At least 66 killed in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse
A catastrophic roof collapse at an iconic nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, has left at least 66 people dead including a provincial governor and former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel. At least 160 other people were injured and some 400 emergency crews were still working to pull survivors from the rubble as families of the victims gathered at the site searching for their loved ones, authorities said on Tuesday. Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the Dominican Republic’s emergency operations centre, said that efforts to rescue those trapped under the debris were continuing, though the exact number of people inside the Jet Set nightclub at the time of the collapse remained unclear. Local media reported there were between 500 and 1,000 people in the club when disaster struck in the early hours of Tuesday. The roof collapse happened during a concert attended by politicians, athletes and other prominent figures. Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northern Monte Cristi province, President Luis Abinader said. Cruz is the sister of former baseball player Nelson Cruz, a seven-time MLB All-Star. Advertisement Former MLB pitcher Dotel died en route to a local hospital after being pulled from the debris, a spokesman for the nation’s Ministry of Sports said. The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League expressed “its sorrow over the death of former pitcher Octavio Dotel” and concluded: “Peace to his soul”. Dotel, 51, debuted for the New York Mets in 1999 and played until 2013 for more than a dozen teams including the Houston Astros, Oakland A’s, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. “Thinking about our people in the Dominican Republic,” Carlos Mendoza, manager of the Mets, said in a press conference. “We have a lot of the Dominican community in the baseball world.” Nearly 150 people have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, according to the government. The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation. ‘Save lives’ Iris Pena, a woman who had attended the concert, told the Dominican channel SIN how she escaped with her son. “At one point, dirt started falling like dust into the drink on the table. I asked the security officers … whether the ground had shaken,” she said. “A stone fell and cracked the table where we were, and we got out,” Pena recounted. “The impact was so strong, as if it had been a tsunami or an earthquake.” Dozens of family members flocked to hospitals for news. “We are desperate,” Regina del Rosa, whose sister was at the concert, told SIN. “They are not giving us news; they are not telling us anything.” Rescuers work at the site of the collapsed Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic [Reuters] At the scene, meanwhile, helicopter images revealed a large hole where the club’s roof once was. A construction crane was helping to lift some of the heavier rubble as men in hard hats dug through the debris. Advertisement The authorities have issued a call for Dominicans to donate blood. “We are rescuing all the people we can save alive and recovering those bodies we find along the way. But we have focused on people we can rescue alive because we hear them asking for help,” Mendez said. “The main objective is to save lives,” President Abinader said as he arrived at the scene. The Instagram page of the Jet Set club said it has been in operation for more than 50 years, with shows every Monday until the early hours. On Tuesday, the club issued a statement saying it had “collaborated fully and transparently with the authorities to help the victims and clarify what happened”. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, received more than 11 million visitors in 2024, according to its Ministry of Tourism. Tourism generates about 15 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), with visitors attracted by the country’s Caribbean beaches, music and nightlife, as well as the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo. Adblock test (Why?)
DR Congo repatriates three US citizens convicted over failed coup
Move coincides with DRC’s drive to sign minerals deal with US in exchange for security in war with Rwanda-backed rebels. Three United States citizens initially sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a botched coup attempt have been repatriated after Kinshasa commuted their death sentences to life imprisonment last week. Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama said on Tuesday that the three men, including the son of political exile Christian Malanga, who led the attack on the presidential palace in May last year, would all serve out their life sentences in the US. Marcel Malanga, 21, claimed he had been forced to take part by his father, who live-streamed from the palace during the coup attempt before being shot and killed by Congolese forces. Also repatriated were Tyler Thompson Jr, 21, a friend of the younger Malanga, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who reportedly got to know the father through a gold mining company. US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, saying that the US condemned the armed attacks and supported DR Congo’s bid to hold the convicts accountable, but that it also sought “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process”. Advertisement When the US assumes custody of prisoners convicted abroad, it typically agrees to carry out the sentence of imprisonment designated by that country. Jared Genser, a US-based international human rights attorney, said that lawyers representing the three could try to get their sentences reduced by arguing they signed their consents to the prisoner transfer treaty under duress. “But it would be very hard to prevail in such a case as there would be enormous implications for other potential transfers in the future if the US failed to abide by such agreements,” Genser said. Multibillion-dollar deal The repatriation came amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the US in exchange for security support that will help Kinshasa fight Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the country’s conflict-hit east. US senior adviser for Africa Massad Boulos said last week that the countries were in talks on the issue, adding that it could involve “multibillion-dollar investments”. The US has estimated that Congo has trillions of dollars in mineral wealth. Boulos, whose son is married to US President Donald Trump’s daughter, is set to visit DR Congo to discuss tensions between the country and Rwanda. News of the trio’s repatriation brought joy to the families. Miranda Thompson, stepmother of Thompson, who had flown to Africa from Utah for what his family believed was a free vacation, said the family was “excited” to have him return home. A total of 37 people were sentenced to death in the purported coup attempt, also including a Belgian, Briton and Canadian, all naturalised Congolese. Advertisement The fate of the others was not immediately clear. Family members last year said the men slept on the floor at a high-security military prison in Kinshasa, struggling with health issues and having to pay for food and hygiene products. Adblock test (Why?)
