fighting irish yacht owner

McGraw Fighting Irish

Menlo park,ca.

As owner of the Fighting Irish, a custom yacht built in 2004, Michael McGraw employs a crew of eight professional operators and can host gatherings of up to 10 guests. The yacht features a luxurious master suite as well as two double cabins and two twin cabins, in addition to well-appointed interior and exterior living spaces. McGraw's Fighting Irish features interior design by Amy Halffman and exterior design by Carr Design, as well as architecture by Jack Sarin Naval Architects.

When not at sea on the Fighting Irish, Michael McGraw serves as president and CEO of the McGraw Group of Affiliated Companies. He comes to his role backed by decades of experience with the company, having held his first summer jobs in this family business. He later went on to graduate with a business and finance degree from the University of Notre Dame. He gathered early career experience as director of the Employers Direct Corporation before rejoining the family business as chief operating officer of Pacific Specialty Insurance Company, the group's flagship division. Since accepting leadership of the Group and all of its affiliates, he has strengthened its financial position and established a growth-oriented and risk-conscious operating strategy that supports its future success.

• President at McGraw Group
• University of Notre Dame

TANZANITE Westship | From US$ 135,000/wk

• Inspiration

TANZANITE has 38 Photos

THE CARIBBEAN

Yacht charter & superyacht news.

Bellingham Marine completes ...

Similar yachts.

LADY G II | From EUR€ 135,000/wk

• Yachts >
• Charter Yachts >
• Motor Yachts Over 100ft/30m for Charter >

TANZANITE Westship | From US$ 135,000 /wk

Built by Westship in 2004 and last refitted in 2019, 44.2m/145ft luxury yacht TANZANITE (ex.FIGHTING IRISH) was extensively refitted inside and out in 2019. Among her changes are new audio-visual entertainment systems, new generators and stabilisers, a new sundeck configuration and a hull repaint. Jack Sarin Naval Architects, Inc. designed her naval architecture, while the exterior styling is the work of Carr Design and the interiors by Katia Bates of Innovative Creations. The accommodation sleeps up to 10 charter guests over 5 en-suite staterooms, with a crew of 9 to ensure that everyone on board is well taken care of throughout the journey.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF TANZANITE: ~Sundeck extended by 3m/10ft ~Six-person sundeck Jacuzzi ~75" TV screens in main salon, skylounge and Master suite ~En-suite Jacuzzi bathtubs ~Four bars across the decks ~Air conditioning ~Wi-Fi

The main deck aft is a comfortable relaxation and socialising area off the main salon that offers a plush sofa along the stern with an elevated table for alfresco dining. A bar is placed close to the doors into the main salon, and to port and starboard, a walkway passes by the interior to connect with stairways up to the foredeck. The foredeck is furnished with a pair of curving sofas each with a drinks table for casual relaxation while taking in the panoramic forward views.

The upper deck places the tender and motorised water toys along the stern with a Davit crane for easy launch and retrieval. A circular alfresco dining table is placed in the centre beneath the shade of the sundeck overhang, with plenty of space for guests to stretch out after a meal.

The sundeck offers a six-person Jacuzzi along the stern with sunpads on both sides, and under the hardtop there is a port alfresco dining area with a wet bar opposite. The helm station controls are positioned forward, with plenty of seating for guests to unwind and take in the views.

The ambient interior styling uses dark colours on the walls and pales furnishings in a range of earthy colours for inviting social areas that draw the eye.

On the lower deck, the crew accommodation and facilities are placed in the bow with the four VIP staterooms (two of which convert into twins) amidships. The engine room is behind and a beach club is located in the stern.

On the main deck, the forward Master suite takes advantage of the full beam to provide a lounge area to starboard and a desk to port of the king-sized bed. A 75" TV screen is placed opposite the bed, and the forward en-suite bathroom offers spa facilities with a Jacuzzi tub and shower as well as his-and-hers sinks, heads and wardrobes.

TANZANITE Specifications

The main foyer is placed behind to starboard and to port, there is the galley, which connects through to the formal dining area placed forward within the open-plan salon. A bar is placed aft to port, and a corner sofa opposite with a set of coffee tables forms a comfortable place to rest and chat at any time of the day, with a 75" widescreen TV for entertainment in the evenings and while in transit.

The upper deck places the helm station controls forward with the spacious sky lounge to the aft furnished with a 75" widescreen TV, a starboard bar with a games table to the aft and seating all along the port wall.

Yacht Charter Accommodation

The accommodation sleeps a maximum of 10 guests over 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite and 4 VIP staterooms, two of which are convertible to twins. The experienced crew of 9 will provide first class service throughout every journey.

Charter Amenities and Extras

Tenders & Toys: ~ 35’ Intrepid w/ twin Yamaha 300s ~ 15’ Walker Bay RIB ~ 2 x Yamaha (VX & FX 2019) ~ 2 x F5 Seabobs ~ 4 x Paddleboards ~ Flyboard ~ Fishing gear, Deep drop reel ~ Snorkeling gear ~ Wakeboard, water skis, pull tubes, various floats /// Audio Visual Equipment and Deck Facilities: ~ DirecTV ~ Kaleidescape ~ AppleTV ~ DVD player ~ Crestron based system ~ Each exterior deck has television /// Communications: ~ KVH VSAT and/or Axxess cellular SIM card pending where travels are located

Charter Yacht Disclaimer

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

TANZANITE Enquiry

JAAN | From EUR€ 135,000/wk

AVALON | From US$ 135,000/wk

NAIA | From EUR€ 135,000/wk

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

We don't have any additional photos of this yacht. Do you?

Fighting Irish

Motor Yacht

Fighting Irish is a custom motor yacht launched in 2004 by Westship Yachts and most recently refitted in 2007.

Fighting Irish measures 44.20 metres in length, with a max draft of 2.11 metres and a beam of 8.53 metres. She has a gross tonnage of 424 tonnes. She has a deck material of teak.

Fighting Irish has a GRP hull with a GRP superstructure.

Her interior design is by Amy Halffman.

Fighting Irish also features naval architecture by Jack Sarin Naval Architects.

Performance and Capabilities

Fighting Irish has a top speed of 20.00 knots and a cruising speed of 15.00 knots. She is powered by a twin screw propulsion system.

Fighting Irish has a fuel capacity of 43,911 litres, and a water capacity of 9,464 litres.

Accommodation

Fighting Irish accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins.

Other Specifications

Fighting Irish has a hull NB of 21.

Fighting Irish is a LR class yacht. She flies the flag of the USA.

• Yacht Builder Westship Yachts No profile available
• Naval Architect Jack Sarin Naval Architects No profile available
• Exterior Designer Carr Design No profile available
• Interior Designer Amy Halffman No profile available

Yacht Specs

Other westship yachts, related news.

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3697
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

TANZANITE Yacht Layout & GA Plans

44.2m  /  145'   westship   2004 / 2023.

• Previous Yacht
• Amenities & Toys
• Rates & Regions
• + Shortlist

Use two fingers to move the deck plan

Use ctrl + scroll to zoom the deck plan

Use ⌘ + scroll to zoom the deck plan

Zoomable Deck Plans Instructions To view the yacht General Arrangement / Deck Plans in more detail use the Zoom Tools + / - buttons to 'zoom in' or ' zoom out'. To navigate around hold down you mouse and drag to look around or for touch use two fingers to pinch and drag. To zoom with the mousewheel hold CTRL/⌘ and use the mouse wheel or use two fingers to scroll on an Apple touch pad.

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

44m | Palmer Johnson

from $185,000 p/week

43m | Mondo Marine

from $161,000 p/week ♦︎

45m | Christensen

from $180,000 p/week

43m | Westship

from $106,000 p/week ♦︎

from $129,000 p/week ♦︎

Silentworld

40m | Cies - Oassive

from $130,000 p/week

39m | Sanlorenzo

from $122,000 p/week ♦︎

42m | Codecasa

44m | Heesen

from $172,000 p/week ♦︎

from $155,000 p/week

from $75,000 p/week

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Charter Tanzanite

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

SIMILAR LUXURY CHARTER YACHTS

Here are a selection of yachts which are similar to the current charter yacht. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Recent Posts

When Was Banana Boat Song Released? (HISTORICAL INSIGHTS)

The "Banana Boat Song" was released in 1956 by Harry Belafonte. This calypso-style song, also known as "Day-O," became a huge hit and remains popular to this day for its catchy tune and upbeat...

How to Make Banana Boat Smoothie King? (DELICIOUS RECIPE REVEALED)

To make a Banana Boat Smoothie King smoothie at home, start by gathering the ingredients: a ripe banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and ice. Blend the banana, a scoop of...

FIGHTING IRISH YACHT FOR SALE

New c.a. listing – 145’ (44.2m) westship 2004/2007 fighting irish yacht for sale.

YACHT BROKERAGE INTEL

Updated June 20, 2018

Merle Wood & Associates is pleased to offer the FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale. With accommodations for 10 guests in 5 staterooms, she features a full-beam master with his-and-hers en suites. The generous owners’ accommodation also features a seating area positioned under oversized windows. A desk, chair, and plush armchair are on the opposite side of the room, which is enveloped in medium-warm wood. On the lower deck, guest accommodations include 2 king and 2 twin staterooms, each with its own en suite and generous closet space. With a beam of 28’ (8.5m) and a draft of 6.8’ (2.1m), she is serviced by 8 crew in 4 cabins.

Merle Wood & Associates welcomes the FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale to its fleet of exceptional vessels. She is well maintained, has a shallow draft perfect for cruising regions such as The Bahamas, and features the ideal charter layout. For these reasons, and more, we expect to sell her quickly.

Large windows provide natural light and breathtaking views throughout the FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale.  Her main salon welcomes guests with a cozy, neutral-toned L-shaped sofa, while a bar sits just opposite. Forward, the formal dining area is defined by a bright, overhead light fixture that augments the lighting provided by her extensive windows. Custom cabinetry offers plenteous storage for fine china and other table necessities. She also offers a full-beam skylounge well-suited for relaxation, and for guests who are keen to stay active, FIGHTING IRISH also features an air-conditioned gym.

The FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale is built of GRP and features a variety of amenities, including walk-around side decks, a sun deck with a hardtop and Jacuzzi, and an open cockpit providing unfettered access to the water. All al fresco deck spaces are fitted with full bars, making the FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale the ideal layout for charter or entertainment.

Powered by twin MTU 12V4000 engines, she has a cruising speed of 16 knots and a maximum speed of 20 knots.

Inquire about the FIGHTING IRISH Yacht for Sale

Regarded by clients and yachting industry professionals as a highly respected luxury yacht broker , John Cohen of Merle Wood & Associates has been traveling the globe for nearly 3 decades to buy, sell, build and inspect luxury yachts for sale of all sizes and types.

Contact John Cohen  |   1.954.647.8255   |   jcohen(Contact us at)merlewood.com

Interior and Exterior Photos

For additional information, read the full FIGHTING IRISH yacht specs or view the FIGHTING IRISH yacht price and details.

Recent Superyacht News

LE TIGRE YACHT yacht sold

42’ (13m) LAGOON 2019 LE TIGRE YACHT SOLD

ATLAS SHRUGGED YACHT SOLD

52’ (16m) PALM BEACH YACHTS 2015 ATLAS SHRUGGED YACHT SOLD

BIG SKY YACHT SOLD

157’ (48m) OCEANFAST 2010/2023 BIG SKY YACHT SOLD

CLEARR VIEW yacht sold

57’ (17.37m) MARQUIS 2007 CLEARR VIEW YACHT SOLD

Speak To A Yacht Broker

For information about the FIGHTING IRISH yacht for sale, or for expert knowledge from a qualified yacht broker, simply contact the luxury yacht brokerage firm of Merle Wood & Associates for assistance.

• 1-954-525-5111
• web(Contact us at)merlewood.com
•   About us

I'm interested in:

Chartering a yacht Buying a yacht Selling a yacht Charter marketing Building a yacht Other

Please leave this field empty.

At Merle Wood & Associates, we focus on providing the best user experience throughout our website for our visitors. We achieve this by using cookies, which store a little information from your browser. If you would like to learn more, please see our privacy and cookies policy .

• Yacht Search
• Charter a Yacht
• Buy A Yacht
• Build a Yacht
• Sell a Yacht

Your Name (required)

Your Message

Please call me Please email me

Your Phone (required)

CANCEL Please leave this field empty.

Futureproof With Jonathan Mccrea

12:00-13:00

Sicily yacht disaster: Two more bodies recovered

16.08 21 Aug 2024

Share this article

Two bodies have been recovered by divers inside the yacht of British tech magnate Mike Lynch. 

The bodies’ identities are not yet known but one is of a heavily built man.

On Monday, the Bayesian superyacht capsized during a fierce storm with 22 people on board.

Afterwards 15 people were rescued - including a mother and her one-year-old baby.

The body of cook Recaldo Thomas was recovered yesterday and divers are now looking for Mr Lynch, his daughter, Hannah, Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo.

With two more bodies now found, the search for the other four will continue.

Experts believe it is possible they may still be alive but trapped inside an air pocket inside the yacht.

At least one person aboard the yacht was an Irish citizen and the Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance.

Britain's Ambassador to Italy, Ed Llewellyn described the situation as a "terrible tragedy".

