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- Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid ongoing allegations
- US Agrees to Continue Talks with Iran as Trump Claims Ceasefire Is Over
- Dozens of schoolchildren and teachers rescued two months after abduction in Nigeria
- Gordie Howe bridge expected to open by late July following delay
- Trump administration backs bill for heavy tariffs on Russian oil to pressure Moscow
- Passengers swim to shore after Cessna 402B makes emergency landing in sea
- French government activates extreme heat plan amid renewed heatwave
- Deaths and suicides highlight conditions in New Jersey State Prison
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Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid ongoing allegations
12:01 am
Media Lens: Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid ongoing allegations
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign.
Graham Platner has suspended his Maine Senate campaign amid allegations. According to NPR and coverage in The Guardian, he has submitted paperwork to formally withdraw from the race.
What happened
Graham Platner has officially suspended his campaign for the Maine Senate amid allegations. He has submitted paperwork to formally withdraw from the race.
This decision comes in response to challenges he faced, which he addressed in a recent video claiming the issues were not personal. Politically, this development impacts the Democratic landscape in Maine as the party navigates the situation.
Key facts
- Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the Maine Senate.
- The suspension follows allegations made against him.
- He officially submitted paperwork to formally withdraw from the race.
- This decision was reported by multiple news outlets, including NPR and PBS.
Where coverage differs
- NPR emphasizes Platner’s formal submission to withdraw from the Senate race, while The Guardian highlights his problematic exit video and personal sentiments.
- The New York Times foregrounds the implications of replacing Platner, rather than focusing solely on his resignation process like PBS does.
- PBS prioritizes a factual recap of Platner’s campaign scenario over The Guardian‘s interpretation of his emotional response to the allegations.
One story, four angles
NPR – Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race
Publication: NPR | Primary framing pattern: Policy | Tone: Informative | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: NPR reports on Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race, emphasizing the formal submission of his paperwork. The article provides context about the campaign and related allegations impacting his decision.
Publication emphasis: The focus is on the procedural aspect of Platner’s withdrawal from the election.
Framing analysis: The foregrounding of Platner’s formal actions indicates a legal framing while secondary elements include the implications of his decision and the surrounding controversy.
Bias: Selection: Limited commentary on allegations. Language: Neutral terminology used throughout. Omission: Lack of detail about specific allegations against Platner.
Assessment: The article provides a straightforward account, prioritizing legal procedure over personal implications.
The Guardian – It’s not me, it’s them: Platner goes down snarling with graceless exit video
Publication: The Guardian | Primary framing pattern: Political | Tone: Critical | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The Guardian presents an opinion piece criticizing Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Senate race, highlighting his exit video as lacking grace and humorously framing it as deflection of responsibility.
Publication emphasis: The narrative portrays Platner in a negative light, emphasizing his response to the allegations.
Framing analysis: The forefronting of Platner’s video highlights a political framing, while the background contains implications of what led to his departure from the race.
Bias: Selection: Focus on Platner’s statements. Language: Use of emotionally charged descriptors. Omission: Limited discussion of the serious nature of the allegations.
Assessment: The piece adopts a critical tone that seeks to entertain while conveying political commentary.
PBS – Graham Platner submits notice to formally withdraw from Maine Senate race
Publication: PBS | Primary framing pattern: Legal | Tone: Neutral | Intensity: 5/10 | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: PBS provides a straightforward report on Graham Platner’s official withdrawal from the Senate race, underscoring the legal elements of his submission and the relevant timelines associated with the process.
Publication emphasis: The piece emphasizes the procedural steps of his withdrawal.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds the legal framework while secondary layers include the context surrounding the withdrawal.
Bias: Selection: Focus on the process rather than personal conduct. Language: Maintains professional and objective terminology. Omission: Minimal exploration of emotional or political implications.
Assessment: PBS delivers a concise and factual representation of the unfolding events.
The New York Times – In Replacing Platner, Democrats Are Haunted by Biden-Harris Switch
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: Political | Tone: Analytical | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: Mixed | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: The New York Times explores the implications of Graham Platner’s departure from the Senate race, framing it within a broader political context and connecting it to prior Democratic strategy shifts, particularly pertaining to Biden and Harris.
Publication emphasis: The analysis draws parallels between the current situation and historical Democratic decisions, suggesting deeper political consequences.
