Saturday, August 8, 2026


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Libreng college entrance exam sa mahihirap, batas na

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MAYNILA. Isang bagong batas na naglalayong gawing libre ang college entrance examination sa mga pribadong higher education institutions (HEIs) para sa mga kuwalipikadong estudyante ang tuluyan nang naging batas matapos itong mag-“lapse into law,” ayon sa Malacañang.

Ang Republic Act No. 12006, na kilala rin bilang ‘Free College Entrance Examination Act,’ ay naglalayon na pagaanin ang tertiary education para sa mga kapuspalad ngunit matatalinong mag-aaral. Sa ilalim ng batas na ito, ang mga estudyante mula sa pamilyang hindi kayang tustusan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan at kabilang sa top 10% ng kanilang graduating class ay hindi na sisingilin ng entrance examination fees at charges para sa college admission.

Ayon sa bagong batas, lahat ng private HEIs ay inaatasang huwag maningil ng naturang fees at charges sa mga graduates at graduating students na nag-aaplay para sa college admission. Ang batas na ito ay eksklusibo para sa mga natural-born Filipino citizen na kuwalipikadong mag-apply sa alin mang pribadong eskwelahan sa bansa basta’t kumpletuhin nila ang mga kinakailangang requirements.

Inaatasan ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) na parusahan ang mga pribadong eskwelahan na lalabag sa bagong batas. Pinababalangkas din ang CHED ng Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) sa loob ng 60 araw mula nang maging epektibo ang batas. Bukod dito, kinakailangan din makipag-ugnayan ang CHED sa Department of Education (DepEd).

Pinakokonsulta rin ang CHED sa Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines at iba pang mga kahalintulad na institusyon upang masiguro ang maayos na implementasyon ng batas.

Sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon, may 30 araw ang Presidente ng bansa na lagdaan ang batas o i-veto ito. Magiging batas ito kung hindi aaksyunan ng Presidente sa loob ng nasabing panahon.

Ang bagong batas na ito ay isang hakbang tungo sa mas abot-kayang edukasyon para sa lahat, lalo na para sa mga kabataang may kakayahan ngunit kapos sa pinansyal na suporta.

Biden admits debate missteps but vows to defend democracy: Democrats rally support

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WASHINGTON. President Joe Biden worked forcefully on Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady performance in the debate with former President Donald Trump, as party members rallied around him to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket.

Biden’s halting delivery and meandering comments, especially early in the debate, fueled concerns among even his own party members that at age 81, he might not be fit to lead the country for another four years. This created a crisis moment for Biden’s campaign and presidency, as some members flirted with potential replacements, and donors and supporters expressed their concern about his showing against Trump.

Addressing the criticism during a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, Biden acknowledged, “I don’t debate as well as I used to.” He added, “I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.” Speaking for 18 minutes, Biden was far more animated than he had been the night before, attacking Trump for his “lies” and for running a campaign focused on “revenge and retribution.”

“The choice in this election is simple,” Biden said. “Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it.” He added, referring to his candidacy, “When you get knocked down, you get back up.”

Even before the debate, Biden’s age was a concern among voters, and Thursday night’s faceoff appeared to reinforce public worries ahead of the election in four months. Privately, his campaign worked to calm concerns and keep donors and surrogates on board. Democratic lawmakers on Friday acknowledged Biden’s poor performance but sought to shift the focus to Trump’s attacks and falsehoods.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper told The Associated Press, “Well, the president didn’t have a good night, but neither did Donald Trump with lie after lie and his dark vision for America. We cannot send Donald Trump back to the White House. He’s an existential threat to our democracy.”

Former President Barack Obama supported Biden, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “Bad debate nights happen.” Reflecting on his poor performance in the first debate of his reelection campaign in 2012, Obama added, “Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.” He emphasized, “Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries firmly responded “no” when asked if Biden should step aside. Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., humorously remarked he “had to take a few more antidepressants than usual” after Biden’s debate performance, but added, “A Donald Trump presidency would cause me far greater discomfort than a Joe Biden debate performance.”