My interview with the BBC’s @marklowen in Porticello, Sicily, this morning following the sinking of the yacht Bayesian pic.twitter.com/eIgS7ygaft — Ed Llewellyn (@EdLlewellynFCDO) August 20, 2024

It is thought the ship was sunk by a waterspout - a weather phenomenon that occurs over the sea during stormy weather and that looks similar to a tornado.

Weather expert Cathal Nolan described them as “surprisingly more common than you might think” and noted one was reported off the coast of Dún Laoghaire in May .

Main image: The search for six missing people. Picture by: Antonio Melita/Pacific Press via ZUMA Press.

Read more about

Most Popular

In photos: Georgia takes surprise victory at American Football game visit 

Parenting: ‘My child doesn’t want to go on a sleepover – should I make her?’ 

Two arrested as multiple cars set alight in Tallaght  

Dublin City Transport Plan comes to force today 

Irish person aboard yacht that sunk off Sicily coast in storm

Irish war veteran meets Italian family who saved him from Nazis

'It was wonderful' - Slackline walker makes history crossing from Sicily to Italy

Tycoon among missing tourists after yacht sinks off coast of Sicily

Tycoon Mike Lynch is among six tourists missing after a luxury yacht sank in bad weather off the coast of Sicily, sources said.

A body, believed to be that of the vessel's chef, has been found and 15 people were rescued, according to local media. Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Reppublica stated.

The superyacht, named Bayesian, capsized at about 5am off Palermo and was flying a British flag, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic. The body was found near the wreck at a depth of 50m (164ft), fire and rescue services said.

Read more: Gusty winds, thundery downpours and coastal flooding forecast by Met Eireann

Read more: Best time to view rare blue supermoon expected to be visible in Dublin tonight

A spokesperson for Mr Lynch, who was born to a Tipperary mother and Cork father, and raised in London, said there was no comment. The yacht sank as a fierce storm battered the area overnight.

The daily Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported that the vessel had mostly British passengers on board, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens. In a statement to the Irish Mirror, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was "aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance".

One of the survivors, a British tourist named Charlotte, told la Reppublica she held her one-year-old daughter, Sofia, to stop her from drowning. She said: "I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldn't keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others."

Charlotte and Sofia are being treated in hospital, as is Charlotte's husband, James. Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat, told journalists those missing included the Bayesian's owner and a child, news agency Reuters reported.

He said his crew took on board some survivors who were on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured. A spokesman for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: "We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected."

Bayesian completed a number of sailings in recent days, calling at various ports in Sicily, according to ship-tracking website VesselFinder. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites.

She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi. Her registered owner is listed as Revtom Ltd. There is little publicly-available online information about the company, which appears to be based on the Isle of Man.

For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .

Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Mike Lynch won a dramatic 12-year legal battle over his tech company. Weeks later, he and his top lawyer are dead.

• Mike Lynch won an unexpected jury acquittal after a dramatic 12-year legal saga.
• HP accused him of cooking the books of his company Autonomy to make it seem worth billions more.
• He finally won — and then he, his lawyer, and his codefendant all died within days.

In 2011, Mike Lynch was the toast of the tech world.

Hailed as Britain's Bill Gates, Lynch sold Autonomy, his groundbreaking data-management company, to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Shareholders and business commentators were puzzled about what HP, a hardware company, would do with Autonomy, a software company — and why the latter was worth $11 billion. HP's executives said at the time that Autonomy had the potential to transform HP and usher the Silicon Valley titan into a new generation.

None of that happened. A year after the acquisition, HP wrote down $8.8 billion of the purchase value and accused Lynch of lying about Autonomy's finances.

The claim led to a vicious decadelong series of legal disputes.

Another Autonomy executive, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted of fraud in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison. Federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against Lynch and Stephen Chamberlain, the company's former vice president of finance.

Lynch's court battles concluded with a three-month criminal trial in San Francisco. After just two days of deliberation, jurors found Lynch and Chamberlain not guilty on all counts.

"The truth has finally prevailed," his lawyer Chris Morvillo said.

Within months, Lynch, Chamberlain, and Morvillo were all dead.

A takeover doomed from the start

Lynch, who studied neural networks for his Ph.D. at Cambridge University, spun off Autonomy from a previous company, Cambridge Neurodynamics, in 1996.

Using sophisticated algorithms, Autonomy allowed users to organize and search through large amounts of unstructured data. It was a bright spot in Britain's tech industry and was listed on the country's stock-market index.

Autonomy's clients included Oracle, Adobe, Cisco, AT&T, and HP itself. But HP's purchase of Autonomy was controversial.

The hardware company's CEO, Léo Apotheker , who had been in the position for less than a year, tried to shift the company's direction. HP had struggled to sell printers and servers as part of its traditional hardware business. Apotheker wanted to spin off HP's personal-computing division and make a big bet on moving the company into software, which had higher margins.

Analysts hated the idea. Shareholders sued. HP's value dropped by more than half. The company's board fired Apotheker within weeks of the decision to buy Autonomy, before the deal even closed.

Related stories

His successor, Meg Whitman, fired Lynch and wrote down the value of Autonomy by $8.8 billion, which indicated HP paid nearly four times what it should have. The New York Times columnist James B. Stewart floated the case that it was the worst acquisition in corporate history — even worse than AOL's ill-fated purchase of Time Warner.

In a stunning move, HP accused Lynch of fraud the following year. The company alleged he and Hussain, a former CFO, inflated Autonomy's sales figures. The FBI and the UK's Serious Fraud Office both opened investigations.

Lynch fervently denied accusations of wrongdoing. He pointed out that Autonomy was audited by Deloitte, which hadn't found issues. Lynch said HP stifled Autonomy with mismanagement and bureaucracy that pushed out employees and stymied sales.

The culture at HP, he said, was poisonous.

"It was like boarding a plane, realizing the engine is on fire, and then going up to the cockpit only to find that the pilots are having a fight," he told The Telegraph at the time .

According to The New York Times, lawyers representing shareholders in the lawsuit against HP obtained a copy of the company's own KPMG-prepared due-diligence report. The report said that Autonomy wasn't transparent enough with its finances, but Apotheker moved forward with the takeover anyway, deciding that Autonomy's potential was worth it.

A legal morass

The UK's Serious Fraud Office announced in January 2015 that it closed its investigation into Autonomy, finding insufficient evidence for legal action, though it referred some issues to the US Justice Department.

In the subsequent months, HP and Lynch sued each other in the UK. As those cases wound their way through the British court system, US prosecutors continued investigating HP's purchase of Autonomy. In 2016, they brought fraud charges against Hussain, who was found guilty in a 2018 jury trial. British regulators formally barred him from the financial industry earlier this year after he completed a five-year sentence in the US.

HP unloaded Autonomy altogether, selling parts of it in 2016 and 2017.

In November 2018, Justice Department prosecutors went directly after Lynch and Chamberlain.

Their indictment accused Lynch and Chamberlain of falsifying financial documents, lying to auditors and regulators, and suppressing the voices of people who criticized Autonomy's financial practices.

Lynch was no longer looking at civil fights over money. He was facing the prospect of up to 20 years in prison.

For years, Lynch fought extradition to the US. Powerful in British political circles — he had advised David Cameron when Cameron was prime minister and served on the boards of the BBC and the British Museum — he and his lawyers argued that his legal issues should play out in the UK, not the US. American criminal laws were unfairly stacked against him, his lawyers said.

HP's lawsuit against Lynch — still churning in the background — finally went to trial in 2019. Apotheker testified he would have abandoned the Autonomy acquisition if he had a better understanding of its finances. Lynch argued that the whole morass was orchestrated by Whitman, Apotheker's successor, who harbored political ambitions (she ran for governor in California and is currently the US ambassador to Kenya) and wanted to shift the blame for Autonomy's failures to someone else.

Robert Hildyard, the judge who oversaw the case, ruled mostly in HP's favor. In a 2022 decision that ran over 1,700 pages, he wrote that HP overpaid for Autonomy because of deceit from Lynch and Hussain. Hildyard hadn't yet decided how much they would owe in damages, but he wrote it would be "substantially less" than the $5 billion HP asked for.

When he wasn't fighting legal battles, Lynch continued to be an entrepreneur. He founded a venture-capital firm, Invoke Capital, and invested in and helped run the cybersecurity firm Darktrace, which,  Politico reported, has deep ties  to Britain's intelligence agencies.

Financial disclosures Lynch filed last year as part of his criminal case indicated he was worth about $450 million.

The criminal trial

The UK finally extradited Lynch to the US in May 2023 , where he prepared for his trial — alongside Chamberlain as a codefendant — while under house arrest in San Francisco.

Lynch had a top-shelf legal team, but after the British court loss and Hussain's conviction, the chances of an acquittal seemed bleak.

Lynch testified at the end of his three-month trial, which began in March, telling jurors he wasn't involved in day-to-day financial oversight of the company. Misunderstandings, he said, could be chalked up to the differences between British and American accounting practices.

"A lot of what we've been looking at is like peering through the door of a kitchen and seeing the sausage-making machine, and that's how it really works," he told jurors, according to The Times of London . "If you take the microscope into even the most spotless kitchen, you'd find bacteria. If it wasn't there, that'd be something very abnormal. I don't think Autonomy was any different."

Jurors believed him. In June, they declared Lynch not guilty of the 15 charges against him, clearing Chamberlain as well.

Morvillo, one of Lynch's lawyers in the trial — as well as in the preceding decade of legal disputes — praised the jury, saying it had rejected "the government's profound overreach in this case."

"This verdict closes the book on a relentless 13-year effort to pin HP's well-documented ineptitude on Dr. Lynch," Morvillo said in a joint statement with his attorney colleague Brian Heberlig. "Thankfully, the truth has finally prevailed."

In an interview with The Times of London after the trial , Lynch reflected on how, with a great burden lifted off him at the age of 59, he could remake his life.

He mourned the deaths of his brother and mother, who both died ahead of the criminal trial. He mused about using his fortune to start a British version of the Innocence Project, which prevents wrongful convictions in the US.

"Now you have a second life," he told The Times. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

But first, a celebration. Lynch; his wife, Angela Bacares; one of his two daughters; Morvillo and his wife, Neda; and several others went on a superyacht, the Bayesian , which was anchored outside Sicily and owned by Bacares.

Chamberlain moved back to the UK. While running near his home, a driver hit him with a car . He died in a hospital on Saturday.

On Monday, a sudden storm struck the Bayesian. The yacht capsized.

Of its 22 passengers, 15, including Bacares, were rescued.

But rescuers have pulled five bodies from the wreckage, including Morvillo's and Lynch's . A sixth remains trapped inside the boat. Lynch's daughter Hannah remains missing.

Correction: August 22, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misnamed Lynch's lawyer. His name was Chris Morvillo, not Charles Morvillo.

• Main content

• Israel-Gaza War
• War in Ukraine
• US Election
• US & Canada
• UK Politics
• N. Ireland Politics
• Scotland Politics
• Wales Politics
• Latin America
• Middle East
• In Pictures
• Executive Lounge
• Technology of Business
• Women at the Helm
• Future of Business
• Science & Health
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI v the Mind
• Film & TV
• Art & Design
• Entertainment News
• Destinations
• Australia and Pacific
• Caribbean & Bermuda
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• World’s Table
• Culture & Experiences
• The SpeciaList
• Natural Wonders
• Weather & Science
• Climate Solutions
• Sustainable Business
• Green Living

How pro-Russian 'yacht' propaganda influenced US debate over Ukraine aid

A website founded by a former US Marine who now lives in Russia has fuelled a rumour that Volodymyr Zelensky purchased two luxury yachts with American aid money.

Despite the false claim, the disinformation plot was successful. It took off online and was echoed by members of the US Congress making crucial decisions about military spending.

It was an incredible assertion - using two advisers as proxies, Mr Zelensky paid $75m (£59m) for two yachts.

But not only has the Ukrainian government flatly denied the story, the two ships in question have not even been sold.

Despite being false, the story reached members of the US Congress, where leaders say any decision on further aid to Ukraine will be delayed until next year.

Some are vehemently opposed to further support.

On X, formerly Twitter, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said: "Anyone who votes to fund Ukraine is funding the most corrupt money scheme of any foreign war in our country's history."

She linked to a story containing the yacht rumour.

Tom Tillis, a Republican Senator and a supporter of military aid to Ukraine, spoke to CNN shortly after senators held a closed-door meeting with Mr Zelensky last week.

"I think the notion of corruption came up because some have said we can't do it, because people will buy yachts with the money," Mr Tillis said. "[Mr Zelensky] disabused people of those notions."

Mr Tillis has butted heads with another Republican Senator, J D Vance, who has also mentioned Mr Zelensky and ships in the same breath.

While discussing budget priorities on a podcast hosted by former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, Mr Vance said: "There are people who would cut Social Security, throw our grandparents into poverty, why? So that one of Zelensky's ministers can buy a bigger yacht?"

Although the yacht rumour is false, the BBC has discovered the story was given a major boost by a Russia-linked website that pretends to be located in Washington.

It is, researchers say, a "likely purpose-built tool for narrative laundering with links to the Russian government".

The 'Washington' website with roots in Russia

The story first emerged in late November on an obscure YouTube channel - one with only a handful of followers and just a single video in its feed.