Framing analysis: The foregrounding of political strategy underlines a detailed analytical approach, while personal aspects of Platner’s withdrawal remain secondary.
Bias: Selection: Highlights implications on the party rather than focusing solely on Platner. Language: Nuanced and strategic terminology employed. Omission: Less focus on the details of the allegations against Platner.
Assessment: The analysis provides depth by connecting individual actions to broader political narratives.
Food for thought
NPR adopts the strongest legal framing regarding Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race, focusing on the procedural details of his official notice, thereby grounding the discourse in governance legitimacy. Contrastingly, The Guardian utilizes the most escalatory framing, depicting Platner’s exit as a dramatic, personal confrontation, characterized by a “snarling” tone. This shift conveys a narrative of chaos rather than mere procedural adherence, amplifying the stakes of the situation. The New York Times contextualizes his departure within a broader Democratic narrative marred by internal disarray, marking tension while still maintaining a level of analytical restraint. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
US Agrees to Continue Talks with Iran as Trump Claims Ceasefire Is Over
11:01 pm
Media Lens: US Agrees to Continue Talks with Iran as Trump Claims Ceasefire Is Over
Donald Trump announced the United States agreed to Iran’s request to continue talks, but indicated the ceasefire is over. This statement follows a tense period of negotiations involving various diplomatic efforts.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Recent discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials have highlighted a critical shift in diplomatic relations. Trump announced that the U.S. has agreed to Iran’s request to continue negotiations; however, he concurrently declared that the ceasefire previously established is now over.
Diplomats are currently racing to revive talks, as the situation has escalated rapidly following Trump’s statements. The complexities of the negotiations reflect broader tensions in U.S.-Iran relations, indicating a challenging path ahead for both nations.
Status quo
As of October 2023, U.S.-Iran negotiations faced significant strain after President Trump declared an end to the ceasefire, indicating that the U.S. agreed to Iran’s request to continue talks. This announcement follows a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region, with heightened military activity observed in recent months. The situation remains dynamic, prompting further diplomatic engagement to stabilize relations and address unresolved issues.
Confirmed facts
- The U.S. has agreed to continue talks with Iran.
- Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire is over.
- Multiple sources report that diplomats are racing to revive U.S.-Iran talks.
- The U.S. has conducted airstrikes in Iran, indicating a sharp escalation in tensions.
Preconceptions
- **Reuters** prioritizes direct statements from political figures, highlighting Trump’s agreement with Iran, while **CNN** emphasizes ongoing diplomatic efforts, focusing on updates about talks.
- **The New York Times** highlights military actions as a significant aspect of the escalation, reducing attention on diplomatic discourse, whereas **Forbes** centers on political ramifications and future implications more than military actions.
- **CNN** uses a dynamic, real-time format to deliver immediate updates on the situation, contrasting with **Reuters**, which adopts a more traditional reporting style focused on distinct announcements.
- **The New York Times** incorporates analytical insights regarding the implications of U.S. actions, while **Forbes** offers a more speculative perspective on the future of U.S.-Iran relations.
Elisions
- **Trump’s Ceasefire Comments**: CNN discusses ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran talks after Trump declared the ceasefire over, focusing on the response from diplomats. In contrast, Reuters highlights Trump’s agreement to continue talks without similar emphasis on diplomatic reactions, which may overlook the broader context and implications of his statements.
- **Military Action Description**: The New York Times details the recent US strikes in Iran and categorizes them as a sharp escalation. However, Forbes presents a contrasting angle, framing the situation as Trump’s assertion that the ceasefire is over, lacking a nuanced discussion of the military’s strategic implications.
- **Analysis of Diplomatic Efforts**: While CNN provides live updates on the diplomatic race to revive negotiations, Reuters appears to focus more on direct quotes from Trump without providing extensive background on the historical context or past negotiations, potentially missing critical insights into the ongoing turmoil.
One story, four angles
Reuters – Trump says US agreed to Iran’s request to continue talks, but ceasefire is over
Publication: Reuters | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: Readers are led to focus on the juxtaposition of continued diplomatic talks with the ceasefire’s expiration, highlighting a complex diplomatic situation.
Key differences:
1. **Language Choice**: “Ceasefire is over” vs. “diplomatic efforts continue” emphasizes a tension in ongoing negotiations.