Biden’s campaign highlighted the Raleigh event as the largest rally of his reelection bid in the state Trump narrowly won in 2020. Biden then traveled to New York for a weekend of significant fundraisers, which his campaign needs more than ever. The campaign announced it raised $14 million on debate day and the morning after, while Trump’s campaign reported raising over $8 million from the start of the debate through the end of the night.

Vice President Kamala Harris defended Biden’s performance at a rally in Las Vegas, saying, “This race will not be decided by one night in June. This race will be decided by you. By us. Who sits in the White House next year will be determined by what we together do in these next 130 days.”

Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler confirmed there had been no internal conversations “whatsoever” about Biden stepping aside, though he acknowledged the president had a “bad night” on stage. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., said he received numerous calls after Biden’s poor debate performance, advising, “Being concerned is healthy, overreacting is dangerous.”

Rep. James Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat whose support helped Biden secure the nomination four years ago, said he planned to tell Biden, “Stay the course.”

Biden’s team has long bet that voters would prioritize their choice between him and Trump over concerns about his age and unpopularity. Despite worries about Biden’s performance, they took comfort in Trump doing little to expand his appeal to voters on Thursday.

Polls from CNN and 538/Ipsos conducted after the debate found that most viewers thought Trump outperformed Biden. However, both men’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged.

Democrats highlighted Trump’s equivocation on accepting voters’ will, his refusal to condemn the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters and his support for the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Biden stumbled on abortion rights, a crucial issue for Democrats, failing to explain Roe v. Wade effectively.

Among the few public calls for Biden to step aside was congressional candidate Nancy Boyda in Kansas. Yet, there were no organized efforts among donors, campaign leaders, or the Democratic National Committee to convince Biden to step aside.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, often speculated as a potential replacement for Biden, released a statement supporting him, emphasizing the stark difference between Biden’s and Trump’s visions for America. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also dismissed questions about replacing Biden, saying, “I will never turn my back on him.”

Replacing Biden as the nominee would be difficult under current Democratic Party rules without his cooperation or party officials rewriting the rules at the national convention in August.

Trump was set to hold a rally Friday afternoon in Chesapeake, Virginia, a former battleground now leaning towards Democrats but which his aides believe could flip Republican in November.

Congressman Amben Amante nagkaloob ng P15-M bagong police headquarters sa Alaminos, Laguna

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ALAMINOS, Laguna. Ipinagkaloob ni Congressman Loreto “Amben” Amante ang bagong Police Headquarters na nagkakahalaga ng P15 milyon kay Alaminos Chief of Police P/Maj Serafin T. Gapunuan, sa isang espesyal na okasyon kahaon, Hunyo 27, 2024, sa Fule Malvar Office bilang bahagi ng People’s Day.

“Lubos akong nagagalak na ipaabot sa inyo ang bagong Police Headquarters na nagkakahalaga ng P15 milyon. Ito ay magiging sentro ng ating kapulisan sa pagbibigay ng mas epektibong serbisyo at proteksyon sa ating komunidad. Ang pasilidad na ito ay patunay ng ating patuloy na pagtutok sa seguridad at kaayusan ng ating bayan, ayon sa mensahe ni Congressman Amante.

Nagpahayag ng lubos na pasasalamat si Police Maj Gapunuan sa mahalagang kontribusyon ni Congressman Amante sa seguridad at serbisyo ng Bayan ng Alaminos.

“Para sa akin at sa buong kapulisan, ang bagong pasilidad na ito ay isang napakalaking tulong. Ito ay nagbibigay ng mas magandang kakayahan para mas maprotektahan ang ating komunidad,” aniya.

Ang bagong Police Headquarters ay inaasahang magbibigay ng modernong pasilidad para sa mga operasyon ng pulisya at magpapalakas sa kapasidad ng lokal na kapulisan na magserbisyo nang mas mahusay sa bayan.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” – A franchise stretch too far

In the world of Hollywood, not all successful movies need to be stretched into franchises. Yet, “A Quiet Place” has ventured into its third installment with “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel set in New York on the first day of the alien invasion. Unfortunately, the novelty of the original concept seems to have faded.

