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Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
MIKEY SMITH: 10 unhinged Donald Trump moments - and why his crime stats are even more dodgy
Trump rolled out a statistic that is so outrageously dishonest it's unbelievable - and nobody has spotted it until now Donald Trump's last night announced plans to take over the police in Washington DC, and send in troops to fight crime. It was one of the most provocatively authoritarian moves by a US President since the post-911 era. Or at least since the Covid Pandemic. And it was all based on fudged figures. We'll go through some of those fudges and some of the immediate fallout. Meanwhile, Trump had a pop at Zelensky and made people translate TACO into Chinese. Oh, and Liz Truss is back, and more desperate than ever to seem relevant in the US. Here's everything that happened in Trump world in the last 24 hours that you need to know about. 1. Send in the Clowns. No, hang on - Troops. Send in the TROOPS. Donald Trump last night announced plans to "federalise" the Washington DC Police Department and deploy the National Guard, and maybe other members of the military, on the streets of the capital, to tackle a "crime emergency" and "rising violence" in the capital. Except that there is neither a crime emergency nor rising violence in the capital. There are two measures of violent crime in DC. One is by the Metropolitan Police department - which for some reason doesn't include aggravated offences or felony assaults, the other is by the FBI, which does - and which counts crimes differently. (MPDC is incident based - so one reported crime is one entry. The FBI pulls from the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which can mean an incident with multiple crimes can be recorded as just one crime.) The MPD's figures put violent crime down 26% year on year since 2024, building on the previous year which saw a 35% reduction year on year since 2023. That's a 30 year low. Even the FBI's method of counting shows a 10% reduction year on year 2023-2024 across all violent crimes. 2. Let's talk about Bogota Then Trump held up a bunch of graphs on paper that show DC's murder rate plotted against other capital cities from around the world. And on that graph, DC's 2024 murder rate (27.54 per 100,000) is shown as dramatically higher than other capital cities - including some surprising ones like Bogota, the capital of Colombia (15.1 per 100k) and Mexico City (10 per 100k). Note: The actual figure for Bogota is 15.2, according to the "Bogotá, Cómo Vamos" quality-of-life report. But we'll let that slide. For comparison, the national US murder rate is around 5 per 100k, the equivalent for Colombia is 25.4 per 100k, and for Mexico it's 24.9 per 100k. So why does Washington DC have such a dramatically higher murder rate than places like Bogota and Mexico City - and why is it so much higher than the US national average? Well, as with many things, it depends on how - and who - you count. Washington DC's murder rate is counted from the city of Washington DC only. The city itself is relatively small - with about 700,000 people. And the suburbs around it that make up the DC Metro area all have their own police forces, who publish their own crime stats. Bogota's numbers are for the whole metro area - 8m+ people - most of them living in areas where not a lot of murders happen. Same for Mexico City's figure, which is based on an area covering 22 million people. In 2024 there were more than 1,200 murders in Bogota - while there were just 187 in Washington DC. The murder rate in DC is higher because it only counts the inner city, where murders are more likely to happen. If you run the MPDC's numbers for DC, plus the suburbs of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County - you get to a murder rate of 7.72 per 100,000. That's still a shade higher than the national average, but much lower than Trump's scaremongering would have you believe. And much lower than both Bogota and Mexico City. Here's what the graph should look like. 3. Don't take my word for it... CNN helpfully clipped together a bunch of people noting crime was down in DC. Including Kash Patel, literally during Trump's press conference. 4. DC's mayor kinda shrugs Mayor Muriel Bowser just doesn't have the kind of fight that we saw from local officials when Trump sent the troops to LA. In fairness, there's not a lot she can do. The law Trump is using is kind of legit. He's only supposed to use it to federalise the police for 48 hours at a time, up to a maximum of 30 days. But he's allowed to do it. She said Trump's action was "unsettling and unprecedented." But she also kinda suggested that if people were worried about him being able to do it, they shoulda made DC a state like they've been asking for for decades... 5. This is just the warm up... Trump hinted that DC wasn't the only city he had his eye on for a provocative, authoritarian takeover. Mentioning New York, Baltimore and Oakland as being "so far gone", he said: "this will go further. We'll starting very strongly with DC." If you think this isn't a dry run, you're dramatically underreacating. Or, as Tim Walz put it: 6. Alaska is Russia now Many people learned for the first time this week that for a handful of people in Russia, Alaska is contested territory. The great bear sold the state to the US in 1867, but people still joke about it being theirs really. Which is why it's pretty funny that Putin got Trump to agree to meet him there, because he can joke that it's home soil. Anyway, Trump made that joke even funnier last night by saying he was "going to Russia" to meet Putin. If Biden had done 7. It's what I do Trump reckons he'll know whether a "deal" can be made to end the war in Ukraine within "the first two minutes" of meeting Putin. Asked how he'll know that, he replied that that's just what he does. 8. He had another pop at Zelensky Trump had another pop at Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he was "a little bothered" by Ukraine's leader saying over the weekend that he needed constitutional approval to cede to Russia the territory that it captured in its unprovoked invasion. 