2. **Placement**: Emphasis on the US’s agreement to Iran’s request first, possibly framing the US more favorably.
3. **Tone**: The straightforward headline focuses on information delivery, contrasting with more emotional or dramatic narratives from other outlets.
Bias: Selection: Focus on US dialogue while sidelining Iran’s perspective | Language: Use of “over” implies finality, which may skew perception of the negotiations | Omission: Lack of detail on Iran’s reactions or conditions for talks.
Assessment: Readers may first believe that diplomatic efforts are under jeopardy.
CNN – Live updates: Diplomats race to revive US-Iran talks after Trump declares ceasefire over
Publication: CNN | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Urgent | Legal precision: Medium
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Espresso Shot: The urgency is apparent, focusing first on the immediacy of diplomatic efforts after a declared halt, creating a sense of crisis.
Key differences:
1. **Framing**: “Diplomats race to revive talks” implies a high-stakes scenario, compared to Reuters’ more measured tone.
2. **Emphasis**: Use of “live updates” suggests ongoing developments, creating a real-time scenario for readers.
3. **Urgency vs. Neutrality**: This headline reflects an urgent tone suggesting immediate consequences, which may impact readers’ sentiment more than Reuters’ presentation.
Bias: Selection: Highlights urgency of US-Iran tensions over broader context of conflict | Language: The term “race” conveys intensity, possibly exaggerating the urgency | Omission: Minimal detail on what actions Iran is taking in response.
Assessment: Readers may perceive that diplomatic failure is imminent and urgent.
The New York Times – Two Days of U.S. Strikes in Iran Signal a Sharp Escalation
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (9/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Medium-High
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Espresso Shot: The focus is on the military actions, leading readers’ attention to the aggressive escalation, setting a tone of conflict.
Key differences:
1. **Severity**: “Sharp escalation” indicates a critical change in position, unlike the diplomatic wording of other headlines.
2. **Narrative**: By highlighting military action, it frames the situation more as a conflict rather than a negotiation.
3. **Contextualization**: Juxtaposition of “days of U.S. strikes” suggests an ongoing narrative of violence rather than diplomatic effort, in contrast to Reuters and CNN.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes military developments over diplomatic attempts | Language: “Sharp escalation” conveys alarm, potentially inflating fear | Omission: Less emphasis on diplomatic discussions while focusing more narrowly on military actions.
Assessment: Readers may be inclined to believe a significant military confrontation is underway.
Forbes – Trump Says Ceasefire Is Still Over, Even After U.S. Agreed To Continue Talks With Iran—What’s Next?
Publication: Forbes | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Low
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Espresso Shot: The article presents conflicting statements, leading readers to focus on the contradictions in Trump’s policy regarding Iran.
Key differences:
1. **Contradiction Emphasis**: “Still Over” juxtaposed with “Agreed to Continue Talks” showcases conflicting messages in diplomatic posture.
2. **Future Orientation**: Use of “What’s Next?” invites speculation on future actions, contrasting other headlines that are more definitive.
3. **Neutral Tone**: Unlike others, it refrains from urgency or alarm, choosing a more analytical approach.
Bias: Selection: Addresses contradictions, diverting from ground realities to political rhetoric | Language: Neutral language may dilute the gravity of ongoing tensions | Omission: Minimal focus on broader context, centering only on Trump’s stance.
Assessment: Readers may come away confused about the true state of U.S.-Iran relations.
In comparing the coverage, The New York Times adopts a strongest escalation framing with “Two Days of U.S. Strikes in Iran Signal a Sharp Escalation,” portraying urgency in relations. CNN’s “Live updates: Diplomats race to revive US-Iran talks after Trump declares ceasefire over” represents a moderate framing focused on efforts to de-escalate. Conversely, Reuters portrays a more neutral tone with “Trump says US agreed to Iran’s request to continue talks, but ceasefire is over.” Forbes emphasizes ongoing tensions with an escalatory framing, suggesting that despite talks, “the ceasefire is still over.”
The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Reuters
Trump says US agreed to Iran’s request to continue talks, but ceasefire is over
CNN
Live updates: Diplomats race to revive US-Iran talks after Trump declares ceasefire over
The New York Times
Two Days of U.S. Strikes in Iran Signal a Sharp Escalation
Forbes
Trump Says Ceasefire Is Still Over, Even After U.S. Agreed To Continue Talks With Iran—What’s Next?
