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Trump Provides Bizarre Reason For Keir Starmer Quitting As PM

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Trump Provides Bizarre Reason For Keir Starmer Quitting As PM

Donald Trump has come up with a bizarre reason for Keir Starmer’s decision to resign as prime minister.

The US president suggested that Starmer’s decision for the UK not to get involved in the Iran war was “very unpopular” and led to him quitting.

The outgoing PM announced last month that he would be stepping down after admitting Labour MPs did not want him to lead them into the next general election.

However, his replacement – widely expected to be Makerfield MP Andy Burnham – will not get the keys to No.10 until July 20, so Starmer is still representing Britain on the world stage at this week’s Nato summit.

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Speaking at the summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump once again accused Nato of failing to back America in Iran.

“I was very disappointed with Nato,” the president began. “We weren’t treated well because we did something in Iran.

“We don’t need anybody’s help, but before I asked they said they wouldn’t be there.”

Trump tried to get the UK to let American jets use RAF bases to launch offensive strikes on Tehran earlier this year.

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Starmer refused, only permitting their use for defensive attacks on missile depots and rocket launchers.

He also rejected Trump’s call to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s blockade of the major waterway.

Trump added: “In the case of the United Kingdom, the prime minister, I guess he’s no longer there, maybe because of this, it was a very unpopular thing he did.

“He said ‘no we’ll help after the war is over’. I said ‘we don’t need that kind of help’.”

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Starmer actually enjoyed a popularity boost over his response to Trump’s war in Iran while British voters’ trust in America fell, according to polls.

The president also renewed his criticism that Nato allies do not spend enough on defence and are too reliant on the US.

He said: “Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars and they’re not there for us? We’ve always been there for them.”

Nato’s mutual defence clause has only ever been triggered in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on New York, where allies joined US troops in Afghanistan.

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Starmer has come under some criticism for not spending enough on defence, though.

Starmer’s recent Defence Investment Plan (DIP) did not outline any pathway for how the government plans to hit its target of spending 3.5% of national income on defence by 2035.

Starmer insisted that, once security spending is added, Britain will be spending 4.2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by then.

That still falls short of the pledge all Nato allies made last year to increase defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by the middle of the next decade.

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Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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More Cambridgeshire residents to get food waste bins from September

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Cambridgeshire Live

Another Cambridgeshire district is set to benefit from weekly food waste collections

Another Cambridgeshire district will soon benefit from food waste bins. In June, food waste collections began across East Cambridgeshire.

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Residents across Fenland will soon be able to recycle their food waste too, with new caddies being delivered from next Monday (July 13). It will take around six weeks for all households to get their new caddies, and then weekly food waste collections will begin from Monday, September 7.

Councillor Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for waste and recycling said: “We already have a fantastic waste and recycling service here in Fenland, and these new food waste collections will make it even better.

“Around a third of the waste that currently goes in our green bins is food waste – much of which can be recycled. By introducing free weekly collections, we’re not only meeting national legislation, but helping people recycle their food waste in an environmentally friendly way while freeing up space in their green bins.

“The service is completely optional too. Residents can decide whether to take part, but we’re confident everyone will enjoy the benefits. An information leaflet will be included in the food waste caddies to help people understand the new service and there’s lots of information on our website too.”

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More than 90,000 caddies will be delivered to over 45,000 homes across the district from next week. Each household will receive a five litre indoor caddy; a roll of caddy liners; a larger 23 litre outdoor caddy; and an instruction leaflet.

The first phase of caddy deliveries are set to be completed by the end of August. Residents can start to fill their caddies on the week commencing August 31.

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Echo Comment on prospect of early release for Dana Carr

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Echo Comment on prospect of early release for Dana Carr

In December 2023, Carr was sentenced to nine years in jail for allowing her daughter’s death and to six years in jail for child cruelty. The two sentences are to run together, so the maximum she could serve is nine years.

In April 2025, the Court of Appeal agreed that this sentence was not unduly harsh.

However, due to the overcrowded nature of Britain’s prison, the 2026 Sentencing Act allowed prisoners not convicted of murder or violent sexual offences to be released having served just a third of their sentences as long as they had shown good behaviour and would not pose a risk to the public.

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It is generally understood that the government had to do something to alleviate the problem of overcrowded prisons in the short term before more cells could be built, and early release was therefore a solution.

