Latest News
- Kelowna businesses report rising crime is affecting downtown operations
- Melat Kiros projected to defeat Diana DeGette in Colorado primary race
- Raise the Colours member charged with making indecent images of children
- Eleven-year-old boy dies from rabies three weeks after bat encounter in Ontario
- European public prosecutor conducts raids over alleged EU fund misuse
- US government lifts restrictions on Anthropic’s AI models Fable and Mythos
- Charter boat sinks off Richmond coast; six presumed drowned, RCMP reports
- Justice Department launches investigation into Senator Ruben Gallego’s campaign funds
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
Kelowna businesses report rising crime is affecting downtown operations
9:00 am
Get you up to speed: ‘It’s a constant battle’: Kelowna businesses say crime is changing downtown
Kelowna business owners reported an increase in security measures due to rising crime levels, emphasising the need to adapt for continued operations. This comes as the City of Kelowna implements new initiatives aimed at reducing crime.
The City of Kelowna is implementing new initiatives intended to tackle rising crime rates, while local business owners are increasingly adopting security measures to protect their establishments. Investigation into the effectiveness of these initiatives will be ongoing as community safety remains a priority for local authorities.
Kelowna business owners report that enhanced security measures have become essential for operation amid rising crime rates. The City of Kelowna is implementing new initiatives to combat these issues, signalling a proactive stance in addressing local safety concerns.
What remains unclear — The specific details of the new initiatives being implemented by the City of Kelowna to reduce crime are not provided.
Kelowna businesses report rising crime is affecting downtown operations
Kelowna business owners say security measures have become necessary just to stay open, even as the City of Kelowna rolls out new initiatives aimed at reducing crime
Melat Kiros projected to defeat Diana DeGette in Colorado primary race
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: Democratic socialist Melat Kiros projected to topple longtime Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette in primary
Melat Kiros has emerged as the projected winner of the Democratic primary in Colorado’s First Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette. As of 10 p.m. MT, Kiros secured 49.3% of the vote, DeGette 43.5%, while University of Colorado Regent Wanda James received 7.2%.
Melat Kiros is set to face Republican Christy Peterson in the general election on 3 November 2026. Kiros garnered 63% of delegate votes at the Denver Democratic Assembly in March, indicating significant grassroots support leading up to her primary victory.
Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, has secured the Democratic primary victory in Colorado’s First Congressional District, signalling a shift in representation after nearly three decades. Kiros will now face Republican Christy Peterson in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
What remains unclear — The specific reasons for Diana DeGette’s unexpectedly poor performance in the primary remain unaddressed.
Melat Kiros projected to defeat Diana DeGette in Colorado primary race
Challenger Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, is the projected winner of the Democratic primary in Colorado’s First Congressional District. The upset win for Kiros means the district, which covers Denver, will be represented by someone other than Rep. Diana DeGette for the first time since the mid-1990s.
RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images 
Kiros, 29, has never run for a political office before. As of 10 p.m. MT, Kiros had 49.3% of the vote, incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette had 43.5% of the vote and University of Colorado Regent Wanda James had 7.2% of the vote.
Kiros’ win follows Democratic primary victories by other first-time political contenders in Maine and New York, who defeated establishment-backed candidates after mounting challenges from the left.
During the election cycle, Kiros told WTX Colorado she decided to run for office in part because she says she’s “seen polling that Denverites are more in favor of socialism than they are to capitalism.” She made references to a September 2025 survey by the Colorado Polling Institute of hundreds of Denver voters. Of those surveyed, 52% said they favored socialism, and 48% said they favored capitalism. That same study found 39% held an unfavorable view of socialism, versus 47% with an unfavorable view of capitalism.
“I think it’s because we’re seeing that the way we’ve organized our government is really only giving returns to the rich and the powerful because they’re the ones with the means to influence it in the way that they want to see it, whereas working people do not,” she said.
On her campaign website, Kiros touts her support from the Democratic Socialists of America and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Kiros’ success in the primary might not be a big surprise to those who followed the Democratic assemblies earlier this year. The assemblies are one way for the party to decide who makes it onto the primary ballot. Kiros received 646 delegate votes — 63% of the total — to DeGette’s 336, or 32% at the Denver Democratic Assembly in March.
