Latest news with #Attila
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Video shows military dog reunite with former handler after retirement
The pair first met in 2021 and traveled the world together, "completing two dozen security missions, including assignments protecting Presidents Biden and Trump," American Humane Society (AHS), a nonprofit animal welfare organization, which assisted in the reunion, said in a news release. "Using Attila's extraordinary nose to detect potential threats, the team protected civilians, their fellow service members, and high-profile VIPs, including Presidents Biden and Trump," AHS said. Some of those missions included the 2023 United Nations General Assembly Summit, the 2024 NATO Summit, and the Inauguration of President Trump in January 2025. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Watch Attila reunite with Markert in an emotional reunion Video footage shared by AHS shows the family, consisting of Markert, his wife, 5-year-old son, 7-month-old daughter and two pet dogs -- Bear, a black German shepherd, and Mia, a Belgian Malinois -- welcoming Attila with cuddles and kisses to his new forever home on May 26 in Colorado Springs. Attila developed health complications after being separated from owner When Kameron Markert got reassigned to a new base in Colorado Springs in March 2025, he and Attila were separated after being together for almost three and a half years. When Markert left Fort Meyer in Virginia, he recalled "leaving half of his heart behind." However, soon after Markert left, Attila, despite being relatively young, was forced into an early retirement due to a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his rear that had to be removed, along with renal and kidney diseases, AHS said. "Like many German shepherds, Attila also developed hip dysplasia," AHS said, adding Markert had rallied for Attila's disposition "to help ensure his continued health and safety." When the time for Attila's retirement came, Markert eagerly stepped in with the hope of giving Attila the comfortable retirement he deserved. However, transporting the animal over 1,500 miles from Virginia to Colorado posed a major logistical challenge, especially since the family had just covered a 27-hour cross-country drive with two young children for their move. From Virginia to Colorado Markert, who was aware of AHS' military program and knew of other handlers who had successfully reunited with their retired military dogs through the program, reached out to the organization for assistance. An AHS expert then "personally picked up Attila from Fort Carson and escorted him on a flight to Colorado, where the canine veteran enjoyed his own seat in the cabin of the airplane--all at no cost to the Markerts," the news release said. AHS said it will also fund Attila's veterinary care for the rest of his life, as part of the program. Markert also shared that while Attila "has always been exceptionally gentle and tender with his 7-month-old daughter," the German shepherd is "more playful and affectionate" with his son. "My wife is already 'mama' to him, he is so gentle with our kids, and he loves to play with our other dogs. He fits right into our family," Markert said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, received an early retirement after developing a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his ear. A military dog tasked with protecting President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden during high-profile events was reunited with his former handler in a heartwarming reunion over the Memorial Day weekend. Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, was reunited with Army Specialist Kameron Markert after retiring as an elite bomb-sniffing dog in the U.S. Armed Forces, concluding a career that spanned five years. The pair first met in 2021 and traveled the world together, "completing two dozen security missions, including assignments protecting Presidents Biden and Trump," American Humane Society (AHS), a nonprofit animal welfare organization, which assisted in the reunion, said in a news release. "Using Attila's extraordinary nose to detect potential threats, the team protected civilians, their fellow service members, and high-profile VIPs, including Presidents Biden and Trump," AHS said. Some of those missions included the 2023 United Nations General Assembly Summit, the 2024 NATO Summit, and the Inauguration of President Trump in January 2025. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Watch Attila reunite with Markert in an emotional reunion Retired bomb-sniffing dog reunites with handler on Memorial Day Retired bomb-sniffing dog Attila reunites with his handler, Kameron Markert, in Colorado Springs after five years of service together. Video footage shared by AHS shows the family, consisting of Markert, his wife, 5-year-old son, 7-month-old daughter and two pet dogs — Bear, a black German shepherd, and Mia, a Belgian Malinois — welcoming Attila with cuddles and kisses to his new forever home on May 26 in Colorado Springs. Attila developed health complications after being separated from owner When Kameron Markert got reassigned to a new base in Colorado Springs in March 2025, he and Attila were separated after being together for almost three and a half years. When Markert left Fort Meyer in Virginia, he recalled "leaving half of his heart behind." However, soon after Markert left, Attila, despite being relatively young, was forced into an early retirement due to a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his rear that had to be