The original “A Quiet Place” captivated audiences with its intriguing premise: make a noise, and you die. The scarcity of information added to the suspense, as viewers followed a family’s struggle to survive in silence. Its sequel succeeded by continuing this journey seamlessly. However, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed and co-written by Michael Sarnoski alongside John Krasinski, shifts focus from the Abbott family to a new protagonist, Sam (Lupita Nyong’o), a cancer-stricken woman who is bitter, sarcastic, and mean-spirited. Her only companion is a cat named Frodo, which feels like an unnecessary addition.

Sarnoski, known for his work on the Nicolas Cage thriller “Pig,” makes a bold choice by not delving into the mechanics of the alien monsters. The movie barely addresses how people figure out the need for silence. One moment, chaos ensues as people are devoured in New York, and the next, survivors are silently gesturing to each other. While this may avoid repetitive scenes of bewilderment, it misses the chance to explore the discovery process or the challenge of convincing a toddler to stay quiet.

The film primarily revolves around Sam and Eric (Joseph Quinn), a British law student. Eric attaches himself to Sam and her cat, and together, they navigate the apocalypse with the singular goal of reaching Sam’s favorite pizza place in Harlem. Nyong’o delivers a powerful and heartbreaking performance, making Sam’s quest for the perfect slice compelling. However, Eric’s character feels underdeveloped, leaving his motivations unclear.

“Day One” tries to balance being a meditative character study and a thrilling horror movie, but the two elements never quite mesh. The film includes more monsters, carnage, and jump scares, alongside unsettling reminders of 9/11. Some sequences, like Eric’s tense pharmacy run for Sam’s medication, successfully capture the terror of the original films. However, many set pieces feel forced and lack justification.

Ultimately, “A Quiet Place: Day One” could have been set in any apocalyptic scenario. The attempt to expand upon the original’s smart premise falls short, as the novelty has worn off. The film struggles to build a world around its initial concept, holding it back from achieving the same impact.

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” a Paramount Pictures release, hits theaters on Friday. It is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for “terror and violent content/bloody images” and has a running time of 100 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Agad na pagsampa ng quo warranto case laban kay Mayor Guo, inanunsyo ng OSG

MAYNILA. Plano ng Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) na agarang magsampa ng quo warranto case laban sa suspendidong Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, kasunod ng kumpirmasyon ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) na tumugma ang fingerprints niya sa Chinese passport holder na si Guo Hua Ping.

Ayon kay Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, “The NBI’s finding is the breakthrough that the OSG has been waiting for. It clears up many questions about the mayor’s true identity, including her citizenship. It will surely expedite our legal action.” Target ni Guevarra na maisampa ang kaso “as soon as possible.”

Nitong Huwebes, kinumpirma ng NBI na ang fingerprints ni Mayor Guo ay kapareho ng fingerprints ni Guo Hua Ping, isang babaeng Chinese.

“Kung siya ay nagmisrepresenta ng kanyang sarili sa ilalim ng panunumpa o gumawa ng mga maling pahayag sa kanyang certificate of candidacy at mga kaugnay na dokumento, siya ay maaaring managot sa kriminal para sa perjury o falsification, bukod pa sa pagpapatalsik sa pampublikong tungkulin sa pamamagitan ng tamang paglilitis,” sabi ni Guevarra.

Si Senador Risa Hontiveros ang unang nagbunyag ng mga natuklasan ng NBI, at kanyang sinabi na kinumpirma nito ang mga hinala na ang suspendidong alkalde ay “isang pekeng Pilipino… nagpapanggap bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino upang mapadali ang mga krimen.”

Masusing sinisiyasat ang pagkakakilanlan ni Guo matapos ang pagsalakay ng mga pulis sa POGO hub sa kanyang nasasakupan sa Bamban, Tarlac.