After the assemblies, longtime Colorado Democratic strategist Mike Dino told WTX Colorado that DeGette’s name recognition and congressional seniority were significant advantages in the race, but that her poor showing caught him off guard.
“I was surprised that the congresswoman almost missed getting on the ballot and didn’t have, necessarily, a backup plan with signatures,” he said, referring to the number of delegate votes required to secure a spot on the ballot. Barring the necessary votes, candidates need signatures from voters to make it onto the ballot. “It clearly showed that Melat Kiros was underestimated, but was well-organized, and that’s a combination for an upset.”
RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images 
DeGette, who is a member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, is the longest-serving member of Colorado’s congressional delegation. In 15 elections, she only faced a primary challenger five different times.
Kiros will now advance to face Republican Christy Peterson in the general election, which takes place on Nov. 3. Peterson ran unopposed.
Raise the Colours member charged with making indecent images of children
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Raise the Colours figure accused of making indecent images of children | News UK
Ben Cullen, a member of Raise the Colours Oxfordshire, has been charged with making indecent images of children, with the alleged offences taking place in Wallingford on 25 March 2021. He is due to appear at Reading Crown Court for his hearing on 1 July.
Ben Cullen is scheduled to appear at Reading Crown Court on 1 July regarding allegations of making indecent images of children. Oxfordshire County Council recently secured a High Court injunction to prevent Cullen and others from hanging flags on public structures due to associated safety concerns.
Following the allegations against Ben Cullen, the wider Raise the Colours group distanced itself from him, stating, “This is the first time we have learned of the matter.” In response to safety concerns related to flag installation, Oxfordshire County Council secured a High Court injunction against flag-raising on public structures, with Councillor Tim Bearder emphasising that such behaviour is “unlawful” and has caused distress within local communities.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the allegations against Ben Cullen may impact the future activities of Raise the Colours Oxfordshire.
Raise the Colours member charged with making indecent images of children
A man belonging to a flag activist group is due to appear in court after being accused of making indecent images of children.
Ben Cullen, from Wallingford, has been charged with three counts of making indecent images.
The 45-year-old is said to have made 22 indecent category A photographs, including one moving image.
The offence allegedly took place in Wallingford on March 25, 2021.
He is also accused of making 36 indecent category B pseudo-photographs of children, and 20 category C images on the same date, the Oxford Mail reports.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
A pseudo-photograph is an image created using AI or graphics tools, and even if the original picture was not of a real person, it falls under the law.
Cullen is due to appear at Reading Crown Court tomorrow, Wednesday.
Cullen is said to be a leading figure in Raise the Colours Oxfordshire branch.
The grass-roots movement gained traction last year for hanging flags in the wake of anti-immigration protests across the UK.
The wider Raise the Colours group appears to have distanced itself from Cullen following the allegations.
It said in a statement on social media: ‘Raise the Colours wishes to make clear that we were not aware, and have never previously been aware, of the allegations reported concerning Ben Cullen (Raise the Colours Oxfordshire).
‘This is the first time we have learned of the matter.’
The post said Cullen ‘was not affiliated with Raise the Colours’ and that sometimes members of the movement may have put flags up with him ‘but this does not mean he represented, was part of, or was affiliated’ with the movement.
It continued: ‘We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this is now a matter before the courts, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the specifics of the case.’
Oxfordshire County Council took measures to stop flag-raising on lampposts and roadsides.
The council won a High Court injunction last week against Cullen, Kevin Good, Ryan Bridge, Trudy Wells and any individuals trying to hang flags on public structures or harassing staff removing them.
It comes after locals from Adderbury to Wallingford had complained about ‘safety risks, intimidation and distress’ linked to illegal placement of flags.
Councillor Tim Bearder, the leader of the county council, commented on the High Court decision: ‘We’re pleased with this result. The injunction helps protect our residents and our workforce and supports our responsibility to keep the highway safe.
‘This is not, and never has been, about the flag. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George’s flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display their own flags – including to show their support for the England football team.
‘However, the behaviour we’ve seen from Raise the Colours is nothing to do with national pride or with support for the England team during the World Cup. It’s unlawful behaviour, which has put people at risk and caused fear within our communities for almost a year.’