The next day, it was picked up by a site called DC Weekly, alongside pictures of the two yachts - called Lucky Me and My Legacy - and documents purportedly confirming the sale of the boats to Zelensky's associates.

But the luxury yacht brokers where both vessels are listed for sale said that the allegations are false. The sales documents appear to be forgeries. And instead of having been purchased by Zelensky or his close advisers, both Lucky Me and My Legacy are still up for sale.

The DC Weekly story touched off a blaze of online speculation, with multiple sources linking to the story and content citing the story across multiple platforms.

However, the site is not, as the name implies, a weekly publication - nor is it based in the US capital.

Research by Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren, disinformation researchers at Clemson University, shows that DC Weekly was started by John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine and Florida police officer who moved to Russia in 2016.

Mr Dougan spent three years as a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office, then after he left in 2009 he started a website spreading rumours about his former employers.

Since moving to Russia he has reinvented himself as a journalist covering the invasion of Ukraine, and has spread a number of false and baseless claims - for example that Russia was attempting to destroy biological weapons labs.

DC Weekly, the Clemson researchers discovered, is full of news stories copied from other sites and rewritten by artificial intelligence engines. The site's "reporters" have fake names along with headshots copied from elsewhere on the internet.

Mixed in with the rewritten stories - apparently designed to give the site a sheen of legitimacy - are dubious original reports.

One such story was the origin of the yacht claim, and the Clemson researchers tracked how the story spread widely after DC Weekly published its version.

Evidence collected by the researchers indicates that the site continued to be connected to the same server as several of Mr Dougan's other websites. BBC Verify also found that part of the DC Weekly website is hosted on a server in Moscow.

Earlier this year Mr Dougan was identified as being a DC Weekly commentator when he gave several talks at an academy affiliated with the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"It is pretty obvious to me that Dougan has been involved with DC Weekly for a long time, and remains connected to the infrastructure behind it," Mr Warren said.

Mr Dougan said via text message that he "emphatically denies these assertions", and that he sold DC Weekly for $3,000 several years ago. He said he does not recall the person he sold it to and has lost the paperwork due to being kicked off payment platforms and losing access to email accounts because of financial sanctions against Russia. He says he has nothing to do with the site's current operations.

The researchers say the site is part of a much larger pro-Russia propaganda machine.

"Whether this one particular guy is behind it doesn't really matter much," Mr Warren said. "The key point is that it is an important element in a very substantial and effective pro-Russian influence operation that needs to be exposed and understood."

The Ukrainian President's Office said of the DC Weekly story: "All information in this article is fake. Zelensky and his family members do not and did not have any yachts."

Mr Tillis and Ms Greene were contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for Mr Vance said: "For years, everyone in the West recognised that Ukraine was one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Somehow everyone forgot that just as we started sending them billions of dollars in foreign aid."

Costume jewellery

The yacht story piles fictional stories onto existing concerns about corruption, which has been a long-running problem in Ukraine. Tackling it is one of the tests the country would have to pass to join Western institutions like the European Union.

According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, Ukraine ranks 116th out of 180 countries, although efforts in recent years have seen its position significantly improve.

• Ukraine's hopes of rebuilding rely on fighting corruption

But the attention given to the country's real and ongoing corruption issues has been mild compared to online chatter over false stories backed up by fake documents and shadowy social media accounts.

In October, a widely shared claim on social media stated that President Zelensky's wife spent a fortune on jewellery in New York while the Ukrainian president was in the city speaking to the United Nations.

Like the yacht rumour, this claim originated on a YouTube channel with very few followers and just one video. The video featured a woman who said she is from Benin. She claimed to work at Cartier on New York's Fifth Avenue.

The woman showed a receipt dated 22 September, with Mrs Zelensky's name on it and a bill for $1.1m for a bracelet, earrings and a necklace.

Facial recognition tools threw up a close match between the woman in the video and photos from social media profiles of a woman who lives in St Petersburg, Russia. When we looked at the pictures of the woman it appeared to be the same person as the one in the YouTube video.

The story went viral on Facebook, TikTok and Telegram. Russia's UK embassy X account shared it with the comment: "Best use of UK taxpayers money ever".

But the receipt is a clear fake. By 21 September, Mr and Mrs Zelensky had left New York and travelled to Canada.

One English-language site was instrumental in spreading the rumour - DC Weekly.

BBC Verify and the Clemson researchers found a number of DC Weekly articles posted between August and December this year that followed the same pattern.

The articles falsely alleged that Prince Andrew made a secret visit to Ukraine, that Ukraine provided weapons to Hamas, that an American non-profit organisation harvested organs in Ukraine and that Zelensky's administration allowed Western companies to use Ukrainian farmland for disposal of toxic waste.

Stories on DC Weekly were often published within days after allegations first appeared on YouTube.

In addition to DC Weekly, some of the allegations - including those about Cartier jewellery and yachts - also appeared on several pro-Kremlin English-language websites as well as legitimate news websites in Africa that accept "sponsored" (paid-for) content.

Some of the stories were picked up by other outlets and accounts. But with the story about the yachts, the people behind DC Weekly appear to have achieved a level of success that had previously eluded them - their allegations being repeated by some of the most powerful people in the US Congress.

Additional reporting by Paul Myers

What questions do you have about the war in Ukraine?

In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .

Use this form to ask your question:

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to [email protected] . Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in.

Mike McGraw - A CEO and Owner of the Fighting Iris

See, that’s what the app is perfect for..

McGraw Fighting Irish on Superyachts.com

Mcgraw fighting irish official website.

McGraw Fighting Irish's Pinterest

Ukraine Attacks Moscow in One of Largest Ever Drone Strikes on Russian Capital

Popular videos.

WATCH: Vivek Chased Out by Angry Mob at Pro-Palestine Protest Outside DNC

WATCH: Pro-Palestine Agitators Storm Chicago Streets, Set Fire to US Flag Outside Israeli Consulate

NEW VIDEO: Thomas Crooks Walking Around Trump Rally Before Assassination Attempt

VIDEO: Protesters Break Through Barricade at DNC, 4 Arrested

Ukraine attacked Moscow on Wednesday with at least 11 drones that were shot down by air defences in what Russian officials called one of the biggest drone strikes on the capital since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022.

The war, largely a grinding artillery and drone battle across the fields, forests and villages of eastern Ukraine, escalated on Aug. 6 when Ukraine sent thousands of soldiers over the border into Russia’s western Kursk region.

For months, Ukraine has also fought an increasingly damaging drone war against the refineries and airfields of Russia, the world’s second largest oil exporter, though major drone attacks on the Moscow region – with a population of over 21 million – have been rarer.

Russia’s defence ministry said its air defences destroyed a total of 45 drones over Russian territory, including 11 over the Moscow region, 23 over the border region of Bryansk, six over the Belgorod region, three over the Kaluga region and two over the Kursk region.

Some of the drones were shot down over the city of Podolsk, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. The city in the Moscow region is some 38 km (24 miles) south of the Kremlin.

“This is one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow using drones ever,” Sobyanin said on the Telegram messaging app in the early hours of Wednesday. “The layered defence of Moscow that was created made it possible to successfully repel all the attacks from the enemy UAVs.”

Along Moscow’s boulevards, the cafes, restaurants and shops of the capital – which has been carefully insulated from the war – were crowded with little sign of concern, while President Vladimir Putin met Chinese premier Li Qiang in the Kremlin.

Two Russian citizens who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said the foiled drone attack simply showed how well defended Moscow now was, and that Ukraine was “playing with fire” by attacking Russia both in Kursk and in Moscow.

Russia meanwhile is advancing in eastern Ukraine, where it controls about 18% of the territory, and battling to repel Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, the biggest foreign attack on Russian territory since World War Two.

Russian media showed unverified footage of drones whirring over the dawn sky of the Moscow region and then being shot down in a ball of flame by air defences.

Moscow’s airports, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, limited flights for four hours but restarted normal operations from 0330 GMT, Russia’s aviation watchdog said.

Sobyanin said that according to preliminary information, there were no injuries or damage reported in the aftermath of the attacks. There were also no casualties or damage reported following the attack on Bryansk in Russia’s southwest, the governor of the region, Alexander Bogomaz, wrote on Telegram.

Russia’s RIA state news agency reported that two drones were destroyed over the Tula region, which borders the Moscow region to its north. Vasily Golubev, governor of the Rostov region in Russia’s southwest, said air defence forces destroyed a Ukraine-launched missile over the region, with no injuries reported.

The Russian defence ministry did not mention either Tula or Rostov in its statement listing destroyed Ukrainian air weapons. Ukraine’s military said on Wednesday it overnight struck an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system based in the Rostov region.

The drone attack on Moscow was on a par with a May 2023 attack when at least eight drones were destroyed over the capital, a strike Putin said was a Ukrainian attempt to scare and provoke Russia.

In Kursk, Russian war bloggers said intense battles were ongoing along the front in the region where Ukraine has carved out at least 450 square km (175 square miles) of Russian territory.

Top picks for you

Israel strikes hezbollah targets in lebanon.

The Israeli military said about 100 of its fighter jets “struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels” across dozens of launch sites from Lebanon on Sunday.

Israel said it launched what it called preemptive strikes against “terror targets in Lebanon” after identifying that the militant group Hezbollah was “preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory.”

Shortly after the Israeli strikes began, Hezbollah said it launched strikes toward Israel in a heavy exchange of fire amid fighting in the Middle East that risks sending the region into all-out conflict.

The IDF said approximately 200 rockets had been launched from Lebanon towards Israel early Sunday, with no reports of injuries so far. Hezbollah said the “first phase” of its strikes against Israel “has ended with complete success,”claiming that it launched 320 rockets and a barrage of drones toward Israel.

Hezbollah said it carried out strikes towards Israel in response to the killing of top military commander Fu’ad Shukr last month in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a populous neighborhood that is also the Iran-backed group’s stronghold.

The Israeli military and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire for months, and the cross-border hostilities have raised the specter of a regional conflagration which have prompted intense diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Israel’s latest strike aimed at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon came after its military said on Saturday that it was prepared for any possible retaliatory attacks by Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah or Iran for the killings of its senior leaders.

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has declared a “‘special situation on the home front’ across the country,” which enables the Israeli military to issue instructions to citizens, “including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant.”

Gallant has also briefed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

President Biden is closely monitoring events in Israel and Lebanon, the White House said Saturday night.

“He has been engaged with his national security team throughout the evening. At his direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability,” National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement.

Rocket fire toward Israel by Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon has become a near-daily occurrence since the outbreak of war in Gaza, but there has been an increasing number of skirmishes.

On Friday, Hezbollah had claimed 15 strikes against Israel. Hezbollah also acknowledged the death of seven fighters on Friday but did not specify where or when they were killed.

The IDF said a total of 110 projectiles were launched from Lebanon towards Israel on Friday, marking one of the fiercest days of cross-border fire in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, flights have resumed at Tel Aviv airport after being temporarily suspended for less than two hours on Sunday.

The latest strikes between Israel and Hezbollah come as negotiations toward a ceasefire and hostage deal in Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza continue.

Before the strikes, US officials said the talks between Israel and Hamas were at an advanced stage after months of feverish negotiations.

Despite Sunday’s strikes, an Israeli delegation is still expected to head to Cairo for negotiations that are due to resume on Sunday, an Israeli official told CNN.

Senior negotiators were expected to discuss remaining sticking points over a potential three-phase agreement.

Sydney Mass Stabbing: 6 Injured, Including Police Officer

Horrific details have emerged from the scene of a car crash and stabbing spree in Sydney’s south, where a woman and police officer were among those slashed with a blade.

Six people were taken to hospital after the incident, including the man suspected of carrying out the wild attacks at Engadine at around 9am on Sunday morning.

Of those injured, two were hurt in the accident and four suffered knife injuries including a bystander who assisted the woman.

The woman, 48, allegedly attacked in the car is the partner of the alleged offender, 58, who is known to police. She was allegedly being assaulted by the man as he drove.

Witnesses say the male was driving erratically prior to the accident and had a box cutter.

Superintendent Don Faulds told media a vehicle was travelling south on the Princess Highway at Engadine at 8.50am when it crashed, with witnesses going to the aid of those injured.

“That vehicle has collided with another vehicle and as a result of that a number of members of the community stopped to assist both occupants from both those vehicles,” Spt. Faulds said.

“As the community members were assisting on of the females out of the vehicle the male got out of that who was armed with what we believe to be a box cutter and the female had obviously sustained a number of injuries from an altercation inside that vehicle.”

Police raced to the scene, and the alleged offender ran away.

“Emergency services arrived very quickly afterwards, that male was engaged by the police, a short foot pursuit occurred, a taser deployment was initiated and that person was taken into custody.”

Spt. Fauls said the man had inflicted a number of injuries to himself before the police arrival and is currently at Liverpool Hospital in a serious condition.

The man is known to police for a number of matters, and the two people in the car where there was a stabbing were known to eachother and are from southwest Sydney.

“They were in a domestic relationship, there’s no history we are aware of, there’s no apprehended violence orders between the two, but definitely domestic related.”

Spt. Faults said the car was seen by witnesses driving “erratically” prior to the accident and they believe the woman was being assaulted while the car was in motion before it collided with another vehicle.