removed, along with renal and kidney diseases, AHS said. "Like many German shepherds, Attila also developed hip dysplasia," AHS said, adding Markert had rallied for Attila's disposition "to help ensure his continued health and safety." When the time for Attila's retirement came, Markert eagerly stepped in with the hope of giving Attila the comfortable retirement he deserved. However, transporting the animal over 1,500 miles from Virginia to Colorado posed a major logistical challenge, especially since the family had just covered a 27-hour cross-country drive with two young children for their move. From Virginia to Colorado Markert, who was aware of AHS' military program and knew of other handlers who had successfully reunited with their retired military dogs through the program, reached out to the organization for assistance. An AHS expert then "personally picked up Attila from Fort Carson and escorted him on a flight to Colorado, where the canine veteran enjoyed his own seat in the cabin of the airplane—all at no cost to the Markerts," the news release said. AHS said it will also fund Attila's veterinary care for the rest of his life, as part of the program. Markert also shared that while Attila "has always been exceptionally gentle and tender with his 7-month-old daughter," the German shepherd is "more playful and affectionate" with his son. 'My wife is already 'mama' to him, he is so gentle with our kids, and he loves to play with our other dogs. He fits right into our family," Markert said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Telegraph
The cultured alternative to Venice that tourists haven't spoilt (yet)
Authentic, untouristy and quietly proud, Udine is at the heart of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy's far north east – around a 90-minute drive from Venice. Its elegant, pedestrianised centre and thriving wine-bar culture are hard to beat. Nearly 400 years of Venetian rule (1420-1797) left a strong legacy in Udine and nowhere is it more evident than Piazza Libertà, which is like a mini St Mark's Square. Udine even has a pair of canals, called rogge, adding to the Venice-like atmosphere. Behind the piazza, a slope flanked by a decorative Venetian Gothic portico leads up the city's only hill (there is also a panoramic lift) to Udine Castle, actually a 16th-century palazzo now hosting museums, built by the Venetians as their base in Friuli. While stories that Attila's soldiers built the hill to watch Aquileia burn are fanciful legends, recent research shows that it is in fact a man-made Bronze Age mound. The hilltop is a perfect venue for concerts, including the Udin&Jazz festival in July. It's also home to the Santa Maria di Castello church and bell tower topped by a gleaming gold angel, a landmark visible from afar. Across the lawn from the castle, Casa della Contadinanza is a lovely spot for drinks or lunch, al-fresco or in the atmospheric interior. The menu features tasty favourites such as frico (cheesy potato) and pasta with Friulian San Daniele prosciutto. Udine's osterie are a real institution, rather like local pubs drawing all kinds of regulars who pop in for a lunchtime bite, a drink after work, to meet friends or simply for a break during a busy day. While Birreria Bernotti has revived Udine's beer-hall tradition, wine dominates elsewhere. White Friulano is the classic sip for a tajut (glass of wine, literally 'cut'); try too the fragrant Ribolla Gialla and white blends typical of the nearby Collio area. For reds, order fruity, full-bodied Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, or lighter, spicy Schioppettino. Piazza Matteotti is lined with bars and pavement tables but for the true osteria atmosphere head to the surrounding side streets. Da Michele is a classic, with bar stools, a few tables for diners and an excellent range of largely local wines. Nearby, Grappolo d'Oro, over 200 years old, has a low-key atmosphere and mismatched tables; warm, jovial Pieri Mortadele tempts guests with a huge mortadella and Vinodilà has a contemporary minimalist vibe, offering rare wines from small producers. The osterie all serve bar snacks like tartine (fresh bread with toppings) or breadsticks wrapped in prosciutto and a selection of cooked dishes at mealtimes – perhaps pulse soups, sausage or cjarsons, the region's most curious pasta speciality, with fillings of greens, pine nuts and cinnamon. Osteria alla Ghiacciaia has a fuller menu and a gorgeous canalside position, with weeping willows and wisteria; historic Osteria al Cappello has six colourful and cosy guest bedrooms upstairs. Another wonderfully central accommodation option is the contemporary Oriana Homèl Udine, offering apartments with kitchens; room one has unbeatable views over Piazza Libertà. Udine has some excellent restaurants too. A meal at Vitello d'Oro is a memorable experience, thanks to chef Massimiliano Sabinot's delicious and imaginative dishes that resemble artworks, featuring much seafood and seasonal produce, plus perfect wine pairings. Hostaria alla Tavernetta is traditional in both décor (think open fire and flower-framed terrace) and menu. The mid-September Friuli DOC festival showcases the whole range of regional flavours and during October top international chefs convene for Ein Prosit, a series of foodie events. Arts and crafts When the Venetians took over, the previously ruling Patriarchate of Aquileia relinquished their political role, along with the castle, and moved into Palazzo Patriarcale, today home to the Museo Diocesano and Gallerie del Tiepolo, housing Venetian artist Giambattista Tiepolo's