Dozens of schoolchildren and teachers rescued two months after abduction in Nigeria
10:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers rescued in Nigeria
Dozens of students and teachers were rescued in Nigeria after being abducted two months ago from three schools in the southwestern state of Oyo. President Bola Tinubu confirmed the successful operation, stating that eight assailants have been arrested and an unspecified number killed.
Eight assailants have been arrested, while an unspecified number have been killed during the operation. The Defence Minister stated that the kidnappers intended to leverage the hostages to secure the release of their commanders from prison.
President Bola Tinubu expressed “profound happiness” over the rescue of the abducted students and teachers, commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies. Defence Minister Christopher Musa noted that the assailants intended to leverage the hostages to negotiate the release of their imprisoned commanders.
What remains unclear — Details on the exact method used for the rescue of the students and teachers have not been disclosed.
Dozens of schoolchildren and teachers rescued two months after abduction in Nigeria
News|Armed GroupsDozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers rescued in Nigeria
The hostages were taken from three separate schools in the southwestern state of Oyo in May.
Published On 10 Jul 202610 Jul 2026
Two months after they were abducted in southwestern Nigeria, dozens of students and teachers have been rescued, the presidency says.
In a statement on Friday, President Bola Tinubu said he was “profoundly happy” that Nigeria’s security agencies had rescued the students and teachers, 56 days after they were kidnapped from three schools in the southwestern state of Oyo.
Eight of the assailants have been arrested and an unspecified number have been killed, Tinubu added.
On May 15, 46 students and staff were kidnapped from two primary schools and one secondary school. The government has blamed the kidnappings on Boko Haram.
The youngest child taken was aged two, while the oldest was 16. One of the teachers was killed shortly after the abduction.
In a post on X, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said all of the students and teachers had been rescued.
School kidnappings have become common in Nigeria, as armed groups seek large ransoms from the government and citizens.
The situation has been worsened by a security crisis, partly fuelled by the Boko Haram rebellion in the country’s northeast. In 2024, gunmen earned more than $1.6m in ransom payments, according to SBM Intelligence.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” Tinubu said in his statement.
“On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
Prior to the May 15 attack, the majority of school kidnappings had taken place in northern Nigeria. The abductions in Oyo, in the southwest, have prompted concerns that the security crisis could be worsening.
It is not clear exactly how the students and staff were rescued, but Onanuga said there “was no quid pro quo in the rescue”.
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the assailants planned to use the hostages as leverage to pressure the government to release some of their commanders from prison.
Gordie Howe bridge expected to open by late July following delay
8:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Gordie Howe bridge set to open by late July after delay: sources
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the postponement of a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for early June due to “outstanding issues” that need resolution between the two countries. No new date for the ceremony has been confirmed.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is currently in discussions with officials from both countries to address unresolved matters before proceeding with the ceremony. No new date for the postponed event has been announced as talks continue.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority stated that further discussions are necessary to address “outstanding issues,” leading to the postponement of the ribbon-cutting ceremony originally planned for early June. The authority has not provided a specific timeline for resolving these matters or scheduling the event.
What remains unclear — The specific “outstanding issues” that caused the postponement of the ribbon-cutting ceremony have not been disclosed.
Gordie Howe bridge expected to open by late July following delay
A ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for early June was postponed after the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the two countries needed more time to resolve “outstanding issues.”
Trump administration backs bill for heavy tariffs on Russian oil to pressure Moscow
6:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Trump admin. to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say
The Trump administration has agreed to support a draft bill imposing heavy financial penalties on buyers of Russian oil to increase pressure on Moscow amid its conflict with Ukraine. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal confirmed the White House’s support after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the bill would be advanced once sufficient votes are secured, with the Senate returning to Washington on Monday. The bipartisan initiative is expected to roll out “very soon,” in light of ongoing developments in Ukraine.
The Trump administration has declared support for a bipartisan bill imposing heavy tariffs on Russian oil purchases, aiming to increase economic pressure on Moscow. Senators Graham and Blumenthal expect to advance the legislation soon, with a focus on intensifying sanctions as Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine.
What remains unclear — It is not clear how soon the tariffs would go into effect after the legislation is signed into law.