“We believe the female was being assaulted in the car while the man was driving at the same time.

“ … The allegation is that he is covered in blood when he exits the vehicle, whether or not that was his blood or the victim’s blood, but he’s definitely seen to injure himself after exiting the vehicle.”

He praised the brave bystanders who went to assist those in the crash, along with the emergency services.

“Amazing work, they’ve just turned up thinking it was a normal motor vehicle accident so they’ve obviously have gone to render assistance to both people and then they were faced with a male armed with a box cutter, quite frightening but very brave on those peoples’ behalf.”

He has asked the community to reach out to Crime Stoppers or Sutherland Police if they have any information about what occurred today.

One witness, an NRL club chairman, shared traumatic details of seeing the knifeman “slashing” at a woman before he squared off with the attacker as police arrived.

The incident unfolded at the intersection of Princes Highway and Old Bush Road.

Witnesses reported seeing a car swerving at speed through traffic before crashing into other vehicles, according to The Daily Telegraph.

A white Jaguar went through the intersection and collided with a blue Mitsubishi Lancer, witnesses have reported.

One eye witness, identified as Wayne, told radio station 2GB he saw a man get out of the Jaguar appearing to be armed with a box cutter yelling “I’m going to kill you”.

All those injured were being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

A NSW spokesman said of those injured, one male patient had sustained slash wounds to his arms and his neck and has been taken to Liverpool Hospital and is now in a serious but stable condition. A woman in her 40s was taken to St George Hospital with multiple stab wounds and is in a critical condition.

Another female was hospitalised in a serious condition with a stab wound to the abdomen. The police officer sustained a large laceration to his arm and is in a stable condition at St George Hospital.

The Princes Highway has been closed in both directions and drivers are urged to avoid the area.

An extraordinary first-hand account of the incident has been given by Cronulla Sharks NRL club chairman Steve Mace, who told the Telegraph he confronted the alleged knifeman.

“I was taking my little fella innocently to his knock out elimination final and a car accident happen in front of us,” Mr Mace told the newspaper.

“I saw him slashing her. Cutting her neck, her breast, across the stomach. Wherever he could go. I tried to get her out to stop the stabbing.”

Mr Mace received a small gash and said another bystander suffered a stab wound when they came to the woman’s aid.

He said he grabbed a torch and had a “standoff” with the knifeman before the attacker turned to “get my fella”.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France

Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested at Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday evening, TF1 TV and BFM TV said, citing unnamed sources.

Durov was travelling aboard his private jet, TF1 said on its website, adding he had been targeted by an arrest warrant in France as part of a preliminary police investigation.

TF1 and BFM both said the investigation was focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, and that police considered that this situation allowed criminal activity to go on undeterred on the messaging app.

The encrypted Telegram, with close to one billion users, is particularly influential in Russia, Ukraine and the republics of the former Soviet Union. It is ranked as one of the major social media platforms after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat.

Russian-born Durov founded Telegram with his brother in 2013. He left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his VKontakte social media platform, which he sold.

“I would rather be free than to take orders from anyone,” Durov told U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson in April about his exit from Russia and search for a home for his company which included stints in Berlin, London, Singapore and San Francisco.

After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has become the main source of unfiltered – and sometimes graphic and misleading – content from both sides about the war and the politics surrounding the conflict.

The platform has become what some analysts call ‘a virtual battlefield’ for the war, used heavily by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his officials, as well as the Russian government.

Telegram – which allows users to evade official scrutiny – has also become one of the few places where Russians can access independent news about the war after the Kremlin increased curbs on independent media following its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian foreign ministry said its embassy in Paris was clarifying the situation around Durov and called on Western non-governmental organisations to demand his release.

Russia began blocking Telegram in 2018 after the app refused to comply with a court order to grant state security services access to its users’ encrypted messages.

The action interrupted many third-party services, but had little effect on the availability of Telegram there. The ban order, however, sparked mass protests in Moscow and criticism from NGOs.

‘Neutral platform’

TF1 said Dubai-based Durov had been travelling from Azerbaijan and was arrested at around 8.00 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Durov, whose fortune was estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion, said some governments had sought to pressure him but the app should remain a “neutral platform” and not a “player in geopolitics”.

Telegram’s increasing popularity, however, has prompted scrutiny from several countries in Europe, including France, on security and data breach concerns.

Russia’s representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, and several other Russian politicians were quick on Sunday to accuse France of acting as a dictatorship – the same criticism that Moscow faced when putting demands on Durov in 2014 and trying to ban Telegram in 2018.

“Some naive persons still don’t understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies,” Ulyanov wrote on X.

Elon Musk, billionaire owner of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, said after reports of Durov’s detention: “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.”

Several Russian bloggers called for protests at French embassies throughout the world at noon on Sunday.

Police Arrest Suspect in German Festival ‘Terror Attack’

26-year-old Syrian man suspected of a stabbing rampage in the western German town of Solingen has been taken into police custody, a state official told German television on Saturday, some 24 hours after the attack that killed three people.

North Rhine-Westphalia’s interior minister Herbert Reul told the ARD broadcaster that he was “a bit relieved” after authorities spent the day following a “hot lead” that lead to the arrest.

The Islamic State group earlier claimed responsibility for Friday’s knife attack that also wounded eight people.

Police spent the day conducting a manhunt, making two arrests that were likely not the perpetrator, Reul said.

“The real suspect is the one that we’ve arrested just now,” he said. The individual is being questioned and evidence was seized, he said.

Reul said the man was affiliated with a home for refugees that had been searched earlier in the day.

Describing the man who carried out the attack as a “soldier of the Islamic State”, the militant group said in a statement on its Telegram account: “He carried out the attack in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere.”

Hendrik Wuest, premier of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, described Friday evening’s attack during a festival in the city as an act of terror.

“This attack has struck at the heart of our country,” Wuest told reporters.

The attack took place in the Fronhof, a market square in the western German city where live bands were playing as part of a festival marking the its 650th anniversary.

Markus Caspers, an official with the public prosecutor’s office in Duesseldorf, said authorities were treating the attack as a possible terrorist incident because there was no other known motive and the victims seemed unrelated.

A police official, Thorsten Fleiss, said the assailant appeared to aim for his victims’ throats.

“The perpetrator must be quickly caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a post on X.

Police cordoned off the square on Saturday and passers-by placed candles and flowers outside the barriers.

“We are full of shock and grief,” Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach told journalists.

A German musician who goes by the name Topic said he was playing on a nearby stage when the incident occurred. He was told about what had happened but was asked to keep playing “to avoid causing a mass panic attack”, he posted on Instagram.

He was eventually told to stop, and “since the attacker was still on the run, we hid in a nearby store while police helicopters circled above us,” Topic wrote.

Authorities cancelled the remainder of the weekend festival.

Court Gives RFK Jr. Green Light to Sue Biden-Harris Admin Over Censorship

Afederal court rekindled hopes this week that the Biden-Harris administration could be held accountable over its efforts to have critics censored during the pandemic, ruling that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Children’s Health Defense, an organization he leads, have Article III standing to sue.

The U.S. Supreme Court let the Democratic administration off the hook in June for its well-documented efforts to shut down critics of its COVID-19 policies and preferred narratives during the pandemic — policies and narratives that have been shown in the years since to have been in many cases unfounded and/or destructive.

The court’s 6-3 ruling in Murthy v. Biden asserted that the states of Missouri and Louisiana, along with other plaintiffs, lacked standing to sue the Democratic administration.

Although the plaintiffs in Murthy were ultimately tripped up — a decision Justice Samuel Alito indicated the country might come to regret — theirs had a companion case that still had legs: Kennedy v. Biden.

U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana, whose injunction the SCOTUS reversed in Murthy, gave Kennedy the green light Tuesday to run down the Democratic administration in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

“The Court finds that Kennedy is likely to succeed on his claim that suppression of content posted was caused by actions of Government Defendants, and there is a substantial risk that he will suffer similar injury in the near future,” wrote Doughty.

In February, Doughty, a Trump-nominated judge, granted Kennedy an injunction blocking elements of the Biden-Harris administration, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI, from coercing social media companies to engage in suppression or outright censorship of content containing free speech.

This injunction was, however, put on hold pending the Supreme Court’s Murthy ruling.

Following the SCOTUS’ June 26 decision, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals kicked the case back to the district court, affording it an opportunity to reconsider Kennedy’s standing, admitting also that he may have stronger grounds.

With the ball back in his court, Doughty noted that Kennedy was “identified as a member of the so-called ‘Disinformation Dozen,’ which was made up of twelve individuals that the Government specifically targeted for spreading alleged disinformation regarding COVID-19.”

The judge indicated that elements of the Biden-Harris administration “specifically targeted” Kennedy. After all, he dared hold “positions contrary to Government positions on COVID-19, including mask mandates, vaccine mandates, vaccine injuries, lockdowns, etc.”

Doughty wrote:

There is ample evidence in the record showing that Kennedy has been directly censored in the past. Not only was he a part of the alleged ‘Disinformation Dozen,’ which was repeatedly flagged and/or censored at the behest of numerous Defendants, but he was also censored for his anti-vaccine and anti-COVID-19 rhetoric. Therefore, Kennedy has more than satisfied the first element for Article III standing, that is, he suffered an injury-in-fact when he was censored.

According to the judge, Kennedy’s presidential candidacy and political ambitions put him at further risk for future injury, raising the hypothetical of the FBI working in concert with private and governmental outfits to censor campaign-related information deemed “misinformation.”

Kim Mack Rosenberg, CHD general counsel, told the defender in a statement, “Judge Terry Doughty carefully and clearly analyzed the law and facts and applied the framework from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Murthy v. Missouri regarding standing.”

“GREAT NEWS!” Children’s Health Defense tweeted. “This means the Biden-Harris Administration may finally be held accountable for its censorship of us via #BigTech.”

Judge Bans Letitia James’ ‘Ministry of Truth’ from Censoring Pro-Life Centers

The First Amendment does not allow the United States to adopt “Oceania’s Ministry of Truth.”

That line from George Orwell’s dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” opens U.S. District Judge John Sinatra’s order Thursday imposing a preliminary injunction on New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is threatening pro-life pregnancy centers for telling women about so-called abortion pill reversal, as their lawsuit proceeds.

Her office may not enforce state consumer fraud laws against the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA), Gianna’s House and Options Care Center, which sued in May, for referring to APR, calling it safe and effective or directing people to the APR Hotline and website in their ads, social media and promotional materials.

The injunction is limited to the plaintiffs, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom.

“Women in New York have literally saved their babies from an in-progress chemical drug abortion because they had access to information through their local pregnancy centers” about the protocol, ADF senior counsel Caleb Dalton said.

ADF told Just the News this was the “first substantial ruling” in the recent spate of Democratic Attorneys General threatening pregnancy centers and chilling their speech, and said it provides a template to other courts hearing similar challenges.

One of the more notable conclusions by Sinatra, nominated by President Trump: He’d issue the injunction even if James were correct that the centers were practicing “commercial speech,” a category that receives less constitutional protection.

The Thomas More Society preemptively sued James in upstate Monroe County on behalf of Heartbeat International, CompassCare and members of a “pregnancy help collective” after the AG sent intent-to-sue letters. James then followed through with her own suit in Manhattan.

The state trial judge in the centers’ preemptive suit approved their motion to consolidate the two cases in their backyard June 12, previously telling James they would suffer “avoidably unfair logistical disadvantage” in a Manhattan transfer. Her office has appealed.

Blue-state AGs on both coasts have charged hard against the shoestring nonprofits for allegedly misleading women by saying that taking supplemental progesterone, a natural pregnancy hormone, after mifepristone can counteract the abortive effects of the latter – before taking misoprostol to complete the chemical abortion – and save their pregnancies.

The protocol “makes biological sense,” an Ivy League reproductive research chief told The New York Times seven years ago.

The counteroffensive by pro-life activists and their attorneys may be giving the Democratic elected officials pause, however.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul agreed to a permanent injunction against enforcement of its coerced-speech abortion law after another Trump nominee, Judge Iain Johnston, called it “stupid and very likely unconstitutional.”

Washington AG and gubernatorial nominee Bob Ferguson, who just pulled out a planned debate with Republican nominee and former Rep. Dave Reichert, confirmed this spring his office closed a consumer fraud investigation against Obria Medical Clinics PNW after its insurer refused to renew its policy because of the investigation, which would aid a lawsuit against him.

The centers face extralegal threats for their speech as well. After the Democratic National Convention in Chicago closed Thursday night, the Aid for Women clinic three miles away was vandalized, board member Mary FioRito said on X.

Her photos show the spray-painted message “fake clinic the dead babies are in Gaza” on a window and what looks like epoxy or caulk on the door lock to prevent a key from opening it.

This would be the 93rd physical attack on a pregnancy center or pro-life group since the leak of the Supreme Court’s then-unreleased Dobbs opinion that later overturned national abortion rights, according to CatholicVote’s tracker.

“While the Department of Justice continues to mercilessly target peaceful pro-lifers, violent activists like those who vandalized Aid for Women, escape relatively unpunished,” the group said in a press release Friday.

It pointed to Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act statistics obtained by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, which he says show only six of 211 prosecutions were against abortion-rights protesters. Roy’s legislation with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, would overturn the 1994 law.