But the public imagined it would apply to petty criminals who had managed to kick their drug habit and so stood a chance in the outside world when released early.

Carr did not kill little Maya – her partner, Michael Daymond was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years – but child cruelty and permitting the death cannot surely be viewed as crimes that are suitable for the earliest possible release? What does that suggest about the value of Maya’s life?

The penal system should not be vindictive against offenders, but, equally, it should not inflict distress upon the families of victims. The Ministry of Justice really should think long and hard before embarking on a route that is bound to do so.

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Argentina vs Egypt LIVE: Lionel Messi in tears after all-time great World Cup comeback

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Argentina vs Egypt LIVE: Lionel Messi in tears after all-time great World Cup comeback

Lionel Scaloni’s side needed an 111th-minute own goal in Miami to prevent being taken to a penalty shootout by the tournament’s surprise package amid a slew of injury issues, having twice been pegged back following goals by Messi and Lisandro Martinez. Argentina will be desperate to bounce back and reassert some authority here as they make three changes, with Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez all coming in.

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How candle making is creating a brighter future for refugees

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How candle making is creating a brighter future for refugees

In the US, one social enterprise hires newly arrived refugees to make sustainable candles, helping them earn money, practise English and build an employment record

When Maguno arrived in Olympia, Washington, in 2023 with two of her adult sons, after fleeing war in the Congo and spending 30 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania, she was not only starting again. One of the first things she wanted to do was pay back the travel loan that had helped bring her family to the US.

Like many refugees resettled in the US, she was expected to repay the cost of those flights after arrival. For Maguno, clearing the debt meant work, income and proof of independence in a country where newly arrived refugees can find themselves shut out by language barriers, missing references and no local employment record.

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That chance came from Relume, an artisan candle company in Olympia, where resettled refugees are paid to hand-pour sustainable candles while practising English and building the kind of work history that can help them move through the US jobs market.

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“Work is necessary because it is how you get food, pay for housing, and live until you pay the bills,” Maguno tells Positive news. “Work is good for a human being. When you are healthy you must work.”

With her wages from Relume, she has now paid off the loan that helped bring her family to the US. Repaying it, she said, felt like honouring the chance she had been given.

“I feel like I’m being honest, that is why I paid off the loan with them from America,” she said.

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Relume was founded by friends Rand Roedell and Karima Bassalé after they saw newly arrived refugees in the Pacific Northwest struggling to find work. Many had the will and the need to earn, but applications stalled when employers asked for fluent English, US experience, local references or simply felt unsure about hiring someone who had only recently arrived.

“The language barrier was a huge component for people not getting hired,” said Bassalé. “We witnessed translators being pulled last minute from interviews, after working tirelessly to find one. There was also the component of the unknown, people weren’t willing to take a risk on hiring someone who had newly arrived in the country, and I’m not certain as to why.

“But these people are our friends, we know them, and hiring them has been a great joy for us.”

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These people are our friends, we know them, and hiring them has been a great joy for us

Candles were a practical answer to a practical problem. The work can be taught on the job, does not require fluent English or a formal education, and gives people the chance to learn while earning.

“Making candles does not require proficiency in English, nor does it require a formal education,” said Bassalé. “Creating this business was also a way for other people in the community to get involved. Often, we feel helpless when people in positions of authority make decisions that negatively impact certain people groups, but buying a candle is something people can do to help become a part of the solution.”

Relume’s candles are made with soy wax from US-grown soybeans, phthalate-free fragrances and cotton wicks free from zinc and lead, then poured into recycled Spanish glass jars designed to be reused. The product has to be good enough to stand on its own, but the way it is made is what gives the business its purpose.

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Eiman, another Relume candlemaker, was born in Syria and fled with her family to Jordan after war broke out when she was 10. In December 2024, she arrived in the US with her husband, Tarek, and their two young sons, beginning again in a place where ordinary tasks could feel difficult before language, work and community began to fall into place.

“At first it was difficult, we didn’t know anyone here, nor did we speak the language well. The future was uncertain – we didn’t know where to go or what to do – but we faced all the challenges and now we are doing very well.

“Relying on myself, interacting more with people, gaining a better understanding of the language, and earning money have all empowered me,” she said.

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Relying on myself, interacting more with people, gaining a better understanding of the language, and earning money have all empowered me

Volunteers come into the candle shop to teach English on work days, with the candlemakers paid for that time, while families also gather for meals, helping make the business feel less like a temporary fix and more like a community.

“The team takes ownership of the candle shop, they have a strong sense of belonging with the larger Relume community as well,” said Bassalé. “One day, we would love to serve as a reference for them as they grow beyond Relume.”

From its workshop in Olympia, Relume now ships candles to customers across 40 US states, according to the company. Its growth suggests that people are willing to buy from businesses where the human story is part of the product, as long as the product itself is worth buying.

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For Bassalé, Maguno repaying her travel loan gave the founders a sharper sense of what steady work can unlock.

“It was joyous and emotional when we learned she paid off her travel loan debt,” said Bassalé. “We learned how important her financial independence was to her. It made me realize that there’s restoration that takes place within a person, when they can work, particularly if they have been unable to for decades due to their circumstance, which was no fault of their own.”

Maguno’s loan is now paid, Eiman says she feels more able to rely on herself, and Bassalé hopes Relume can one day be the reference that helps someone move into their next job. For a small candle company, that is a useful kind of light to be making.

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Images: Relume 

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Tim Henman urges Wimbledon to scrap controversial rule: ‘It disrupts matches’

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Tim Henman urges Wimbledon to scrap controversial rule: ‘It disrupts matches’
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman (Picture: Getty)

Tim Henman wants to see Wimbledon scrap a controversial rule following Arthur Fery’s memorable victory over Grigor Dimitrov.

After what was a hugely disappointing first week for the Brits, Fery gave the home fans plenty to cheer for after punching his ticket to the quarter-finals at the All England Club.

The 23-year-old wildcard prevailed in a final-set tie-break against Dimitrov and will now face ninth seed Flavio Cobolli for a place in the final four.

In a topsy-turvy encounter on Centre Court, it was Fery who took the opening set before being pegged to one set all by Dimitrov.

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The Brit then opted for a take a toilet break to change his clothes, which players are allowed to do twice during a five-set encounter.

Usually, a player is allowed three mintues for a toilet break, but that is extended to five minutes if they are also changing clothes.

These limits are designed to prevent tactical delays, but Henman suggested that amount of time is still excessive and risks ruining the momentum of a match.

Day Eight: The Championships - Wimbledon 2026
Arthur Fery beat Grigor Dimitrov to reach the quarter-finals (Picture: Getty)

‘Once you get to the area that you’re going to change your clothes, you get five minutes,’ Henman said while on commentary for the BBC.

‘There’s a couple of little changing options just behind those doubles doors behind Centre Court.

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‘For me it’s a break that you’d like to get rid of, but unfortunately if it’s a bathroom break, or playing in these hot climates around, which you’d probably put London into it now, I think you’ve always got to give the players that opportunity.

‘But it does disrupt the rhythm, and therefore the momentum of these matches sometimes.’

2021 US Open - Day 8
Tim Henman wants to see rule changes regarding bathroom breaks (Picture: Getty)

Henman’s comments surrounding toilet breaks have been far from the only topic of disccussion when it comes to tennis’ rules at Grand Slams.

Speaking earlier in the week, third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime urged governing bodies to change the ‘disgraceful’ rule surrounding medical timeouts.

‘I think the [medical timeout] rule has to change,’ he said after his win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

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‘I think that, obviously, as long as the rule is like that, a player will use it to their advantage.

‘I think that it’s very simple. If you’re hurt bad, or whatever you’re hurt, while the game’s going on of your opponent, in the middle of the game, the opponent is serving, the shot clock is on, basically when you’re hurt bad, you’re forfeiting every point until you can call the physio.

‘If the physio helps you recover, you play your service game. If you’re hurt bad, then you retire, obviously.

‘But to stop in the middle of an opponent’s service game, and to be able to call the physio, I think that’s a disgrace of a rule.

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‘I don’t see any other sport where you can do that. I mark my words. It’s a disgrace of a rule. So that’s it.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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Switzerland vs Colombia – World Cup last 16 LIVE: Los Cafeteros battle with the Swiss for the final quarter-final spot

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Switzerland vs Colombia - World Cup last 16 LIVE: Los Cafeteros battle with the Swiss for the final quarter-final spot

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Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage of the latest updates as Switzerland take on Colombia in the round of 16 in the World Cup in Vancouver. 