Trump administration backs bill for heavy tariffs on Russian oil to pressure Moscow
The Trump administration will support a draft bill that would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil, adding to economic pressure on Moscow, all in an effort to bring Russia’s four-year war on Ukraine to a close, sources told WTX US News.
Senators Graham and Blumenthal told WTX US News that the Trump White House has approved the latest draft of a Russia sanctions bill. A Ukrainian official told WTX US News that on Friday, Graham informed Zelenskyy that it has the support of the White House.
White House spokespeople didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Both senators emphasized that Ukraine is turning the tide on the battlefield, and Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to be brought to the table. Graham indicated to WTX US News that Putin’s constant attacks are a factor in Mr. Trump’s thinking, and the president has found Ukraine’s recent success on the battlefield to be persuasive.
The bipartisan bill, from GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, aims to increase economic pressure on Russia. It is not clear how soon the tariffs would go into effect after the legislation is signed into law.
It would allow high tariffs to be imposed on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and natural gas. India and China are the two biggest buyers of Russian oil.
Blumenthal did not yet have a vote count, but he believes there will be Democratic support for the bill. The Connecticut senator also credited timing: Recent declines in the price of oil since the cooling off of the war with Iran are making this a more palatable decision.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota had previously told the senators that he’d move the bill when they had the votes. The Senate returns to Washington on Monday.
Blumenthal said that the movement on sanctions was not the only big win for Ukraine. He also said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy adroitly handled his meetings with Mr. Trump at the NATO summit this week, both securing the long-sought license to produce Patriot interceptors and persuading Trump to sign off on purchases of Ukrainian drones for U.S. usage. Zelenskyy had made a direct request for the licenses from Mr. Trump during an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” in May.
Blumenthal, Graham, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and GOP Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi hailed the agreement and said they expect to roll out the legislation “very soon.”
“As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine,” the senators said.
Zelenskyy has been notified of the president’s approval of the tariff plan, one of the sources said. The Ukrainian president met with Graham in Kyiv Friday and said in a post on X that “Lindsey briefed me on the work underway in Congress on the relevant bill.”
Passengers swim to shore after Cessna 402B makes emergency landing in sea
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Passengers forced to swim to shore after plane makes emergency landing | News World
A Cessna 402B operating a scheduled domestic flight crashed into the sea near Lafiteau, Haiti, during an emergency landing. The pilot and two passengers exited the aircraft safely, swam to shore, and received immediate assistance, with all reported to be in a stable condition.
Aviation authorities and ZED Airlines’ technical team have initiated a full inquiry into the incident, though no details regarding a mechanical failure have been made public. The aircraft, a Cessna 402B built in 1972, is currently under assessment to determine its condition.
A spokesperson for ZED Airlines expressed relief that there were “no human losses to regret” following the incident, emphasising their priority for passenger and crew safety. Aviation authorities have initiated a full inquiry into the matter, with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.
What remains unclear — The inquiry has not provided initial details on a possible mechanical failure of the aircraft.
Passengers swim to shore after Cessna 402B makes emergency landing in sea
Frightened passengers had to swim ashore after a plane crashed into the sea during an emergency landing.
The Cessna 402B was operating a scheduled domestic flight when the pilot performed a water landing shortly before midday on Wednesday.
The pilot and two passengers exited the light aircraft safely after crash-landing in the sea. They swam to shore and were able to get help immediately.
A spokesperson for Haitian carrier ZED Airlines said they were relieved that no one died.
The Dominican-registered plane was flying a domestic route within Haiti at the time.
The plane was headed towards Port-au-Prince (Picture: Jam Press)
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The twin-engine turboprop, registration HI-1056 and operated by ZED Airlines on flight 6502, came down in coastal waters near Lafiteau in Haiti.
It had departed Cap-Haitien bound for the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Footage showed the aircraft in the water close to Ibo Beach, with the passengers wading through the shallows towards the shore.
Local responders assisted the survivors, who are reported to be in a stable condition.
The three passengers had to swim to shore (Picture: Jam Press)
Aviation authorities and the airline’s technical team have launched a full inquiry, with no initial details released on a possible mechanical failure.
The 1972-built aircraft’s condition is still being assessed.
ZED Airlines described passenger and crew safety as its absolute priority and said further updates would be issued in due course.
They said the incident ended without tragedy thanks to the pilot’s expert handling and swift response on the ground. The investigation continues.
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