Seven pro-life activists, including 89-year-old “Yugoslavian death camp survivor” Eva Edl, face more than a decade in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines after their FACE Act conviction Tuesday for a Michigan abortion clinic sit-in, The Daily Wire reported.

Recent SCOTUS decisions have disappointed First Amendment advocates, especially its refusal to block the feds from pressuring social media platforms to suppress disfavored content.

Three days before suspending his presidential campaign Friday and endorsing GOP nominee Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. got good news in the fallout from that ruling: U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty ruled RFK Jr. and his Children’s Health Defense had legal standing to sue the White House and federal agencies for “direct censorship” of their social media accounts.

In May, SCOTUS also refused to force a federal judge to let New Jersey pregnancy centers sue AG Matthew Platkin before he enforces civil investigative demands in state court.

But the high court’s 2018 precedent NIFLA v. Becerra, preventing California from forcing pregnancy centers to promote abortion, provided a roadmap for lower courts on pro-life speech.

The high court ruled that “professional speech” does not generally enjoy less constitutional protection and that California didn’t show more than hypothetical risks if pregnancy centers weren’t forced to tell women where to get abortions.

Similarly, James’ office didn’t explain how silencing the centers on APR, abortion pill reversal, was “actually necessary” to her stated objective, Sinatra wrote: protecting the Empire State’s consumers and the public from the “harms false and/or misleading business and advertising practices cause.”

Even if progesterone “presents a risk of harm to a pregnant woman, the treatment can only be obtained through a prescription from a doctor,” so APR promotion “would – at most – encourage a woman to speak with her doctor about her treatment options,” the judge wrote.

James also “conceded that no one has been harmed” by the centers’ promotion of APR, meaning the suppression is “merely convenient” for the state’s objectives, Sinatra said.

“Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their First Amendment Free Speech claim, and they are suffering irreparable harm each day that their Constitutional freedoms are infringed,” he wrote, noting James’ state lawsuit against the Thomas More Society’s clients and her refusal to “disavow enforcement” of the same kind in Sinatra’s case.

The centers’ constitutional harms “are sufficiently ‘actual and imminent’ to constitute an injury in fact,” making them “ripe for adjudication” as well, the judge said.

Because each federal plaintiff “seeks to vindicate its own First Amendment rights” rather than stop James’ enforcement in state court, the Supreme Court’s precedent on federal courts abstaining when state courts are already involved doesn’t apply, Sinatra said.

He cited NIFLA v. Becerra, in which the high court said “the government, even with the purest of motives, may not substitute its judgment as to how best to speak for that of speakers and listeners,” particularly “in the fields of medicine and public health, where information can save lives.”

100 People Rescued After Epic Floods Near Grand Canyon

Over 100 people have been rescued by helicopter after they got trapped by flash floods near the Grand Canyon – but one hiker remains missing.

Searchers have been unable to find Chenoa Nickerson, 33, who is believed to have been swept away during monsoons in Havasuapi Indian Reservation in Arizona.

Nickerson was hiking about a half-mile from the Colorado River when flooding trapped her in the most remote area in the country on Thursday morning, ABC affiliate KNXV reported.

The National Guard managed to evacuate 104 other tourists and tribal members from the Grand Canyon area but are still searching for the hiker.

“My heart is with all of the people impacted by the flooding in Havasupai, including Tribal members and visitors to the area. I am closely monitoring the situation and we have deployed the Arizona National Guard to get people to safety,” Governor Katie Hobbs after the evacutaion.

“The safety and security of Arizonans and all those who visit our state is always my top concern, and I’ll continue working closely with leaders on the ground to protect the Havasupai community.”

Hobbs stated that the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs is coordinating with tribal, state, county, and federal agencies to help with evacuation efforts and to find Nickerson.

The Havasuapi Indian Reservation is one of the most desolate areas in the continental United States and is only accessible by mule, helicopter or foot, according to The Associated Press.

Nickerson’s sister Tamara Morales praised the efforts of the rescue crew for “navigating incredibly dangerous terrain with extremely limited methods of communication while leaving no stone unturned.”

“We are profoundly grateful for you and fully acknowledge that you are currently defying the impossible,” she posted on Facebook Saturday morning.

“Chenoa Nickerson is still missing,” Morales reminded her followers.

“The National Parks Service Search and Rescue (NPS SAR) is utilizing every resource to find our sister and to rescue the hundreds of stranded campers.”

The missing hiker’s sister shared a picture of Nickerson and her husband, Andrew, who was hiking alongside her.

“Chenoa and her husband Andrew Nickerson were hiking in the Havasupai area on 08/22/24,” she wrote in a post on Friday.

“Andrew reached out to his father via satellite phone on 08/22/2024 at 18:16 reporting that Chenoa and him were caught in a flash flood and that they were both swept away and that Andrew was rescued.

“He said he is at a safe spot camping with a rafting crew who rescued him and that NPS SAR was on sight as of last night.

“Please help us. We are desperate,” she ended the post.

Morales posted the same two posts in four different Havasupai-related Facebook groups in the hope that someone would have more information about her missing sister.

Over 1,000 people reacted to the heartbreaking message, and hundreds commented wishing for the safe return of Nickerson.

“My brother in law, nephews and their friends are down there in Supai awaiting helicopter flight from national guard,” one woman commented.

“I pray they find Chenoa.”

Another woman shared that her son was still stuck in the falls waiting to be evacuated.

“Ugh my son is stuck down at the bottom since yesterday and thank god he and his friends are safe,” a mother commented Friday night.

“He says it been wild and they have a huge search party going on.

“I’m starting to get nervous, though, because he was told he would be airlifted out yesterday and then today and just told me that the National Guard refused to help and the helicopter they were using to get people out is not running tomorrow.”

Monsoon season

The flash flooding doesn’t come as a surprise for those who live area.

The Havasupai Tribe’s website warns visitors of excessive flooding between June to August, a time of year deemed monsoon season.

“Although floods can occur anytime of the year, the monsoon season occurs from late in June, well into August. During this time there is a high risk of flash floods,” the website warned.

“Watch for rain and dark clouds especially in the south. Flash flooding can occur without warning and without any rain where you are hiking.

“If you hear the flood waters approaching or if you are caught in a rain storm, climb to high ground immediately and wait until it clears. Do not enter the narrow part of the canyon where you might not be able to climb the canyon walls in the event of an unexpected flood.”

The tribe posted on Facebook Friday afternoon announcing that it will close the Trail into Supai Village until Sunday afternoon.

“The Council is actively engaged in safely evacuating those tourists that were in Supai at the time of the flooding.

“We kindly ask for your patience as we see to the health and safety of the tourists and the Tribal members.”

Australia: Trans-Identified Male Wins Case Against Female-Only App

Australian court has ruled that the CEO of a female-only networking application intended as an “online refuge” for women committed “indirect gender identity discrimination” by rejecting the membership of a male who “identifies” as a woman.

Aussie women’s rights advocate Sall Grover has been subject to a lengthy litigation process over the past three years after trans-identified male Roxanne Tickle filed a discrimination complaint against her with the Australian Human Rights Commission. Tickle had been barred from using the female-only platform Giggle for Girls after Grover identified him as male based on a photo he submitted for during the membership application process.

While reading out the verdict and reasons for his decision at the Federal Court of Australia Friday morning, Justice Bromwich referred to Tickle with feminine pronouns.

“Roxanne Tickle is a transgender woman whose female sex is recognized by an official updated Queensland birth certificate… I have found that Ms. Tickle’s claim of direct gender identity discrimination fails but that her claim of indirect gender identity discrimination succeeds.”

Justice Bromwich then ordered Grover to pay Tickle $10,000 compensation, in addition to court costs up to $50,000, within 60 days. Grover told Reduxx she intends to appeal the decision within a month’s time.

The court case, known as Tickle v. Giggle, tested the meaning and scope of the Sex Discrimination Act (SDA), which was altered in 2013 under the government of prime minister Julia Gillard.

The revisions to the SDA made it unlawful under federal law to discriminate against a person on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. The case has the potential to set a precedent in regards to whether a self-declared gender identity, or a legally fictitious recording of sex, will take priority over biological sex in the law.

Australian Human Rights Commission barrister Zelie Heger told the court that sex was no longer defined in the Sex Discrimination Act but that “importantly the Act recognises that a person’s sex is not limited to [being a man or a woman]”.

Tickle, a man who claims to be both intersex and transgender, claimed he attempted to join the female-only app in February 2021 but found that his membership was revoked in September that year. The Giggle app utilizes a screening process which uses AI to determine the sex of an applicant based on a selfie. Tickle was initially granted access to the female-only digital community by the AI.

During an interview with The Australian in April 2022, Grover explained that she took it upon herself to remove Tickle after seeing his photo and identifying him as male. “The person was removed from the Giggle app because they are male, no other reason. The removal was manual. I looked at the onboarding selfie and saw a man. The AI software had let them through, thereby making a mistake that I rectified.” Lawyers defending Grover said that she had been unaware that Tickle identified as transgender during the screening process.

Tickle was therefore was booted from the community, and then made several attempts to contact Grover to complain. He sent Grover multiple emails and called her at her home in October 2021. Tickle first filed the discrimination complaint with the with the Australian Human Rights Commission against Giggle creator and CEO Grover in December 2021.

“I believe that I am being discriminated against by being provided with extremely limited functionality of a smartphone app by the app provider compared to that of other users because I am a transgender woman,” Tickle wrote in the complaint. “I am legally permitted to identify as female… I believe that Giggle and Sall Grover have decided in error that I am male.”

Tickle bizarrely went on to compare Grover to a white supremacist group, saying, “I have been unable to locate a Facebook page or website for the Ku Klux Klan in Australia. Yet groups that favor discrimination against people based on their gender identity appear to have no need to hide their face.” He then went on to list several Australian women’s rights groups which are critical of males being permitted to identify as female, and referred to this position as “bigotry”.

Tickle had, in his first complaint, sought damages from Grover of up to $200,000, alleging that her “persistent misgendering”, or referring to him as male, had prompted “constant anxiety and occasional suicidal thoughts”. He also requested that Grover be made to “seek out education” regarding the concept of gender identity.

In July of 2022, Tickle, being unable to bear the costs of pursuing the matter further, filed a Notice of Discontinuance with the court, and the complaint was dropped. But five months later, Tickle filed another complaint, having received a $50,000 grant from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, and assistance from Barry Nilsson lawyers, who run a multimillion-dollar pro bono program.

In contrast, Grover was left with no other option than to crowdfund an incredible $500,000 in order to defend herself against the discrimination claim.

A statement provided with the appeal for donations highlights the importance of the ruling: “The decision by the Federal Court will have far-reaching implications, likely influencing not only the Australian legal system but also international law and policy regarding the intersection of gender identity and sex-based rights. It will serve as a crucial reference for future legal frameworks and discussions on sex discrimination and sex-based rights, and their direct conflict with gender-identity ideology worldwide.”

The argument made by Grover’s legal team was that Tickle was discriminated against on the basis of his sex, which is not prohibited, rather than on the basis of gender identity, as he claims. Justice Bromwich’s verdict stated that “these arguments failed” due to a “long history of cases decided by courts going back over thirty years” which he said established that, “in its ordinary meaning, sex is changeable.”

“In relation to the direct discrimination claim, the evidence did not establish that Ms Tickle was excluded from the Giggle app by reason of her gender identity, although it remains possible that this was the real, but unproven, reason,” Justice Bromwich told the court.

Justice Bromwich went on to say that “that indirect gender identity discrimination did take place” on the basis that “Tickle was excluded from the use of the Giggle app because she did not look sufficiently female according to the respondents.”

Manhunt Underway in France After Synagogue ‘Terror Attack’ — Suspect Seen with Palestinian Flag

An explosion outside a synagogue in southern France wounded a police officer on Saturday morning in what authorities said was being treated as a terror attack.

A suspect caught on a surveillance camera outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in the seaside resort of La Grande-Motte, near the city of Montpellier, was caught in surveillance camera footage clad in a Palestinian flag.

France’s acting interior minister ordered police reinforcements to protect Jewish places of worship after the suspected arson attack.

French President Emmanuel Macron calls the attack “an act of terror,” adding in a post on X that “the fight against antisemitism is a daily fight.”

“Sending thoughts to the faithful of the synagogue of La Grande-Motte and all the Jews of our country,” Macron wrote, promising that all efforts were being made to apprehend the perpetrator and to “protect places of worship.”

Police were hunting for the suspect and the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office was put in charge of the investigation, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said.

“This is an antisemitic attack. Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted,” Attal said on X.

“We won’t give up. In the face of antisemitism, in the face of violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated.”

Two cars parked at the synagogue in the seaside resort town were set ablaze at about 8:30 a.m., causing the blast that injured the police officer, according to French media reports. One of the cars allegedly contained a propane gas tank.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS Another synagogue in France was targeted. An explosion at the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, is treated as an arson with two cars exploding using a hidden gas bottle. A police officer was injured. Anti-Jewish hate crimes continue… pic.twitter.com/uxF3I9X6qs — (((Yuval David))) (@YuvalDavid) August 24, 2024

The blast occurred during Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest that runs from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday and often when many attend synagogue services. There was, however, no religious service ongoing at the time of the incident, a police source said.

Two doors of the synagogue were damaged in the blast.