Delhi government to ban petrol and diesel two-wheelers, CNG autos due to…
As per the draft EV Policy 2.0, no CNG autorickshaw registration will be allowed from August 15 this year.
Delhi residents to now pay for garbage pickup, know charges introduced by MCD
This new fee, which will be collected alongside property tax, will effectively raise the overall annual costs for homeowners.
‘A great tribute’: Trump touts ‘record’ fundraising from National Republican Congressional Committee
President Donald Trump touted the record-breaking fundraising numbers garnered by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) during its annual president’s dinner Tuesday evening. “You know, we’ve done very well in this room before,” Trump told attendees at the annual dinner Tuesday night. “But right now we broke every record. I just heard from Mike Johnson, he said, ‘We broke every record, sir.’ There is over $35 million. That’s not bad, for an evening.” The fundraising numbers achieved during Tuesday night’s dinner rival what the NRCC has garnered across entire quarters. In July, the group highlighted a “record-shattering” fundraising haul for the second quarter of 2024, which was only $2 million more than what the NRCC was able to garner Tuesday night. TRUMP’S NAME CONTINUES TO BE FUNDRAISING BEHEMOTH FOR BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES: ‘CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE’ Estimates, in advance of the Tuesday night dinner, suggested it might only bring as much as $10 million for the NRCC, a source familiar told Fox News Digital. “Next year we’ll do 45 or 50 million, right?” Trump asked the crowd, garnering cheers. “A lot of people, you broke your record attendance, and you broke your money record, and that’s a great tribute to the Republicans and the party and everything it stands for.” Tuesday’s event had “giving levels” as high as $310,100, with the lowest costing seat being $6,000 per person, or $10,000 per couple. “We have some unbelievable supporters of our House Republican majority with us, as you know, and with the help of everyone in this room the next year’s Republican Party is going to defy history. We’re going to really defy it, and we already are.” TRUMP, HEGSETH REVEAL WHOPPING FIGURE THEY WANT FOR THE NEXT PENTAGON BUDGET To illustrate this point, Trump pointed to the “fortune” America is making with his new tariff plan. “Two billion dollars a day – do you believe it? I was told $2 billion a day,” Trump told the crowd. “You know I get hit by the press about tariffs, we’re making $2 billion – billion – this isn’t $35 million, that’s peanuts. $2 billion a day.” “In addition, we have a lot of countries coming to see us – they want to make a deal. And we’re doing – we’re doing things that nobody’s ever even thought about.”