Ang quo warranto case ay isang legal na aksyon na ginagamit upang hamunin ang karapatan ng isang tao na humawak ng pampublikong posisyon o opisina. Sa pamamagitan ng kasong ito, maaaring tanungin at usisain ang legalidad ng paghawak ng isang opisyal sa kanyang posisyon, lalo na kung may mga alegasyon na hindi siya kwalipikado o nararapat na humawak ng naturang posisyon.

Sa konteksto ni Mayor Alice Guo, ang quo warranto case ay ginagamit upang hamunin ang kanyang pagiging alkalde dahil sa mga alegasyon na siya ay isang Chinese citizen na nagpapanggap bilang isang Pilipino. Kung mapapatunayan ito, maaaring mapatalsik siya sa kanyang posisyon at maaari pa siyang managot sa iba pang legal na parusa

NBI confirms fingerprint match: Mayor Alice Guo identified as Guo Hua Ping

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MANILA. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is indeed Guo Hua Ping, which has stirred significant controversy. Senator Risa Hontiveros announced the findings on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

In a statement, Hontiveros said, “Indeed, the NBI has confirmed that the fingerprints of Mayor Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping match. Ibig sabihin, they are the fingerprints of one [and] the same person.” She further asserted, “This confirms what I have suspected all along. Pekeng Pilipino si ‘Mayor Alice’ — or should I say, Guo Hua Ping. She is a Chinese national masquerading as a Filipino citizen to facilitate crimes being committed by POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).”

Hontiveros has called on the Office of the Solicitor General to expedite the filing of a quo warranto case against Guo, which could lead to her removal from office. She emphasized, “Napakalaking insulto ito sa mga botante ng Bamban, sa mga institusyon ng ating gobyerno, at sa bawat mamamayang Pilipino.” (This is a huge insult to the voters of Bamban, to the institutions of our government, and to every Filipino citizen.) Hontiveros declared, “Ito na ang pinakamabigat na ebidensya para palayasin na sa pwesto si ‘Mayor Alice’.” (This is the most substantial evidence to oust ‘Mayor Alice’ from her position.)

The senator also vowed to continue investigating Guo’s activities and delve deeper into the systemic issues surrounding POGO operations in the country.

Last week, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that documents from the Board of Investments and Bureau of Immigration suggested that Mayor Guo might be Guo Hua Ping. According to these documents, Guo Hua Ping entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003, at 13, along with her family through a Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV). She was born on August 31, 1990. Gatchalian pointed out that Guo Hua Ping’s registered mother under the SIRV is Lin Wenyi, suspected to be the mayor’s biological mother due to her involvement in the family’s businesses.

In response, Guo claimed she was born in the Philippines to a Filipina mother and grew up on a farm in Tarlac. However, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended her over charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. These charges were filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) due to her alleged connections with Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated (ZYTI), formerly known as Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., a POGO firm raided by police in March.

The firm was allegedly involved in illegal activities such as surveillance, hacking of government websites, human trafficking, and money laundering. During a recent hearing, it was revealed that the firm had used the names of individuals without their consent, listing them as incorporators. Among them was Merlie Joy Castro, a call center agent from Concepcion, Tarlac, who faces non-bailable charges of qualified human trafficking alongside Guo. Castro sought assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Senate panel to prove her innocence.

Hontiveros highlighted discrepancies in the TIN associated with Castro when she was listed as an incorporator. Castro also identified three other individuals listed as incorporators: Thelma Laranan, a vegetable vendor; Rowena Evangelista, a breakfast vendor; and Rita Yturralde, who sells chicken barbecue in Concepcion town.

As the investigation continues, the implications of this development for Mayor Alice Guo and the broader issues of governance and legality in POGO operations remain to be seen.

DOH nagtala ng 84 nasawi sa leptospirosis; pagtaas ng kaso ibinabala

MAYNILA. Nagbabala ang Department of Health (DOH) sa tumataas na bilang ng mga kaso ng leptospirosis, na nakapagtala na ng 878 kaso at 84 na nasawi hanggang Hunyo 15, kasabay ng pag-ulan at pagbaha ngayong buwan.