The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) said the blast was “an attempt to kill Jews.”

The use of a gas canister “in a car at a time when worshippers are expected to arrive at the synagogue is not simply a criminal act,” CRIF president Yonathan Arfi said. “This shows an intention to kill.”

A suspect caught on a surveillance camera after the explosion was brandishing a Palestinian flag, according to a source close to the police’s terror probe into the incident.

There was no immediate information about the gravity of the police officer’s injuries.

Acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the incident was being treated as an “attempted arson” that was “clearly a criminal act.”

“I want to assure our Jewish fellow citizens of my full support and say that at the request of President Emmanuel Macron all means are being mobilized to find the perpetrator,” Darmanin said in a post on X.

He ordered more police deployed at Jewish places of worship around the country following a surge of antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last year.

Darmanin was expected to travel to Le Grand Motte later on Saturday along with Attal.

The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) called the explosion “an attempt to kill Jews.”

The use of a gas canister “in a car at a time when worshipers are expected to arrive at the synagogue is not simply a criminal act,” CRIF president Yonathan Arfi told AFP. “This shows an intention to kill.”

La Motte, which has around 8,500 permanent residents, is a popular seaside resort and visited by more than 100,000 tourists every year.

La Motte’s mayor, Stephan Rossignol, said that CCTV had picked up images of an individual setting fire to the cars.

UPDATE: 15-Year-Old Arrested in Connection to Knife Attack in Germany — Islamic Group Claims Responsibility

Islamic State claimed responsibility Saturday for a knife attack at a festival in Germany that left three people dead and eight hurt, according to reports.

The terrifying attack, which caused panic at the event in Solingen, was “in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere,” the militant group said on its Telegram account.

The attacker has been on the run for almost 24 hours.

A 15-year-old was arrested Saturday in connection with the German incident, authorities said.

A second arrest was made in connection to the deadly attack but no details about the person taken into custody were provided, per BBC.

Police cautioned the young suspect was not the attacker — but instead had been accused of failing to report a crime, according to CNN.

Witnesses claimed the teen had spoken to an unidentified person about “intentions that would match with the crime” shortly before the attack, senior public prosecutor Markus Caspers said in a news conference reported by the Washington Post.

Authorities noted multiple knives were found near the scene, Police Chief Markus Röhrl told reporters.

The attacker specifically targeted victims’ necks, police said, as per the Washington Post.

Three people — two men, aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman — were killed, police said.

Among the eight hurt, four are “very seriously injured” and in the hospital, police said.

The mayhem unfolded at around 9:30 p.m. in a central square of “Festival of Diversity,” an event marking the 650th anniversary of Solingen.

The attack occurred close to a stage during a musical act, according to police.

Organizers canceled the festival’s remaining lineup in response to the attack.

“This evening, we in Solingen are all in shock. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now have dead and wounded to lament,” Mayor Tim Kurzbach said on Facebook.

“It breaks my heart that an attack on our city happened,” he added.

The incident came less than a day before an antisemitic attack in southern France, in which someone set two cars on fire outside a synagogue.

Michigan GOP Convention Devolves Into Chaos After Former Chairwoman Is Forced to Leave

Michigan’s state GOP convention didn’t go on without a hitch.

Former Chairwoman Kristina Karamo, who the party ousted earlier this year, was escorted out by Flint police after wearing an all access credential that she wasn’t entitled to, according to a Michigan GOP source.

She was asked to wear a guest or campaign staff credential, but she allegedly refused and was asked to leave because she wasn’t allowed on the delegate floor.

“Pete Hoekstra wants me thrown out of the convention; I’m here supporting a candidate,” Karamo told reporters as she was being escorted out. “I did not cause any disruption. I didn’t scream or yell. I didn’t do anything wrong. All I did was walk in and support the candidate.”

“This is why the Michigan Republican Party — look at the convention, people yelling, booing, why? ‘Cause of the corruption in the party,” she continued.

Onlookers thanked her as she walked out the door. Also during the video, a voice is heard saying, “That credential is our property. We’re gonna want that back before she leaves the property.” In the video, she’s seen wearing the all-access credential.

Karamo kicked out of convention. https://t.co/zVepIgz4T1 pic.twitter.com/HoUuHLEeje — Ben Solis (@bensolis1) August 24, 2024

Karamo’s removal from the convention appears to be the climax of intraparty drama in which the party’s state committee underwent a seemingly dubious process to remove her. Less than half of the state committee’s roughly 100 members took part in the Jan. 6 vote, and those in attendance changed the party’s bylaws to shift the voting threshold to oust a party chair from 75% to 60%.

Those in attendance reportedly voted 40-5 in favor of removing her, and Karamo was outraged, saying she remained the party’s chairwoman. She held a meeting with committee members on Jan. 13. who reportedly voted in favor of her 59-1.

A court settled the matter in February, ruling Karamo isn’t the party chairwoman, affirming that former Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra would take the mantle.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Hoekstra as the Michigan GOP leader.

But at Saturday’s convention, where the party is expected to nominate its candidate for Senate, former Rep. Mike Rogers, among others being nominated for statewide office, Hoekstra received a chilly reception. The crowd relentlessly booed him before and after Karamo was removed.

Boos drowning out Michigan GOP Chair Pete Hoekstra as he tries to start addressing the convention. pic.twitter.com/J42PQNwEQN — Craig Mauger (@CraigDMauger) August 24, 2024

Hoekstra’s reception by the Michigan GOP crowd could illustrate continued support for Karamo within the party. While she was being removed, several onlookers yelled at police to refrain from touching her.

According to Bridge Michigan, another guest was removed by police and arrested for allegedly being belligerent and refusing to leave. The Detroit News reported the guest had shouted that Hoekstra was a “fake chair.”

“Due to the disruptive actions of a handful of participants, law enforcement have decided to increase their presence to ensure a safe and smooth convention,” Tyson Shepard, the Michigan GOP’s executive director, told the outlet.

Karamo came to prominence in 2020 as a poll watcher who denied that year’s election results and allegedly witnessed irregularities in vote counting. She later ran for Michigan secretary of state in 2022 but lost. She challenged the results of that election as well before she was elected to lead the state Republican Party in Feb. 2023.

The state party was motivated to remove her as chairwoman because of fundraising woes within the organization that caused it to sink at least half a million into debt by Oct. 2023. She was removed in January.

Karamo was ultimately removed from the convention premises at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, according to reporting from the scene. The convention’s proceedings were delayed before delegates proceeded with voting.

The Electoral Math: How RFK Jr.’s Exit Impacts the Swing States

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspending his campaign could shake up election results in key battleground states — as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are polling neck-and-neck in the fight to get to 270 electoral votes in any way possible.

Kennedy is polling at an average of 5% nationally, according to RealClearPolitics. The relatively small amount of support would be enough to impact the race on its face as it stands, but it depends on which candidate those voters would choose as their second-choice pick — and whether they even turn out.

The independent now ex-candidate — whose family’s lengthy legacy in Democratic politics has carried major political weight for decades — had previously garnered support from both Republicans and Democrats at about an equal amount, according to the polls.

His support hit a big crater after President Biden suspended his bid and endorsed Harris, with Kennedy dropping and Harris climbing — indicating that at least some Kennedy supporters may have jumped to the vice president’s campaign.

The Harris rise was enough to bother Donald Trump Jr., who helped broker talks with Kennedy’s team to secure an endorsement of his father. Kennedy on Friday said he “could not in good conscience” continue his campaign now that he has proven to be more of a vote-splitter than actual contender.

Here is a breakdown of how the battlegrounds stood before Kennedy dropped:

Pennsylvania

The Keystone State is the coveted gem for Trump and Harris. At 19 electoral votes, winning the state would give a big boost to either campaign.

Kennedy exiting the race would positively impact Trump in Pennsylvania, according to RCP.

With RFK Jr. in the race, the scales tip in Harris’ favor by 2% with her coming in at 46.3%, Trump getting 43.3% and Kennedy at 4.4%.

But in a head-to-head, Trump (47.7%) edges out Harris (47.5%) by .2%.

The former president also has the same .2% advantage in Arizona — where the announcement is taking place Thursday — with Kennedy dropping, per RCP.

Kennedy is pulling 5.8% in the state compared to Harris’ 45% and Trump’s 44.4%.

With his suspension, the race puts Trump (47.3%) over Harris (47.1%) with the small margin.

Michigan and Wisconsin

The Midwest battleground states don’t change their ultimate winner based on Kennedy’s presence in the race.

Both Michigan and Wisconsin have Harris coming out on top in both scenarios per RCP, but her lead is diminished in both states with Kennedy out.

Harris (46.3%) has a 1.7% lead over Trump (44.6%) with Kennedy in the race in Wisconsin — which diminishes to 1% with him out and his 5.1% support being split up between Trump (47.6%) and Harris (48.6).

In Michigan, Harris leads by 1.7% in a three-way race with Trump at 43.1%, her at 45.5% and Kennedy at 5.9%, but only leads by 1% in a head-to-head between herself (48.6%) and Trump (46.6%), per the outlet.

Nevada and Georgia

In both Nevada and Georgia, Trump benefits slightly more with Kennedy in the race, but still keeps his lead in a two-way race.

Nevada has Trump at 45.3% and Harris at 43%, while Kennedy averages 5.3%. A two-way race has Trump at 47.3% and the vice president at 46%.

In Georgia, Trump’s lead drops .7% with a two-way race with Harris instead of the three-way including Kennedy. With Kennedy in, Trump gets 46% compared to Harris’ 44.3% and Kennedy’s 4.%.

With him out, Trump comes in at 48.1% and Harris gets 47.1%.

Fauci Hospitalized with West Nile Virus, Now Recovering at Home

Anthony Fauci was hospitalized for six days this month after being infected with the potentially deadly West Nile Virus.

Fauci, the former longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is now back at home getting treatment.

Fauci, 83, who served on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, is expected to make a full recovery, a spokesperson told CNN.

The West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-spread disease in the continental US, with a median of over 2,200 cases being reported every year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

About 1,000 people are hospitalized each year with the most severe form of the disease, which if it spreads to the brain and nervous system, can cause brain swelling, brain damage and death with a 3-15 percent mortality rate.

There is no specific treatment for the virus or vaccine, but 80 percent of cases are mild, where sufferers may experience flu-like symptoms or rashes.

The most likely time to contract the virus is in August and September, during the height of mosquito season.

As of August 20, there have been 216 West Nile virus cases in the US across 33 states, according to a CDC tracker.

About 65 percent of the total caseload have been reported to be neuro-invasive.

As early as June, scientists were seeing a much greater number of West Nile virus cases than usual, leading to serious alarm.

Fauci himself addressed the West Nile virus back in 2004, when he was still NIAID director.

Responding to a question from someone on the online ‘Ask the White House’ forum, he wrote that the best way to prevent the virus is through mosquito control.

He added that there were ‘a number of promising candidates’ for a vaccine, but there remains no cure or inoculation for the virus over twenty years after he made this statement.

In June, Fauci testified front of Congress to better explain the government’s response to Covid.

Fauci told Republicans the six-foot social distancing rule ‘sort of just appeared’ and that he did not recall how it came about.

He added he ‘was not aware of studies’ that supported social distancing.

Fauci also conceded that Covid-19, which has killed a total of more than 1.2 million Americans, could have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in China.

‘I keep an open mind as to what the origin is,’ he said.

Meanwhile, there is another mosquito-borne illness that’s been wreaking havoc in a Massachusetts town.

The Board of Health in Oxford, a city of 13,300 people about 50 miles southwest of Boston, has set an outdoor curfew in hopes it will reduce the chances of people being bitten by mosquitoes which carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

A resident in the small town contracted the rare and untreatable illness – also known as ‘Triple E’ – marking the first time an American has been infected domestically in nearly four years.

Similar to the West Nile virus, Triple E causes a fever and brain swelling.

One-third of people infected with EEE die and those who recover are often left with lifelong physical and mental difficulties.

The dusk curfew, which falls around 8 pm in Massachusetts, is only a recommendation – not a rule – but town officials are hoping it will push people inside before peak mosquito hours, reducing risk of exposure.

While not a requirement, the local school district will be enforcing the curfew, meaning after-school programs and sports may be canceled, ended early or moved indoors.

Kamala’s Brother-In-Law ‘Legally’ Funneled Billions of Dollars to Left-Wing Groups and Lawyers

Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, may be the current world-class champ of presidential-family shady dealings, but not for long.

If Kamala Harris wins the White House, her brother-in-law, Tony West, who is married to her sister Maya, is poised to claim the crooked crown.

Then head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, he invented a new form of what 19th-early 20th centuries Tammany boss George Washington Plunkett famously called “Honest Graft.”

Until 1977, Congress had to approve any settlement of a civil suit against the Federal government over $100,000.

This preserved the Constitutional requirement that Congress control the government’s purse.

But in that year, seeking relief from the burgeoning volume of suits to review, Congress removed the cap, handing the Justice Department a permanent blank check to pay settlements unilaterally, in any amount, out of an account known as the Judgment Fund.

Run by the Treasury Department, the Judgment Fund’s secrecy is so complete that our often-penetrated CIA might study it for lessons.

The limited data released omits recipients, the facts underlying the case, and often the lawyers involved.

By statute, attorneys’ fees awarded need not be disclosed.