Eleven-year-old boy dies from rabies three weeks after bat encounter in Ontario
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: Boy, 11, dies of rabies after waking up with bat lying on his mouth | News World
An 11-year-old boy died from rabies in Ontario, Canada, after coming into contact with a bat lying over his nose and mouth. This is the province’s first fatal rabies case in over 50 years, and he began showing symptoms 19 days after the incident, receiving only supportive care.
The incident marks Ontario’s first fatal rabies case in over 50 years, highlighting significant public health concerns. Experts are collaborating to draw insights from the boy’s death to enhance preventive measures against rabies, especially during peak human-bat interaction periods in summer.
Ontario’s health authorities confirmed the fatal rabies case of an 11-year-old boy as the first in over 50 years, prompting public health officials to emphasise the importance of immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for anyone in contact with bats. Dr Brian Hummel, co-author of the report on this incident, warned that any direct human contact with a bat should be treated as high risk and urged public health consultations, particularly as the summer months lead to increased human-bat interactions.
What remains unclear — The report on the boy’s death has yet to establish how rabies was contracted without visible bite or scratch marks.
Eleven-year-old boy dies from rabies three weeks after bat encounter in Ontario
Bats usually spread rabies through bites or scratches (Picture: Getty Images)
An 11-year-old boy died from rabies less than three weeks after he woke up with a bat lying over his nose and mouth.
The child contracted the lethal virus despite not having any apparent bite or scratch marks from the interaction, a report has shown.
Nineteen days after the incident, the boy started presenting with symptoms consistent with the disease, including vomiting, facial ‘pins and needles’, and numbness.
He visited the emergency department where he was given supportive care, as there is no cure once the symptoms of the virus develop.
The parents of the boy – who has not been named – agreed to share their son’s story in a bid to raise awareness of the disease.
This was Ontario, Canada’s first fatal rabies case in more than 50 years. (Picture: Getty Images)
Sign up for all of the latest stories
It was the first fatal case of rabies in Ontario, Canada, in more than 50 years.
Experts hope that a new report on the boy’s death, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), will provide critical guidance to help prevent future rabies deaths.
Rabies in humans is almost always fatal, but post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a series of rabies vaccines and human rabies immune globulin injections can prevent death if administered promptly, before symptoms develop.
Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in North America, but the disease can also be passed from raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Bats pose a particularly heightened risk as scratches or bites can be small and difficult to see.
Bats pose a particularly high risk of rabies (Picture: Getty Images)
Report co-author Dr Brian Hummel said: ‘Any direct human contact with a bat – even in the absence of a visible bite or scratch – is an indication for PEP and should be discussed with public health authorities.
‘This is especially important to consider as we approach the summer months, when human–bat encounters are at their peak.’
He says people who may have been in contact with a wild animal that could potentially have rabies should seek medical attention promptly.
‘Bats may or may not show classic signs of rabies; hence, any direct human contact with a bat is considered high risk,’ he added.
In the case of possible rabies virus exposure, public health authorities should be notified and PEP should be started in consultation.
Symptoms of rabies
According to the NHS, symptoms take three to 12 weeks to appear, but can appear after a few days. They can also appear after several months or years.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling where you were bitten or scratched
Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
Feeling very anxious or energetic
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Being unable to move (paralysis)
Dr Hummel, a paediatric infectious disease specialist at the McMaster Children’s Hospital and McMaster University, Ontario, continued: ‘Rabies is almost always fatal, with no established efficacious therapies, making prevention crucial.
‘Rabies PEP is highly effective if administered promptly, in consultation with public health authorities, after any direct human contact with a bat, even in the absence of visible lesions.
‘In people with neurological symptoms that may be compatible with rabies, clinicians should ask about exposure to potentially rabid animals.’
There have been 27 confirmed cases of human rabies in the UK since 1924.
All but one were contracted abroad, primarily from dog bites in South Asia or Africa, before the patient returned to Britain.
The only recent case where rabies was contracted in the UK was in 2002, when a licensed bat handler in Scotland died from a rabies-like virus.
The UK has been completely free of terrestrial rabies – the kind spread between dogs and foxes – since 1922.
