New York City Enacts ‘Homeless Bill of Rights,’ Sparking Concerns Over Key Provisions

New York City Enacts ‘Homeless Bill of Rights,’ Sparking Concerns Over Key Provisions

The legislation grants rights to homeless individuals, including the right to sleep outdoors, but raises questions about its implementation.

New York City has enacted a “Homeless Bill of Rights,” aiming to protect and empower individuals experiencing homelessness. The legislation grants several rights, notably the right to sleep outdoors, with certain limitations, and the right to apply for rental assistance. Additionally, it ensures that individuals can complain about shelter accommodations without fear of retaliation and mandates that parents in shelters receive diapers for their infants.
NPR

Despite these advancements, concerns have emerged regarding the practical application of these rights. The right to sleep outdoors, while a significant step, is subject to certain restrictions, leading to questions about its real-world impact. Moreover, the effectiveness of the legislation in addressing the complex issues of homelessness remains uncertain.
PBS

The Coalition for the Homeless, a prominent advocacy group, has expressed both support and caution. While acknowledging the importance of codifying the right to sleep outdoors, the coalition emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions that include access to safe and supportive housing.
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS

As the city moves forward with implementing the “Homeless Bill of Rights,” ongoing dialogue and evaluation will be crucial to ensure that the legislation effectively meets the needs of homeless individuals and contributes to long-term solutions to homelessness.

Yorkshire’s Victory Ends Winless Streak, While Robin Das Shines for Essex

Yorkshire’s Victory Ends Winless Streak, While Robin Das Shines for Essex

Somerset Edge Kent in Rain-Interrupted Vitality Blast Clash

Yorkshire finally secured their first win of the season in any format, claiming an eight-run victory over Nottinghamshire in the Vitality Blast at Trent Bridge. The team set a target of 183, posting 182 for seven after opting to bat first, with Dawid Malan contributing 95 runs off 56 balls and captain Shan Masood adding 34 from 23 balls.

Nottinghamshire’s Alex Hales continued his strong form with a half-century, while Colin Munro scored 46. Despite these efforts, Yorkshire held their ground, with David Wiese taking two wickets for 32 runs. This marked Yorkshire’s first T20 win at Trent Bridge since 2015, breaking a streak of losses in their previous three Blast matches.

In other news, Essex celebrated a much-needed victory over Gloucestershire, winning by three wickets. Robin Das, following up his remarkable century on debut against Ireland, smashed 69 off 33 balls to chase down a challenging target of 196. Despite a record-breaking 50 from Gloucestershire’s Ben Charlesworth off just 19 balls, Essex emerged victorious with five balls remaining. Feroze Khushi’s quick-fire 34 from 14 balls and Tom Westley’s calm 31 not out helped seal the win.

Somerset also triumphed, defeating Kent by 13 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method after a rain-affected match at Canterbury. Despite three interruptions, Somerset restricted Kent to just 112, chasing a revised target of 126 from 15 overs, thanks to Ben Green’s impressive three-wicket haul. Kent’s skipper Sam Billings made 29, but it was not enough as Somerset’s total of 154 from 20 overs, led by Tom Lammonby’s 34, proved to be the winning score.

Kosovo Tennis Federation Criticises Djokovic for Political Comments at French Open

Kosovo Tennis Federation Criticises Djokovic for Political Comments at French Open

Serbian Star Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Kosovo Conflict After French Open Victory

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis champion, has sparked controversy with comments made following his first-round victory at the French Open, drawing criticism from Kosovo’s tennis federation. The 36-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, made the remarks after his win on Monday, when he wrote on a courtside TV camera lens: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.”

Djokovic’s comments came amid rising tensions in northern Kosovo, where clashes between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo police, along with NATO peacekeepers, have escalated. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, is not recognised by Belgrade, and tensions between ethnic Albanians and the Serb minority remain high, particularly in the north of the country.

The Kosovo Tennis Federation quickly condemned Djokovic’s statement, calling it “deplorable” and accusing him of exacerbating the already fraught political situation between the two nations. While the French Open organisers have not responded publicly, Djokovic’s remarks have caused significant stir in the region.

The situation in Kosovo became more volatile over the weekend when ethnic Albanian officials, elected in a vote largely boycotted by Serbs, entered municipal buildings. Kosovo police responded by using tear gas to disperse Serb protesters who tried to block the officials from taking office. NATO has since pledged to send an additional 700 troops to help stabilise the situation, after violent protests left 30 international soldiers injured.

Djokovic, who is scheduled to play in the second round of Roland Garros on Wednesday, defended his actions in a subsequent interview, stating that expressing his opinion was “the least I could do.” The tennis star, who has previously spoken about his connection to Kosovo, added: “I feel a responsibility as a public figure, as well as a son of a man who was born in Kosovo.”

Phillip Schofield Resigns from ITV After Admitting Affair with Younger Colleague

Phillip Schofield Resigns from ITV After Admitting Affair with Younger Colleague

TV Presenter Apologises for Deceitful Behaviour and Lying About Relationship to Employers

Phillip Schofield, the former host of ITV’s This Morning, has resigned from the network after confessing to having an affair with a younger colleague and lying about it to his employers. The 61-year-old television personality admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” consensual relationship with the man, which began while he was still married to his wife of 30 years.

In a statement released to the Daily Mail, Schofield revealed that he had met the young man when he was a teenager and had helped him break into television. However, their relationship deepened into more than just friendship after the man started working on This Morning. Schofield acknowledged that he had lied to ITV about the affair and said he would be stepping down from the broadcaster immediately.

“I am deeply sorry for having lied to my employers, colleagues, agents, the media, the public, and most of all, my family,” Schofield admitted. “I am incredibly regretful for being unfaithful to my wife, and I realise that I have made an awful misjudgement in both participating in the relationship and subsequently lying about it.”

Schofield confirmed he would also be withdrawing from his last public appearance at the British Soap Awards, his final commitment before stepping away from ITV entirely. The network has accepted his resignation and confirmed that he will no longer appear on its channels. An ITV spokesperson expressed disappointment in Schofield’s deceit, emphasising that trust is the foundation of their relationships with staff.

Schofield’s agency, YMU Group, also parted ways with him after discovering new information that contradicted his previous statements. YMU’s CEO, Mary Bekhait, explained that the agency had learned facts that directly contradicted Schofield’s earlier version of events. As a result, they made the decision to sever ties with him.

The scandal has added to tensions between Schofield and his This Morning co-presenter, Holly Willoughby. Schofield had previously announced his departure from the show, explaining that it had “become the story” and that stepping down was necessary to protect its future. His wife, Stephanie, had stood by him when he publicly came out as gay in 2020, following 27 years of marriage.

Schofield began his career in television as a teenager and became a household name with shows like Going Live!. He joined This Morning in 2002, where he co-presented until his recent departure, having worked alongside Willoughby since 2009.

Vigil for Teenagers Killed in Road Incident Sparks Calls for Community Change

Vigil for Teenagers Killed in Road Incident Sparks Calls for Community Change

Over 1,500 Attend Memorial in Cardiff, with Tensions Rising Over Police Involvement in Fatal Crash

A poignant vigil was held in Ely, Cardiff, to remember Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, who tragically lost their lives in a road accident while riding an electric bike. The gathering attracted more than 1,500 people at the spot where the teenagers died on Monday evening.

The event was marked by the release of balloons, fireworks, and flares in remembrance of the boys, whose deaths sparked widespread unrest. Rumours circulated that the pair were being chased by police before the accident, leading to violent clashes and arrests in the area. CCTV footage showing a South Wales Police van trailing the boys had circulated widely on social media, further fuelling the chaos.

Despite the claims, Alun Michael, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, denied that there was a pursuit. However, the police force confirmed that a van had been following Kyrees and Harvey. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As the investigation continues, floral tributes and messages have accumulated at the crash site on Snowden Road, with hundreds gathering on Friday evening to honour the two teenagers. Attendees held blue balloons and wore T-shirts bearing images of Kyrees and Harvey. A solemn moment of silence was followed by applause.

One of Harvey’s uncles addressed the crowd, highlighting the difference between the earlier unrest and the peaceful tribute, stating, “The only difference between Monday and today is that the police aren’t here.” He emphasised that while the rioting was wrong, it stemmed from frustration, pointing to the mistreatment of local youth by the police.

The IOPC is scrutinising the events leading up to the crash, including the nature of the police interaction and whether the officers’ actions were appropriate. It is also investigating whether the officers’ behaviour constituted a pursuit, and whether the incident was properly reported.

David Ford, director of the IOPC, expressed sympathy for the families of the teenagers, stating that the investigation would be thorough and independent. The community has rallied together to support the grieving families, with plans to address the long-term needs of the local residents being discussed by politicians and community leaders.

First Minister Mark Drakeford expressed his condolences, calling the tragedy a collective trauma for the community. A grassroots initiative is being launched to create a community plan focused on the needs of Ely’s residents, with support from local agencies, including the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council.

Ice Cream Vendors Complain About Cadbury Flakes’ Crumbliness in 99 Cones

Ice Cream Vendors Complain About Cadbury Flakes’ Crumbliness in 99 Cones

Concerns over product quality arise after Cadbury moves Flake manufacturing to Egypt.

Ice cream sellers across the UK are expressing frustration over Cadbury Flakes being too crumbly for use in traditional 99 ice creams. The issue has arisen since the production of the Flakes was shifted to Egypt, with vendors claiming that the chocolate’s quality has deteriorated.