A Government Accountability Office study concluded that “no one knows the number of claims processed by the federal government each year.”

Still, for three decades, the integrity of Justice’s officials sufficed to prevent abuse.

Then, in 2009, Tony West took over the department’s Civil Division, the division that litigates and settles lawsuits.

Once West arrived, his deputy emailed colleagues asking “can you explain to Tony the best way to allocate some money toward an organization of our choosing?”

Settlements became the vehicle for paying off political allies.

For example, in late 2010, after a Supreme Court victory, DOJ lawyers were on the cusp of winning a decade-long fight against discrimination claims by 91 Hispanic and female farmers.

That’s when West intervened and, as The New York Times put it, “engineered a stunning turnabout.”

DOJ agreed to a $1.33 billion settlement which included thousands of farmers who had never claimed bias.

The deal was made over the “vehement objections” of the department’s career lawyers.

The Times’s investigative report described West’s settlement as a “runaway train, driven by racial politics . . . and law firms that stand to gain more than $130 million in fees.”

The projected settlement size ballooned to over $4.4 billion as additional plaintiffs were added, including Native American farmers.

The government’s statistical expert was appalled: “‘If they had gone to trial, the government would have prevailed . . . It was just a joke. . . . I was so disgusted. It was simply buying the support of the Native Americans.’”

This dirty deal also inflated the number of claimants, creating a $60 million windfall for the plaintiff’s lead lawyer, a member of the Obama/Biden transition team.

But West did not just bilk taxpayers. He shook down corporations, too.

In a series of bank settlements, his team added increasingly aggressive provisions requiring the institutions to make nearly a billion dollars in mandatory donations to Democrat-supporting activist groups.

Donations were given double credit against required targets, incentivizing these payments over direct relief to victims of the housing crises.

West’s team specifically structured the terms to ensure that they would benefit only their political allies while leaving conservative groups ineligible.

An internal email shows West deputies rewording a settlement’s donation provisions to ensure the bank could not select a “conservative” property rights organization as a recipient.

Over time, West grew even more brazen.

A 2016 Volkswagen settlement required the company to fund a $2 billion White House electric car initiative that Congress had specifically rejected.

The largesse delighted liberal groups.

An email circulated saying they ought to build a “statue” to West and “bow down to this statue each day after we receive our $200,000+.”

In this legal shakedown, California’s attorney general at the time, Kamala Harris, was an active participant, cosigning the agreements for her state.

The Biden-Harris Administration has continued West’s “Honest Graft” tactics to reward political allies on the taxpayers’ dime.

In 2021, a billion-dollar settlement with illegal immigrants claiming emotional distress was scotched only after public outcry.

Even then, DOJ quietly agreed to pay attorneys’ fees to the ACLU lawyers in the long-running case.

Recently, the Department agreed to pay $2 million to FBI Agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page for releasing their anti-Trump texts to Congressional investigators worried about political bias.

The pair claimed a violation of the Privacy Act, but the messages were sent on their government-issue phones which contain clear banner warnings that users lack any reasonable expectation of privacy.

DOJ had ample basis to litigate this case to completion before surrendering hard earned tax dollars to the disgraced FBI agents.

This form of civic corruption is not bipartisan.

At the start of his administration, President Trump’s Attorney General banned settlement slush funds, while one of the early acts of the Biden-Harris DOJ was to rescind that ban.

Elon Musk Will Rescue Nasa Astronauts Trapped on Space Station

Elon Musk will help bring two astronauts trapped on the International Space Station back to Earth early next year.

Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Sunita “Suni” Williams have been left stranded on the ISS because of problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft in which they arrived for an eight-day mission in June.

Nasa said on Saturday that the astronauts are now expected to return in February on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The spacecraft, which is manufactured by SpaceX, Boeing’s rival founded by Mr Musk, is due to launch next month as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission.

Mr Wilmore and Ms Williams, both former military test pilots, became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS.

But Starliner’s propulsion system suffered a series of glitches beginning in the first 24 hours of its flight to the ISS, triggering delays lasting until next year.

Five of its 28 thrusters failed and several leaks of helium, which is used to pressurise the small rockets, were detected, with Nasa deeming the issues too risky to carry its first crew home.

Following Nasa’s decision, Boeing’s Starliner chief Mark Nappi said in an email to company employees: “I know this is not the decision we had hoped for, but we stand ready to carry out the action’s necessary to support Nasa’s decision.

“The focus remains first and foremost on ensuring the safety of the crew and spacecraft.”

Starliner will undock from the ISS without a crew and attempt to return to Earth as it would have with astronauts aboard, while two of the Crew Dragon’s four astronaut seats will be kept empty for Mr Wilmore and Ms Williams.

In July, following news of the initial delays, Mr Williams said in a news conference: “It’s great to be up here, so I’m not complaining.”

Boeing had hoped the test mission would redeem the Starliner program after years of development problems and over $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion) in budget overruns since 2016.

The company is also struggling with quality issues on production of commercial planes, its most important products.

Boeing struggled for years to develop Starliner, a gumdrop-shaped capsule designed to compete with Crew Dragon as a second US option for sending astronaut crews to and from Earth’s orbit.

Starliner failed a 2019 test to launch to the ISS uncrewed, but mostly succeeded in a 2022 attempt where it also encountered thruster problems.

Its June mission with its first crew was required for Nasa to certify the capsule for routine flights, meaning Starliner’s path to certification path has been disrupted.

Since Starliner docked to the ISS in June, Boeing has scrambled to investigate what caused its thruster mishaps and helium leaks.

The company arranged tests and simulations on Earth to gather data that it has used to try and convince Nasa officials that Starliner is safe to fly the crew back home.

But the results raised more difficult engineering questions and failed to quell Nasa officials’ concerns about Starliner’s ability to make its crewed return trip – the most daunting and complex part of the test mission.

Nasa’s decision and Starliner’s now-uncertain path to certification will add to the crises faced by Kelly Ortberg, the new Boeing chief executive, who started this month with the goal to rebuild the planemaker’s reputation after a door panel blew off a 737 Max passenger jet in midair in January.

Ex-Trade Union Presidents Indicted in $20 Million Theft

Two former presidents of a major trade union along with five others were indicted Wednesday for allegedly being involved in a $20 million embezzlement scheme.

Seven people total, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union), were indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas.

They have been charged with offenses under the RICO Act, healthcare fraud and theft regarding retirement and healthcare plans, according to the Department of Justice.

This scheme has allegedly been ongoing for 15 years.

The defendants are former union presidents Newton Jones, 71, and Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59. Others indicted had or maintained high level positions at the union.

“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas said.

“The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”

Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office added, “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”

Among the embezzlement charges alleged in the indictment are:

• Over $5 million in unnecessary luxury international travel;
• Over $2 million in salary and benefits to Kateryna Jones and Cullen Jones for no-show jobs;
• Millions of dollars in cash payments relating to fraudulently claimed vacation time.

Jack Smith Opts Against Trump ‘Mini-Trial’ Before Election

Special Counsel Jack Smith has decided against seeking a major hearing to present evidence in the election-interference case against Donald Trump before voters go to the polls Nov. 5, Bloomberg reported.

The move means that it’s unlikely a so-called mini-trial, which would include evidence and testimony from possible blockbuster witnesses like former Vice President Mike Pence, would take place before the presidential election.

The decision is a win for Trump and his lawyers, who have fought efforts to reveal the substance of allegations against the former president. If Trump wins the election, the case would collapse as the Justice Department has a policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Trump could also order the department to throw it out.

Instead, Smith and his team are carefully revising the case against Trump, according to the people familiar, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter. The case has no chance of going to a jury trial before the election as a result of delays stemming from the Supreme Court’s ruling last month that he has some presidential immunity from criminal charges. If Democratic nominee Kamala Harris wins the election, Smith could still proceed with prosecuting Trump.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung didn’t comment on Smith’s plan. He said Trump’s team will continue to fight the cases against him, calling them “witch hunts” that should be dismissed in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Landmark Ruling

The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling held that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution over conduct related to their official duties, but not for private acts. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, who is overseeing the case, had been expected to hold hearings before the fall to examine which alleged conduct are official acts that can’t be prosecuted and which are private acts that can still be charged following the high court’s ruling.

Separately, Trump is seeking to delay a Sept. 18 sentencing for his conviction in a New York criminal case over hush-money payments on the grounds that it amounts to “election interference.” He faces as long as four years behind bars on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal paying adult film star Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.

In the election inteference case, Smith may not want to “show his hand” and reveal key evidence or witnesses that might jeopardize his chances for success at an eventual trial, said Mary McCord, a former federal prosecutor who served as acting head of the Justice Department’s national security division. Smith and other Justice Department leaders also don’t want to appear “blatantly political,” she said.

In light of the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling, Smith is focused on building the strongest case to persuade a jury to deliver a guilty verdict that would hold up on appeal and create a sound legal precedent, said the people.

Smith’s team and Trump’s lawyers are scheduled to file briefings Aug. 30 on how they want to proceed ahead of a Sept. 5 hearing before Chutkan. Smith is expected to propose a pathway forward in that filing and during the hearing, the people familiar said.

Chutkan could overrule Smith and order a major hearing prior to the election. More than likely, however, she will seek a middle ground in order to make factual determinations about what can and can’t be charged.

“If there’s a way forward that narrows the issues substantially that the government is proposing, and potentially even the Trump team would agree to, that’s just better for all concerned,” said McCord, executive director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law School. “It avoids some of the really tricky issues.”

Fast-Tracked Earlier

Earlier this year, Smith had raced to advance the case, urging the Supreme Court in April to quickly decide the issue of presidential immunity — all in an apparent effort to obtain a verdict before voters go the polls.

But the Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling that former presidents have immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office means that Smith must revise the charges against Trump, or possibly issue a new indictment.

Smith indicted Trump in Washington one year ago on charges that include conspiracy to defraud the US and obstruct the certification of the 2020 election. Smith filed a separate case against Trump in Florida for mishandling classified documents and obstructing justice. US District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed that case last month saying it was unconstitutional. Smith is appealing.

“The charges are already out there,” said Brandon Van Grack, a former federal prosecutor who is now a partner at the law firm Morrison & Foerster. “You can understand why the department and public would have an incentive to resolve these questions before an election, but that can’t happen now.”

Robert Kennedy Jr. Joins Trump at Arizona Rally

Robert Kennedy Jr. cemented his full devotion to Donald Trump before a raucous crowd of adoring supporters in Arizona Friday evening, finalizing his defection from the Democratic party.

The nephew of Democratic President John F. Kennedy joined the former president on stage to a barrage of raucous cheers.

The Trump campaign previously announced a ‘special guest’ would attend the rally, and the mysterious allure drew thousands to the Desert Diamond Arena – capacity nearly 20,000 – in Glendale, Arizona.

Earlier in the day in Phoenix, Kennedy pushed supporters who live in 10 swing states to back Republican nominee Donald Trump, but said his name would remain on the ballots in traditional red or blue states.

‘Tonight I am very pleased to welcome a man who has been an incredible champion, Trump said of Kennedy. ‘We’re both in this to do what’s right for the country.’

‘Bobby! Booby! Bobby!’ the crowd erupted in cheer.

‘I don’t think I have ever introduced anyone that has gotten the applause he got,’ Trump said, still in control of the audience.

He then launched some new policy ideas with Kennedy in mind.

‘In honor of Bobby .. I will establish a new independent commission on assassination attempts,’ Trump – an assassination survivor himself – said.

The panel would also investigate Trump’s July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.

‘And we will release all the documents pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.’

‘I have never had more people ask me, please, sir, release the documents on the Kennedy assassination, and we’re going to do that,’ he said.

The former president then lauded the Kennedy heir for his environmental efforts – and he said he would appoint the independent candidate to an ecological study panel to examine the effects of climate change.

Then he turned over the microphone.

Kennedy began talking about the things he and the former president both believe in.

‘We’re spending billions in Ukraine and we could use that money back here in the United States,’ Kennedy said. ‘Don’t you want a president whose going to get us out of the wars?’

He then spoke about censorship – something he has said has been a major issue for his campaign as a third party candidate, calling it ‘the first step to totalitarianism.’

The former Democrat also touched on making American foods less processed and unhealthy.’

‘President Trump is going to make America healthy again!’ Kennedy concluded his remarks.

‘Wow,’ Trump remarked regaining control of the podium, who explained that the two had long been friends.

He also floated a new policy after seeing demonstrators burn U.S. flags at protests in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention.

‘They outta make it illegal to burn the American flag,’ Trump said, before suggesting a new law.

‘You burn the American flag, you go to jail for one year,’ he said to cheers.

The ex-president also bashed Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign – ripping her border policies.

‘325,00 migrant children are missing, they are gone,’ he said. ‘She allowed them to be trafficked into this country.’

‘They will never see their homes or parents again,’ he said.

‘Kamala has set loose thousands of Venezuelan gang members.’

‘She supports deadly sanctuary cities,’ he continued on about the Biden-Harris immigration policies.

‘I look forward to the debate.’

Trump announces the creation of a Presidential Commission on Assassinations, to be led by Robert F. Kennedy, with full authority to declassify all documents related to JFK, RFK, and July 13.

