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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Republican Says US Should End All Military Aid to Israel
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. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said Thursday night that the United States should stop all military aid to Israel, citing mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Newsweek reached out to Massie's office via email Thursday for comment. Why It Matters Tensions in the Middle East remain high despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas, with the U.S. acting as a key interlocutor. Tens of thousands of people in Gaza have died as a result of Israel's war against Hamas, which was launched in response to Hamas' attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. "take over the Gaza Strip," adding at a news briefing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and all of the other weapons on the site." Asked about the possibility of sending U.S. troops into Gaza, Trump said: "As far as Gaza is concerned, we'll do what is necessary, if it's necessary, we'll do that." Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) is seen speaking to reporters following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) is seen speaking to reporters following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) What To Know Massie's remarks about ceasing U.S. military aid to Israel come as the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) faces intense criticism over what critics describe as a chaotic approach to aid distribution. Video footage and photos posted to social media have shown thousands of Palestinians scrambling for food amid reports of Israeli gunfire and multiple casualties. In his post to X on Thursday, the Kentucky lawmaker said, "Nothing can justify the number of civilian casualties (tens of thousands of women and children) inflicted by Israel in Gaza in the last two years. We should end all U.S. military aid to Israel now." Massie has long been outspoken about his views of Israel and was the only Republican to vote against a bill condemning antisemitism in 2022. The Kentucky Republican later defended his vote on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "I don't hate anyone based on his or her ethnicity or religion." "Legitimate government exists, in part, to punish those who commit unprovoked violence against others, but government can't legislate thought," Massie added. "This bill promoted internet censorship and violations of the 1st amendment." In March 2024, Massie voted against a bill that would have forced then-President Joe Biden to approve more military assistance to Israel. Last October, while Israel was carrying out its military campaign in Lebanon, Massie posted on X: "If Israel insists on destroying civilian targets in Lebanon, let them buy and build their own weapons. American taxpayers should not be funding this." Massie is no stranger to criticism, including from members of his own party. He's repeatedly voted "no" on congressional budget proposals backed by the Republican Party. Most recently, he drew President Donald Trump's and senior GOP lawmakers' ire when he voted against the Trump-backed bill that recently passed the House of Representatives, arguing that it would balloon the national deficit. Nothing can justify the number of civilian casualties (tens of thousands of women and children) inflicted by Israel in Gaza in the last two years. We should end all U.S. military aid to Israel now. — Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 30, 2025 This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st Congressional District Democratic primary bid
Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. Dem primary bid Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth, the eldest daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., launched her Democratic primary bid for the too-be-vacant, 1st Congressional District seat. Health care advocate and businesswoman Stefany Shaheen, 51, launched her Democratic primary for the to-be-vacant, 1st Congressional District seat, vowing to push back against the Trump administration cuts to medical research and insurance for children. The eldest daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen instantly becomes a leading contender to try and replace four-term U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who is running for the Senate in 2026 to try and replace the elder Shaheen. The announcement creates a competitive primary between two Portsmouth Democrats, Shaheen and Maura Sullivan, a Marine Iraq War veteran and former Obama administration official who finished second to Pappas in 2018. Derry Republican businessman Chris Bright, who finished fourth in a 2024 primary in this district, is the only GOP figure to confirm that he'll be running next year. The top three finishers in that 2024 GOP primary, former Executive Councilor Russ Prescott, Greenland businesswoman and veteran Hollie Noveletsky and Manchester Board of Aldermen President Joe Kelly Levasseur, are all considering their own campaigns. Shaheen became a best-selling author of 'Elle & Coach' and an advocate when her eldest daughter, Elle, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 8. She founded Good Measures, a small business that provides clinical and nutritional support to people living with chronic conditions and was a named inventor of some of the company's patents. 'For 15 years I've been a fierce fighter for medical research and innovation in health care to help people like my daughter, Elle, battling chronic, life-threatening diseases, like diabetes. So, when I see Donald Trump crushing medical research and slashing health care for kids, seniors and veterans to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, I have to fight back,' Shaheen said. That's why I'm running for Congress,' said Shaheen. 'No one fights harder than a mom for her kids, and that's how I will fight for your family too. I'll never give up.' Craig Welch and Shaheen have four children. Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. bid Stefany Shaheen, third from left, kicked off her Democratic primary bid for the First Congressional District seat. At far right is her husband, Craig Welch. Joined Kamen's ARMI team Shaheen released a two-minute video entitled, 'No One Fights Harder' as part of her campaign kickoff and planned to visit several communities in the 1st District the rest of this week. She is part of a biotech initiative in Manchester's historic millyard as the chief strategy officer for Dean Kamen's Advance Regenerative Manufacturing Institute. 'If you are as outraged as I am, get in this fight with me,' Stefany Shaheen said in the video. 'In New Hampshire, we stand up for each other. Let's do this.' A spokeswoman for the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee said Shaheen has made a career of climbing the ladder thanks to her last name. Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. bid Stefany Shaheen, third from left, kicked off her Democratic primary bid for the First Congressional District seat. At far right is her husband, Craig Welch. "Nepo baby Stefany Shaheen is a DC elitist who is committed to the Democrats' radical agenda that makes life more expensive and less safe. Granite Staters will resoundingly reject her and her out of touch policies,' said Maureen O'Toole, the eastern regional press secretary for NRCC. A 'nepo baby' is a slang term referring to someone who has achieved success or opportunities due to familial connections. Shaheen's team created a website and released several testimonials to her candidacy. Andrea Amico, founder of Testing for Pease, said Shaheen became a champion for treating PFAS contamination found in the drinking water at the Pease International Tradeport. 'You could feel how deeply she related to the parents at Pease, who were worried about their children and the possible health effects from drinking contaminated water,' Amico said. 'Our fight was her fight, and she helped get the PFAS blood testing program, create the city's Community Advisory Board, and advocate for the first national PFAS Health Study to include our families,' Her elective office career began when she won election to a seat on the Portsmouth City Council where she worked to tackle a parking shortage and also served on the Portsmouth Police Commission. klandrigan@
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Amir's participation in ASEAN-GCC-China Summit to enhance stability in region, says envoy
QNA Doha Ambassador of Malaysia to Qatar HE Mohammad Faizal Razali has said that the participation of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the 1st ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (today), will reveal new horizons for solid cooperation that will benefit both countries and enhance stability in the region and beyond. The ambassador said that HH the Amir's visit to Malaysia, coinciding with the Summit, will further strengthen the enduring ties between the two regions and foster deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The Summit, he noted, would strengthen the bilateral partnership and establish a model for multilateral cooperation between ASEAN), the GCC countries, and China, through ongoing dialogue and joint efforts. This would enable full realisation of available potential and demonstrate a constructive commitment to the international community. He noted that Malaysia-Qatar relations are in a phase of strategic collaboration, with a strong focus on economic diplomacy. 'Both countries have common priorities in areas such trade and investments, high-technology, energy, sustainability and sports. Malaysia's robust manufacturing and service sectors complement Qatar's ambitious development plans, especially in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030,' he said. He noted that there is a growing emphasis on people-to-people ties, with a particular focus on education, tourism, and cultural exchanges, adding that Malaysia offers high-quality educational opportunities, as the number of Qatari students choosing Malaysia as a destination for higher education is increasing. He emphasised the two countries' commitment to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual concern, such as security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, noting that the two countries have witnessed intensified high-level visits and discussions. He said that Qatar and Malaysia share a vision for a future of peace, prosperity, and deep interconnectedness, reiterating that the two countries' partnership is built on mutual trust, shared principles, and a firm commitment to multilateralism. The envoy explained that the two countries are fully prepared to drive regional growth and foster innovation, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 49 percent in 2024, and cooperation growing across multiple sectors.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rush, Monella in race to replace retiring magisterial district judge in Erie's 1st Ward
Two Erie residents with extensive backgrounds in helping people are seeking to become the next magisterial district judge representing residents in a portion of the city's east side. Christine Rush, 59, and Paul "P.J." Monella, 32, are running to fill a position currently held by Sue Mack, who has served as 1st Ward district judge since first appointed in 2001 and who is retiring at the end of the year after completing her fourth term. Monella has cross-filed and is seeking the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May 20 municipal primary, while Rush is seeking the Democratic nomination. District judges serve six-year terms. The annual salary of a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania was set at $113,713 effective Jan. 1. Rush, married and the mother of four children and eight grandchildren, is a graduate of East High School and the former Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, now part of PennWest. She is the longtime district director for State Rep. Patrick Harkins, D-1st Dist., overseeing the first legislative district office, and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority (Mu Nu Omega chapter). Rush said she has dedicated her life to community service and public advocacy. She has served as chair of Erie's Fifth Ward Juvenile Diversion Program, chair of the Pittsburgh-based Project Impact juvenile diversion program, past assistant cheer coach and parent representative for the R. Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School and a frequent celebrity guest reader in schools and mentor to young women across the state. Rush said she has utilized her role as past chair of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee to improve the board's planning and operations and aided in maintaining the agency's overall integrity and vital service delivery during the pandemic. As vice-chair of the Erie County Land Bank, Rush said she assisted in brokering a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild underserved communities. Those experiences, Rush said, make her uniquely situated for the position of district judge, as it takes a community member and leader who has a relationship with the community to address its needs. If elected, Rush said she will work with community partners to address truancy and support a juvenile diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders of nonviolent crimes. She said she believes and has experienced first-hand that addressing the challenges youth experience earlier in their lives supports their mental health and general well-being, which in turn helps guide youth through their life on a supported path. Rush said she has received the endorsement of community organizations including the General Teamsters Local 397, Women The Future PAC and Erie County United. Monella, who is married and has two stepchildren, is a graduate of Penn State University and George Washington University. He has served as regional government affairs director for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and chief executive officer for the Greater Erie Board of Realtors and is presently chief of staff for State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist. Monella said he is running for district judge because he wants to help people, as he does every day in his current role as Bizzarro's chief of staff. He said he is a problem-solver, leading the busiest legislative office in Pennsylvania by cutting red tape for people throughout the state, and his aim is to offer the same kind of attitude and work ethic while sitting on the bench. He said he will offer solutions to solve problems, reduce recidivism and apply common sense. Monella said the most important quality in a judge is being able to determine the difference between a bad person and a person having a bad day. He said he possesses the necessary skills to effectively listen and communicate with individuals, the professional temperament and demeanor required by judges to be successful, and the necessary critical thinking and analytical skills required to sit on the bench. Monella additionally points to his management experience that will help in managing court staff and working with court administration, noting that he now manages a staff of five and previously managed a budget of over $750,000. If elected, Monella said he would like to work with the Erie County Court of Common Pleas to create a Teen Court where a judge sits on the bench but young people serve as prosecutors and defense attorneys for low-level juvenile offenders, with their peers ultimately deciding their consequence. Once the consequence is completed, the offense would be removed from the person's record, he said. Monella said he would also like to establish an Erie City Housing Court with the city to specifically address landlord-tenant issues, with a few judges trained to specialize in that area. He said this would provide consistency in landlord-tenant matters and alleviate the workload of other judges, saving time and taxpayer money. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@ Follow him on X @ETNhahn. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: District judge race in Erie's 1st Ward: Rush, Monella seek election
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
The tiny French village near Paris that has a secret ‘underground city'
NAOURS might look like your classic French village, but underneath is a labyrinth of secret tunnels. There are around 300 chambers beneath the surface that have since become a popular tourist attraction. 4 There are almost two miles worth of tunnels under Naours Credit: Alamy 4 The tunnels were used as hideouts during wars Credit: Alamy Naours is a quiet village two hours outside of Paris - and in 2022, just 1,055 people called it home. It does get some visitors though who go to see the La Cité Souterraine De Naours - the underground tunnels. They date back to the 3rd century and were used up until the 17th century as a place for locals to hide from intruders during invasions. In the end, the tunnels became a complex system of caves and rooms, including chapels, piazzas, and even a bakery with ovens. Read More on French Villages The underground city was rediscovered in 1887. The tunnels are 106 feet below ground and the pathways linking these run for between one and two miles in a westerly direction and under the streets of Naours. The Naours tunnels were used during World War II, particularly by the French and Australian soldiers as a hideout. If you visit today, you'll be able to see graffiti throughout the caves. Most read in News Travel One visitor said: "One of the most amazing natural cave systems in the world, the connection to 1st and 2nd World War history is very interesting, knowledgeable guides and easy access, well worth a stop." A guided tour of the underground city of Naours costs €13 (£11.04) per adult. Charming French Villages You Must Visit 4 Amiens has been called the "Venice of France" Credit: Alamy Naours is easy to get to from the UK as it's a 1hr 40 drive from Lots of reviews on Tripadvisor recommend seeing the tunnels, especially if you're visiting the nearby city of Amiens. Amiens is 25-minutes away from Naours, and 75 miles north of Amiens is divided by the Somme river and is known for its Gothic Cathedral and medieval bell tower. Shops and cafes line the Quartier St. Leu's narrow streets and there are floating market gardens in the canals - which are called 'hortillonnages'. In fact because of this, Amiens is known as the "Venice of France" by those in the know. You can take a stroll along the waterfront at any time of year and it will be fairly uncrowded - despite the excellent French restaurants that line the route. Check out the And another 4 Naours has a hidden city underneath the town Credit: Alamy