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Lionel Messi in floods of tears after Argentina score THREE in 13 minutes to complete great World Cup escape against Egypt

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Lionel Messi cried tears of joy and relief after Argentina edged past Egypt in their last-16 clash
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Lionel Messi broke down with tears of joy after Argentina survived a major World Cup scare to advance to the quarter-finals.

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The reigning champions looked set to be dumped out at the last 16 stage when they were trailing Egypt 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the second half.

However, in one of the great comebacks in World Cup history, they scored three goals in 13 minutes to stun Egypt and set up a quarter-final showdown with either Switzerland or Colombia on Sunday, 2am (BST).

And as Argentina celebrated at the full-time whistle, Messi cried tears of joy and relief that his World Cup will continue into the weekend.

Messi was hugged by several of his team-mates – as an outpouring of emotion came out from the Argentina squad.

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ITV pundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville were quick to react to the scenes unfolding from the Atlanta Stadium. 

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Lionel Messi cried tears of joy and relief after Argentina edged past Egypt in their last-16 clash

‘Those are tears of relief, he’s getting that emotional,’ remarked Neville. 

‘They’ve [Argentina] got an indestructible spirit. They are so wedded to that badge, that shirt, playing for their country. He [Messi] knows how close they came, that’s why he’s crying like that.’

Keane concurred, saying: ‘My voice is gone. I loved it. Yesterday [Tuesday] we saw sad tears from [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Today we see happy tears from Messi. 

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‘They [Argentina] will not give up. The quality of their goals were amazing. Wow. This is why we love the game. Absolutely amazing.’

How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE.

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Get ready for one of the biggest events in Hutton Buscel

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Get ready for one of the biggest events in Hutton Buscel

Get ready for one of the biggest events ever to come to Hutton Buscel as the Village Hall is set to host an unforgettable music festival packed with outstanding live performers throughout the day on Saturday, July 18, starting at 2pm.

There will be plenty to keep you entertained, including stalls, afternoon refreshments from 2pm, BBQ from 5pm and drinks from the bar until 9pm.

The stage is set and ready to welcome an incredible line-up of local and national performers from across Yorkshire and beyond.

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Headlining the event is the sensational Nancy Tilley, fresh from her appearance as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent. Combining exceptional drumming skills with a powerful vocal performance, Nancy is guaranteed to wow the crowds. Supported by her dad Paul Tilley, their energy and stage presence will have everyone on their feet and singing along.

Top that with the nationally acclaimed, Freddie Schmuck (of The Feens), who has previously held a number one spot on the iTunes chart with over half a million streams.

Freddie has performed on some of the UK’s most prestigious stages, including Manchester, Leeds O2, Scarborough Open Air Theatre and the Isle of Wight Music Festival. Bringing a wealth of professional experience and unforgettable live music from iconic 90’s indie and classic Britpop, right up to current hits that promise to have everyone dancing.

From Scarborough is the talented Beth Harrop, a well-loved performer who has entertained audiences across the region with her outstanding vocals and lively performances. Travelling from Leeds are Paul and Tony, a popular guitar duo, who will be performing many of your favourite covers and crowd-pleasing classics.

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The festival kicks off in style during the afternoon with the renowned Stape Silver Band from Pickering, widely regarded as one of the finest brass bands in the region. They’ll be followed by local favourites LB & The Beings, bringing their unique sound and helping to set the perfect atmosphere for a fantastic day of music.

One of the organisers Di Todd said: “All of the Village Hall team are genuinely excited about the music festival, and we can’t wait for the 18th July. We have an army of volunteers who will be helping to make the day run smoothly for everyone.”

“We’d like people to bring their family, bring their friends, bring their camping chairs and festival vibes, and join us for a day of fantastic music, great food and drink, and lots of community spirit.”

“The event starts at 2pm but the advice is to get there early to secure your spot. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, brass, acoustic classics, or simply enjoy great live entertainment full of local talent, the Hutton Buscel Music Festival promises something for everyone.”

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Petrifying new photos show sagging Manhattan skyscraper that continues to move after buckled beams triggered mass evacuation… as city official insists any collapse will be ‘localized’

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The Manhattan office building, which once housed pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, was evacuated Tuesday morning after construction workers noticed cracks and buckling columns

Petrifying photos show the sagging Midtown Manhattan office building that was evacuated after two beams buckled and several floors collapsed.