'I mean, he's got approval to go into a war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap?' Trump added. "Because there'll be some land swapping going on. I know that through Russia and through conversations with everybody.' Zelensky has consistently dismissed the idea of "giving their land to the occupier." 9. What's Chinese for taco? Trump extended his trade truce with China for another 90 days. Again. He posted on Truth Social that he signed the executive order for the extension, and that "all other elements of the Agreement will remain the same." Beijing at the same time also announced the extension of the tariff pause, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The previous deadline was set to expire at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Had that happened the U.S. could have ratcheted up taxes on Chinese imports from an already high 30%, and Beijing could have responded by raising retaliatory levies on U.S. exports to China. 10 Liz Truss has done an interview with (another) far right US podcast provocateur Liz Truss sat down for a chat with the supremely awful Ben Shapiro in Hungary a few weeks ago. And today, Shapiro has finally got round to editing and releasing this meeting of minds. During the chat she managed to slag off the NHS, Isembard Kingdom Brunel, Shakespeare, Peter Pan, Jerusalem, Mary Poppins, Elgar, Pink Floyd, The Clash, James Bond and the Queen. All in once sentence. "The views expressed in the Olympic ceremony are not those of the average Briton," she said, lured into it by Shapiro having a dig at the NHS' prominence in the event. Truss went on: "The problem is we have an elite that hates Britain, and they have done for some time. And that is the history of Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer. They want to help the human rights of anybody who doesn't live in Britain but they're very reticent to defend our own interests." There you go then. If you liked the opening ceremony, you hate Britain, says Liz Truss. Oh hang on, what did Liz say about the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony back in 2013? "Last summer's Olympics opening ceremony seamlessly combined Isambard Kingdom Brunel and William Shakespeare, Tim Berners-Lee and Mary Poppins." Right. But there's no quotes from her since then where she properly gets behind the vibe of 2012, are there? Like, nothing where she says we need to harness the spirit of it? Right you are, Liz.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
FinBe USA Launches Revamped Franchise and Independent Dealer Programs Powered by AI and Machine Learning
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FinBe USA is proud to announce the launch of its newly revamped franchise and independent dealer programs, powered by cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This significant investment in our pricing platform reflects our commitment to smarter, faster, and more competitive financing solutions for our dealer partners and customers nationwide. "Our new AI-driven platform enhances our underwriting capabilities, helping us approve and fund deals faster and more competitively than ever before," said FinBe USA CEO Scot Seagrave. "This technology enables us to strengthen our flagship programs—Vamos, Bankruptcy, and Classic—and grow our presence across all 32 states we serve." The enhanced platform supports FinBe USA's mission to expand its dealer network by fostering new franchise dealer relationships and reinforcing partnerships with existing independent dealers. These improvements offer partners better tools, streamlined funding, and greater flexibility. "We're excited about what the future holds as we continue to build strong, tech-forward partnerships in the automotive financing space," Seagrave added. Become a FinBe USA Dealer Partner Dealers interested in partnering with FinBe USA are encouraged to register here or call 877-475-5959 to learn more about the enhanced programs we offer. For more information about FinBe USA, please visit our website at We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence with all of our existing and future dealer partners and customers. About FinBe USA Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, FinBe USA is a national subprime lender that has been working with franchise and independent auto dealerships since 2007. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FinBe USA Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aero eSports stun Vamos to advance in MPL MY playoffs
KUALA LUMPUR: Aero eSports turned the tables on last season's runners-up Team Vamos with an emphatic 3-1 win in the play-in stage of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) playoffs on Saturday. Playing at Juara Stadium, Aero stormed to a 2-0 lead, wobbled slightly as Vamos pulled one back, but closed out the best-of-five series in the fourth game. The victory seals Aero's place in the upper bracket semi-finals, where they will meet back-to-back champions Selangor Red Giants (SRG. OG) on Sunday. Just last week, Vamos had edged Aero 2-1 in the regular season to clinch their playoff spot. But crucially, Aero were missing their first-choice jungler Praba "Hazle" Balakosa, 18, who had returned to Indonesia to attend his high school graduation. "We were unprepared against Vamos in the regular season," said Aero coach Abraham "Bam" Unida. "His replacement, Alang Indra 'Rannqt' Roshid, didn't have enough time to build chemistry with the team before that match. "Hazle made all the difference today. I'm proud of him. He played brilliantly and helped our mid-laner control the game's tempo." Aero, notably, remain the only team to have taken a game off SRG. OG in the regular season, in a tight 2-1 loss. Despite facing the reigning champions next, Unida is not planning any drastic shake-ups. "We'll stick with the same hero draft and play to our strengths," said the Filipino tactician. "We just need to cut down on our mistakes and make smarter decisions in-game." Joining Aero in the upper bracket semis are DX Soul, who looked clinical in their 3-0 sweep of Monster Vicious. They will take on second seeds Homebois in the other semi-final.