President Trump announces the creation of a Presidential Commission on Assassinations, to be led by Robert F. Kennedy, with full authority to declassify all documents related to JFK, RFK, and July 13. The Deep State is finished. pic.twitter.com/YatdCT0POM — Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) August 23, 2024

Full rally:

Trump-Kemp Truce: Georgia Gov Promises to Help Trump

Former President Donald Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp found the perfect narrative Thursday night to upstage Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination acceptance speech, ending their feud dating to the 2020 election with a full-throated embrace that played out on national television.

The mutual endorsement reunited two of the GOP’s most powerful figures heading into the November election, and made the road for Democrats to score a win in Georgia more difficult.

“We need to send Donald Trump back to the White House,” Kemp said on Fox News’ “Hannity” show.

Trump is leading in the polls in Georgia, and Kemp owns one of the country’s most formidable state political machines, which propelled him to a landslide win in 2022 over Democrat favorite Stacey Abrams in the Georgia governor race.

“Thank you to #BrianKempGA for all of your help and support in Georgia, where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country,” Trump said minutes later on Truth Social.

“I look forward to working with you, your team, and all of my friends in Georgia to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

The embrace ended a rift that looked intractable as recently as just a few weeks ago when Trump launched a political attack on Kemp and his wife during a stop in Georgia, raising GOP fears the two would not work together to secure a win in the Peach State.

But cooler heads prevailed as Trump signaled soon after he wanted to repair the relationship and Kemp made clear he would vote for Trump and that voters couldn’t afford a Kamala Harris presidency.

Campaign sources said several figures played a key role in nudging the two political heavyweights toward mending fences, including Sean Hannity, South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham and Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus, the dean of conservative donors and a longtime supporter of both men.

Judge Rules Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend Caused Her Death, Throws Out Officer Charges

A federal judge has thrown out major felony charges against two former Louisville officers accused of falsifying a warrant that led police to Breonna Taylor’s door before they fatally shot her.

U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson’s ruling declared that the actions of Taylor’s boyfriend, who fired a shot at police the night of the raid, were the legal cause of her death, not a bad warrant.

Federal charges against former Louisville Police Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sgt. Kyle Meany were announced by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 during a high-profile visit to Louisville. Garland accused Jaynes and Meany, who were not present at the raid, of knowing they had falsified part of the warrant and put Taylor in a dangerous situation by sending armed officers to her apartment.

But Simpson wrote in the Tuesday ruling that “there is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylor’s death.” Simpson’s ruling effectively reduced the civil rights violation charges against Jaynes and Meany, which had carried a maximum sentence of life in prison, to misdemeanors.

The judge declined to dismiss a conspiracy charge against Jaynes and another charge against Meany, who is accused of making false statements to investigators.

When police carrying a drug warrant broke down Taylor’s door in March 2020, her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot that struck an officer in the leg. Walker said he believed an intruder was bursting in. Officers returned fire, striking and killing Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, in her hallway.

Simpson concluded that Walker’s “conduct became the proximate, or legal, cause of Taylor’s death.”

“While the indictment alleges that Jaynes and Meany set off a series of events that ended in Taylor’s death, it also alleges that (Walker) disrupted those events when he decided to open fire” on the police, Simpson wrote.

Walker was initially arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer, but that charge was later dropped after his attorneys argued Walker didn’t know he was firing at police.

A U.S. Justice Department spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the department is reviewing the judge’s decision and assessing next steps.

A third former officer charged in the federal warrant case, Kelly Goodlett, pleaded guilty in 2022 to a conspiracy charge and is expected to testify against Jaynes and Meany at their trials.

Federal prosecutors alleged Jaynes, who drew up the Taylor warrant, had claimed to Goodlett days before the warrant was served that he had “verified” from a postal inspector that a suspected drug dealer was receiving packages at Taylor’s apartment. But Goodlett knew that was false and told Jaynes the warrant did not yet have enough information connecting Taylor to criminal activity, prosecutors said. She added a paragraph saying the suspected drug dealer was using Taylor’s apartment as his current address, according to court records.

A fourth former officer, Brett Hankison, was also charged by federal prosecutors in 2022 with endangering the lives of Taylor, Walker and some of her neighbors when he fired into Taylor’s windows. A trial last year ended with a hung jury, but Hankison is schedule to be retried on those charges in October.

In 2022, the city of Louisville agreed to pay $2 million to settle lawsuits filed by Kenneth Walker in federal and state court.

Trending Today

Targeting super yachts owned by Russian oligarchs could hit a nerve in Moscow

Poor transparency around ownership of assets can cause challenges, experts say.

Social Sharing

With sanctions levied and financial assets seized, Russian oligarchs have been scrambling to get their super yachts out of Western ports in search of safer harbours. 

One yacht, said to belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself, abruptly left port in Hamburg, Germany, just weeks before the Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted wide-reaching sanctions. Others were not so quick to leave European ports. 

Authorities in La Ciotat, on France's Mediterranean coast, seized a yacht they say is linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Igor Sechin, the CEO of state oil company Rosneft. He was Russia's deputy prime minister from 2008 to 2012.

• Canada slaps sanctions on Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich
• Analysis With Russia pressing on and Ukraine digging in, how will Putin's war actually end?

Industry watchers say oligarchs everywhere are trying to keep their yachts from being taken.

​​"There's a few yachts that we are watching at the moment in the Atlantic," said Sam Tucker, head of super yachts at the firm VesselsValue, which tracks and estimates the value of these giant luxury yachts. 

"I'm expecting some of them to start doing U-turns in the middle of the ocean," he told CBC Radio's Day 6 .

Western countries have imposed a punishing package of sanctions and export control restrictions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Russia's biggest banks were hit, as was the country's central bank. Major state-owned companies and some of the country's wealthiest individuals have seen overseas assets frozen.

The investment bank JP Morgan Chase believes Russia's economy will shrink 35 per cent in the second quarter of 2022 and seven per cent for the entire year.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki says the suite of sanctions is meant to make every aspect of life difficult on Putin and the oligarchs who protect him.

"What we're talking about here is seizing their assets, seizing their yachts and making it harder for them to send their children to go to colleges and universities in the West," Psaki said in a briefing this week. "These are significant steps that will impact the people who are closely around President Putin."

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>´s Yacht "The Gracefull" inbound Kaliningrad from Hamburg in anticipation of future sanctions due to the conflict in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>. <a href="https://t.co/qdhAUhCH1m">pic.twitter.com/qdhAUhCH1m</a> &mdash; @GDarkconrad

Symbolic target

The yachts themselves are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but experts in Russian sanctions say this isn't just about the dollar value.

"They don't have much value compared to the total net worth of an oligarch," said Bill Browder, a long-time advocate for stiff sanctions against Russian oligarchs, in an email to CBC Radio. 

But they are "a highly symbolic attack on something coveted by the oligarchs."

These ultra-luxurious ships became a status symbol for the oligarchs as they amassed fortunes in the 1990s and early 2000s.

"There is a bit of oneupmanship," Tucker told Day 6 . He says the biggest and most expensive ships are cloaked in secrecy. They have extreme privacy and security features, including bulletproof glass, and some require crew to sign non-disclosure agreements.

But Tucker says the biggest security and privacy feature of all is the opaque ownership structure of the yachts. He says precious little information about who actually owns these ships is available.

"[Only] basic information is disclosed — for example, the registered owner — which is often a shell company or a 'special interest vehicle' registered in Monaco, Malta, [or the] Cayman Islands," he said.

Untying those knots is a notorious problem, but one usually confined to taxation issues.

"One thing that I think may come out of this whole situation is the increased call for transparency and transparent ownership," said Tucker.

Yachts on the move

So far, only four super yachts have been seized, including a 213-foot yacht owned by Alexei Mordashov in Imperia, Italy.

While authorities sift through the byzantine paper trail of ownership, other oligarchs have scrambled their crews to get the yachts to somewhere safe.

"One of the things I've been trying to figure out is, where do they go [next]?" asked Alex Finley, a former CIA officer living in Barcelona, in an interview with  As It Happens host Gillian Findlay .

This week, Finley tweeted photos tracking a ship said to be owned by Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who owns the Chelsea Football Club.

• Anxious Russians flee by the hundreds each day into neighbouring Finland

"A lot of these yachts that we've been looking at are heading towards the Maldives or the Seychelles. A few are in Montenegro, but they look like they're probably going to be on the move," Finley said in the interview .

Here you can see the sterns of both Aurora and Valerie, and in the other pic, the empty slip where Solaris used to be (which is the size of the empty hole in my heart). 7/ <a href="https://t.co/Luvj5vyWXp">pic.twitter.com/Luvj5vyWXp</a> &mdash; @alexzfinley

Neither the Maldives nor the Seychelles signed onto the sanctions, so the ships are probably safe from seizure there. Another major hub is Dubai.

"I think we're going to see Dubai as a big hotspot for these yachts," said Tucker. "It has hot weather all year round and … Russians can fly to Dubai without going through the EU airspace."

Tucker agrees that targeting the yachts is a symbolic move.

"It's really sending the message that they aren't untouchable. We've closed the skies on both sides of the Atlantic so their private jets can't operate, and now we're going after their super yachts," he said.

"I'd be feeling quite vulnerable if I was an oligarch right now."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Business Reporter

Peter Armstrong is a senior business reporter for CBC News. A former host of On the Money and World Report on CBC Radio, he was previously a foreign correspondent and parliamentary reporter for CBC. Subscribe to Peter's newsletter here: cbc.ca/mindyourbusiness Twitter: @armstrongcbc

Interview with Sam Tucker produced by Rachel Levy-Mclaughlin

Related Stories

• U.K. imposes sanctions on Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Your weekly look at what’s happening in the worlds of economics, business and finance. Senior business correspondent Peter Armstrong untangles what it means for you, in your inbox Monday mornings.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.

Insurers refusing to indemnify €1.65bn worth of airplanes stuck in Russia, court hears

Smbc aviation capital wants court to determine meaning and effect of ‘war risks’ and ‘all risks’ policies.

Three Dublin-registered companies involved in international aircraft leasing have brought High Court proceedings against insurers’ refusal to provide indemnity for the loss of some $1.75 billion (€1.65 billion) worth of airplanes detained in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

SMBC Aviation Capital Ltd, Global Aviation Ltd, and Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Ltd are suing 11 international insurers for declining to cover losses under either “all risks” or “war risks” policies. The insurers include Lloyds, Swiss Re International SE, Chubb European Group SE, Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers (Europe) SAS and AIG Europe SA.

The firms say the aircraft have an aggregate value of US$1.75 billion and, under the war risks policy, there is a liability limit of US$1 billion.

They say that when the Russians invaded Ukraine on February 24th, the aircraft were subject to aircraft lease agreements between one or other of the three firms and Russian airlines.

Google turns 20: shareholders celebrate growth of more than 7,500%

Kamala Harris campaign proves good for ‘legacy’ ad business

Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton secures another tranche of shares

Your retirement savings are increasingly tied to the fortunes of big tech

Following the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia, the firms sought the return of the aircraft but it has not been possible to recover them.

When they called on the insurers to confirm cover for the aircraft, the defendants declined to do so, they claim. Lloyds, in its capacity as the “war risks” insurer, said it would not confirm indemnity at that time and needed additional time to consider coverage.

What will the easing of bankers’ pay restrictions do for competition dynamics?

However, Catherine Ennis, chief legal officer and secretary of SMBC Aviation Capital, said in an affidavit that the plaintiffs were not prepared to afford additional time in circumstances where cover has been declined for similar claims. Litigation has been necessary both here and in other jurisdictions, she said.

In an application to have the case admitted to the High Court’s fast-track commercial list on Monday, Ms Ennis also said it was in the interest of all parties that the court determines quickly the meaning and effect of the war risks and all risks policies.

The firms are seeking orders and declarations including that the war risk insurers pay $1 billion under the policy and that the all risk insurers pay $1.75 billion.

Mr Justice Denis McDonald admitted the case to the Commercial Court, on consent between the parties, and said it could come back later this month when similar applications will be made by other aircraft leasing firms to have their cases dealt with in the fast-track list.

Those cases are by Avolon Aerospace (Hamilton) AOE 1 and associated companies and BOC Aviation (Ireland) and associated companies. Two other similar cases have also been brought by CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC and associated companies and JetAir 1 Ltd and associated companies.

Four other similar cases are being brought in England and Wales and the USA.

IN THIS SECTION

Why are irish house prices surging again, daa reveals dublin airport cap will cost ireland €500m next year, tax position on gift for carer who did not qualify for inheritance, ‘the minute you start murdering their language, they stop you’, i never wanted to be seen as martyr or victim but i can’t stay silent on my suspension as a catholic priest, aer lingus flyover at aviva college football game takes residents by surprise, ‘it’s a gradual evolution’: dublin city centre’s new traffic plan comes into effect, teenager dies and man (20s) injured in single-vehicle crash in co donegal, darren’s abuse by the priest ended when he was 11. his story remains one of the worst i’ve heard, latest stories, keegan bradley leads bmw championship with rory mcilroy seven behind, leaving cert results helpdesk: our experts answer your questions, maureen dowd: it’s going to be a very ugly slugfest between the unserious man and the untested woman, israel says strikes in lebanon stopped larger hizbullah attack.

Business Today

Get the latest business news and commentary from our expert business team in your inbox every weekday morning

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards