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Facebook Tweet Email Link Hong Kong — China’s famed Shaolin Temple announced on Sunday that its abbot is under investigation for suspected embezzlement and “improper relationships” with women, reviving decade-old allegations against the controversial, high-profile monk. Shi Yongxin, known as “CEO monk” for his entrepreneurial endeavors that transformed the Buddhist monastery into a commercial empire, is suspected of criminal offenses including embezzlement and misappropriation of project funds and temple assets, the temple’s authority said in a statement. The 59-year-old monk was also accused of seriously violating Buddhist precepts by maintaining “improper relationships” with multiple women over an extended period and…
Seoul, South Korea CNN — South Korea remains “the enemy” of North Korea despite recent moves by Seoul to ease tensions along the 38th parallel, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in state media Monday. North Korea has “no interest” in talks with the South no matter what proposal is offered, Kim Yo Jong said in a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim’s comments mark North Korea’s first official response since the new South Korean government took office on June 4 following months of political turmoil over the disgraced former leader…
Facebook Tweet Email Link AP — Russia on Sunday opened a regular air link between Moscow and Pyogyang, a move reflecting increasingly close ties between the two countries. The first flight operated by Russian carrier Nordwind took off from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport carrying over 400 passengers. Russia’s Transport Ministry said there will be one flight a month to meet demand. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex. The resort, which can accommodate nearly…
Benicio Del Toro starring in Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme”and Reneé Rapp’s second studio album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Jason Momoa brings his passion project “Chief of War” to Apple TV+, there’s a coxy Hobbit video game in Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game and “Project Runway” tries out a new network home for its 21st season. New movies to stream from July 28-Aug. 3– Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician…
Facebook Tweet Email Link The United States blew through about a quarter of its supply of high-end THAAD missile interceptors during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June, according to two sources familiar with the operation, thwarting attacks at a rate that vastly outpaces production. US forces countered Tehran’s barrage of ballistic missiles by firing more than 100 THAADs (short for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) – and possibly as many as 150 – a significant portion of America’s stockpile of the advanced air defense system, the sources said. The US has seven THAAD systems, and used two of them…
There’s no better way to explore the scenery and enjoy the sunshine of a warm day than strolling along a picturesque riverfront park. So many U.S. cities have worked to transform their riverfronts into recreational areas and multi-use spaces that include dining, culture and vibrant nighttime life. Here are some favorites throughout the U.S. that are special, unique, and relaxing or invigorating depending on the time of day.Chicago Riverwalk (Photo Credit: Alice Achterhof)Chicago Riverwalk The city’s award-winning Riverwalk transformed Chicago’s riverfront from an industrial area for shipping barges to a riverfront oasis that’s one of the town’s most popular attractions.…
President Donald Trump is threatening to hold up a new stadium deal if Washington’s NFL team did not restore its name to a racial slur, despite decades of psychological research showing the negative mental health impacts of Native American mascots. The president is demanding a private company change its name to something that researchers have linked to a variety of negative mental health outcomes, particularly for children, said Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians. The organization has been pushing back on stereotypes of Native Americans since the 1950s, including Native sports mascots. “This is a big…
by Mia Taylor Last updated: 5:30 PM ET, Fri July 25, 2025 American travelers have long enjoyed the benefit of a powerful U.S. dollar allowing vacation spending to go much further in many countries abroad. The historic strength of the dollar has extended purchasing power abroad on everything from the cost of hotels to food and transportation. But good things don’t always last. And just a few weeks ago, the banner run of the U.S. dollar experienced a reality check. Its value began to tumble compared to other currencies and ultimately posted its worst first half year in more than 50…
Facebook Tweet Email Link Associated Press — Syria will hold parliamentary elections in September, the head of a body tasked with organizing the election process told state media Sunday. Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, told state news agency SANA that elections will take place between Sept. 15 and 20. They will be the first to take place under the country’s new authorities after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December. One third of the 210 seats will the appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, with the…
In what ways will the travel industry evolve by 2030?The answers from advisors were wide-ranging, with some very optimistic about the future while others were a bit more skeptical. Here’s what they had to say about client and supplier relationships, and the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play in the travel industry going forward.Travel Advisor and Client Relationships“By 2030, travel advisors will act more like long-term travel strategists than transactional planners,” said McLean Robbins of Lily Pond Luxury, a Travel Experts affiliate. “We’ll guide clients through every stage of their lives—from honeymoons to multigenerational getaways—offering a deeply personalized, high-touch approach that no…