Al Bawaba
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Bawaba
Emotional Farewell: Rafael Nadal Receives Hero's Tribute at Roland Garros
On Sunday, Philippe-Chatrier Court transformed into a theater of nostalgia and reverence as thousands of fans rose to honor Rafael Nadal, not as a competitor, but as a legend. Also Read Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open due to injury Dressed in a dark suit rather than his iconic headband and athletic gear, Nadal walked into the arena where he built an unmatched legacy, greeted by roaring applause and chants of "Rafa!" echoing through every corner of the 15,000-seat stadium. This emotional tribute came exactly 20 years after his debut on the same court, where, at 18, he secured his first win in the French Open. Now, two decades later, he returned not to play, but to be celebrated. Tears, Memories, and a Standing Ovation A video montage played on the big screens, showcasing the ferocious left-handed forehands, the fist pumps, the passionate 'Vamos!' screams, and the relentless hustle that defined his game. As the clips rolled, Nadal was visibly moved. His voice cracked, his eyes welled up, and eventually, the tears came. Speaking in French, English, and Spanish, he shared his heartfelt thanks: "This is tough," he said in French. "I don't know where to begin after 20 years on this court. Wins, losses – but above all, moments that moved me deeply every time I stepped out here." Records That May Never Be Broken 112 wins and just 4 losses at Roland Garros. 14 titles in 14 finals, all held on this very court. 22 Grand Slam titles overall, with at least two in each of the sport's four major tournaments. These numbers explain why a steel statue of Nadal was erected on the grounds of Roland Garros even before his retirement — a rare honor for a living athlete. Tennis Icons Pay Their Respects In a moment that brought together decades of rivalry and respect, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray walked out to embrace Nadal and celebrate his extraordinary career. Their presence added a symbolic seal to the occasion, a salute from the very few who could truly grasp the magnitude of Nadal's achievements. A Lasting Mark on the Court As the ceremony drew to a close, a new plaque was unveiled near the court, bearing Nadal's footprint, name, and a sketch of the French Open trophy, a permanent tribute to the king of clay. In his final remarks, Nadal spoke directly to the crowd: "Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You gave me emotions and memories I never dreamed of. I may no longer play in front of you, but my heart and soul will always remain connected to this magical place."
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Nadal is Celebrated at Tournament he Won a Record 14 Times
Rafael Nadal stepped out into Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday to the sort of unending adulation, thunderous applause and chants of his nickname, 'Rafa,' that greeted him for years as he accumulated a record 14 French Open championships, only this time he was being honored at a farewell ceremony. Thousands of spectators gave Nadal, who retired last year, a standing ovation as he strode through the doorway that leads from the locker room to the playing surface he ruled like no one ever has in the history of tennis. Instead of that familiar headband or the tape on his fingers or the capri pants he made famous early in his career, Nadal was wearing a dark suit and dark dress shirt. He smiled broadly and waved at the crowd, which seemed to occupy just about every seat in the 15,000-capacity venue. As a highlight video began playing on the screens — showing those lefty bullwhip forehands, those pumped fists accompanying shouts of 'Vamos!' and the relentless racing to every inch of the court — Nadal bit his lower lip and appeared on the verge of tears. His voice cracked and he sniffled while delivering a speech in French, then English, and then his native Spanish. 'This is tough," he began, in French. "Good evening, everyone. I don't know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I've had the chance to be here.' Mostly winning, of course: His career record at the French Open was 112-4. That's why a larger-than-life steel statue of Nadal was installed on the Roland-Garros grounds while he was still an active player. He went 14-0 in the event's finals, always held in Chatrier, which he called 'without a doubt, the most important court of my tennis career.' Nadal finished with 22 Grand Slam titles in all, including at least two at each of the sport's most prestigious events. Nadal, who turns 39 on June 3 and played his final competitive match at the Davis Cup last November, thanked tournament organizers. His coaches. Other members of his entourage. His parents. His wife, who stood in the front row behind one of the baselines, holding their 2-year-old son. And his greatest rivals — Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — who later all walked out together to join Nadal on the court and hug him. 'We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well. And for me, it means a lot that you are all here,' Nadal told the players with whom he was grouped as the Big Four of men's tennis. 'You gave me some hard times on court, honestly, but I really enjoyed pushing myself to the limit every single day to compete with all of you.' Fans received T-shirts matching the rust color of the clay on the court below, with 'MERCI RAFA' in white, capital letters and Sunday's date stamped on the front. Even Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard who won last year's French Open and is considered Nadal's heir apparent, wore a rust-colored shirt while in the stands for the ceremony. Depending on where they were sitting, some people instead received white shirts that, when seen together, spelled out particular messages, including '14 RG' next to a representation of the La Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy awarded to the men's champion at Roland-Garros. Another part of the upper deck showed 'RAFA' between two hearts. Toward the end of the proceedings, which closed with yet another ovation, Nadal was shown a new plaque that's been placed near the stands on the side of the court opposite the chair umpire's stand: It is a white rectangle which bears his footprint, his name, '14' and a sketch of the tournament trophy. He certainly left a mark on everyone who ever faced him, or watched him compete, in that stadium. And now that stadium will forever carry his mark. 'Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You can never know how gratifying it is to be appreciated in the place that matters most. ... You made me feel like a Frenchman,' Nadal said. 'I can no longer play in front of you anymore, but my heart and my memories will always be linked to this magical place.'