Ayon sa DOH, ang kasalukuyang bilang ay kalahati lamang ng 1,769 kaso na naitala sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon, ngunit kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ng mga kaso nitong mga nakaraang linggo.

“Mula sa anim na kaso na naitala noong Mayo 5 hanggang 18, 60 kaso ang naitala noong Mayo 19 hanggang Hunyo 1, na sinundan ng 83 kaso na naobserbahan mula Hunyo 2 hanggang Hunyo 15,” ayon sa DOH. Idinagdag pa nila na maaari pang tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso sa mga naantalang ulat.

Maliban sa Zamboanga Peninsula at Northern Mindanao, lahat ng rehiyon ay nagkaroon ng pagtaas ng kaso ng leptospirosis sa nakaraang buwan.

Ang Leptospirosis ay isang zoonotic disease na dulot ng leptospira bacterium na matatagpuan sa kontaminadong tubig o lupa. Ang bakterya na ito ay maaaring makapasok sa katawan sa pamamagitan ng mga sugat sa balat, o sa pamamagitan ng mata, ilong, at bibig.

Ang mga daga na nahawaan ng mga bakterya na ito ay maaaring makahawa sa mga tao sa pamamagitan ng kanilang ihi na humahalo sa tubig baha. Pinapayuhan ng DOH ang publiko na iwasan ang paglusong o paglalaro sa tubig baha.

Ang mga sintomas ng leptospirosis ay kinabibilangan ng lagnat, pagsusuka, pagduduwal, pananakit ng kalamnan, pananakit ng ulo, kakaibang pananakit sa mga kalamnan ng guya, at mapupulang mga mata. Ang mga malalang kaso ay maaaring magkaroon ng jaundice o madilaw-dilaw na kulay ng katawan, madilim na kulay ng ihi, matingkad na dumi, mababang ihi na inilalabas, at matinding pananakit ng ulo.

Tumatagal ng dalawa hanggang 30 araw bago magkasakit pagkatapos magkaroon ng impeksyon sa bacteria na nagdudulot ng leptospirosis. Kung hindi maiiwasan ang paglalakad sa tubig baha, pinayuhan ng DOH na magsuot ng protective gear tulad ng bota.

Israel warns it can return Lebanon to ‘Stone Age’ as UN cautions against conflict

In a stark warning, Israel has indicated that while it does not seek war with Lebanon, it is prepared to send its northern neighbor “back to the Stone Age” if a conflict arises. This declaration comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and a stern warning from the UN about the potentially devastating consequences of such a war.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking during a visit to Washington on Wednesday, stated, “We do not want war, but we are preparing for every scenario. Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage in Lebanon if a war is launched.”

The border region has experienced daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hezbollah’s ally Hamas, which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. Concerns that these skirmishes could escalate into a full-scale war have intensified, particularly after Israel disclosed its plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon, eliciting further threats from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

In Washington, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed to Gallant the severe repercussions another war with Hezbollah could have on the Middle East, advocating for a diplomatic resolution. A US official mentioned that Washington is engaged in “fairly intensive conversations” with Israel, Lebanon, and other stakeholders, emphasizing that no side desires a major escalation.

Amid these developments, Germany has joined Canada in urging its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The German foreign ministry updated its travel advice, highlighting the risk of further escalation in the border area with Israel.

UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed grave concern, labeling Lebanon as “the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints” and warning of “potentially apocalyptic” outcomes if conflict breaks out. He emphasized that such a war would likely draw in Syria and other regional actors, exacerbating the situation.

On Wednesday, Lebanon’s national news agency reported approximately 10 Israeli strikes near the border, including a nighttime attack in Nabatiyeh that injured five people. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for six attacks on Israeli military positions in the region.

As Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza approaches its tenth month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the “intense phase” of operations in Gaza is winding down, suggesting that some forces might be redeployed to the Lebanese border for defensive purposes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed hope that a ceasefire in Gaza could reduce hostilities on the Lebanese border.

