier F alone, citing insufficient evidence against 16 other soldiers and two suspected members of the Official Irish Republican Army. The case was later dropped in 2021, but reinstated after a successful appeal by relatives of the victims.

Tony Doherty, whose father Patrick was among those killed, said the trial represents the fulfillment of a decades-long struggle. “We have waited 53 long years for justice and, hopefully, we will see a measure of it through this trial,” Doherty said.

Symbol of Northern Ireland’s past and present

The proceedings come a quarter century after the Good Friday Agreement largely ended the conflict, but Bloody Sunday continues to cast a shadow over Northern Ireland. Families of the victims argue the trial is long overdue, while veterans’ groups claim former soldiers are being unfairly pursued decades after their service.

Derry councilor Shaun Harkin of the People Before Profit party said the case extends beyond one soldier. “The British government has sought to protect its parachute regiment killers for decades through lies, cover-up, delay and evasion,” Harkin said. “Soldier F pulled the trigger on Bloody Sunday and should be held to account, but so should the government and military leaders who gave the orders.”

The trial is expected to be closely watched, both as a test of accountability and as a measure of whether victims’ families will finally see justice after more than half a century.

Source: Associated Press

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