signature pastel-toned masterpieces. See more of his often playful works at Udine's cathedral and Oratorio della Purità. At Casa Cavazzini, the art is modern and contemporary, in the curious context of a former merchant's home, still featuring original 1930s furnishings. Over the centuries, Udine was circled by five successive sets of walls and although only fragments of these remain, several city gates are still standing. One, the medieval Santa Maria tower, houses fascinating, interactive exhibitions on industrial traditions. The 2025 theme is wood furnishings; chair-making is a long-standing local craft. At Museo Etnografico, visitors can see traditional costumes including scarpets, shoes that have recently returned to popularity. These, and other ceramic, wood and fabric crafts, are sold at Il Mulino. Out and about Head east of Udine to learn a tasty skill at La Gubana della Nonna. Elisa Costantini shares tips and techniques for the perfect gubana, the local favourite cake with an irresistible filling of walnuts, raisins, grappa and amaretti. Gubana is on most Udine menus but originates here in the Natisone river valley, an area of spectacular landscapes with plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling to compensate for over-indulging. Nearby, a must-see is Cividale del Friuli, just 10 miles from Udine. Founded by Julius Caesar and originally called Forum Iulii (which developed into Friuli, naming the whole region), Cividale has a startlingly rich history and stunning views from the Ponte del Diavolo bridge. From 568AD, this was Italy's first Lombard capital and sights include Tempietto Longobardo, inside a convent. While in Cividale, eat at Al Monastero, a historical building with a traditional central fireplace, courtyard tables and typical dishes including river trout served with wines from the family winery. In addition to its own manifold charms, Udine makes a perfect base for exploring. There are regular trains to Friuli Venezia Giulia's other main centres (and Trieste Airport) while mountains, coastline and the border with Slovenia are all under an hour away.
South China Morning Post
02-03-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Scientists find genetic link between Attila's Huns and Xiongnu empire that fought Han China
Scientists have discovered a genetic link between the Huns who ravaged Europe in the latter years of the Western Roman Empire and the Xiongnu confederacy that lived on the Mongolian steppe before their eventual defeat by the Chinese Han empire hundreds of years earlier. Advertisement There has long been speculation about the origin of the Huns – whose best-known leader Attila was known as the 'scourge of God' – after they suddenly appeared in Europe in the late fourth century displacing a number of Germanic tribes including the Goths. Due to a lack of evidence, academics have never reached a consensus about their origins but there has long been speculation about the Huns' possible link to the Xiongnu, with some scholars suggesting that the names were linguistically related. Now an international team of scientists has used genomic analysis of ancient DNA to confirm the presence of direct descendants of the Xiongnu imperial elite within the Hunnic empire – though they found that most of the population was still of predominantly European descent. 'Long-shared genomic tracts provide compelling evidence of genetic lineages directly connecting some individuals of the highest Xiongnu-period elite with … Carpathian basin individuals, showing that some European Huns descended from them,' the team said in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS on February 24. Advertisement 'We find no evidence for the presence of a large eastern/steppe descent community among the Hun- and post-Hun-period Carpathian basin,' the international research team added.
South China Morning Post
02-03-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Scientists find genetic link between Atilla's Huns and Xiongnu empire that fought Han China
Scientists have discovered a genetic link between the Huns who ravaged Europe in the latter years of the Western Roman Empire and the Xiongnu confederacy that lived on the Mongolian steppe before their eventual defeat by the Chinese Han empire hundreds of years earlier. Advertisement There has long been speculation about the origin of the Huns – whose best-known leader Attila was known as the 'scourge of God' – after they suddenly appeared in Europe in the late fourth century displacing a number of Germanic tribes including the Goths. Due to a lack of evidence, academics have never reached a consensus about their origins but there has long been speculation about the Huns' possible link to the Xiongnu, with some scholars speculating that the names were linguistically related. Now an international team of scientists have used genomic analysis of ancient DNA to confirm the presence of direct descendants of the Xiongnu imperial elite within the Hunnic empire – though they found that most of the population was still of predominantly European descent. 'Long-shared genomic tracts provide compelling evidence of genetic lineages directly connecting some individuals of the highest Xiongnu-period elite with … Carpathian basin individuals, showing that some European Huns descended from them,' the team said in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS on February 24. Advertisement 'We find no evidence for the presence of a large eastern/steppe descent community among the Hun- and post-Hun-period Carpathian basin,' the international research team added.