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
European public prosecutor conducts raids over alleged EU fund misuse
4:00 am
European public prosecutor conducts raids over alleged EU fund misuse
Raids Conducted
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting raids in four countries as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of €4.3 million in EU funds by the former ID group.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting raids in four countries as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of €4.3 million in EU funds by the former ID group.
Financial Scope
Investigators are examining the alleged misappropriation of €4.3 million of EU funds, highlighting significant financial oversight concerns within European political entities.
Investigators are examining the alleged misappropriation of €4.3 million of EU funds, highlighting significant financial oversight concerns within European political entities.
Jordan Bardella’s Reaction
“These searches represent a new harassment operation by the European Parliament,” stated Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally and head of the Patriots group.
“These searches represent a new harassment operation by the European Parliament,” stated Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally and head of the Patriots group.
Prosecutors conduct Europe-wide raids over alleged misuse of funds by defunct far-right EU group
Published on
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said on Tuesday they were conducting raids in four countries to probe alleged misappropriation of EU funds by the former far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament.
The EPPO said the searches were “part of an ongoing investigation into the use of EU funds by a former political group of the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024.”
The ID group was formally disbanded after elections in 2024 and was succeeded by a new grouping Patriots for Europe. It contained MEPs from a range of Eurosceptic parties including France’s National Rally (RN), Italy’s League (Lega) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Jordan Bardella, RN president and head of the Patriots group, posted on X on Tuesday evening that “searches have been underway at the offices and private homes of communications service providers who have worked with us” since the morning.
The EU’s prosecutor announced formal investigations in July last year after media quoted a parliamentary report as saying said ID was suspected of improperly spending €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024.
Bardella at the time said the probe represented “a new harassment operation by the European Parliament”.
The RN is eyeing its best chance yet of winning the presidency in France next year, with polls suggesting it will have a commanding lead in the first round of voting.
But three-time RN presidential candidate Marine Le Pen may have to quit the race, and let Bardella run instead, if a Paris court next week upholds a five-year ban from office in a separate case of alleged fake jobs in EU parliament from 2004 to 2016.
Additional sources • AFP
US government lifts restrictions on Anthropic’s AI models Fable and Mythos
3:00 am
Get you up to speed: US lifts restrictions on powerful AI models Fable, Mythos, Anthropic says
The United States government has lifted restrictions on foreign access to Anthropic’s AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Anthropic announced it would begin restoring access starting from the following day after receiving notification from the US Department of Commerce regarding the removal of export controls.
The US Department of Commerce notified Anthropic of the removal of export controls, enabling the company to restore access to its AI models. Officials have not specified when full public access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 will be reinstated following the approval.
The US government has lifted restrictions on Anthropic’s AI models, enabling the company to begin restoring access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 following cooperation with the Department of Commerce. According to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, measures were implemented to “strengthen America’s leadership in AI,” with further public access planned in conjunction with ongoing government efforts.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain when general public access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 will be fully restored.
US government lifts restrictions on Anthropic’s AI models Fable and Mythos
DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY, Economy|TechnologyUS lifts restrictions on powerful AI models Fable, Mythos, Anthropic says
AI firm says it will begin restoring access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 after removal of export controls.
Published On 1 Jul 20261 Jul 2026
The United States government has lifted its restrictions on foreign access to Anthropic’s most powerful AI models, the company has announced.
Anthropic said late on Tuesday that it would begin restoring access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 from tomorrow after the US Department of Commerce notified the company that it had removed its export controls.
“We’re grateful to our users for their patience, and to everyone who worked with us on redeploying the models,” Anthropic said in a statement posted on X.
Anthropic’s announcement came shortly after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that his department had been coordinating with the company on the approval of its frontier models.
“Over the past two weeks, we have worked closely with Anthropic to analyze and approve Fable 5 to ensure alignment across the US Government and strengthen America’s leadership in AI,” Lutnick said in a post on X.
Anthropic abruptly shut off Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 last month after US President Donald Trump’s administration ordered the company to restrict all foreign nationals, including company employees, from accessing the models.
On Friday, the San Francisco-based company said that it had been granted approval to provide the models to US organisations that “operate and defend critical infrastructure”, and that it was working with the government to restore general access for the public.
More to follow…
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.