Babydog Justice makes Agriculture Committee debut: ‘She humanizes all of us’
It was supposed to be a routine Senate Agriculture Committee hearing to consider nominees for top USDA posts, but one visitor turned the event into a tail-wagging affair. Babydog Justice, the beloved English bulldog of Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., made a surprise and highly photogenic appearance Tuesday as the committee met to review the nominations of Judge Stephen Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Tyler Clarkson for USDA General Counsel. The hearing may have been serious business, but Babydog’s presence brought smiles, laughter, and even a little bipartisan levity. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., couldn’t resist the moment, joking, “Babydog was the difference in you getting on the committee or not,” as Justice and his pup settled in. BABYDOG BRIDGES ‘PAWTISAN’ DIVIDE IN THE SENATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ‘SHE KNOWS NO POLITICAL BIAS’ Justice, who recently joined the Senate after serving as West Virginia’s governor, shared an exclusive comment with Fox News Digital about his pup’s Capitol Hill cameo. “I am so pleased to see the warm reception of Babydog from folks in Congress. Today she came along with me to the Agriculture Committee hearing and knew if she participated, there would be a treat as a reward. Senator Boozman took the time to introduce her to the committee, and contrary to what Senator Hoeven said in the hearing, she is not livestock or up for auction — even though she may resemble a little brown cow!” Justice told Fox News Digital. At one point during the hearing, a comment by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., sparked laughter when he joked about Babydog possibly being livestock — a suggestion Justice playfully refuted. After holding up the pooch to the microphone and sharing how Babydog “humanizes us all,” Justice requested a staffer remove the dog from his lap, adding, “She’s heavy!” The social media response was swift. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who was confirmed earlier this year, reposted footage of Babydog in action, writing: “We love you Babydog! Senate Ag is never the same when you’re around.” SENATOR-ELECT JIM JUSTICE’S TEAM CLARIFIES REPORT CLAIMING FAMOUS POOCH BABYDOG BANNED FROM SENATE FLOOR Even the Senate Agriculture Committee’s own social media accounts joined the fun, posting behind-the-scenes content of the pup’s visit and noting she was “making new friends and monitoring policy.” Following her eventful day on Capitol Hill, Babydog Justice took to her own social media account. Posting a photo from the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, she humorously captioned it, “Is this thing on?” in reference to the microphone. Babydog’s charm extended beyond the committee room, capturing the attention of senators in the halls of Congress. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., shared a photo with Babydog, tweeting, “All in favor of making @babydogjustice our 101st senator, say AYE!” Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., also joined in, posting a picture of himself petting Babydog with the caption, “@BabydogJustice is America’s favorite dog.” Babydog is no stranger to the spotlight. Born in 2019, the 60-pound English bulldog has been a fixture in Justice’s political life since she was gifted to him by his children. She gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when Justice launched the “Do It for Babydog” vaccine lottery to encourage West Virginians to get vaccinated. Babydog’s most famous public appearance was at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where she charmed attendees and the media alike from a bulldog-sized chair on the main stage. While Babydog may have captured the spotlight, Justice is focused on the work ahead as a newly appointed member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The West Virginia Republican has long emphasized the importance of supporting rural communities and strengthening the agricultural economy — key concerns in his home state. Justice, a former two-term governor and lifelong farmer and businessman, has frequently spoken about the need for practical, common-sense solutions to issues like food security, rural development, and infrastructure investment. His role on the Agriculture Committee positions him to advocate for policies aligned with West Virginia’s agricultural and economic interests. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP As Babydog continues to turn heads on Capitol Hill, Justice is expected to use his platform to advance those priorities with his four-legged sidekick never too far behind.
Trump admin cuts $4M in Princeton funding related to climate research
The Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced its decision to cut $4 million in funding related to climate research for Princeton University. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a news release the cuts were made “after a detailed, careful, and thorough review of the Department’s financial assistance programs against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) current program objectives.” The department added that the termination of these funds from Princeton, effective June 30, “will streamline and reduce the cost and size of the Federal Government, consistent with President Trump’s promise for his Administration. The Department of Commerce is delivering on that promise.” Princeton received $455 million in federal funding during fiscal year 2024. IVY LEAGUE ANTI-ISRAEL RINGLEADER MAHMOUD KHALIL DENIES ALLEGATIONS AS JUDGE AWAITS DEPORTATION EVIDENCE The department said the financial awards previously given to Princeton through NOAA, including the Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES), “are no longer aligned with the program objectives of NOAA, a sub-agency of the Department of Commerce, and are no longer in keeping with the Trump administration’s priorities.” Princeton did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital. PRINCETON EVENT WITH FORMER ISRAELI PM NAFTALI BENNETT DISRUPTED BY ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS The CIMES website states that the program “has contributed to the development of oceanic and atmospheric models, performed research on climate and biogeochemical cycling and educated several generations of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.” The commerce department, however, said the CIMES agreement “promotes exaggerated and implausible climate threats, contributing to a phenomenon known as ‘climate anxiety,’ which has increased significantly among America’s youth.” VIDEO SHOWS ARREST OF COLUMBIA ANTI-ISRAEL RINGLEADER MAHMOUD KHALIL The department further stated that the Climate Risks and Interactive Sub-seasonal to Seasonal Predictability agreement “suggests that the Earth will have a significant fluctuation in its water availability as a result of global warming,” and the Advancing Prediction agreement “has used its resources to assess risks associated with climate change, including alleged changes to precipitation patterns and sea-level rise,” according to the release. “It also aims to address coastal inundation while other more targeted research efforts are addressing this issue,” the release continues. The department said the administration’s goal in terminating these funds will save U.S. taxpayer dollars, and it will “continue to review its outstanding cooperative agreements, grant awards, and other financial assistance on an individualized basis to avoid wasteful governmental spending — whether they be to Princeton or any other recipient.” Colleges and universities across the country have been on edge since Trump began investigating schools for alleged antisemitic discrimination and harassment, cutting federal funds for certain schools that allowed anti-Israel protests on campus since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Update: Project nearly complete, but THIS thing in Ghaziabad delays opening; check details
NHAI says it can finish the project by June this year, but only if the hurdle is cleared.
Gun-toting Noem joins ICE agents to go after criminal illegal aliens in Arizona
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem spent Tuesday morning with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Arizona law enforcement agents going after illegal immigrant criminals in the Phoenix area. Standing with a gun in her hands, Noem said in a video posted to X that she was going out with ICE to pick up someone facing charges of human trafficking. She also said she went out earlier with agents and swept up a person wanted for murder. “I appreciate the work that they do every day, and we appreciate them working to keep America safe,” Noem said. In another post, Noem shared images of her standing with law enforcement officials and sitting in an ICE vehicle while wearing a Kevlar vest. FEDERAL JUDGE POSTPONES DHS’S ATTEMPT TO END TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR VENEZUELANS She also shared pictures of law enforcement officials arresting two men, one who had no shoes and the other who was wearing a pair of Crocs. “Arizona is safer this morning after a successful operation getting criminal illegal aliens and gang members off our streets,” Noem wrote. “Thank you to our brave law enforcement officers. If you are in this country illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back.” NOEM OFFERS HOMELAND SECURITY EMPLOYEE BUYOUTS IN MOVE TO SHRINK DEPARTMENT Noem has taken a hands-on approach to her role as the DHS secretary since President Donald Trump appointed her to the position. She recently traveled to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where hundreds of migrant criminals were deported last month. IRS AND DHS REACH HISTORIC DEAL TO AID IN PURSUIT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SUBJECT TO DEPORTATION Noem toured the facility where she met face-to-face with alleged Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members, all of whom were wearing white prison suits and had shaved heads. She also sent a message from the prison to illegal immigrants who are still in the U.S. or plan to visit anytime soon. NOEM’S HOMELAND SECURITY ‘UNAPOLOGETIC’ ABOUT USING LIE-DETECTOR TEST ON SUSPECTED INTEL LEAKERS “First of all, do not come to our country illegally: You will be removed, and you will be prosecuted,” she said while standing with her back to the inmates. “But know that this facility is one of the tools in our toolkit that we will use if you commit crimes against the American people.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Noem shared the video on X, saying, “President Trump and I have a clear message to criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison.” Trump’s hard-line approach to illegal immigration was a key campaign promise, and his administration has also been arresting and deporting criminal illegal migrants across the country under the leadership of Noem and border czar Tom Homan.
Eleven Texas A&M international students might have quietly lost their ability to stay in the U.S.
The Trump administration has said it has revoked the visas of more than 300 international students across the country in the last three weeks.