The crumbly texture of the Flakes has made them difficult to use in the iconic 99 cones, as many are breaking during preparation. John Taylor, owner of C&M Creamery Ices, commented: “It’s embarrassing for an ice cream vendor to serve a 99 with a broken Flake.” Others, such as Katy Alston, who runs an ice cream van in Bognor Regis, have been forced to discard large quantities of the product. She noted that sometimes up to 70 Flakes in a single box are unusable due to breakage.

Alston, who is also the president of The Ice Cream Alliance, has decided to stop using Cadbury Flakes this year, calling them “a different product.” She emphasised that customers expect a solid Flake in their 99 and that ice cream vendors’ reputations depend on it.

Lawrence Glauser, from Lorenzo’s Ices in East Yorkshire, also highlighted the ongoing issue, revealing that he has switched to using German chocolate sticks instead. “The German ones are denser and don’t break as easily,” he remarked, adding that customers don’t seem to mind the change.

Cadbury, which has been under the ownership of Mondelez International since 2010, stated that the recipe for the Flake 99 had not been altered, despite the manufacturing move. A spokesperson for Mondelez assured that quality concerns were being taken seriously, and improvements had been made to production processes. They acknowledged that some older stock may still be circulating and assured customers that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.

“We are aware of recent quality complaints and have worked to improve our production to prevent breakages. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and are in contact with our wholesalers to offer support,” the spokesperson said.

Tina Turner: A Legendary Career and Lasting Legacy in Rock and Soul

Tina Turner: A Legendary Career and Lasting Legacy in Rock and Soul

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll passes away at 83 after an illustrious 60-year journey through music history.

Tina Turner, the iconic American-Swiss singer whose voice defined rock and soul for over six decades, has passed away at the age of 83 following a prolonged illness. Known for her unmatched talent and vibrant stage presence, Turner’s career produced timeless anthems such as “River Deep – Mountain High,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and “The Best,” which continue to resonate across generations.

Born Anna Mae Bullock, Tina’s influence extended far beyond her music. She was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and her 12 Grammy Awards stand as a testament to her impact on the music industry. Turner also set a Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience for a solo performer, drawing an astonishing 180,000 fans to the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro for her 1988 performance.

Turner’s manager of 30 years, Roger Davies, described her as a “unique and remarkable force of nature,” while the legendary Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones shared his deep sorrow over her passing. The two performed together at Live Aid in 1985, and Jagger expressed his admiration for Turner’s warmth, generosity, and extraordinary talent.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Tina Turner was honoured with stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. In 2009, she also participated in the “Beyond – Three Voices For Peace” project in Zurich, Switzerland. Whether performing classics like “What’s Love Got to Do With It” or offering her wisdom to younger artists, Turner’s contributions to music and culture remain unparalleled.

Her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike, celebrating not only her powerful voice but also her enduring influence and the joy she brought to the world.

Nato Chief Stresses Ukraine’s Membership is Not Possible Until Russia’s War Concludes

Nato Chief Stresses Ukraine’s Membership is Not Possible Until Russia’s War Concludes

Jens Stoltenberg addresses Ukraine’s Nato aspirations, with a cautious approach on membership during the ongoing conflict.

Nato’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, has stated that Ukraine cannot join the alliance while Russia’s invasion is ongoing. Speaking at an event hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States in Brussels, Stoltenberg clarified, “To become a member in the midst of a war is not on the agenda,” adding that the issue would be addressed once the war comes to an end.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had submitted a bid for expedited Nato membership in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions last September. Despite strong support from Ukraine’s Eastern European allies, including Latvia, who have called for Ukraine’s rapid inclusion in Nato for lasting peace, Stoltenberg acknowledged the division within the alliance on how to proceed. He further noted that the alliance operates on a consensus-based decision-making process, and that consultations are ongoing ahead of the Vilnius summit in July. “No one can predict the outcome of the summit on this matter,” he said.

Stoltenberg reaffirmed Nato’s long-standing position that Ukraine will eventually become a member, though no specific timeline has been offered. He previously visited Kyiv in April, reiterating that Ukraine’s place in Nato is “rightful,” but again refrained from setting a clear path for accession. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had called for a definitive statement from Nato members to set out clear steps for membership, echoing Zelensky’s push for a clear roadmap.

Meanwhile, the US is investigating reports that its military vehicles were used in an incursion into Russian territory by anti-Putin militias, including the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). The RVC’s leader, Denis Kapustin, confirmed his group’s involvement but denied any direct support from Western partners, although he did not disclose the source of the weapons. The White House has made it clear to Kyiv that it does not support the use of US-made military equipment outside Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the growing involvement of Western countries in the conflict, while Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu vowed to respond harshly to any future cross-border raids. In a separate development, Russia and China have agreed to deepen their cooperation in various trade sectors, further solidifying their diplomatic ties amidst the ongoing war.

Ron DeSantis Enters the 2024 Presidential Race Amid Rising Republican Rivalries

Ron DeSantis Enters the 2024 Presidential Race Amid Rising Republican Rivalries

Florida Governor officially files his candidacy, positioning himself as the key challenger to Donald Trump.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially entered the 2024 presidential race, submitting his candidacy to the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday. This move follows the release of a campaign announcement video on Twitter, shared by his wife, Casey, a day earlier.

In his first appearance as a presidential candidate, DeSantis will address voters during a Twitter Space, hosted by David Sacks, a close ally of Elon Musk, before speaking with Fox News anchor Bret Baier in a subsequent interview. The 44-year-old governor, who has served two terms in Florida, is expected to be a prominent figure in the Republican primary, holding a solid position in polling, with double-digit support against former President Donald Trump.

DeSantis enters the race with a strong political background, having won re-election in 2022 by a comfortable margin. While he has consistently polled in the double digits, his numbers still lag behind Trump, who remains the dominant figure in the GOP. Despite this, DeSantis’s candidacy has already been recognised for presenting a serious challenge to the former president, especially as DeSantis is not shy about taking on Trump directly.

In a marked change from his previous strategy of avoiding confrontations with Trump, DeSantis’s campaign is now expected to engage in direct clashes with the former president. This shift in approach follows months of political manoeuvring, including strategic attacks from a DeSantis-aligned PAC aimed at Trump.

Although it remains uncertain whether DeSantis can dethrone Trump as the Republican frontrunner, the Florida governor heads into the race with several advantages, including the support of the GOP establishment, a large voter base dissatisfied with both Trump and Biden, and a formidable political resume. Before his governorship, DeSantis served in the US House of Representatives as a member of the Freedom Caucus and as a military lawyer, with service in Guantanamo Bay and the 2007 Iraq troop surge.

However, his candidacy also faces potential challenges, with critics noting that DeSantis lacks the charismatic appeal that Trump has with his base. DeSantis is also facing criticism for his attempts to position himself as a culture war champion, which some see as an effort to mirror Trump’s polarising style.

Despite these hurdles, DeSantis remains a strong contender in the Republican race. His official candidacy comes just days after his GOP rival, Senator Tim Scott, launched his own campaign. While Scott lags behind DeSantis in polling, he has garnered support from influential figures within the Republican Party, including Senator John Thune.

FTSE 100 Maintains Gains as Investors Brace for US Debt Ceiling Negotiations

FTSE 100 Maintains Gains as Investors Brace for US Debt Ceiling Negotiations

Banking sector boosts London index, while UK economic data and US debt talks shape market sentiment.

London’s FTSE 100 index finished the day in positive territory, buoyed by moderate gains in the banking sector and ahead of an eventful week in global markets. The blue-chip index rose by 14.12 points, or 0.18%, to close at 7,770.99, despite a brief afternoon dip triggered by concerns over the US debt ceiling crisis.

The index was supported by solid performances from major banks, including Standard Chartered, HSBC, and NatWest, the latter of which announced the sale of £1.26 billion worth of shares, reducing the UK government’s stake to 38.69%. This move is part of the government’s plan to eventually privatise the bank.

As the week progresses, investors are preparing for key data releases. On Tuesday, the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) will reveal the latest public sector finances, which are expected to show a significant rise in borrowing due to government support for energy costs. Wednesday will see the release of the UK’s inflation figures, a critical test for the Bank of England’s efforts to meet its 2% inflation target.

Meanwhile, eyes are also on the United States, where President Joe Biden and Republican leader Kevin McCarthy are set to meet to discuss raising the debt ceiling and averting a potential financial crisis. Goldman Sachs has warned that the US could run out of funds in three weeks unless the deadlock is resolved.

Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA, commented, “While the start of the week hasn’t been overly exciting, things are expected to pick up with key data releases, debt ceiling talks, and other market-moving events on the horizon.”

Other European markets had a more cautious start, with Germany’s DAX down 0.32% and France’s CAC 40 slipping 0.18%. In the US, trading was mixed, with the S&P 500 edging up by 0.1% while the Dow Jones declined by 0.2%.

The British pound weakened slightly, falling 0.15% against the US dollar to 1.243, and down 0.1% against the euro to 1.15.

In corporate news, payments company Wise saw its shares drop 3.7% after announcing that its CFO would step down next year to recover from a cycling accident. Meanwhile, Ryanair’s share price rose 2.1% as the airline reported a return to profitability, benefiting from strong travel demand and higher ticket prices.

Among the biggest gainers on the FTSE 100 were Standard Chartered, Admiral Group, Ocado, BT, and Flutter Entertainment. On the other hand, the biggest losers included Frasers, ConvaTec, Vodafone, Halma, and Smiths Group.