City officials say the 37-story skyscraper on East 42nd Street remains unstable and has ‘continued to move since we have been on the scene.’ 

But experts insist that any collapse would be localized and that, due to its steel supports, the high-rise won’t come toppling down.

They are using ‘specialized tools’ to monitor any movement in ‘centimeters or a fraction of an inch.’ 

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Construction crews evacuated the skyscraper on East 42nd Street just after 8am Tuesday after they discovered that two support beams had begun to buckle.

The 21st to 26th floors of the building near Grand Central Terminal caved in under stress, officials say. Multiple cracks and sagging floors have been reported throughout the high-rise.

Footage filmed by workers showed the massive silver beams on the 21st and 22nd floors buckling and bending just moments before the floor started to crumble.

No injuries have been reported, but an evacuation has been ordered as a precaution. Eight nearby buildings have also been evacuated as emergency crews attend the scene. 

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The Manhattan office building, which once housed pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, was evacuated Tuesday morning after construction workers noticed cracks and buckling columns

FDNY found two structural columns buckled on the 21st floor of the high-rise

FDNY found two structural columns buckled on the 21st floor of the high-rise

The 21st to 26th floors of the building near Grand Central Terminal caved in under stress, officials say. Multiple cracks and sagging floors have been reported throughout the site

The 21st to 26th floors of the building near Grand Central Terminal caved in under stress, officials say. Multiple cracks and sagging floors have been reported throughout the site

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City officials are using specialized tools to monitor the building's movement

City officials are using specialized tools to monitor the building’s movement

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‘It’s a very serious situation because the box beams, the steel beams, have started to bend and deflect from the weight,’ FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito said. 

‘We evacuated the building and started evacuations of surrounding buildings. The building has continued to move since we have been on the scene.’

The skyscraper, which once housed pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, was being converted into a 1,500-unit luxury apartment complex.

All workers have been accounted for as of 1pm, the FDNY said. 

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A site worker has accused the construction project’s general contractor of irresponsibility following the emergency evacuation. 

‘The general contractor chose to go non‑union for this project. All we want is responsible construction in the City of New York,’ Cliff Johnson, of Steamfitters Local 638, told PIX 11.

‘They did not shore up the job correctly. The beams started crumbling, the floors started crumbling, and they might have to evacuate the other side.’ 

Johnson said the project was a ‘total renovation’ and that crews were gutting the entire building. 

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Renovation plans included adding 11 extra floors to the high-rise, he added. 

Several FDNY crews outside the 37-story skyscraper on East 42nd Street on Tuesday

Several FDNY crews outside the 37-story skyscraper on East 42nd Street on Tuesday 

Terrifying footage filmed by workers inside the building showed the massive silver beams buckling and bending
Moments later, the floor started crumbling

Terrifying footage filmed by workers inside the building showed the massive silver beams buckling and bending just moments before the floor started to crumble

First responders were called to the building near Grand Central Terminal around 8am Tuesday

First responders were called to the building near Grand Central Terminal around 8am Tuesday

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Metro Loft Management is understood to be overseeing the building renovations. 

In a statement to PIX, the company said: ‘First and foremost, we want to thank the FDNY, NYPD, and DOB for their quick response. The safety of everyone at and surrounding the building is our number one priority.

‘We’re thankful there were no injuries, and as the DOB clarified, no debris fell from the building. We want to confirm that the affected area is a small section of one of the two buildings on this site. As the FDNY spokesperson noted, the entire building itself is not at risk of collapse.’

Metro Loft has not responded to the Daily Mail’s request for comment. 

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The construction site was issued seven violations from the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) last year, public records showed.

The violations, which resulted in over $32,000 in penalties, were construction safety-related and have since been resolved.

One of the penalties was a $10,000 violation for failing to notify the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) of a construction incident that resulted in injury.

DOB inspectors responded to the site on Tuesday following the evacuations and are actively investigating the situation.

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The department does have an active permit for the ongoing construction work, officials said.

Eight nearby buildings have also been evacuated as emergency crews attend the scene

 Eight nearby buildings have also been evacuated as emergency crews attend the scene

East 42nd Street, between Second and Third avenues, is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as officials continue their investigation. Commuters are advised to avoid the area

East 42nd Street, between Second and Third avenues, is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as officials continue their investigation. Commuters are advised to avoid the area

City officials say the cause of Tuesday’s buckling remains under investigation. 