In Gaza, bombings continued into Thursday, with fighting reported in the southern city of Rafah. The civil defense agency reported that at least four people, including three children, were killed in a strike on a house in Beit Lahia. However, agency spokesman Mahmud Basal noted a relative calm compared to previous days.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, 1,195 people, mostly civilians, have died. Hamas’s retaliatory actions have caused at least 37,718 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with hospitals struggling and essentials becoming scarce. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, highlighted the dire impact on children, noting an average of 10 children losing limbs daily due to the conflict.

In Cyprus, USAID officials reported that only a fraction of the aid shipped to Gaza has been distributed due to looting and security issues, exacerbating the humanitarian plight.

As tensions remain high, international efforts continue to prevent a broader regional conflict and address the humanitarian needs in Gaza.

Israel launches major assault in Gaza City, orders evacuation south

CAIRO. Israeli forces stormed a neighborhood in Gaza City on Thursday, commanding Palestinians to move south as tanks advanced and airstrikes continued. The southern city of Rafah was also bombarded as Israel claims it is in the final stages of an operation targeting Hamas militants.

Residents in the Shejaia neighborhood were caught off guard by the sudden arrival of tanks and drones launching attacks following overnight bombings. Mohammad Jamal, a 25-year-old resident of Gaza City, described the scene: “It sounded as if the war is restarting, a series of bombings that destroyed several houses in our area and shook the buildings.”

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported casualties in Shejaia but stated that rescue teams could not reach the victims due to the ongoing offensive. Initial reports indicated three fatalities from the earlier bombing and five deaths in the Sabra neighborhood.

Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, claimed responsibility for detonating an explosive device against an Israeli tank east of Shejaia.

Israel maintains that militants are using civilians as shields and urges residents to evacuate to avoid harm. “To all residents and displaced people in the Shujaiya area and the new neighborhoods… For your safety, you must evacuate immediately south on Salah al-Din Street to the humanitarian zone,” army spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X.

Despite the warning, residents and Hamas media reported that the tanks had already entered before the evacuation notice was issued, forcing people to flee westward under fire as the road south was blocked.

More than eight months into Israel’s war on Gaza, triggered by a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, aid officials warn that the enclave is at high risk of famine, with nearly half a million people facing “catastrophic” food insecurity.

“We are being starved in Gaza City, and are being hunted by tanks and planes with no hope that this war is ever ending,” Jamal lamented.

Elvis Presley’s iconic blue suede shoes up for auction

LONDON. Fans of Elvis Presley now have the chance to own a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history as the King’s famous blue suede shoes are set to be auctioned. The British auction house Henry Aldridge and Son is handling the sale, with the shoes expected to fetch between £100,000 and £120,000 (approximately $126,000 to $152,000).

These size 10.5 “Nunn-Bush” brand shoes were worn by Presley both on and off stage during the 1950s. According to the auction house, Elvis donned these shoes while performing hits like “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” and “Hound Dog” on “The Steve Allen Show” in 1956. He later gifted them to his friend Alan Fortas in 1958, the night before leaving for the US Army.

The shoes have been authenticated by Jimmy Velvet, a close friend of Presley and the founder of the Elvis Presley Museum. The lot comes with a letter of authenticity hand-signed by Velvet and a letter from Fortas detailing the night he received the shoes.

“The night before Elvis’ army induction here in Memphis, Elvis had an all-night party at Graceland,” Fortas’ letter states, according to the auction site. “Afterwards we went to the Rainbow roller rink. When we all got home, Elvis called some of us upstairs and gave away some of the clothes he didn’t think he would be wearing or wanted when he returned from the army. That night Elvis gave me these blue suede shoes size 10 1/2. I’ve owned these all these years,” the letter continues.

The auction will go live on Friday, with bidding for the shoes starting at £55,000 (around $69,600). Described as “an iconic lot of showbusiness memorabilia that simply transcends 20th-century popular culture,” these shoes will surely attract significant interest from collectors and fans alike.