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East 42nd Street, between Second and Third avenues, is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Commuters are advised to avoid the area.

Construction crews self-evacuated from the 37-story skyscraper after they discovered that two support beams had begun to buckle on the 21st and 22nd floors

Construction crews self-evacuated from the 37-story skyscraper after they discovered that two support beams had begun to buckle on the 21st and 22nd floors

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is on the scene, which he has called an ‘extremely serious situation.’

The mayor urged anyone in the area to follow the instructions of the first responders on site.

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‘Now luckily there have been no injuries to report at this time, all workers are accounted for, the building has been evacuated, a number of tall buildings in the area are also being evacuated at this time, a school with about 400 children has also been evacuated,’ he said.

Approximately 150 firefighters and EMS members responded to the scene, as well as representatives from the DOB and NYC Emergency Management.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signs the country’s strongest AI regulation bill

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signs the country’s strongest AI regulation bill

Illinois has taken a significant step in regulating artificial intelligence, with Gov. JB Pritzker signing legislation on Monday that mirrors similar bills in California and New York.

The move underscores a growing push for state-driven national frameworks in the absence of comprehensive federal regulations.

Pritzker emphasized the necessity of state action, stating, “Congress and the president ought to be passing similar legislation, but they’ve so far been unwilling, because many are captive to special interests that profit from the industry having no regulation.”

(Reuters)

He added, “We can work together to establish thoughtful guardrails in ways that benefit both industry and the public, or we can allow a handful of actors to evade accountability and push the costs and detriment onto ordinary people. Illinois has chosen our path.”

The new law, Senate Bill 315, also known as the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, targets the largest AI models – those generating over $500 million in annual revenue and trained using extensive computing power. It mandates increased transparency and accountability for these powerful systems.

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The legislation aligns closely with California’s SB-53 and New York’s Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, both enacted in late 2025.

It introduces new reporting standards for potential large-scale harms, such as an AI model assisting in the creation of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or facilitating cyber-attacks.

State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, a Democrat from Libertyville and the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the urgent need for states to preempt these risks.

“We are not willing to wait for Congress to act,” Edly-Allen asserted. She used an analogy to illustrate the potential dangers: “There’s an old saying: Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach him to fish, he eats for a lifetime. Teach AI to fish, though, and it might just empty the whole river trying to figure out how.”

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While Illinois, California, and New York collectively represent only about 20% of the national population, lawmakers estimate they account for roughly 40% of the U.S. AI market.

This significant market share effectively positions their combined regulations to establish a de facto national standard.

Under the new law, AI model developers are required to publish a framework detailing how they identify and assess “catastrophic risk.”

This is defined as the likelihood of incidents that could cause death or serious injury to more than 50 people or result in over $1 million in property damage.

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Developers must also report any incidents that could cause harm to the state within 72 hours of identification, or within 24 hours if there is an imminent risk of death or serious physical injury.

Representative Daniel Didech, a Democrat from Buffalo Grove and the bill’s House sponsor, stressed that the harms the legislation addresses are not theoretical.

“We have already seen the first AI-inspired mass shooting. We have already seen AI systems utilized to attack a municipal water and drainage utility,” Didech noted. He also referenced Anthropic’s Mythos model, which the company deemed too powerful a cyberweapon for public release.

Anthropic supported Illinois’ bill and had representatives present at the signing. Didech drew parallels to other transformative technologies, stating, “Every transformative technology in our history, from automobiles to electricity to air travel, has delivered enormous benefits while carrying real risks, and in every case the government responded not by banning the technology and not by taking a hands-off approach, but by building safeguards, so everyday people can trust that these technologies are safe.”

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Illinois’ version of the law includes a first-in-the-nation requirement for mandatory annual third-party audits, a stricter provision than New York’s, which only required a single independent audit once developers met the qualifying criteria.

This audit provision was a point of contention for some industry stakeholders, including TechNet, a coalition of tech executives. Ninia Linero, a TechNet representative, expressed concerns in committee on May 20, stating, “We remain concerned that Illinois would effectively be requiring private actors to make highly subjective determinations requiring AI safety compliance without established national standards, certifications, or clear regulatory guardrails.”

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